"Rise of the Bagger T-Bars" │Harley-Davidson Tall Risers (T-Bars) Explained

[@Noodle_77]

I had West Coast Tbars, a built motor and 13.5 shocks with a fully built front end on my 2009 road glide in 2014 when I built it that way. I heard the “why don’t you just ride a dirt bike” comment so many times from the older guys back then… now look every one has tbars and shocks with reservoirs sticking out the back.. 😂

[@GNRDisturbedSlash]

People smartened up

[@TyphoidSnaily]

Yup had 8" risers and Sportster bars 16 years ago and then WCTB MX Bars on my Electra Glide Police 12 Years ago. Put the Original MX Bar risers FM Risers and Fly Racing Bars on my Road Glide. Oof of all of them WCTBs MX Bars were the most Solid and will built and the Bagger Bars that my late brother designed for WCTbars are going on my 100 Year Anniversary Ultra Classic I recent inherited from my Pops. Such a dramatic performance upgrade on a bike!!

[@harleydreamz6263]

Matt you the man! Your one of the reasons i just completed motorcycle training and passed my M1 license test. You got so much knowledge bro bro! Opened my eyes to such a beautiful tradition thank you! Much love keep it up!

[@anthonyrobert5248]

Lance Coury and the boys over at Thrashin Supply are killing it with their bars and risers. I love their products and think their top notch.

[@MattLaidlaw]

They make some great stuff for sure

[@derrickpeacock4433]

@@MattLaidlaw I’m so happy you 😊😊

[@sokodad]

Putting their products on my wife’s Triglide.

[@sokodad]

Putting their products on my wife’s Triglide.

[@scottlazar9731]

Matt, love your breakdowns. Parts, style, bikes, you break it all down from all the angles. Your perspective of being part of one of the Halo Harley shops, but still a rider is great. You cover it all. Both as a guy who has and can ride whatever he wants, but also as a guy how has to "swipe his card" to pay for it. Great balance.

[@blackdog6991]

I went with the Kraus set with top tree that has a fork lock. 10” pullbacks and their ODI bars. They now have gauge relocation that is top clamp on the risers. I can see my navigation screen entirely and my gauges are right in front not blocking the view of gauges or control center or sitting on my faring. Very clean setup ,excellent handling and comfort for both long hauls and cutting canyons. This is on my 2020 Roadglide special and this works for me. Of course I’ve done many other things to suit my triangle along with it.

[@MattLaidlaw]

I appreciate the comment. Yes the 10 inch pull back with the gauge relocation is a great size to fit the fairing etc.

[@thakery5720]

I found a long time back that XLX Sportster bars were the most comfortable of all the 'standard' H-D bars and the best bit is they are so available cheaply on ebay etc etc. Some manufacturers make them drilled for internal wiring and also in 1 1/4" tapered down to 1 inch at the grips - running them on my '10 model year Dyna right now, and standard Sporty ones on 4 inch risers on my '06 XL1200R. Both bikes are very hotrodded and taller bars make the bikes hard work to ride at speed - but then I am 65 years young !

[@rodkaska4998]

Thanks for all the info. Riding a 2017 RGS with 14 inch apes, and thinking of changing out the bars to the T bar set up. Thanks again!

[@bwma]

I've had T bars on my Bobber Triumph since I first built it in the late 90s and i used parts from the early 70s to build it. Just going back to the roots of customs.

[@sokodad]

Putting set of Thrashin on my wife’s Triglide. Not sure brand on my Road Glide. They were on when I bought it. Used to have a Dyna I put them on.

[@razzrasmussen5773]

On my RKS 2017, I went with Highball Burliegh 2 inch thick 14 inch high. They are very comfortable and with being so thick it gives a T bar control feel. You all saw the same bars on M$B bike. Enjoyed the video guys. I often share these with friends when they have concerns.

