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Handlebar height suggestions

7.5K views 16 replies 11 participants last post by  Nozzleman 216  
#1 ·
Okay, I know this subject gets old, but I'm new to the Road Glides and hate the factory height of the bars. I had a '08 Wide Glide w/ 14" Wild 1 Chubby bars and LOVED the height of them. I'm looking for suggestions from those that have been there and done that. I'm 5'9"-ish (yeah, I'm shrinking as I get older dammit!). I've got a 30" inseam but a fairly long reach at 71". I tell you that to give you an idea so you can compare to you/your bike/your bars for reference. I'd like bars that put my reach barely above shoulder height like in the pics below on my WG. Seriously, all opinions are appreciated. I find it easier to learn from others experiences than from my own mistakes!

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#2 ·
I would venture to say that, the RG with a similar low seat position would be about the same. Wild 1 makes 14" bars for the RG and you can push them forward or rock them back.
 
#3 ·
At your height/inseam, assuming a RGC with stock seat, and considering you like them 1-2" above shoulder height, I agree that some 14" bars are what you should start looking at. The Chubby's and the Monkey Bars are pretty good looking bars.
 
#4 ·
Grab a broom stick or similar, sit on the bike and hold the stick in both hands, close your eyes and hold your hands at the most comfortable or desired height, have a buddy measure from the riser clamp to the stick and see what you come up with.
 
#5 ·
In most states it's illegal to have your hands higher then your shoulder. Just mentioning this as have had several friends get big tickets in Sturgis because of that.
 
#8 ·
Completely understood. My state just went to shoulder-height law last year.
 
#6 ·
I have 16" Burly Apes on my 11' RGU and I'm only 5'8" and my bars no where near that height. I have a similar inseam and they sit level with my shoulders. I'm guessing its going to take 18"+ to get them over your shoulders like that.
 
#9 ·
Would love to see pics of your bike. Any links to it, and do you have pics of you on it to compare to the bar height?
 
#7 ·
The RG's risers are lower to the ground to begin with. I have 12' MB's and would need about a 16" to be level with my shoulders. 5'7" -30 inseam and monkey arms. My buddy has 14s on his Fat Bob and in comparison his arms look like they're on 18's compared to mine.
 
#10 ·
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Here's a few pics of the bike. I don't have any of me sitting on it because I'm currently working in Iraq. I will be home sometime in mid June and can take some pics then if you haven't pulled the trigger by then.
 
#11 ·
Awesome. Thanks for posting pics! Likely won't do the bars until mid-summer, but sometimes I don't know what I'm doing until I just do it. Either way, I want taller bars before the Sturgis rally.
 
#13 ·
That's the height I'm wanting, except I'm a short SOB. It's sounding like 14" apes will be the way to go for me. I really appreciate you posting the pic and the input from all!
 
#15 ·
I like the look of those (only chrome for mine) in your album. For only being 5'9" I have roughly a 71-72" total reach and I really think the 14" bars will be perfect for me.