How to Choose the Proper Bar Height for Max Comfort - Harley Davidson

[@mikerapp8163]

You nailed the intent of replacing stock bars. I also let newer riders know…Get your seat right first. A too high or low or wide seat will change the way you discover which bars are right. Good video. Thanks for posting.

[@fourftr]

this is what the doctor ordered Can't believe Im seeing this one year later as much you tube I watch. I am 6'1" and have stock. 2017 Road Glide Ultra past year or so I have been getting a knot at bottom of neck middle of shoulder blades My wife who's field is PT says the pain is from bad posture. your description.in this video makes all the sense in the world . Thumbs up

[@doulos77]

i was too until I got 12s

[@toddsmith6751]

I just happened to come across this video, and as a veteran rider you nailed it. I hope that this reaches those guys that are new, or new to modifying.

[@JoddyG]

Exactly true, I am 6’5” and was amazed at how much easier it was for me to whip around my RGU at lower speeds when I went to 16”s vs the stock bars which felt like they were around my knees

[@0311chapman]

I have the same problem on my ultra

[@zacharyb2723]

I'm 6'5" also, not that many of us. I wish you could tell me your tips you've found at our height for motorcycle ergonomics.

[@WOLFCHIEFHOWLS]

Great Video and good info to help people decide. I use to ride long road trips with 19" bars in my younger days and never an issue. Now turning 60 yrs old and my body is changing and I have found out the shoulder height 14" Apes on an Ultra Limited is to high and causing major pains from fingers to shoulders, back and butt. Hope a 12" will Aleviate the pains & Discomfort. Bar height is also an age thing...sux getting older!!!

[@nickvanwey7011]

I’m 5’7” 5’8” on a good day. I did 18” apes on my slim. My right hand was the only thing that went numb. I agree with the vibration of the bike. And I do put on 400-600 mile bike rides.

[@iitzDiRTY]

Are the 18s shoulder height for you?

[@pmdinaz]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Coming from sport bikes from the last 26 years of riding, I've always mocked what I didn't know about 'cruisers'. There is definitely truth to tall bars on a cruiser. The seating position of my entire body is different. In time I'll be updating the stock bars in my Heritage. Thank you, thank you!

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+PMD_in_AZ Anytime!! Thanks for watching

[@East_TX_LCR]

Same. Been running drags for a long time since I came from sport bikes and it just felt natural. But I'm getting ready to try some 14's just to see how I like them. I figured 80% of riders couldn't all be wrong. Can't hurt to try.

[@jamesmoorer6019]

I like bars at about shoulder height or a little lower. and I guess 33" to 36" wide. Grip angle makes a difference and pull back.

[@DJ-tw8kg]

That is so true I've had 18s on my wide glide and now on my street glide I cant ride with stock bars any more plus the apes just look cool

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+D J Right on!!!

[@brucesmith7858]

Great info. I lol at myself. I thought I figured out how to measure for the correct handle bar height on my own. I did learn the hard way with the wrong bars and hated riding. The only thing I wished you touched on was figuring the comfort level for the pull back on the bars. Thanks

[@thomasjoseph9224]

Agee. What did you end up with for pullback?

[@oscararanda6960]

What you explained makes sense. I'm 5'5" so I may have to go with Mini Apes, lol. I ride an 1982 shovel and the vibration is killer at the higher speeds but I still Love my bike. Thanks Robert.

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+Oscar Aranda Anytime, thanks for watching

[@AntonChernysh]

Thank you for straightforward and simple clear explanation 🤝

[@randomlife718]

I once had the right side of a big ape break on me while riding. Fun ride home. I welded the bar back together and welded a cross bar between them about 1/2 way up. There was a night and day difference in vinration.

[@derfskittlers6125]

Interesting. I never thought about a cross bar helping with vibration but it totally makes sense.

