Handlebar Change

[jc1300]

Shame on HD for putting bars on the Tri Glide that make you have to lean so for forward to turn. I understand that I'm not the tallest of guys {5' 8"} but to go full lock I'm leaning over the damn tank. OK - Bitchin' over....I'd like to make a handle bar change to higher and of course a bit closer. I'm not ready to make that change myself so I will be at the mercy of my Dealer {But I do like my mechanic} The real problem is I'm not sure how much higher I will need. Yes, I've sat on my bike and put my hands where I imagine I'd like them, but that is all speculation. I'm curious the range of change you guys have made. Not looking top go over the top apes.....Any help out there? 2015 Tri Glide.

Thanks - jc

 

[Zammy]

I'm 5' 8" also jc and felt the same way as you about the bars, I bought the HD 2" pull-backs and had the dealer install them. I'm very happy with the results and so is my back and shoulders, 1 hr. labor charge for the install. I've only had them on for about 150 miles and no regrets.

 

[Livin2Ride]

I think I'm the only guy in the world that likes the stock bars :Shrug:. Just got back from a 3500 mile trip and zero complaints on anything but the weather. Just under 1000 of those miles was in the rain.

 

[mlang1020]

I am thinking about getting the Khrome Werks 2+2 handlebars to put on my 2011 TG. Does anyone know if any cables need to be changed?
[h=1][/h]

 

[WindyOne]

I am thinking about getting the Khrome Werks 2+2 handlebars to put on my 2011 TG. Does anyone know if any cables need to be changed?

I had the 2+2 narrow sweeps and they changed both cables.

 

[jc1300]

I had the 2+2 narrow sweeps and they changed both cables.

I like those bars too - But it's not just the cables, it's the 40 miles of internal wiring on the 15 Tri-Glide. And I'd like to keep the width of the bars for greater leverage. So does moving up just two inches and bringing the bars slightly back make the difference? And thanks for the input gang - jc

- - - Updated - - -

I think I'm the only guy in the world that likes the stock bars :Shrug:. Just got back from a 3500 mile trip and zero complaints on anything but the weather. Just under 1000 of those miles was in the rain.

Curious about how tall you are Livin'...I have a buddy who's pushing 6'3" and he's fine with the stock bars. Short and pudgy just ain't cutting it!!

 

[clint44]

I'm 5' 8" also jc and felt the same way as you about the bars, I bought the HD 2" pull-backs and had the dealer install them. I'm very happy with the results and so is my back and shoulders, 1 hr. labor charge for the install. I've only had them on for about 150 miles and no regrets.

I'm 5'8" also and if needed,I'll try the 2" pullbacks,first. My local dealer quoted me over $1,500 for a handlebar swap. I'll tackle the job myself before that happens.

 

[DK Custom Products]

I'm 5'11" and could not find any bars that put my hands where I was comfortable.

So I extended the stock bars by around 9"...keeping the same outward angle. Net result is the grips are wider for more leverage in steering, they are a bit higher and closer.

The wires need to be extended, but there is a kit for that...both the control wires and the Throttle by wire harness.

Also needed a longer hose for the hydraulic clutch and a longer hose for the front brakes.

Besides them being where I'm comfortable with them, there is also a lot more room to hang different things on them. On the left side I have a power port (cig lighter) and a cup holder, and on the right I have a Power Vision and a mount for my video camera.

Here's a pic of the bars before they were powder coated-

Here's a pic from below-

Another perspective-

Here's the perspective while on the bike-

Kevin

 

[Livin2Ride]

Curious about how tall you are Livin'...I have a buddy who's pushing 6'3" and he's fine with the stock bars. Short and pudgy just ain't cutting it!!


6' even and 185. I am running the Road Zep seat, with the adj. backrest, which sits you up a little higher, but I don't believe it moved me forward any. I also had the same seat on my 2012 and those bars were fine with me also. BTW, I run the seat with NO air in it and love it that way.

 

[WindyOne]

I like those bars too - But it's not just the cables, it's the 40 miles of internal wiring on the 15 Tri-Glide. And I'd like to keep the width of the bars for greater leverage. So does moving up just two inches and bringing the bars slightly back make the difference? And thanks for the input gang - jc

- - - Updated - - -



Curious about how tall you are Livin'...I have a buddy who's pushing 6'3" and he's fine with the stock bars. Short and pudgy just ain't cutting it!!

The wiring on my handlebars was external when I bought it. When I had the bars changed I kept them external. There is so little showing of the bar I didn't think it mattered.

 

[tbear]

I am 5'6" short and stocky also. My friend has a 2009 Triglide and has the 2+2 Kwerts and I sat on his bike and it felt pretty good. it is what I will probably use when I get the bucks for the changeover.:Coffee:

 

[Zammy]

My local dealer quoted me over $1,500 for a handlebar swap.

Geeez Clint, I can't believe the price you were quoted, I think the bars were around $155 and 1 hr labor which at my dealership is $90. Also, no new cables or wires were needed.

 

[WindyOne]

I'm 5'8" also and if needed,I'll try the 2" pullbacks,first. My local dealer quoted me over $1,500 for a handlebar swap. I'll tackle the job myself before that happens.

My bar install with cables was just a tad over $1K. I would either find another dealer or maybe an independent for a 2nd quote.

 

[HDB0B]

Khrome Werks 2+2 NARROW 300519.

Almost everyone who has made the change and not wired extra internally has been able to do so with nothing (other than maybe a TBW switch which seems to break easily) .... other than a slight re positioning of either the brake or clutch banjo depending on how it is installed from the factory.

Luckily I am 6' 2" and the bars are fine for me.

The 300519 narrows will turn your wrists out (better I feel) slightly and are only about 1/2" wider than stock.