[@bikerintheblood]

Yeah I’ve made a lot of the costly mistakes you guys refer to in this post. Bars too high, insufficient lean angle for my riding style, not enough wind deflection or overall seat comfort for me or my pillion. But…. the experience of doing an extensive custom build was amazing as I learned so much about Harley-Davidson motorcycles and what I actually needed from a bike. It was an expensive (wasteful) exercise though. Nice vlog 👍 as always lads.

[@MattLaidlaw]

That’s tough but at least you have a good attitude about it. Haha. Thanks for the comment.

[@lawrencebrandt8448]

I used the stock bars took them off the riser and drove the pin down ,reinstalled the bars and repositioned them froward about 1.5 ". 2020 road glide limited. bought it there .

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea, we quickly discovered the pin could be removed and the bars rotated in 2015 when the road glide was redesigned.

[@Markotto09]

Amazing how styles change through the years. I’ve had apes, drag bars, and now pray to T Bar Jesus , lol. If you like speed (which I do), T’s are the way to go (only my humble opinion).

[@mcscotty325]

That Road King classic is so nice. Can't believe they discontinued the RK Classic. I'm sure it was a big disappointment for Laidlaws. A lot of Road King classics passed through their doors over the years. The Deluxe and RK classic both gone now. Hopefully the Heritage sticks around.

[@kennyh5083]

I'd try some EMGO "Sport Rise" or Buckhorn Bars atop of those risers they are far more comfortable and look tons better as well.

[@misterspot1552]

Been there, seen it, done it. Don’t Remember It. And that’s a blessing

[@OfficialMattLaidlaw..__.]

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[@tommywise1702]

Thanks for the info. My local HD dealer said to go shop the internet, we don't do bars on an Ultra. Your video gives me hope that I can get the bars to make my Ultra the bike it wants to be.

[@austinap2248]

In 2020 I bought a new SGS and one of the first things I did was put aftermarket bars on. The bars were still wide and offered a clear view of the gauges and info system. Later I changed the whole bike to a performance bagger going with the Kraus inverted front end with their fly Moto bars. What I found that the wider aftermarket bars were fine for freeway riding but in the canyons I found them lacking. With the fly Moto bars (10 inch risers) freeway riding was still fine but they sure made all the difference in the canyons. It all depends on how you ride and what you like.

[@lawtondevil]

just did mine in 10 inch kraus wow all I can say so sick what a defference so glad I did it.

[@Jack-wi5qr]

Sticking with my 1 1/4 apes,14 inch high. I’m 5’10,so they are pulled back a little for easier turning,but my arms are nearly straight out. I’m comfy that way.

[@OfficialMattLaidlaw..__.]

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[@Khumphries]

Going from my street bob with a pull back riser T bar set up, to a bone stock ultra classic electra glide is a big change. I miss my old thrashin bars, but I don't want to lose my fork lock/accessory switch on my bagger.

[@brandongutierrez5166]

thrashin supply and kraus moto both came out with a replacement upper top tree that still alows you to use a fork lock with a tbar setup

[@andrewgiltner1579]

I'm trying to figure out if Andrew is running the kraus moto 32" bar or a thrashin 30" mid bend

[@Havanorange]

I had handlebars with little rise, little pullback. Even after adding risers, I felt too hunched forward (uncomfortable). Looking for comfort I replaced them with used 10 year old polished stainless steel Road King bars on standard risers. The old Road King bars are so comfortable. Perfect ergonomics.

[@rebel_ltz]

For a wheelbarrow :)

[@Havanorange]

@@rebel_ltz Yes, of course, the handlebars of my wheelbarrow! 😁

[@RuggedRefinement]

At 1 min and 45 secs there's a green road king. Can you tell me what bars are on it? They look nice and thick.

[@drsparwaga]

Didn’t see you guys mention Sportsters, but that T-bar style suits the Sportsters incredibly well too. I was initially planning to get a 10” rise with a 1” pullback Bung King riser with the HD Drag bars on them. Ended up with the 12” rise with a 4” pullback Rolands Sands Ape bars, but I may put the Bung King riser+Drag bar setup on it in the future.

