Lets discuss handlebars

[AgingHippy]

Hello All

I have a lovely '03 XL1200 Custom. All is good except I feel the handlebars are a little too low.

Now I wonder if anyone has any suggestions as what would be good to go for. I want something that does not adversly affect the handling of the bike, and that will encourage me to ride with a straight back.

I have done a search here and see Hobbit recomend some tourers - cannot remember which though.

Then there are apehangers and buckhorns - what is the difference between the two?

Any advice would be appreciated

Cheers

[michael_dinwiddy]

Ape hangers look good and are not too much of a problem once you get used to them.

Fitting them however is a bit of a pain as cables and electrics have to be lengthened; No good doing a bodge job on the electrics with bullet connecters, best to solder and seal with shrink tube.

[Hobbit]

Originally Posted by AgingHippy

Hello All

I have a lovely '03 XL1200 Custom. All is good except I feel the handlebars are a little too low.

Now I wonder if anyone has any suggestions as what would be good to go for. I want something that does not adversly affect the handling of the bike, and that will encourage me to ride with a straight back.

I have done a search here and see Hobbit recomend some tourers - cannot remember which though.

Then there are apehangers and buckhorns - what is the difference between the two?

Any advice would be appreciated

Cheers

yes the heritage tourers are very much like HD's mini apes but wider.
bars from either a new custom which have rise and more pull back would work or even HD's reach bar both of which would require no cable work.
other is pull back risers go 2" only other wise its cable time again but not on the elecs the clutch/throttle and brake.
this should sit you back more in the bike

[telboy]

you could try a set of duece bars had aset on maggs xl53c just enought height and pull back for a comfy ride

[Chris L]

Or you could have the bars that are supposed to be on a Sporty...buckhorns....they are really comfortable, pull back towards you, arnt too wide and look good too.

[HOG maniac]

I'm with Chris. Buckhorn's are the best. Some people call them mini apes.

I have stock bars with 4 inch pull back risers.

[Tim]

...These are Harley bars , something between buckhorns and mini apes...

[HOG maniac]

They look like buckhorns to me

[Ming the Merciless]

Originally Posted by HOG maniac

Buckhorn's are the best. Some people call them mini apes.

Mini Apes have a 10" or 12" rise and they are not the same as Buckhorns. The grips on Mini Apes are almost parallel with the ground, while the grips on genuine Buckhorns point downward. Buckhorns are often criticised by the style-conscious (who have probably never ridden with them) while those in the know understand that Buckhorns work because the wrists are set at just the right angle.

I have fitted Buckhorns to three different bikes and they remain comfy even when doing 700 miles in a day... Here are some on my FXST:

[Chris L]

Well said Ming, the angle of the hands is so much more comfortable with buckhorns, people slate em saying they are too narrow...so what, makes it easier to corner, espec at really low speeds, I could never get this beach bar thing, Id have to let go with one hand to make a tight turn

I think Harleys should have the right bars,ie Mini apes on WGs, FL bars on Fattys, Sportsters, Superglides, Low Riders...Buckhorns..Just my opinion.You are entitled to yours...(even if you are wrong)..

Nice looking Softail Ming, the bars suit it well.