[@magickninja369]

My left hand goes numb but i have carpal tunnel in that wrist. Personally, I've found that handlebar height and pullback is extremely important. Bars that are short like the stock drag bars that came on my bike took away leverage from my upper body. Sitting at a red light my bike constantly felt like it was going to fall over. Backing up was the worst. I was convinced my seat was to blame or rather the bikes seat height seemed to mess with the bikes center of gravity. I lowered my rear with Burly Slammer shocks but nothing changed. Then a friend gave me 16" ape hangers. These proved to be a bit too tall as I lost a lot of maneuverability under 10 mph. I had to muscle the bars with my arms and shoulders at slow speeds and i didnt like it. However, they did show me that the problem was not my ride height but that bars that are below your shoulder line put you in a position that literally moves your leverage from shoulders to arms only. This makes the bike feel tipsy at a standstill and makes things feel unstable and out of balance. I then bought some Biltwell 12" apes and went from a 1" riser to a 1 1/2" riser and the bike feels stable, not tipsy, and i have plenty of control at slow speeds. However, my left hand still goes numb. The bars are much better but not perfect. I need my left wrist to be straighter and these current bars make my left wrist want to rest similar to the right wrist with throttle wide open i.e forearm straight, wrist bent, knuckles pointing up. Im going to change my risers to 2"- 2 1/2" rise as i believe that will bring my hands more level to my shoulders and that will put my wrist in a straighter resting position.

[@camscam3619]

Fantastic video. I've previously had pain inbetween my shoulders. Since moving to mini apes its extended my ride time. After watching this I'm gunna go see I may move to full apes! Cheers

[@catfish3276]

I have a 2019 freewheeler can I tilt my bars up a little more or do I have to leave them set as is

[@balticstain7150]

Iam from Australia i had a Yamaha royal star fantastic bike until the coolant broke with ape style bars and they were very comfortable, i now have a 04 ultra classic and wouldn't mind giving ape hangers a go , i do relize the expense but once there on no going back and iam almost 65 been riding 45 years and 5 bikes..

[@greggoode3450]

Great advice! I'm going to use these tips for a bicycle cruiser I'm building.

[@silverwiskers7371]

well done explanation with personal bar heights

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+gene Pohlemann Thanks!!!!

[@angelonero2963]

Thank you! You took my fear to go higher. My last bike was a old yamaha virago. I got neck pain and pain in my wrists. Now I ride a Indian chief bobber dark horse 2022 with a midi Ape. In the beginning I was afraid of it, becaus the different body position. Now I have no back- or wrist pain at all. My best decision ever!

[@travissutton2294]

Well, now I know why my pinky and ring fingers on my right hand tingle. I thought I had circulation issues. Thanks for the video!

[@jeremyowens4115]

Cardiologist consultation still maintains significance. Be well brother.

[@deathbyyamaha3834]

thanks big help dude. im new to the harley game and had no clue how to even start looking for new bars

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+DEATHBYYAMAHA Give us a call or send an email, and we will gladly help get you in the right direction.

[@johnny1556]

Hill country, thanks for that information on this video. As a subscriber I've been thinking about getting ape hangers for my 2010 Street glide I'm 5' 7" I am glad that I found your channel sometime ago a lot of great helpful information. I'm going to take that information and put it to use and probably order the kit from you so it could be plug & play so I don't make any mistake keep up the great videos.

[@deanfitzgerald5402]

Great advice Robert, I have HCC P. Yaffe 15" on my '07 Ultra, and they are perfect for me at 5"11, I went with HCC 16" on my 08 Road King, they both fit me excellent. Your complete kits make the project real easy. Thanks for everything.

[@RogerBuffington]

Awesome clear explanation. Best I’ve seen. Thanks.

[@opusand2]

Great video, good information. What is the style of bars that are on the bike in this video? Thanks

[@07hdflhti]

Great info. , The stock FLHT bars are o.k. for slow maneuvers but really do not cut it for long hauls. I run Yaffe 13" Monkey bars, Best decision ever.

[@wjvlodek8769]

how wide are those ...(from stem to stem)? THANKS!!

[@dtork47]

Hey, that was really helpful and I appreciate the suggestions. I ride a ‘18 TriGlide Anniversary Edition my arms are shrinking…..I am 77. I need to sit up straighter and it’s been suggested by others that a higher bar also makes it easier to “steer” a 3 wheeler? I made the transition from 2 wheels to three about 2 years ago. The first bar upgrade just isn’t long enough and I am reaching too far forward still. I want my arms to be bent some and not straight correct? I know all too well those neck and shoulder muscle aches! Thanks for your time, help and suggestions. Stay safe.