[@brandongutierrez5166]

A lot of people don’t realize the same risers that fit the sportster are the same risers on some of these baggers

[@terpy6001]

My bikes at the shop right now getting 14in risers with motobars. I have a iron 883 stage 1

[@rebel_ltz]

I understand HD can’t put too tall bars on the bikes from the factory so what I’d like to see from them is keeping slack in the wiring and cables so you can go up 4-6 inches without changing anything else than the bars.

[@johnvanzelm2307]

One question I have is if it's possible to replace the large gauges/speedometer for something smaller while relocating them for the Road Glide Special.

[@ShermDiggity1]

Added 14" west coast Tbars to my 2015 RG. Love them!

[@abdallahmoussa1983]

The cheapest T bars but too bad they block your view to the screen and speedometer

[@ShermDiggity1]

not really, I can see both speedo and tac just fine. As far as cheap, not sure where you are coming from.. no performance issues whatsoever @@abdallahmoussa1983

[@brents1643]

You guys had a green bagger in Sturgis that was badass.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Our Over Glide! Yes, thanks for the compliment 🤙🏼

[@carlosuribe9006]

Laidlaws!!!, got the first stamp here... Thanks for making these very informative yet easy to understand videos, and staying blunt Matt . Like you said: "should you get the bars in you don't like them?" NO!!! let's not overwhelmed the scene.

[@kimmarshall6047]

I replaced the drag bars on my 2011 fxdf with the stock bars that came on the wide glide.Im 6 foot kinda rangy 64 years old not as strong as i once was i find these bars give me good control and confort.

[@MattLaidlaw]

I appreciate it 🤘🏼 I’m glad my communication style comes off blunt. I try to go for clear to-the-point info that people can absorb take-aways easily.

[@wforider4786]

You had me at T Bagger lol thanks for all you do!

[@simplemanmtb143]

What's a ball park dollar amount for that thrashin' supply 9.5" pull pack that Brandon was rocking? Very Interested in that set up, wanna add a gauge relocation (which I think T/S now makes)

[@GreatOutdoorAdventure]

Excellent video, very informative. I'm thinking of doing T bars on a 2012 Heritage Classic. Thanks again for this video.

[@silverado123]

Lots of good info In the video. Thanks so much. Answered a lot of questions I had. Have a good day

[@MattLaidlaw]

Good to hear! That’s always our goal 🤙🏼

[@vmotobiker]

Sweet video!

[@2wheelsgene171]

Very good video. My stock Ultra Bars are fine but I enjoyed seeing the creativity of these set ups. I’m six two with long arms and legs.

[@joshnorby3792]

So Im doing the same ones that Brandon did. Do I need to change cabals?

[@danthomas9647]

As always awesome review Cheers

[@srfsno_]

Great video Matt. I spoke with somebody at Krauss and they said that I will lose my heated grips if I go to their system. I live in a snow state so it’s not an option to lose those heated grips. Have you heard of any modifications to get those heated grips on the Kraus system (moto bars)?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Not on KRAUS. The bars are too small. It can’t be done. 👎🏼

[@chchchscott1]

I used KRAUS risers with builtwell bars and Avon contour heated grips. Works great.

[@srfsno_]

Thanks for the info!

[@efeconker]

you can get a heated gloves if you are crazy about kraus. but I guess you ve already knew that.

[@abdallahmoussa1983]

I cannot imagine any other setup other than the KRAUS on my roadglide 2020. But i am so confused. do I need the tripple tree or I can install the setup without it? it is an expensive setup but I love it and I have tried various roadglides with multiple options of handlebars, the only setup that suits me well is the KRAUS.😊

[@whiskeythrottle9772]

What does the Labor cost look like to do a Thrashin Supply set up on a Road Glide Limited? We have shops local to us charging 8-10 hours for bar jobs, wondering if these set ups are easier/less time consuming for you to install.

