I ride a nightster with fwd controls. Would really like to throw some drag bars on it, cause it just looks right to me. But I'm concerned because of my height/reach. 5'5". I have adjusted well to the stock bars, so similar reach is desired. Anyone advice/opinions/options? I don't want to lose the comfort, but would like to enhance the look.

 

I'm 5'6 and ride w/ forwards and drag bars on 1.5" risers. It's a nice feel for me as long as it isn't a long long ride. But for you it may vary. Try running drags on a pull back riser. So it'll have the look but give you the comfort still.

 

Well you could always put the drag bars on top of a tall set of risers. That will keep you from bending over to reach the bars. Any where from 4-6 inches of riser should be good enough. You could even get a pull back riser like the C models have which would bring the bars up and back towards you.

I loved the looks of the bike with drag bars and the stock risers and still do, but couldn't handle the ride. I switched to 14" apes and love the look and the ride now. It would have probably been cheaper to just put a taller riser on, but I was ready for a new look.

 

I have forwards with drag bars on the HD 4" pull back risers and they are comfortable as hell. I'm 5'8" and could even have the bars lower and the controls out a bit farther.

 

Where does the 1.5" rise put your bars in relation to the tank, above/below? Have you done a tank lift? I don't think I want the bars above the tank. Think that might look strange.

 

I am also about 5'5 and I feel ya. I have been wanting the forwards too, but really like the mids especially with the drag bars. You will (at our height) get some forward lean, but not too much IMO, with the drags, even with the 4" pullback. I put night train bars on mine. Once again, just my opinion, but I would go with forward PEGS... JUST the pegs, cause you can still shift, just with your heel. Then you have both options and its a lot cheaper. The drag bars are narrower than stock, and personally I find myself working a bit harder to transition side to side at speed. I love some curvy roads, but it was easier to sling around with the wider stockers. Also It adds to the nimbleness with the mids cause you can shift your weight onto that peg whilst you are tryin to get her down in the turn. Risers are a great choice too, but I like the more aggressive stance with the bars low.

Without a tank lift, 1.5 inch risers (assuming a total of 1.5" not 1.5" over stock) would put the bars right at the top or a little above the tank, but i wouldn't think it would look bad. Also with the forward lean, i think it helps me on the highway and stuff cause the wind isn't pushing me back at all.

 

It puts the bars about even w/ the top of the tank. No tank lift on my bike. I'm running the Harley drag bars w/ the 4" pull back.

 

Actually I kinda like the look of those night train bars. judging from the side profile the bars look to be a good height, and there doesn't appear to be any more reach than I'm already experiencing. As for the fwd's, I've already got them on the bike. Really dig them. It was strange getting used to at first, because I was accustomed to MX racers, but then I used to plant my foot in the turns as well. Will never make that mistake twice.