This is such an amazing thread.. never have I thought about the impact of the position we ride in, and how the handlebars effect our comfort. With our arms low, as soon as they extend, the rotator cuff is recruited (may or may not feel uncomfortable right away - there are 4 muscles around / behind the shoulder), which will eventually fatigue, and put a lot of pressure on the rhomboids (diamond shaped muscle in the middle of the upper back). Since this affects a lot of structures on / around the spine, you can then start to get continued fatigue (muscle fatigue runs up the body), and a pinched nerve in the upper back or lower neck when things start to go out of alignment, and a nerve is impinged (pinched) between a muscle and something else (kind of like the pain you get in your ***** sometimes - usually more the right one than the left - that comes and goes when your piriformis muscle is acting up, and you think you have ******** cancer... has anyone ever experienced this?). I love this stuff... and thank god I finally have a use for 4 years in med school!

 

Yep, Kamchi - that's exactly what I was thinking!

 

I've been thinking about a bar chage too... I have the 518's. 6-0, 180, 34 leg 32 arm. I like to ride sitting up, not reaching forward, the rider's backrest is great too. I have the pain right between the shoulders after acouple hours of riding. I have adjusted the bars, it's amazing how much a small change can affect the ride. I'll be interested to see what you think of the new bars. Also will the existing cables work when you make the change?

 

What about the 575's?
Everyone recommends the 508 or 518's but the 575 seems to be less wheel barrel to me (or is it just the photos).

 

I have 508s on my RG...the previous owner had them put on. At first the whellbarrow hand position took some getting to used to but now doesn't bother me at all. I will definitely put these bars on my next RG.

 

Crap - now I need new bars! I shoulda never opened this one.

 

16 inch apes were the trick for me, 6ft tall 36/37 sleeve 30inch inseem 290lbs. Apes help you sit straight up, great on the back. You should try some, you will be amazed!

 

I have tried wheelbarrow bars previously and find them more difficult to maneuver in gas stations and such. What are your findings?
And what about 575's?

 

Glad to see I'm not the only one going "ape"-s**t with the analysis...but it would give me headache writing it all down like you did there, Kamchi! ;^)

I am 6'2" 34 inseam, 35" sleeve, 260 pounder (like long walks in the park and coffee in the...oh, wait, sorry...forgot I was on the HD Forum)...<smirk>.

Anyway, I decided to go with the 515's (10") http://www.wild1inc.com/515lf.html as they are the right combination of looks (I do not like the really high apes on a bagger) and function for me. I am relaxed and have a natural wrist position and bend in the elbows with no feeling of "reaching" or tension.

I am surprised how I like them as I have always envisioned wanting a low and wide bar...but these rock.

Pictures over the weekend on this brand new ride.

SG

 

Cool, cannot wait for the pics.
Any comment about slow speed handling? I like to keep my feet up in tight spots and just wonder what effect the 508 bars have. Kamchi, I know your out there.....