Harley Handlebars and Supplies

One thing that comes up on my mind on a regular basis is, why the long handlebars on a number of the Harleys, is it safe, and don't those handlebars make your arms tired. Well, the reality is, I don't have a Harley and don't have the high bars. But more than anything else that is merely a preference on my part. Just as riding with the high harley handlebars is a preference on theirs.

The handlebars in question are affectionately called "Ape Hangers" (They look like a ape hanging from a tree) and are also called “Arm pit driers” (or, Arm-Pit Ventilators). Though less often, they are also referred to as "Easy Rider" handle bars and/or "Captain America" bars because the Captain America bike in the movie "Easy Rider" (1969) had handle bars like these.

Actually, the high harley handlebars first showed up in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Guys would strip and bob their bikes and had lots of stuff left like crash bars. So, the first 'apes' were made by re-bending a set of crash bars. But yes they can be less comfortable to ride (probably a blood flow issue as well as wind resistance). High harley handlebars are also illegal in most states if they extend above the seat by more than 15 inches, because cornering becomes more difficult.

But it's a matter of aesthetics, just as many aftermarket items on motorcycles are. It's all in what you like. We all ride our own bikes and appreciate the bikes of others. If you're interested in adding a set of "Ape Hanger" harley handlebars to your motorcycle, we have them available.

Harley Davidson Handlebars (Road King) adjustment

Have you searched through your owners’ manual and factory service manual for harley handlebar adjustment on your Road King with no results? Here’s how and surprisingly easy:

First, remove the windshield if so equipped. Remove the headlamp ring; just one little Phillips screw on the bottom retains it. Lift the ring out and up.

Next, remove the seven black Phillips screws that hold the whole headlamp assembly on. Next, unplug the headlamp and put the assembly aside.

Then remove the 5/16 nut on the little chrome piece on top of the headlight that looks like an
arrow, and remove that piece.

After you remove the arrow looking piece you will notice a little screw on the front side of the cover. It needs to be removed as well, but it has a very small 5/16 nut and washer on the bottom side that you will need to hold and TRY not to drop. I used a pair of hemostats. (OK, a roach clip.) To make reassembly easier, glue the nut to the washer with hot melt glue or rubber adhesive at this point.

Pry up and remove the cover over the key lock on the back side of the handlebar cover (the plastic piece that says "Lock and Unlock"). Under the cover there are two screws that you will have to remove. After doing all this, you can remove the cover and get to the clamps that hold the handlebars in position.

The clamps are held on by 4, 1/4 inch Allen-head bolts. Just loosen them a little, and move the handlebars to the desired position. Re tighten them when you're done.

Reassembly of harley handlebars is the reverse of these steps.
Road test and adjust your mirrors.
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