[@jimwortham8634]

Thanks for posting one other solution is you can use your same existing bars and just move them up

[@mickybrennan3489]

Very good communication, told so really well.

[@BobBob-fp5fn]

Always very imformative and straight to the point. Great videos, will be ordering a complete handle bar kit from you guys in the near future.

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+Bob Bob Thanks!!

[@sunnyscreamer123]

There's not much videos on riding ergonomics like this one! I'm just starting to be a rider and I'm trying different bikes and questions start to appear: ape hangers or not, middle or forward controls, bigger bike, smaller bike...? So these kind of practical videos on ergonomics explaning everything in a simple way are more then welcome! Thanx!

[@everlearning2]

You have a great presentation with what the viewer wants and needs to see to be able to replicate what you're instructing. Good job!!!

[@mszedx9]

The higher the bars go, the worse the bike turns. I agree shoulder height for long distance. It depends on the kind of riding you do most. commuting and day rides shoulder height or a little lower. Your right, shoulder wide is what you want for most any kind of street riding. I've been riding and racing for 40 years, so that's just what's has been my experience. Great video.

[@wjvlodek8769]

Thanks for the information! I just bought a used RG with 18" apes and although comfortable, I have a difficult time maneuvering the bike (I had a 2008 RG with 12"...and I had no problems). I thought maybe this was my imagination (or old age...). What do you think? THANKS!!

[@mszedx9]

@@wjvlodek8769 It sounds like the 18" bars are to high. like Robert said go for shoulder height or maybe a little lower, I think it will make a pretty big difference on a largeer bike like the RG

[@wjvlodek8769]

@@mszedx9 Thanks Mike!!

[@skyking7733]

At 3:33, can you please tell me who makes them? I'm 5' 5" with a Mustang Low Down and think 10-12-inch would be right. I have a 2020 UL and HATE my stock bars! Thanks!

[@TheDrwhomever]

Great video - just what I needed.

[@fatthor1844]

Thank you so much for this video. I just ordered a DYI set up from yall and was really struggling over whether I went too high on them. Now I know. Once you go ape.

[@chrisjessee232]

Very informative video. I just purchased my first motorcycle. Vuclan classic with 12" bars on it, that puts my hands just below my shoulders and feels good to me. I have a family member that has been riding for several years, that says long rides will wear me out with those bars. Can't wait to find out how they feel after a long day of riding.

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+Chris Jesseeo I’d be surprised if you weren’t happy.

[@doulos77]

we do long rides once a month (300 - 500, depending on time of year), and multi-day, multi-state rides 2x a year, and im very happy with the 12s. i was dying with stock after an hour.

[@velikijoxotnik]

I know that this video is a bit old. I have Heritage 114 and an Ultra Limited 114. I am considering going to higher (shoulder height) bars on my Ultra, for comfort on long rides. My biggest concern with going to higher bars is that the higher bars may make slow-speed maneuvering much more difficult. Both effective slow-speed maneuvering and long-ride comfort are important. Do you have any comments on how shoulder-high bars may adversely affect slow-speed handling of a heavy touring bike?

[@Ronald7077]

No mention of pullback and riding effects on a tourer. I recently rode a heritage classic and loved the swept back shorter reach I had as opposed to my own 2022 model FLHR road King. I need bars with a pull back style as opposed to any height increase or decrease. Any advice most welcome - location Ireland

[@blubyu151]

Ok I get that how much does slow speed maneuvering get impacted, now your arms will have to stretch more while turning.

[@nobodysreview6137]

A lot of things factor in, Apes r more weight on the fork too plus the leverage of them being up high but its true, if you get them set up right it lets u stretch out, im 6ft1 with 75 inch reach so it kind of works for me. Also, a short guy cant steal your bike lol or want 2 ride it. Less chances of both.

[@infinite8686]

I’m happy to see you guys are still making vids

[@peterspokes4579]

Excellent vid. Enjoyed my Heritage Classic with mini ape bars. My new Fatboy's bars are lower and despite my 6' I'm leaning forward and my arms are straight. Looking to some 6" risers.

