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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 11:10 AM
  #1  
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Default Handle Bar Experiences

I have seen handle bar threads before but maybe not exactly like this.
I am trying to make up my mind between Wild1's 14" apes and thier 518's ( one high one low ). I like the look of both and have sat on bikes with both. However I have not had the chance to actually ride with either. My question is... What experience's have you had with either or both. I have got to stop the knife in the shoulder on rides above 50 mi.
Thanks for your help
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 11:17 AM
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I have the 518 on my road king and love them. Great on long rides. Only problem is when you need to make a tight turn it is a little awkward as the grips come very close to your body
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 11:27 AM
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I have 518's on my fatboy. Man what a relief. Love em.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by jkelley
I have 518's on my fatboy. Man what a relief. Love em.
jkelly,
I forgot to mention that I have a Road King Classic. Glad to hear they are good on a Fat Boy also. I was under the impression that the RK's were the only ones with this problem. So it makes me feel better.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 12:03 PM
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I had the 508s on my wife's RKC and just recently switched to the 518s prior to the 105th. We put on around 500 miles that weekend and she said they were tons better than the 508s. The 518s are supposed to be for folks 5'10" and over, but I think that's to be taken with a grain of salt. She is 5"7" 130lbs and loves them. I put on about 75 miles with them and I like them way better than the 508s too. I'm 5'10". Can't help you with the ape comparison.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 12:45 PM
  #6  
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From: Simpsonville, SC
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I had Wild 1 502's (12.5" apes) on my Softail Custom and loved them. I have Wild 1 508's on my bike now. I know they're not the exact bars you're considering, but they're similar. I was originally gonna put another set of 502's on my RKC, but decided on the 508's since I could use the stock cables. I'm really happy with the decision. Both bars are really comfortable. I'd say go with whichever you think looks best and takes you the direction you want to go with your bike visually. I don't think you'll be disappointed with either of your choices.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 01:26 PM
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A lot depends on whether or not you have abs and TBW. I just put the Heritage bars (from 09 catalog) on my 08 RK and they fit perfectly without having to replace any cables or brake lines. My back was killing me even after short rides with the stock bars and I'm 6'3" with a fairly long reach. The new bars are narrower and higher and also have about 3-4 inches more pull back. Absolutely perfect with no back pain.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 01:43 PM
  #8  
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I'd better get in here and defend the 14" apes.
I just put on a set of the wild 1 WO572's and have been the best thing I could have done to the bike.
I am 5'8 and my hands are just below my shoulders, no more back pain, and no more numb hands.
They sit you straight up, so I find that even the wind buffeting has lessened as well.
So not only are they functional, and comfortable, they make the bike look right evil.
I have both the TBW and the ABS and neither caused any problems on the install which I did myself.
Only took a little less than a full day, and saved about 1500 in labor, which is what my stealer quoted.
bottom line 14's are the way to go
Just my .02
Later
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 05:24 PM
  #9  
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This is just to get it back on the front page
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 10:16 PM
  #10  
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I just installed the 518's on my RK. I like them alot they are very comfy. I have never ridden a bike with apes so i really cant compare. Wild 1 makes nice bars you will be happy with either!
 
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