I tried narrow bars on my 1998 Sportster - did not like them at all - looked very good, but made steering more difficult, steering was "too quick", could not relax as much, had to focus more.

 

XLX style bars aren’t radically high or low, are really comfortable, offer good control, and have a classic look.

 

I do really like what I call "dirt bike" style bars. Almost a straight bar with a slight bend. Like ironmick was saying about control too. Stand up riding with apes is difficult. I occasionally do some off roading on the ol' ironhead. If I put a shorter bar though I'm ganna have to shorten all my cables up..

 

A pic of the “other side” of my bike. The left side of Sportsters is under represented in photos, so here’s one…lol

 

Here's my 1967 XLCH which I've owned for 5 years. Bought new by a B-52 SAC Pilot in Texas. He sold it a few years to his air force mechanic who rode it till 1974 where it sat until 2016. I've showed it a few times and found Jay Leno really enjoys talking about Ironheads, he awarded me his favorite in show award.

On display at Boca Raton Concours

Primary case side view

Jay Leno talking magnetos with me.

 

My 1974 XLCH; the typical work in progress. It starts and rides, have correct seat. 1979 Low Rider front end. Will finish with fresh paint and 1975 tank decals this winter (minus AMF script in decal)

 

Here’s my 77…

 

'76 gas tank?

 

Yup! My original tank was toast. A local shop had this nice original 76 tank for a great deal so I swapped it.

 

My 70th birthday was a couple days ago, and I celebrated by taking an early morning ride. My wife took this photo when I returned home.