Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: handle change on harley fxstc, worst case scenario, buckhorns


Question
I have a 1998 fxstc it now has buckhorn bars I want to install drag bars ( t-bars ) my question or questions are what would be a correct way to determine a proper bar.. rise,pull-back,and with I am 5 foot8 about 30-31 inseam. I most likey will be mail-ordering and would like to get a bar that serverse the purpose on the first order.    also how to determine whether the cables would need to be changed?  

Answer
Robert,

If you're changing the bars because the bike doesn't fit you properly, you already know what shape you want the bars to be. If you're trying to change the look of the bike, then you probably already know what you want the bars to look like. Ultimately, you will move your body to whatever position allows you to reach the controls. I've seen some riders who didn't look very comfortable, but they really liked the way the bike looked!

If you're going from buckhorns to drag bars, you will likely not have to change the cables at all. You'll figure out ways to deal with any excess cable, as I'm relatively confident that you won't come up short going to drag bars from what you have now.

Long story short, decide what bars you like and then work from there. Also, worst case scenario you'll have to go buy them in person instead of ordering from a catalog.

Best of luck,

Dirk