[@dumbcat]

for people who prefer low handlebars (most bicycles have low handlebars and people can ride them for hours) the issue is width and pullback. looking for low handlebars that allow me to lean back on my backrest, not bend forward to reach them.

[@T56JetMech]

I have recently bought a Heritage Softail, 2006 with stock bars. I have adjusted the bars a couple times but I am getting “tennis” elbow in the right arm. I have adjusted to where I have a slight bend in my elbow, but they do sit a little low. Just wondering what I can do to adjust. Appreciate any pointers.

[@gunnutbikenut6939]

I’m getting ready to order a set of your bars for my deluxe probably 18’s and yes once you go apes you will never have anything else

[@mikedigati3434]

Excellent vid.

[@hondarider436]

I've been looking at ape hangers for my 2020 Indian Scout Bobber. I'm 5'8" but I have a long torso. I ordered 16" apes and I can't wait to install them. From my measurements it looks like it'll be even with my shoulders or just barely above This video was very informative

[@bmwdan3445]

What about the pull back?? Can you please explain the best way to determine this???

[@BobBob-fp5fn]

Do you use magnum cables for complete kits? Or what brand do you use?

[@HangTimeSolutions]

My question is all the riding courses say your elbows should be bent for more control for counter steering at speed also when leaning the bike over at high speed your body position would tend to have you lean to either side and lower to control the bike better like they do in King of the Baggers. Also in low speed operations when you counter and lock your wheel how can you do this when are is at shoulder height fully extended. Seems as if it's only good going long distance and the motorcycle not good for the Twisties or going slow or u turns.

[@michaelcooper9523]

I'm 5'10 and the 16's r excellent, just a hair over the shoulder. 19' RGS

[@ibrahimsalem2810]

Hello , Ian looking for M109R handlebars, as your video shows which a good one for it ?

[@selenamclendon7512]

Thank you.. I needed this information

[@FullChokeFowl]

Will the "parallel height" help me with hands going numb or tingling on long rides? I always have to let go and shake my hands some when on long rides because it feels like my hands go to sleep.

[@curtissumner9797]

Awesome video, very informative.

[@justcoolin3384]

Helpful vid. Good advice.

[@metoo1218]

I agree with the above the heart statement, if that were truly the case we all would have a tingling sensation in our heads... Your videos have really educated me on Harley's... Thanks.

[@jeremyowens4115]

Great comment 👍. However, I work with the public. I am certain that most people have a tingling or numbing sensation in their heads. 😁

[@ohioric3674]

Great info to knw..getting the 2019 road glide wanting to go ape I hve long arms I'm 5"11 but was nervous about fatigue. Thx just subscribe👍

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+Ric G Awesome!!!! Thanks for watching. We have an install video on a late model Road Glide coming out shortly.

[@flash1034]

Where’s that Road Glide video?

[@morbe77]

I'm new to motorcycles 6 months I want to get higher bars on my softail but I was reading that if the bars go 15 inches above your seat it won't pass a vehicle inspection in the state of TX. I see guys with tall bars all the time though. Do they just put the stock bars on when they get it inspected?

[@MeatballRebel]

I agree and changed both my Chieftain and Scout Bobber to bars that are just below my shoulders. I do find it comfortable and it improves the feel of the handling of the bikes (not the actual handling). Good informative video!

[@777RocketS]

How do I measure what size to order though? Do I need a second person to measure from hand height to riser?

[@alanclague8186]

I'm 6ft 1 . I have 12 inch apes, find them to be perfect height for comfort. Wouldn't mind 14, but 12 is perfect for me.

[@brandonjones362]

Glad you chimed in. I just got a wide glide with 16" and although I been ripping it around I think they are to high. So I ordered 12 " and I was getting worried they might be to low . Im 5 '10" . Now Im more stoked then ever.

[@alanclague8186]

@@brandonjones362 I now have 14" MX bars. Lol

[@brandonjones362]

@@alanclague8186 what about the 12" ...to low?? Still ok ?? Why you change?

[@doulos77]

@@brandonjones362 im 5'11" and 12s are perfect for me

[@khushwantgehlot8726]

Very good information. Everything we need to know while installing a handlebar,you explained it all. I want to build my own custom handlebar,can I use a normal iron bar for it and then give it a desired shape??