[@cjg431]

What is the highest bar I can go with all stock cables. ? I have 10 inch pull back riser with a 3 1/4 bend handle bar. Would like to go another 3/4!or 1.5 inch bend. Will I be able to do this without changing my cables ?

[@simplemanmtb143]

Hey Matt, i hope i got the info wrong over the phone but is it true your charging 10 hours labor to install this set up?

[@iceman1bentley763]

I ride a 11 ultra classic I love the apes you have on your bike Matt

[@mikedanaher3413]

Great information. Very cool how you throw in some history as well. Thanks for sharing this. 👍

[@efeconker]

I have dna monster bars 14" which are extremely low quality but it has a bold design. They move forward and back while riding which sucks. I think I am moving to TS t-bars soon. Thanks for the video. Best!

[@davidchereneimmel8820]

I personally don't care for the T- bar look, my son has them on his CVO Glide. I have Longhorn Beach Bars on my King. But that's what is cool about HD, make the bike your own baby!

[@donniebaker5984]

I just heard you recommend parts from Kraus performance ? Satya Kraus is crazy . He builds big twins he take out on gravel and dirt roads and slides them sideways a at 100 like jay springsteen

[@MattLaidlaw]

Awesome. Yea, he makes great stuff.

[@vf12497439]

Can I see my boom gts display through, or over a tbar setup on my RG? It does look good but I want to see my display.

[@brandongutierrez5166]

Would highly recommend the thrashin 6inch riser and their high bend bar. Or the kraus riser with the ODI podium bar

[@vf12497439]

@@brandongutierrez5166 thanks, I kinda looked. I think I need to check into it further. Looks like guages can get relocated???? Depending on what you go with???? I need to check out what other riders are using and ask pros and cons questions. The T bars look really cool. But I can see a $500 at home project getting out of control.... who am I kidding, I bought a 2021 RG limited FLTRK. My crayons are half eaten so I think ill go with "I want my bike to look hot" lol thanks for the direction to check out.

[@rsanchez5676]

Thank you matt. Great information!

[@bmwdan3445]

With the poly bushings how much more vibration are you going to feel compared to the stock rubber? Im told by others it’s quite substantial? Thank you

[@rebel_ltz]

What you will feel is better control, tighter steering and not vibrations.

[@robertcurtis9449]

what is the set up Brandon has on his King?

[@brandongutierrez5166]

I’m running the thrashing supply 9.5 pull back riser with there mid bend bar

[@Aprojeep]

@Brandon.....where did you get the steering lock cover for your Road King? I have a 21 RK and was thinking of doing the same setup as you have on your bike.

[@brandongutierrez5166]

Luckily Harley sells a nacelle cover for taller risers. Part#: 55800289

[@Aprojeep]

@@brandongutierrez5166 Very cool.....thank you!

[@Courtcousinz]

What is the fairing on that road king near the end?

[@MattLaidlaw]

It’s a Russ wernimont fairing.

[@scotttisco]

I went Tbars on my roadglide then to apes after copping hate, went back to Tbars cause they feel and handle so much better,

[@OfficialMattLaidlaw..__.]

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[@clintpaul2589]

Thank you for always mentioning a ballpark price for these mods 👍🏽

[@gfunk63901]

California has it going on. Your bikes are all so much better looking than here on the east coast.

[@martinXY]

12:30 Did you say '1,2 skip a few'? 😆. Cracked me up.

[@OfficialMattLaidlaw..__.]

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[@robertcurtis9449]

great video and info on the bars guys, thanks!

[@michaelfuller2378]

Thanks Matt, loved this video! Going to your parts page to check selection. Your videos are informative when it comes to tech tips and spectacular when you highlight riding destinations! Thanks!

