Hoist,
Now that I have had a chance to read the additional posts regarding your "mods" which then finished up with the photos of your handlebar modification from the stock to the WO515. I have a couple of observations, a couple of questions, and some final thoughts:
observations:
1) The photo of your handle bars from the rear which are close up which you labeled "Different View of the bars" is a very nice photo....could be a screen saver photo.....the bars look fantastic in that photo.
2) I looked at your photos of your SERK before the change of your handlebars from stock to the WO515's and I personally believe that your bike looks much better with the WO515's...I have always thought that the "lower" handle bars on road kings look the best but in this case....I have to say that the WO 515's in this case have given your bike much more "personality"....it's a very "stunning" look....and we haven't even mentioned/discussed the apparent riding comfort and funcitionality of the bars themselves.
Questions:
On January 28th, 2007 you posted after 150 miles of ownership of your 2007 SERK that you felt that HD "nailed the riding position on this bike. I am 5' 9". The ride height and reach are perfect. The handlebars and controls are perfect"
Then
On March 3rd 2007, you post "OK, I put a bunch of miles on the new SERK today. On my previous RK's, I always used HD Chrome Dyna Wide Glide handlebars. My '85 Wide glide has 6" risers with Flanders Street Bars. I'm used to riding with my arms a little higher than these SERK bars (not too high), and slightly narrower. Elbows out a little and fists just below shoulder level. So I might be thinking of changing the stock handlebars. "
By March 12, 2007 with close to 500 miles you have ordered the W0515's and by April 24, 2007 you have posted photos with them now installed.
So it's obvious like all of us we initially feel something is good.....but then the miles set in.....it didn't take you too long to decide (less than 150) the stock bars on your SERK were not going to be comfortable.....also through this period of time it appears your riding weather was very limited so now that we are at June 13th, 2007 how many miles are on your bike at this time? Have you taken any rides that might include back to back to back (3 days) of 400 - 500 mile days?
I am not trying to "nail" you with anything you have said of course, you see I too am 5' 8" but with my socks, orthodics, boots I can easily get to 5' 10" which puts us very close in height, my shirt sleeve length is a 32" / 33". So we seem to be fairly close in size based upon my reading......with you being 5' 9". So I look at your experience with these handlebars as being a gateway for my understanding and what to expect.....This will be my 4th attempt at finding the "perfect" handlebar if there is such a thing, the stock bar, and another change, I am running the reduced reach rk bars now and now I am here discussing the WO515's with you. So the truest test of any handlebar is if you find yourself in a very short period of time riding some long days.....throughout your post you mentioned some up comming trips so I am curious if any of those fit the parameters of the back to back to back days with 400-500 mile days allowing you to offer anyone here for that matter that may be like me deciding upon these bars as a possible installation?
Thus any specific comments, besides that they are good would be greatly appreciated. Thus what "road test" information either pro or con for the bars can you offer?
The funny thing here is that I was actually looking at the stock 2007 FLHRSE (SERK) bars as a possible solution because let's face it the "cool" factor of the lower bars is always there....but quickly (I might add) you reached the conclusion of only using them for 150 miles before you came to the conclusion I was curious about, that indeed they were not comfortable and thus you began your search.....I have also given consideration to the WO513's as well....which are the 8.5" baby apes...you apparently disgarded those as an option and I have found myself debating within my mind yeah vs na on those....I have a buddy who is running the WO513's on his 2006 FLHRS Road King Custom with the Mustang "Daytripper" and I have ridden that for 50 miles or so and felt his bars were quite comfortable....but if "quite" is good...perhaps I began thinking that 1.5" more rise with also result in a bit more pull back because of the rise would be "better"....this might be a good spot ask you what sport coat size you wear....I am 42 reg....so I am curious that with the 1" wider width of the WO515's of 36" vs the WO 513's of 35, if indeed you gave that any consideration as well?
I appreciate your "thread" here it's been informative and helpful....and adding the "link" like you did to my previous request for information will help someone "Trail" your personal experience to the end.....posting those pictures here might save someone the trouble however.....and make it a very nice ending to your journey. (just a thought)
Final Thoughts:
Your thread is an example of how unexpectantly months later it can be of help to another....thank you for your details and time to write....it takes time to make anything worth reading.....if you wouldn't mind sharing a couple final reflections as well to a couple of your mods:
A) what is the true track system that you took a photo of for?
B) what is the significance of the new windshield you put on vs a standard rk windshield from Harley.
Thank you for your time and energy.
Regards,
FXR2evo99
Author
Topic: HELP! SERK Needs Different Handlebars (Read 12314 times)