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+Khushwant Gehlot The sky is the limit

[@khushwantgehlot8726]

@@HillCountryCustomCycles Got your point. Thanks.

[@benschernick703]

Im 6'3 and what length of handlebars would i be most comfortable?

[@nickpa8871]

You got a new subscriber Sr.

[@Wingman-yl3qq]

Riding with your hands above your heart puts stress on it. If you only ride 200 miles a day it’s probably not too much of an issue. The other thing to consider is if the top of your bars are above the top of the fairing it just looks silly.

[@nobodysreview6137]

Not always, i've seen StreetGlide with apes that looked cool. From like 20 feet away you cant even really tell the bars are sticking up but i def know what you mean, also the fairing isnt blocking your hands on cold days n e more. Depends on whos on the bike too, a tall guy with long arms apes can look dope, a short guy probably not.

[@SteveSteve-md6qx]

Problem is here in Australia we are limited to 380mm from lowest point in the seat to handlebar grip ☹️ if it’s higher and the police pull you over, they will defect the bike 🤬

[@Nifilheimur]

Thats so weird. I live in Norway where they are usually extremely strict on most things but motorcycles they dont really give a damn. Apes as high as you want, insanely loud drag pipes yeh why not. and no inspection ever(=

[@michaellawton3271]

At 5”6 should I go with factory 47s 12 inch the 9/1/2 that come on it seem just a bit to low

[@riding2nowhere]

Got a 2004 Yamaha Royal Star Venture 1300. Need handlebar upgrade, Fork head bearings, top and bottom. Can you help??

[@jorgesevilla6582]

Always helpful videos. What about the forward angle, how do you know how far to push the bars forward? I fixed mine to the angle of the windshield but I don’t use it all the time.

[@jamesdonnelly1006]

Totally agree with everything u just said. 👍👍👍

[@williamlewis8354]

Does this same rule of thumb work on trikes?

[@holmes2210]

What do you think of the old old style of Harley bars. I'm building a bike currently and I need to decide on some bars. And I'm stuck between a more modern z bar style or a really old school set I don't know the proper term but they are sorta C shaped and I've seen them on old 40s Harleys

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Do you grip the grips, or do you just rest your hands on the grips? Seems to me that sitting straight up and dropping your hands to where they are resting on the grips is much more comfortable than having to grab the grips. I sit on every used bike with different apes and haven't found a handlebar yet that makes me want to test ride that bike. I also like my hands cantered at like 30 degrees instead of knuckles in the wind. Maybe buckhorn bars at shoulder height would work for me. Are there any bars like that out there?

[@EaglesNest-qu9to]

yeah your right perfect information I went from ten to twelve now going to 14 hopefully this is the end

[@mariojovanov96]

Great video👍

[@destinationh-d1]

Is it true, the higher you go, the less control you have when doing slow speed maneuvers?

[@wjvlodek8769]

THANKS for the video!! Maybe I can get some feedback on this..I bought a used RG with 18" apes....and, although comfortable, I am having a difficult time maneuvering it at slow speeds. Does anyone have any input on a taller bar (such as an 18" making the bike more difficult to maneuver? (or am I getting older.....)THANKS!!

[@paranormalbigfootdogmanent1998]

Great video thanks!

[@broderp]

Eurgonomically, its hard to imagine arms level or above your shoulders anywhere near optimal. A nuetral position would be a slight slope down with bars back enough so you have minimal bend to the back.

[@utahboy17]

When your driving a car with hands at 2oclock and 10oclock what height are your hands? Shoulder high?

[@MarioFernandez-js3hv]

I bought a 2019 road king with 16inc meat hooks and I'm 5'7 any suggestions thinking of going 14 inches looking for feed back

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+Mario Fernandez ya, 14’s probably your best bet for comfort

[@megwell]

I'm 5'11" and have 14" on my 2017 Road King and they feel fine. I wouldn't go higher for myself

[@oldfireguy57]

What is the height of stock bars on a 19 RGU, I have looked and can't find it.

[@andrewcoffey4694]

Originally I was afraid to go with 14” bars. Now I’m on a road glide with 18” bars and I often contemplate going higher 😂

[@athomewithzeke5048]

Another great video!

