Switching to Drag Bars

[Mozvader]

I'm thinking of switching my 2008 883 Custom's stock handlebars for Drag Bars. I'm 6'2 and use forward controls.
Anyone have any advice on how this will affect my riding position, comfort, etc.

[Jimmy_Hoffa]

To me, drags and forwards are the most un natural looking setup you could build. Drags belong with mids or rear sets.
Whenever I see someone riding with forwards and drags it reminds me of someone with their wrists taped to their ankles getting F-ed in their A.

The forwards are meant for laid back E-Z boy style riding, drag bars are meant for layed down, aero dynamic racing position. The human body wants to stay in a straight line, not bent at 90+ degrees at the waist.

Harley actually describes the bars on your bike as "drag bars". If you look in a catalog, look at the "drag bars with slight rise", those look exactly like stock 883C bars. If you get bars without rise, what drags normally are, your hands will be 3 or 4 inches lower. Other than that, basically the same as you have now. Since drags don't require longer wires/cables, you can install them in about 15 minutes, no trouble.

Personally, my neck can't take leaning over/looking up to see where I'm going. That's why I ditched my stock bars.

[maru]

I have had low bars, drag bars, or clip ons on the majority of my bikes, for over 30 years, but have to agree with the Union Prez. Drag bars and forward controls are a bad combination.

[Mozvader]

I can definitely see your point but at a height of 6'2 my forward controls aren't very forward at all. I'm not uncomfortable at all on my bike and love the clean look of the Drags.

[Evil_Seven]

I ride drags, with forward controls, mid controls are to uncomfortable, knee's are cramped and it feels like my boots are pinned to my ass. If you have longer legs, mids are impossible to ride for long distances.

[Mozvader]

My Sportster is a custom with pulled back 6 inch risers. Does that make a difference?

[Evil_Seven]

no it doesn't make that big of a difference. Take a look at my buddies 2003 XLC with drags. Just don't go with broom handle bars, you will want a little bit of pull back otherwise your neck is gonna be hurting from leaning to far forward.

[Mozvader]

Good point and nice bike E.S.
I remember riding my friends Triumph Bonneville with mid mounted controls on several occassions and my knees where up to my chest almost.

[Rico 05R]

Originally Posted by Mozvader

I can definitely see your point but at a height of 6'2 my forward controls aren't very forward at all. I'm not uncomfortable at all on my bike and love the clean look of the Drags.

I tell folks all the time that the forward controls on a Rubbermount, are more of a "mid-forward."

[Evil_Seven]

Originally Posted by Rico 05R

I tell folks all the time that the forward controls on a Rubbermount, are more of a "mid-forward."

+1

Very true, I forgot about that.