The regular or wide sweepers definitely need wire extensions.

GREAT write up on install here http://www.hdforums.com/forum/new-r...me-werks-2-2-narrow-sweeper-bars-install.html

Bob orag:

 

[BinIdaho]

I've had stock handlebars since 2006 on EGC, UGC and 2 TG's. There's only one HD handlebar change that will work on my '13 TG....quote was $1,000 plus. Was told the outer/inner fairing has to come off, change cables, etc., etc. Friend had reach-back handlebars and think he said over $1,200 at dealer on '11 TG. Can't justify changing my handlebars....stock works just fine!

 

[HDB0B]

Dang ... you guys are getting hosed. 2014/15s > 1 hour labor at my Dealer .... bars are under $100. Seen some done with extensions for $325.

For that price ... I'd want Helibars installed.



Bob orag:

 

[clint44]

We must be talking about two different things because there is no way any one of us can change out the stock handlebars for something much taller,in just an hour. Most ape hangars will cost around $300-$400 for just the bar. Then,you add longer cables,leads,etc. I was quoted 8-12hrs of labor at my local H-D dealer. Not sure but I think their labor rate is $85 to $95hr.

 

[Woody]

I changed mine and put the reduced reach bars on, the dealer quoted me 1150.00 to replace but he explained that all cables would have to be changed. after I did my research and figured out he was just going by what the book said I decided to do it myself, 150.00 dollars and 3 hours later I am glad I did at 5 feet 6 inches short I can now lean back on my back rest and parking lot turning is a breeze. They went so far as to tell me if I did not change the cables I would not be able to turn the bike

 

[Huelshorst]

I am also 5' 8" and ride a 2015 Tri-glide. My arms are too short so pulling my shoulders forward all the time has given me back pain. First I tried a seat that pushed me 2 inches forward but it was so uncomfortable I couldn't use it. Asked the dealer to take it back and put the bars on that gives you the 2 inches. Said he would do it but I would need new cables so its going to be just over a thousand to do the job. This dealer has never tried to stick me so.....

 

[Papa Zook]

I dont like the forward lean either so I'm running the Paul Yaffee 10" Bagger Apes in black on my '07 Ultra/Hannigan. All I'm changing is the clutch cable to a +4", everything else will work I'm told...we'll see shortly.

 

[PJ73USAF]

Shame on HD for putting bars on the Tri Glide that make you have to lean so for forward to turn. I understand that I'm not the tallest of guys {5' 8"} but to go full lock I'm leaning over the damn tank. OK - Bitchin' over....I'd like to make a handle bar change to higher and of course a bit closer. I'm not ready to make that change myself so I will be at the mercy of my Dealer {But I do like my mechanic} The real problem is I'm not sure how much higher I will need. Yes, I've sat on my bike and put my hands where I imagine I'd like them, but that is all speculation. I'm curious the range of change you guys have made. Not looking top go over the top apes.....Any help out there? 2015 Tri Glide.

Thanks - jc

I felt the same way.I'm 5'9" not happy with stock set-up.Installed HD 2" reduced reach,better but not what I was looking for.Now have KW 2+2 narrow sweepers being installed today.Will update thread when I P/U bike.I have a 2014 Tri.

 

[Strohkr]

Apes all the way!

I'm 5'8" with boots on - hated the stock bars to death. Tried the HD 2+2 and didn't like them either. I had apes on my Road King so I thought what the heck. Put on a set of black 14" apes and moved them a tish toward me - WOW what a difference!! Super comfortable and sooooooooo much easier in turns.
I know some don't like apes - but they really work for me on the Tri-Glide and I'll find out just how much on our 3000 mile summer ride!

 

[Harley Don]

I'm 5'8" with boots on - hated the stock bars to death. Tried the HD 2+2 and didn't like them either. I had apes on my Road King so I thought what the heck. Put on a set of black 14" apes and moved them a tish toward me - WOW what a difference!! Super comfortable and sooooooooo much easier in turns.
I know some don't like apes - but they really work for me on the Tri-Glide and I'll find out just how much on our 3000 mile summer ride!

I totally agree as I have the Paul Yaffe 14 bagged apes on my 2013 anniversary and they did make all the differance in both comfort and control. Well worth the cost to me.

 

[PJ73USAF]

Picked up trike,very happy.Now I can sit up straight without my shoulders hunched forward.
Total cost of install $275.60.No additional parts we're needed,all stock wires and cables.

 

[WindyOne]

Picked up trike,very happy.Now I can sit up straight without my shoulders hunched forward.
Total cost of install $275.60.No additional parts we're needed,all stock wires and cables.

I am going to Ft. Myers now for any future service. That is a great price! Glad you're happy with the bars Ride safe!

 

[PJ73USAF]

I am going to Ft. Myers now for any future service. That is a great price! Glad you're happy with the bars Ride safe!

FYI
Six Bends HD did not due this job."Wild's Cycle-N-Auto" did,owners Tom & Chery.

 

[WindyOne]

FYI

Six Bends HD did not due this job."Wild's Cycle-N-Auto" did,owners Tom & Chery.

I couldn't believe a dealership let you get away so cheaply. Now I understand how you got the price you did. Good for you! I think it is important to support a mom & pop shop.

 

[Woody]

PJ73USAF, I have been looking a those mirrors, with the new bars are you looking at your hands or are they clear?

 

[PJ73USAF]

PJ73USAF, I have been looking a those mirrors, with the new bars are you looking at your hands or are they clear?

Good question,hands are diffently in the mirrors.Which causes a problem if you have the fairing mounted like I do.My solution was to flip and reverse the stock mirrors.There isn't any issue with the lower mirrors contacting the tank or anything else.

 

[Woody]

Thanks for the reply, I will stick with the stock mirrors