[@derekk69]

Terrific video once again! Question: for a professional like yourself, how long does it take you to swap out handlebars on average?

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+Derek K Each bike is different depending on several factors, but I can usually knock it out in 2 hours or less and in some cases less than 45 minutes. Most of the new bikes are pretty easy to do if you use one of our pre-wired kits. Internal wiring is definitely the hardest part of the job. Some people choose to do their own wiring to save a little money, but if you don’t have some experience with it already, I don’t think the savings is worth the frustration. Thanks for watching. You guys are great!!

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+Derek K I responded to this earlier, but don’t see it. Let me know if you don’t get it and I will rewrite it

[@derekk69]

I see the earlier one. 2hrs to 45mins. I've watched your install video a number of times, apes on a 2017 street glide,, seriously thinking about getting the Jarhead pre-wired kit. Was looking for rough estimate of time, I appreciate the first response.

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+Derek K the 1 1/2” bars take 2-3 weeks. 1 1/4” 3-4 days. Give me a call Next week and I’d be happy to discuss in more detail

[@bodeine454]

Thanks for the video and info! My wife and I are getting ready to buy a very nice pearl white '05 Dyna Wide Glide that supposedly, according to the sellers add, has 14" apes on it ( they felt more like 16"s to me but....) and I am going to have to get it inspected before I can tag it here in Ky and also use it to take my road test to get my endorsement. I'm not sure what the law is here concerning this but I need to find out. I had 16"s on a '93 Sportster about 15 years ago and I really liked them!

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+Jeff Stone You should be fine. Give us a shout if you need any help. Thanks for watching.

[@bodeine454]

@@HillCountryCustomCycles I looked up several websites and they all said that there's no heighth restrictions here in Ky, thank you....

[@fxrst_anvers6976]

Perfect tips👌🏻

[@breezetelemaster1368]

Thank You!

[@treasurehiding9]

Are those mercenary bars? I’m trying to find a black pair like that, that I know are well made and comfortable. I saw some on eBay, but there are no reviews so I’m skeptical. Any suggestions? Thanks

[@johnstrickland9048]

Got a 2003 anniversary going to put some 18-in apes Paul yaffe Harley-Davidson is going to install them think $1,800 is too much for the bars in the install them

[@MrPAULONEAL]

The tingling sensation for me occurs in both arms.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

With the prolification of bikes getting apes I must mention that the non stock length cables and hoses can make repairs later a pain. The cableless throttles are also more prone to failures with improper lengthening or added resistance from plug in extensions.

[@orakeljoe9611]

apart from bars: check the stuff you wear when riding. some leather jackets can become so tight in the armpit area when your arms are in a riding position...it literally can decrease the blood flow into your hands and fingers. just my 2 cents.

[@williams122bw]

Yeah very true. I have a leather jacket that's not quite broken in. Its so heavy that it weighs down on my shoulders and makes them sore.

[@krill740]

I'm using to riding a drag bar on a Muscle... I test drove a road glide and had major adjustment issues with the 12" bars.... Is this just an adjustment issue?

[@doulos77]

initially, i thought I made a mistake with 12s. im 5'11"and felt i was reaching too far forward...until i pulled them back a couple of inches and now it's heaven. esp with back rest. so glad i didn't do 10s and could do 14s but wanted my hands to get some protection from the faring. good luck

[@danielpaulinerajan5023]

Thanks

[@TaylorOriginal352]

The longest time I been deciding whether 12s or 14s I’m 5ft 8.

[@jamesoliver565]

What kind of windshield is that and what is the height of it great video

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+James Oliver not for sure, but it looks like a klock werks 6”

[@HillCountryCustomCycles]

+James Oliver klock werks 5” I think

[@nas14gt]

Hey man, what windshield is that?

[@Crumb_Trails]

I agree. I had 16" mini apes installed on my '11 Day Boot Lo and hated them. I went with 20" Carlini Gangster Apes on my second round and loved them. I even did a cross country trip with them. My headaches would go away if I went for a ride and my chiropractor said that was the best posture for me on that bike

[@wisam...0]

Thank you sir God bless I know now.