HD reduced Reach Batwing Handlebars

May 14, 2013
159
11
Pittsburgh, PA
Name
John
Planning on installing the HD Reduced Reach Touring Handlebars. Has anyone installed them and did you have to replace the front brake lines? I know you can reroute the clutch cable by not routing it through the batwing but I'll get and longer black cable instead. I've heard you can reuse the front brake line but was wondering what one did to make up for the 2" extension on the handlebars.
 
PM me if you are interested on a set. I just put a set on my 2013 TRI for 3 weeks. I had to change to Heli-bars due to my bad wrists. On long rides the right wrist could not hold the throttle any longer. The same with the stock bars. I loved the reach of them but I needed something that will keep my wrist straighter. PM if you want to buy them.
 
as info I installed paul yaffee's 10" "bagger bars" not apes on my '09 triglide. needed a 4" over clutch cable. wireing was ok . the only think I suggest is if you cut 1/4" off of a allen wrench, you CAN remove the trans side cover with-out removeing the exhaust.
also butter lube the "O" ring on the new clutch cable with permatex non-hardening sealant before you install it. to prevent any future leaks.
 
Had my bars on since new. Love them. Makes it easier to steer. More leverage. In the cataloge it says to replace upper and lower brake lines and clutch cable. So that's what they did. They installed the braided lines which are better anyway.
 
Just got my TG back with the Reduced Reach Touring Bars installed. We replaced the TBW with the recommended extended assembly, replaced the clutch cable with a 4+ aftermarket black vinly cable and reused the front brake assembly. I wasn't interested in replacing all my cables with braided stainless HD cables. Feels great. Moved me back in the saddle a bit, brought my hands a little closer providing better leverage. Also raised the level of my hands a bit. Would recommend this setup to anyone that is vertically challenged (5'6" or less).
 
How much did the labor cost? Around a thousand was what the HD salesperson said.
I am 5' 2" and would like to change mine. The previous owner put some custom bars on the flhxxx and they are way too far for my reach. Was also considering a different seat also. Thanks.
 
How much did the labor cost? Around a thousand was what the HD salesperson said.

I am 5' 2" and would like to change mine. The previous owner put some custom bars on the flhxxx and they are way too far for my reach. Was also considering a different seat also. Thanks.

I put my 2" reach bars on myself & the bars only cost me $119. The clutch cable was just fine where it was & left stock. The wiring was fine, & the brake lines fit just fine.

Where they would get $1000 for the bars installed is puzzling.................. Maybe with 5 or 6 hrs labor & all parts having to be replaced.

WOW !

Prepping you before the shock with a green light to make some serious coin !
 
will the hydralic clutch line have to be changed?



I haven't seen a post in a while so I will update this installation. I have a 2014 HD trike and just installed the reduced reach handlebars (#56176-08) myself. I paid $155 for the bars and the local HD dealer wanted $230 to install them. They work with the original wiring and hydraulic lines with no problem. I have dealer installed HD heated grips and they worked as well. The bars are almost identical to the original except have a lesser bend in them, so when laid back they sit correctly, not pointed down. That is where the 2 inch setback comes from, not that they are longer. I am 5'6" and they are more comfortable and I would recommend them for shorter riders. These bars also work on 2 wheel HD touring bikes.



I recommend viewing <cite class="_Rm]HOW TO INSTALL HANDLEBARS ON A 2015 HARLEY STREET GLIDE video @ </cite><cite class="_Rm]



, by Rumbling Rider.

The video is well done and explains how to remove the fairing so you can replace the handlebars. The most difficult and meticulous task is dismantling the "throttle wiring" plug since it will not pull through the bars.

All you need is a sharp thin "ice pick" and a lot of patience and you will save money by not buying a new wiring harness.

You can run the control wiring internal or external to the new bars since they have open slots in them. I went external as was the original wiring. (Throttle & heated grip wiring is internal) If you go internal, you have to relocate the wiring plugs from the electrical panel as shown in the video.</cite> Not difficult, just a few extra steps. Pulling all the extra wires through the bars is a challenge as well. I could not have done this myself without the video to guide me. I am glad I did it as it has given me more confidence to work on the trike myself rather than paying someone else to do it.

I know this was long, but hopefully it will clear up some issues and encourage others to install them as well.

 
Helibars

I had a set of Horizon ES Black HeliBars installed on my 2015 TriGlide while I was at the Sturgis Rally last month. As soon as I sat on the bike I fell in love. Hands down, this is the best set up I have found to let a short (5’ 3”) rider sit up straight. I can actually lean back against the rider backrest with my arms still bent at the elbow. Getting a better seating position is more important now that I’m getting older; my lower back does not like leaning forward. FYI, The MoCo “Reach” seats were a non-starter; I did not like half way sitting on the gas tank.
Scott Smith
 
I had a set of Horizon ES Black HeliBars installed on my 2015 TriGlide while I was at the Sturgis Rally last month. As soon as I sat on the bike I fell in love. Hands down, this is the best set up I have found to let a short (5’ 3”) rider sit up straight. I can actually lean back against the rider backrest with my arms still bent at the elbow. Getting a better seating position is more important now that I’m getting older; my lower back does not like leaning forward. FYI, The MoCo “Reach” seats were a non-starter; I did not like half way sitting on the gas tank.
Scott Smith

I have the 2+2 reach bars but still sit on the tank. Are you saying that the reach seat should help get me off the tank also???
 
My handlebars cost $134 and dealer install was $186. Needed NO extra parts, lines, etc...

My dealer said there's no way a H-D dealer can install handlebars on a TG for under $1000. - - PERIOD!!!

Now I have to wonder, if 2 dealers(were they H-D dealers) can do it for 1/5 the cost of my dealer, what's wrong with this picture? I can maybe see a couple hundred dollars difference, but $800? Something's wrong somewhere. Who are your dealers, I want to give them to my dealer to call and get the skinny on how they do it. Also if not too far away, I may just ride to your dealer and have them do mine. :):DThumbUp

For those prices, I'd get mine done in a New Your minute.
 
I had our HD dealer put on the 2" pull backs, $150 labor, $150 bars, no need for any additional cables. I don't understand the disparity in labor for the bars, if they are going by the book, it probably says all cables need replaced, my service folks say no problem, 1 1/2 hours labor.
 
Even replacing all the cables shouldn't cost over $1000 to install.

- - - Updated - - -

5X40, you're the closest of the 3 posters so far that had a dealer install your bars for under $200. I may just ride to them and have them install my bars. Which dealer is it??
 
My dealer said there's no way a H-D dealer can install handlebars on a TG for under $1000. - - PERIOD!!!

Now I have to wonder, if 2 dealers(were they H-D dealers) can do it for 1/5 the cost of my dealer, what's wrong with this picture? I can maybe see a couple hundred dollars difference, but $800? Something's wrong somewhere. Who are your dealers, I want to give them to my dealer to call and get the skinny on how they do it. Also if not too far away, I may just ride to your dealer and have them do mine. :):DThumbUp

For those prices, I'd get mine done in a New Your minute.

My dealer also said no cables needed. $134 for the bars & free install when I bought the bike.
 
Still waiting to hear dealer names. They sound like great dealers and should have their name mentioned and be given "Atta-Boys".
 
PosseRider and Zammy, I don't know if it makes any difference, but does it matter what year it is??? If so what year are yours?

I have a 2014 and I have heated grips. That might make a difference in cost?

Thanks again.
 

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