Whats the problem with stock RK handlebars?
#21
And by the way, I have no intentions of switching my bars. So I'm sorry you'll be missing my next thread.
Last edited by darkcustom48; 04-05-2013 at 11:46 AM.
#22
Amen
The worst set of bars I've ever rode with!! Constant pain in my shoulders and back. I switched them out after 2 months and went with the Heritage style bars. They were better, but I don't like the wrist angles or the way they look. I'm currently in the process of swapping them out for a set of 16" apes.
#23
Heritage-style on my FLHR. All day rides are no longer a problem with the correct seating and reach. I looked around and saw the majority of FLHRP's come trade time at the local HD were equipped with the same bar. Figured if the LEO's that have to make a living riding these bikes go with the Heritage-style over the OE, then it must be worth trying out. I did and like the set-up for the past year.
#25
#26
I'm 6'6" and rode my RK with the stock bars all last summer and they didn't really bother me to much until I was riding for more than a few hours and my neck and shoulders would get sore. I installed a set of 16" apes this winter and have had it out on a few warm days for some short burns and all I can say is the best investment I have made. Feels great and looks good with all the cables ran through the bars really cleaned it up.
#27
I'm 6'6" and rode my RK with the stock bars all last summer and they didn't really bother me to much until I was riding for more than a few hours and my neck and shoulders would get sore. I installed a set of 16" apes this winter and have had it out on a few warm days for some short burns and all I can say is the best investment I have made. Feels great and looks good with all the cables ran through the bars really cleaned it up.
#29
My stock bars felt okay at the dealer and were okay for short rides. But on my first long trip I knew they were too far forward. Even rolling them back did not help. Shoulders, back ached and I did not rest against my backrest. I looked at variuos options to move them back about 2" and the RK Heritage style bars did that. I do not know why they are not the stock bars. Of the RKs I ride with, not one has stock bars. Oh, maybe that is why H-D sells them with those bars. It was a gimick to help drive after sale purchases. I changed them and have not thought about the handlebars since, so they must be working okay.
Today, I'd probably look at other options, but the Heritage style RK bars work fine. Mine are rolled all the way back, just so they clear the tank when the handlebars are turned.
Today, I'd probably look at other options, but the Heritage style RK bars work fine. Mine are rolled all the way back, just so they clear the tank when the handlebars are turned.
#30
I've owned about 27 Harley's in the past 20 years. As for stock bars the RK have to be the worst for the general public. As most guys say, you usually have to lean forward and down to ride and that's what causes the back and shoulder issues. It mostly started with the new frame bikes in 09 I think. Swapped to a set of Heritage style bars first week I had the bike til I gathered the funds to swap in the 14" WO chubbys. Heritage style bars cure the issue for 90% of the riders, some of us just prefer apes.