Bike will handle the same. Only difference is how YOU handle the bars. Much more comfort with the Heritage bars for my wife. She is also 5'2" and likes having her arms more naturally bent at the elbow.. We went with the Heritage riser as well as the bars Well worth it, as before the change, she had lots of problems turning corners due to the limited reach of her arms. Not anymore...She take corners as well or better than I do ..

 

Great responses. So far I've got 518s (whatever those are), heritage bars and some from khromeworks. Keep em commin.

Yes, she has contemplated the seat change but is in love with the stock seat with the chrome grab bar. I have modified it slightly to give her more "heightening." We have also discussed getting it shaved and adding gel. That may come next. Right now shes sure that she wants a reduced reach bar of some sort. Just trying to get some ideas so I don't have to go through several sets of bars and a bunch of ?? before we get it right. Thanks