I have seen many threads about owners swapping stock bars out for heritage style bars. What is the gripe on the stock bars? Maybe I have the right height and reach, but I am OK with the stock bars. I do get wrist cramp rather quickly when not using cruise control. But other than that i am Ok with stock. What problems are you all experiencing?

 

They suck! Maybe if you're short they would be okay but I couldn't even lean back on the back rest with my hands on the grips. I had to look down past my chest to see the speedo. They were killing my back. I am 6' 1"

 

I have a 2012 RK and have no problems with the stock bars.

 

The stock touring bars are horrible for a lot of people. A lot. Lucky you, they are ok for you, but for many many people they need to be changed.

You are aware that Amnesty International recognizes the stock bars on Harley touring bikes as torture devices?

 

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.

 

Pain. For me, mostly shoulder and upper back. The only thing that made them tolerable on long trips was cruise control.

I wanted to go apes, but funds wouldn't allow, so I went with the heritage style bars. While not perfect, they got rid of the shoulder/back pain and put me in a more neutral (upright) position. If I get enough spare change, I'll eventually put apes on. But for about $80, no cable changes, and pain relief, it was an easy call.

 

Wrist cramp is why they suck, installing a set of wild ones in the height of your choice eliminates that. They are also designed to run the ugly wires in the handlebar which cleans up a lot

 

Mostly wrist positioning for me, but even when I rolled up the stokers so the grips were parallel to the ground they would hit my knees in tight turns....not good. Taller was needed. I am 6'-9".

Adam

 

This could almost be me on my Road King with stock bars.