I changed handlebars on my 07 road king to the Harley "tallboy" handlebars. Simple swap and I did not have to change cables or brake line to swap the bars, but I still do not the riding position. I started running the wires inside the tallboy handlebars last weekend told myself that it was a waste of time, I still won't like the riding position. So while the fairing is off the bike, I am now looking at 14" or possibly 16" apes. The 1.25" bars might look better than the 1" bars but I would like to know from those who have swapped from 1" to 1.25" apes if the center chrome piece that covers the handlebar clamps will have to be modified. What length brake line, clutch cable and throttle cables did you find works best with 14" apes? Will 14" apes add enough height to the bars to really make a difference on the older road king or would the 16"s be worth the money and effort? Definitely do not want my hands even or higher than my shoulders when riding.

 

Most 1.25" bars that I've seen (including my Wild Ones Chubby bars) reduce down to 1" in the clamp area so modifying the clamp cover should not be needed.

Can't answer your other questions as my bars are 10".

 

As far as height on handle bars for you , I would recommend having someone do the measuring while you sit on your bike , placing your hands where they are most comfortable . Remember to sit up straight and pay attention to where you place your hands , height , width and pull back are very important when measuring . There are plenty of videos on how to measure for bars , video searches should help you get the right bar the first time .

My thought is , the 1 1/4" bars are going to be more rigid and less likely to flex the higher they are , and going to a nylon bushing instead of the factory rubber bushing will also help keep the bars solid .

As mentioned the bars you order should have a 3 1/2" x 1" space at the clamp , depending on which bars you purchase , I have heard that some have had to use a drummel to grind a bit of the cover to get it to fit properly , hopefully that won't be your case .

I put a set of Kromewerks 10" bars on mine last summer with a pull back of approx 6 3/4" ( 300210 ) . They keep my wrists straight with my hands and now I don't have any issues with numbness and pain . I'm already planning on going with 1 1/4" 14" bars ( 300412 ) , so far I have figured I'm going to have to go 6" over stock length on cables and lines . Going with the internal wiring as well , which means some splicing and soldering .

Hope this helps you out . Good luck !

 

'Stepped down' 1 1/4 handle bars is the correct term, to use with the existing 1" riser.
brcustomcycles.com has very good help section determining how to choose the correct bar height.
Cable lengths most determine after a mock up of the handlebars.

 

Go with the 16s you won't regret it. You can always roll them back if they're too high, which they won't be. You can't make short bars taller but you can make tall bars shorter.

 

I put 14 inch Wild Ones on my 2008. They are designed to fit the stock set up. Now a far as 14 or 16. I am 6'5 and prefer the 14 inch bars. I have a buddy that runs 16 on his road king and he is 5' 10 If possible try both out on someones bike.

 

If those are 14"s then I believe they are plenty high for me. MyFavRK, sounds like 6" extra length for the cables and brake line is the way to go. The handlebars are the cheap part, cables and bake lines add most of the cost to the job so if I have to go to 16"s, at least the cables and brake line should be long enough. Thanks for the replies.