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I don't have 14's but I just installed 16's on my road king and it has to be the most comfortable ride I have ever had on a bike. My right hand has not went numb once and no back pain. And needless to say they look super cool. I have not taken any new pics yet but they are a head turner. I can speak to the wide bar ride also I used to have a set of beach bars on another bike and that was a nice ride as well. Either way you can't go wrong changing the bars.
Ride SAFE!!
Shawn
2005 Road King
Dallas GA
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I considered the 518's and ended up with the Wild 1 beach bars, more comfortable for me and I like the slammed lower profile look.
The 518 looked pretty close to stock and the angle felt a bit like you were pushing a wheel barrel, not to fond of the wrist angle either.
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.
Any chance someone knows the width of these bars #56902-08. Maybe Tom could measue the width and PM me
I researched for a long time came real close to getting the 518's because I like the classic look, but I'm only 5'8" so I ended up getting the baby apes 513's I belive.
And I liove them, the angle on the factory ones was killing me. These are just right, and something I wasn't expecting the handeling is a lot better also.
__________________
06 RKC
"It's better to burn out
Than to fade away"
I have not had any experience with the apes, but did have the Heritage Classic handlebars,(which have 8" of rise and your wrists are turned out more) on my 97 Road King before switching to the Chubby's 518s. It took me a little while to get use to the 518s, but I feel they give me more balance, control and comfort than a taller bar would.
Guys, I have read on this forum that ape hangers are so comfy, no more sharp pain in the base of the neck etc. I installed 16" apes on my '08 RK last Fri. now it's Tues. & I am ready to yank them off! Yeah, they look badass, but both my hands go to sleep after 5 min. on it. They are okay on short jaunts in the city, but out on the highway they are murder. First off, with the wind shield on they are way too close to my body. So I took the shield off & pushed them forward according to my arm length. No good. Like I said, numb hands, fatigued back. I doubt I could last 50 miles. I am sick about it & have racked my brain trying to figure out how to make them tolerable. I'm 6'2" & thought 16" would be perfect. Boy I was wrong.
Joe
__________________ 2008 Road King
assorted "bling",
Rush slipons. (For now.)
Guys, I have read on this forum that ape hangers are so comfy, no more sharp pain in the base of the neck etc. I installed 16" apes on my '08 RK last Fri. now it's Tues. & I am ready to yank them off! Yeah, they look badass, but both my hands go to sleep after 5 min. on it. They are okay on short jaunts in the city, but out on the highway they are murder. First off, with the wind shield on they are way too close to my body. So I took the shield off & pushed them forward according to my arm length. No good. Like I said, numb hands, fatigued back. I doubt I could last 50 miles. I am sick about it & have racked my brain trying to figure out how to make them tolerable. I'm 6'2" & thought 16" would be perfect. Boy I was wrong.
Joe
I have the 12.5 wild ones, and I'm 6'. With the stock roadking seat, which sucks!(keeps the wife happy) my arms sit just below shoulder height, and when I have on my HD brawler seat, my hands are shoulder height. I have permanent upper back pain and I can ride comfortably for hours with these bars. However, I'm thinking of going with the 518's to get a lowered look on my ride.Just not sure how they would affect my back. Love the beach bar look, just don't think I could handle the leaning forward.
2008 Road King