[@samueltorres6897]

So much respect for the info. True and to the point. Appreciate that. I’m shopping for bars a bit higher and pulled back for my 2022 road king special. I’m 61 years old and I love my king. Just need a bit more comfort. This video helped a lot.

[@MattLaidlaw]

I really appreciate this comment. That’s exactly how I try to deliver my info - true and to the point. Thanks.

[@anchorsaweigh9893]

I think Ts on Baggers look good. I have Ts on my FXDL but I have a Fused Bar on My Bagger. No pull back (bad for some(s) wrist) but it gives you a similar T/Z Bar feel. Agreed T-Bar Bagger will be popular for some time.

[@chchchscott1]

5’9” Street glide KRAUS 8” pull back riser with raptor plate I can see my entire radio perfectly.

[@daveallen1973]

Matt.... as always another great video, thanks for the information! I'm thinking of doing an aftermarket air cleaner on my 2022 RG Special, I love the look of the clear oval shaped one on the black RG ST that you show at the 3:00 min mark in this video. Do you know the model and brand of this one?

[@cflaherty85]

MJK Performance makes one similar

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yes, the other commentor is right. It’s an MJK air cleaner. They look amazing but are very expensive. 1,500 bucks for one.

[@mikewastian3007]

Hey Matt, when are you getting your new Road Glide ?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Hah! Maybe a year or two. Or maybe I’ll stick to a streetglide.

[@billgonzales8978]

do you make heated grips for a 57 kick start panhead? ha,ha,ha. we used too make our own handle bars back then

[@toddgittins5692]

Hate anything with a miter cut on any type of motorcycle. JMO. Good video!

[@roadglide]

Coming from Enduro and Motocross bikes, T bars are sweet. Handling is sublime, quick and sporty.

[@dawidos117]

Hey, Brandon. Just curious, do the Thrashin Supply risers fit through Road King’s handlebar cover, part number 55800290? Thank you!

[@brandongutierrez5166]

YES they do. I jumped the gun and bought it all before even realizing I was putting a square peg in a round hole. Fits like a glove

[@dawidos117]

@@brandongutierrez5166 That’s perfect! Thank you! 👊🏻

[@road_king_dude]

As someone who has no experience with ape hangars or T-bars; Can't you get essentially the same hand positioning on a set of Apes as you can T Bars, if you do it correctly???

[@brandongutierrez5166]

Yes. There are many companies with similar hand placement dimensions. It all comes down to style and preference

[@Noodle_77]

Typical “bagger apes” are very wide compared to tbars or motto bars.

[@tracyneighbors7059]

DO THESE WORK ON AN 08 HERITAGE? THANX

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea you can put t-bars on a heritage.

[@tracyneighbors7059]

@@MattLaidlaw THANX MATT!

[@leorobles9885]

Another great video fellas. Greetings from Antelope Valley HD 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks Leo! Much appreciated.

[@kennethreynolds8]

Good informative vid Matt thanks.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for watching

[@scottschiller1153]

Great information guy's 👍

[@joejunior1974]

I just left Myrtle Beach fall bike rally and saw hardly anyone with t bars. I personally love t bars. I have them on my bike. These old east coasters don't get it!

[@patrickshanman7417]

thanks so much !!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching

[@terpy6001]

Putting 14in risers with moto bars on my sportster right now 🤘

[@OfficialMattLaidlaw..__.]

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[@madfzr]

U heard it first from matt..It all started with dyna bros…. damn i dig t-bars on dyna and baggers

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yes sir. Yea, it’s a rad look 🤘🏼

[@bizerker1497]

Great video. Thanks for making it!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for watching it 🤙🏼

[@Eli-yh1iz]

What fairing does Andrew have on his road king?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Russ wernimont.

[@slayer04031974]

Awesome Video and Info Matt!! Please keep bringing out more information 💪 Thank you!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Will so! Thanks for watching.

