Sorry for the long lead in to a simple question.

Just got a 2011 Fatboy. Love the bike but like everyone, I am already thinking about how I want to personalize it. (Note: I am not mechanically inclined, but I can follow directions (the manual) and complete tasks that require the basic tools.)

Tentatively, my order of generalized mod's will be:

1. Comfort
2. Appearance
3. Performance

So now my question. I currently have the stock handlebars. I don't want apehangers or anything that extreme. But I want something that angles back towards me a bit more...maybe similiar to the Heritage classic handlebars.

So any suggestions? And is this a do it yourself project or would I be better off letting the dealership handle it.

 

some guys like the street slammers for the reasons you are looking for. Also, I believe that they require less of the cables and lines to be changed out. Remember, unless I am mistaken, the fatboys bars are internally wired from the factory, so no matter if you wanted the new bars internal or not, you will have to deal with wiring. Also, before you say, "I don't want ape hangers or anything extreme like that" maybe try to sit on or even ride a bike with apes. Especially one that puts your hands right about shoulder level. I think you would be suprised at the level of comfort and control it gives you. I don't get the pain between my shoulder blades that I did on my Road King, and it seems to require a lot less steering input to counter-steer. I am sure this is due to leverage....just something to think about. Where in Georgia are you?

 

The Heritage bars are baby apes. I think they are about 10". With what you have said, the choices are baby apes or drag bars. Maybe a 10" drag bar is more pf what you are looking for? I like the idea of apes better as you have options of how to set how much pullback they have by adjusting their angle in the riser as opposed to drag bars which will only sit at one angle.

Drew

 

I'm retired Army working out of Ft Benning, living in Columbus.

 

I have Klock Werks Mentele bars and was able to use all stock cables.

 

Im running Wild Ones 504 and love them, super comfortable IMO.

Go to the Wild Ones website , they have a great picture gallery of bikes with their bars . When you make up your mind call Drew at Dr V Twin for the best pricing on this site

 

I switched to drag style bars on my FatBoy. I went with the drags to straighten my wrist out, as I could not stand the wrist position of the stock FatBoy bars. So I am not much help to you there, but to answer your question about installation. Like the other posts the FatBoy bars are internally wired, so they are a pain IMO. I don't consider myself a master mechanic, but I generally do not struggle with mechanical things. To date changing my bars is the only thing I have done so far that has really kicked my @$$. It was a 14 hour nightmare for me and if I could do it again I think I would have paid the dealer. I do believe that since I put drag bars on my bike it made it more difficult, trying to feed the wire bundle through the angles sucked.

 

our stock 07 Heritage bars are IMO the best and most comfy bars I've ever had..

 

I have Narrow beach bars, very comfy. Stock length cables.

 

Definetely sit on a bike with Apes. I had 16 on mine and recently change to 18 (+2 inch risers) they are the most comfortable bars ever. as for the install, i am doing the new bars myself, and its a "fun experience". you will learn alot and plus its that much better to know you did them yourself. by the way i spent 6 hours and still have about another 6 hours left!