Okay so I recently picked up an 07 road glide about a month ago, and I've been loving the bike. However I went for my first pretty long all day ride kinda thing with a couple stops in between. I'm 6'3" and by the end of the ride my shoulders and back were in pain, because my bars are so low and drawn back I'm assuming. Looking to get some taller bars, maybe some small apes, but don't really have the money to go all out right now with extended cables or anything. What bars can I run with my stock cables that will add some height for me? Anyone got any pictures of there aftermarket bars with stock cables?
If you are 6-3, it would be a ridiculous waste of money to buy bars based on not having to buy cables.
Do you want to be comfortable or do you prefer to be in pain every time you ride.
Buy the bars that are most comfortable and the cables that are required. You spent a ton of money on a bike, it's not that much more for cables. It would be silly to spend money on bars and still be in pain.
You can typically go as high as a 12" bar and still keep the stock cables, some bars even a bit higher. I have 12" Yaffe's on my 2014 glide and was able to keep the stock cables. I did need to add an extended throttle cable (about $100). But I'm only 6 ft tall on a good day. My bars put my hands just below my shoulders. As stated above, you may want to go higher due to height. I'd probably not go less than 14" if I were you. You may regret it otherwise. Just my opinion. Good luck to you.
I can't tell you how many guys I've talked to (myself included) that went 12" to save a couple of bucks and wish they would have gone 14". don't get me wrong, my 12s are very comfortable and I like them a ton more than stock bars, but wish I would have went 14. My next bike will go 14 to start with.
To answer the question - Not all bars are created equal. Different manufacturers make 12" bars, for example, that can have an inch or more difference in height. That being said, the general rule of thumb, as the first two guys noted, is that you can do 10s or 12s without changing cables, but anything 14" or taller will need longer cables.
I agree, no way I would settle with bars just so I wouldn't have to change cables and wire extensions. It's not that hard, and it's def gonna be worth it when you're happy with it
I'm running 10" PYO monkey bars with my roadie. I didn't have to switched out cables with them. If your 6'3, I'm not sure if the bars are going to be tall enough for you. If you run 12's or higher, you'll have to run new cables...
The newer bikes have slack in the cables and wires so the dealerships can charge you a grand to swap handle bars with very little actual work involved.