I have just purchased a 2016 Roadster and I'm thinking about putting clip on bars on my bike and would also like to swap my seat out for a solo leather seat like the ones that pivot in the front and has springs under the back. Would this be bad look or terribly uncomfortable? Just looking for a second opinion before I sink money into something that's impractical. My rides are typically shorter rides an hour or less.

 

This is a really subjective question to ask because it has to do more with looks than anything else.

Clip ons are cool looking and are race inspired. A sprung saddle is more for the old school bobber look (which should be only for a hardtailed frame) Combining clip ons and a sprung saddle is kind of blending two different bikes into one..which shouldn't be done. Kind of like wearing a track suit with loafers.

 

As far as styles, you are mixing cafe (clip ons) and bobber (solo seat). To each his own.
Comfort is a very subjective subject and opinions will wildly vary.

 

do what you like. clubman bars, clipons, and other cafe-ish things like it will have you leaning far over your tank and heavy on your wrists.

springer seats.... if you like, it go for it. consider that you'll be leaning forward and you'll probably want a higher back on your seat to "hold" you in place and support you.


a sportste solo seat like the brawler or cafe seats.

consider the images below and the position of the riders... the more you look the styles, the reasons behind the equipment become clear... but, again, do what YOU want because it is your bike and we are all different. :


clip-on/cafe:
bobber:
i'm actually nearing the same decisions now but, a springer seat will never seat any of my rides.

 

I suspect that for a spring seat to work, the rider needs to sit fairly upright. While riding with low bars (something I've been doing for 50 years) the rider leans forwards with his/her seated weight taken under their thighs. Compare the first and third riders above. The first one is well supported by his seat.

 

Here are photo's of two Sportys, both with Solo Sprung Seats, both very comfortable for the person riding them. One with mini-apes and one with cafe racer type bars.









The sprung seat works fine with both types of bars.

The key is what is most comfortable for you? Or if you rides are short, and/or you are going for a certain look, regardless of comfort, then ignore the following.

This is the way that has always worked for me to get the most comfortable handlebar position-

Sit on your bike
Have someone hold it up straight for you
Put your feet on the pegs
Close your eyes
Put your hands out to where it is most comfortable to hold them
Open your eyes...where ever your hands are, that is where you want the handlebar grips to be.


With this information you can adjust your existing handlebars or visit a trusted vendor to get some bars that put the grips where You need them for max comfort.

 

^^^
Use this method...it works!

Tomorrow I am changing my Flander handlebars to Bikini Beach Bars using this method....because I want my hands farther back so I can sit up straight and better utilize my backrest....totally for comfort. Who knows how beach bars will look on a sporty...never saw one with them.

 

Harley pn 55800646 is discontinued. Clip ons for our roadsters. However- you can buy Woodcraft Technologies clip ons 1” bars with 55mm clamps @ $170 vs HD $250. I bought a pair, excellent quality Cheers
todd witte, york, pa
https://woodcraft-cfm.com/collection...31892000669747