Best Handlebars for Harley Road King Reviewed
The Ape Hanger handlebar is one of the most loved upgrades with Harley Davidsons, especially with touring bikes like the Road King, Road Glide, and Softail. Besides bringing a classic look on your bike that everyone loves, having one can also bring comfort for other riders that can’t slouch or lean over longer periods.
This article will help you find the perfect ape hanger handlebars specifically for the Harley Davidson Road King, let’s jump right in.
This handlebar will be the best if you’re looking for a very subtle and natural look, no dramatic flaring and curves. Let’s have a look.
This handlebar will fit most Road King and Road Glide models perfectly, especially with the 1996-2016 models. This handlebar has a 1.25 inches diameter handlebar with a 1-inch diameter on the grips and center mounts, so yes, most stock controls will fit without any trouble. It will even accommodate modern electronic throttle control units, as the grips are notched, and the bar itself is pre-drilled for internal wiring.
Looks are simple; all you’ll see is chrome perfection, there are also no visible welds and finish imperfection as this is hand made to ensure the highest quality. But, the ergonomics of this handlebar may not be for everyone since this has less setback so the rider may be slightly leaning. But still, if you’re a rider with no back problems, then you’ll most likely find this comfortable.
In the end, the Bagger Brothers Ape Hanger Handlebar will work for most people, and it will do its job perfectly, that’s why this handlebar secured a spot at this list.
- Will fit every Road King and Road Glide model from 1996-2016
- Pre-drilled and has a pull wire for a straightforward wiring installation
- The finish is flawless
- Can’t fit a hydraulic clutch
Next on this list we have something more flashy and will give your bike a meaner look if that’s the things you want then the Dominator Industries Meathook Monkeybars may be the best one for you.
This handlebar is designed to give your bike a gnarlier look, this has sharper curves, and a horn-like appearance when viewed from the front. This handlebar also has a slight dark chrome finish which makes it look better, especially if you have black trims on your bike. Everything is also tig welded and polished by hand to ensure the best quality and durability of the finish.
The Dominator Industries Meathook Monkeybars will work with models like Road Glide, Softail, and Road King made from 1997-2014. And it’ll even work with motorcycles with the electronic throttle control unit, which essentially uses electronic wires instead of tension wires for the throttle. To make sure that controls will work this handlebar has pre-drilled holes for the wires to go through.
Also making the installation easier, the holes are all de-burred and beveled to make sure that the wires won’t get any damage. There’s also a pull wire already inserted inside the handlebar which you can use to pull the wiring inside and though the handlebar pretty quickly.
In terms of sheer build quality and looks, I think that the Dominator Industries Meathook Monekeybars is the way to go. With CNC machined parts and hand assembly, nothing much could go wrong.
- Easy and hassle-free installation
- Top-notch build and finish quality
- The setback and height are perfect to be comfortable for every rider
- Fitment is a gamble especially with Customized and Special models of the Road King
There’s nothing like a chrome finished ape hanger handlebar on a Harley Road King. One of the best-designed ape hanger handlebars is the one made by Khrome Werks.
First off, the 2008-2010 year models of the Harley Road King which has the modern electronic throttle control unit in which the wires are fed inside the handlebar to protect it from sun and water exposure which can degrade the wire’s durability. And that way, the cables will also be protected from physical damage. This design made replacing and upgrading the handlebar much harder to do.
To make sure that the Khrome Werks Fat Ape Hanger is compatible with the electronic throttle control sensors, Khrome Werks features pre-drilled holes for easy wiring installation, and every dimension on the handlebar can work with the stock grips and controls.
The handlebar has a diameter of 1.25 inches with the exception for the mounting section and grip mounts which has a diameter of 1 inch.
This handlebar is also designed to have smooth and sleek curves for a more ergonomic and natural design. There are also no visible welds. The total width is 34.88 inches, which is just right for most people, and the end rise is a bit high at 14.32 inches. And finally, the 7.46-inch pullback will set the rider at a comfortable upright posture especially for riders with back issues, and it’s not too much that you need to slouch and not too little that you need to lean forward.
Overall, I’d recommend this for most people who want a handlebar that works without any issue, extra features, and perfects the essentials with handlebars, and this will pretty much work with everybody.
- Works with stock components
- Smooth and clean weld seams
- Pre-drilled, ready for wiring installation
- Doesn’t have a pull wire for an easy internal wiring procedure
In getting your ape hanger handlebar for your Road King, it’s always best to feel the bars for yourself. And remember to keep your safety and comfort in mind when getting a feel for these bars. For more information, check these handlebars out using the links above, and find out what’s best for you.
Keep riding!
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