[@mcdgtodd]

Great content gentlemen! A lot of guys in the club are all over the T-bars. They look fantastic. I a black Road Glide Special in my back garage that has the one piece T-bar setup. I’m holding the black RGS for a my club brother who is finishing up his Navy in Japan. Honestly, I hate riding that bike. I get the T-bar trend but it’s not my thing. But I see why it’s popular. You guys are always on top of everything in what goes on in the H-D Universe.

[@kw8761]

As usual a Great informative video!

[@duncanwigley8416]

Great job Brandon and Andrew! I'm going to change my risers and bars eventually. I see you guys have my condo in the background ha ha 👍👍👍

[@kennethmoore5629]

Great topic!

[@cacointhehole]

14inch T bars 🔥

[@RIPbiker13]

Ohlins in the rear, GP going in the front, Kraus MX bars and risers. But I don't speed... :-D

[@OfficialMattLaidlaw..__.]

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[@vmotobiker]

On point!

[@markdaniels3992]

not a fan of tee bars personally. Had them on a soft tail and couldnt find any mirrors that would work. couldnt see anything except my shoulders and arms terrible in traffic

[@nateryan7041]

Excellent review guys well done 👍👍👍👍

[@OfficialMattLaidlaw..__.]

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[@nateryan7041]

@@OfficialMattLaidlaw..__. what is it mate

[@STAYHUMBLE302]

FUNCTION OVER FORM !!! T bars perform !!

[@javonbrandon]

Does harley sell z bars

[@robertolesen2349]

Think the Sons of anarchy tv-show kickstarted this trend with the club style bikes....

[@FTW_Bryan]

Actually SoCal bike culture started this trend with the tall bike movement on the Dynas. We just took it to another level

[@robertolesen2349]

@@FTW_Bryan well, with two big twin chassis platforms, the Dyna option is not an option with the M8 powertrain.

[@MattLaidlaw]

That would make sense and it's something that is commonly said but from my experience it's a false presumption.

[@robertolesen2349]

@@MattLaidlaw the Son of anarchy tv show didn't invent the club and T-bar style but I believe it helped popularize it. As stated in the video, The advantages of adjustment options and custom fitment is infinite. As any style people are exploring options. It wouldn't be a surprise if at some point a few riders will combine T-bar risers with apehangers, just for the attention it'll generate...

[@lawtondevil]

Take your foot off my bike/ LOL

[@Desmo1]

Not a fan of how Krause setups tend to have that purple tint to it, when it should be straight black.

[@MattLaidlaw]

It’s a common anodizing fading. Yea, one of the pitfalls to anodizing as opposed to powder coating.

[@pd6569]

Didn’t hear anything about how it improves and or effects…..steering?

[@robertsonfamilyfarm9126]

I’m surprised Harley DAVIDSON doesn’t understand what we want ? T bars with kraus style set up on the road glide st and street glide st And if they really want to make a performance bagger , give us mid controls option

[@MattLaidlaw]

I know that HD has a hard time pushing the limits of bar height. There are pesky laws that get in the way. Mid controls should be unrestricted. There isn’t a good way to put them on touring bikes though. They would need to do some engineering work.

[@stratolestele7611]

Are we talking about just a style thing? Because it's way less expensive to just get bars with the same height and width would get you to the same end result. Well, I guess you said as much at 12:15. I mean, on a bike with a full fairing, you can only see the riser/T bar from the back looking forward anyway. And then with the loss of visibility and access to gauges, TFT or whatever radio, that's in there, it just seems crazy, at least to me. Plenty of places to spend money on a Harley as we all know. Spending it on that, man, I just don't get it.

[@Steve-ec6ed]

Perfect timing on this video. Was looking at the 12 in meathooks for my electra glide but Andrew has me reconsidering now

[@twocupstwodrams7535]

Always an invitation to make a "educated/informed decision", or not. Thanks for sharing. Ride Free

[@MattLaidlaw]

Exactly. Thank you for watching.

[@geraldtakala1721]

Hard to get good leverage when riding a heavy bike with bars that high