I have been gone for a bit recovering from a spinal fusion. Anyway my bike, a 2008 Harley Dyna Superglide came with 18" ape hangers. Which really weren't that bad, Claude was even a little shocked when he set it up. Now with my back brace and hopeful soon without it I will have to have better riding posture and need different bars with a more natural position. I have mid controls which is against the Harley code but I prefer them. Any suggestions for bars? I like the idea of beach bars but think on a hard turn they would be way out there. I can't afford trial and error so I figured I would ask for help since I only want to swap clutch and throttle cables once.
I can't embedd pics from the iPad but here is a link.
If you swap your apes for a set of Heritage Softail Classic Bars, you will find that they are very comfortable for your situation! Adjust the bar clamps on your ride with the Heritage bars to fit your riding position. Try it, it works for me.
gramps.
That's the kind of info I need. What kind of bike did you put them on? i have been meaning to go to the stealership and sit on some bikes and see that is comfy, but people here tend to know what works already. Thanks for the input
I have an '03 softtail, as best I can tell it has the stock handlebar. I'm a little short on one end (5'-8") and found with the stock risers I had to lean too far forward to reach the bars making my back hurt. I have taken to using a T-bag stuffed with rags, a 2" thick foam pad in front of and attached to the pack for a back rest, and I installed 9" pullback risers with the stock(?) bars and it is a very comfortable riding position, kinda' like sitting in an easy chair. The risers are PN 500-740, pg 784 from the J&P Cycles catalog. They are also on the net at www.jpcycles.com. For $75.00 for the risers and whatever it cost for the control mods has been the best money I ever spent. I can ride all day and my back feels great! I also installed PN 531-006 and PN 531-009, pg 872, same catalog. These are the Ultimate Highway Mounts and 3" extension pegs. Just like having the footrest on your recliner attached to the bike. The reason I used these is they cleared the front down brace for the sidecar. Hope this gives you some good info to think about!
Chris
'03 Fatboy
Champion Legend Hack
I've had a bad back since I hurt it in Korea in '86, I've had several bikes, off and on, all but my current bike were 2 wheelers. My most comfortable position has always been where my hands were in an absolutely neutral position. How that can be determined is where you sit in the saddle in the position you feel most comfortable, close your eyes, place your hands into whatever position feels most comfortable. Have someone measure with a tape measure where your hands are exactly, then determine from those exact measurements what bars you need to get, whether they are straight beach bars or whatever.
I've always found that gives me the best determination. I've done 900 miles in one day, 1500 miles in 10 days, pulling a trailer, in comfort using those measurements, so I know they work for me, anyhow. You may need to adjust slightly in real time, but that should get you right in the ball park.
Doc
I've used the 1995 Harley WideGlide bars on FXR's and FXD's for years. They are the same configuration as the new "Junior Apes" on the 2011-2012 bikes except they cost about $40% les $$$.
They have about an 8" rise. I have back problems and need to sit fairly erect for comfort and these bars work very well. The width is also wide enough for easy sidecar steering.
Lonnie
Doc gave a good description on how to approach an ergonomic set up the right way.
The worst handlebar someone can install are the softchopper handlebars where the wrists are already obligated.
As somebody who too did not know what is a single day without back pain from 1983 until 1992 (+many sleepless nights still afterwards until 3 years ago) I may second that the bike has to fit you, not you to the bike.
Steering modification is the next step for to smoothen the gorilla in your back.
Anyhow the rig gives you exercise you will not get in any gymnasium. And beware the day you wake up and don't feel anything.
Enjoy life and riding into the sunset.
Sven
If you go to the HD shop check out the Softail deluxe also, if you find one thats close, get some measurements then visit the Flanders handlebar site, it may make your head spin, but I think you will find something you like and they make a good product. Just my 2 cents, Alan
I have HD PN 565557-95 touring bars on my Road KIng and they are quite comfortable. You might want to check them out to see if they fit.
If you go to the Harley web site and plug in your year and make it will list all accessories. Go to hand controls and find the various bars available. Part of the description is a measurement chart that gives all of the dimensions for each of the bars. That may be of help to you in deciding what rise, width, and pull back you want. You could even do a mock up with some soft metal tubing to get a better idea of body position.
Well after an hour of sitting on bikes and the fittment bike I really did not like anyting. They did offer to sell me a more comfortable bike. Hehe I switched to a smaller bike for a reason… Fat boy low bars were pretty close to neutral but needed a inch or two more pull back. I think I am going to order some crossbone narrow beach bars which are a the same width with 3" more pull back. I wish I could sit on one but I am making an educated guess.
Funny the stealer said about 700$ to swap out and I laughed and asked how with 69 in bars and roughly 200 in cables if I get rid of braided. He was quoating the 350$ fat bars haha. I said I will do all my own work thanks. I might have them do the cables though and I will rewire it internally.
Thanks everyone for all the help
