Does your Harley-Davidson Fatboy feel a little…uncomfortable on those long rides? Many riders find the stock handlebars just don’t hit that sweet spot for comfort and control. Choosing the perfect set of handlebars can feel like a maze. You worry about height, pull-back, and whether they will look right on your classic machine. Getting the wrong bars can lead to sore shoulders or an awkward riding posture that ruins your day.
Finding the right bars means better handling and hours more enjoyment on the road. This deep dive cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best handlebar options specifically designed for the Fatboy. You will learn what matters most when comparing styles like ape hangers, T-bars, and touring bars. Stick with us to discover the ideal upgrade that matches your riding style and finally makes your Fatboy feel like it was built just for you.
Top Handlebars For Fatboy Recommendations
- ♥ MATERIAL: Made of 1'' high strength carbon steel tube. Integrated design.
- ♥ CHROME-PLATING SURFACE: High Standard Rust-Proof Plating which can be tested by salt spray 48 hours neutral.
- ♥ SIZE: 10'' Rise; Width: 28''; Center Width: 10"; Pull Back: 9.5''; Clamp Area Diameter: 1''; Pre-Drilled; Not notched for TBW.
- ♥ FITMENT: Compatible with Harley Softail Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Street Bob Low Rider && Any Custom Application.
- ♥ INSTALLATION: Easy to install. Please confirm your application scenario according to the product size before get it.
- BMX Handlebar 9.5 inch Rise
- Chromoly 4130 Heat Treated Bar
- 4pc BMX Handebar
- Fits on a 22mm Stem
- Width: 29.5 inch
- [Vehicle Fitment-1]: Compatible with Harley-Davidson Sportster/Sportster 883 1971, Deluxe/Fat Bob/Heritage Classic 2018, Bad Boy 1995-1997, Blackline 2011-2013, Breakout 2013-2017, Disc Glide 1983-1984, Dyna 1983-1991, Dyna Glide 1992, Fatbob 1979-1981, Fatboy 1990-2017, Fatboy Lo 2010-2017, Forty Eight 2010-2018, Freewheeler 2015-2018, Heritage Softail 1986-2017, Iron 883 2009-2018, Low Glide 1982-1985, Low Rider 1977-1992, Night Train 1999-2009, Road Glide 1998-2013---with 12 inch
- [Vehicle Fitment-2]: Compatible with Harley-Davidson Road King 1994-2018, Roadster 1978-1985, Rocker 2008-2009, Rocker C 2008-2011, Seventy Two 2012-2016, Softail 1984-2018, Sportster 1000 1972-1985, Sportster 1100 1986-1987, Sportster 1200 1988-2018, Super Glide 1971-1994, Super Glide II 1982-1984, Wide Glide 1980-1986, Dyna 1993-2017, Roadster 2016-2018, Sportster 883 1986-2018, Super Glide 1999-2000---with 12 inch
- [Reference Number]: M-HB-3002-40019, MHB300240019
- [Durable Construction]: Manufactured and tested to the strictest standards for superior performance. Utilizes the premium material technology for a long lifespan.
- [Buy with Confidence]: A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee on our meticulously crafted Handlebars. We offer a wide variety of automotive accessory categories, ensuring that you can hit the road with peace of mind.
- [Vehicle Fitment-1]: Compatible with Harley-Davidson Bad Boy 1995-1997, Blackline 2011-2013, Breakout 2013-2017, Deluxe/Fat Bob/Heritage Classic 2018, Disc Glide 1983-1984, Dyna 1983-2017, Dyna Glide 1992, Fatbob 1979-1981, Fatboy 1990-2017, Fatboy Lo 2010-2017, Forty Eight 2010-2018, Freewheeler 2015-2018, Heritage Softail 1986-2017
- [Vehicle Fitment-2]: Compatible with Harley-Davidson Iron 883 2009-2018, Low Glide 1982-1985, Low Rider 1977-1992, Night Train 1999-2009, Road Glide 1998-2013, Road King1994-2018, Roadster 2016-2018, 1978-1985, Rocker 2008-2009, Rocker C 2008-2011, Seventy Two 2012-2016, Softail 1984-2018, Sportster/Sportster 883 1971,Sportster 1000 1972-1987, Super Glide 1971-2000, Super Glide II 1982-1984, Wide Glide 1980-1986
- [Reference Number]: 90-HB-3006, 90HB3006
- [Durable Construction]: Manufactured and tested to the strictest standards for superior performance. Utilizes the premium material technology for a long lifespan.
- [Buy with Confidence]: A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee on our meticulously crafted Handlebars. We offer a wide variety of automotive accessory categories, ensuring that you can hit the road with peace of mind.
- FITMENT - This 22mm drag handlebar can be universal installed on Sportster XL 883 1200 Cruiser Bobber Custom Chopper Softail Dyna Tour Glide Road CG125. (You can confirm whether your motorcycle is suitable according to the size and shape of the handlebar)Please check the product size information carefully before purchasing to avoid incompatibility.If in doubt, please contact customer service first to confirm.
- QUALITATIVE MATERIAL - Select qualitative billet steel manufacturing, after careful grinding, paint treatment, so that the drag handlebar is full of texture, quality is guaranteed.
- ONE-PIECE MOLDING - The high-quality steel is integrally formed, there are no joints, and the overall structure is more stable, which makes the bending resistance of the motorcycle drag handlebar more excellent, and it is not easy to bend and break.
- SCALE INDICATION - In order to the user's installation experience, a pattern is added to the middle part of the z handlebar, which is the installation part of the handlebar bracket and is also anti-skid.
- RETRO LOOK - For research on suitable models on the market, we designed two color schemes for the motorcycle drag handlebars, smart and retro, perfect for street bikes.
- Fits Various Dirt Bikes - Compatible with major pit dirt bike models, namely CRF, YZF, KXF, KLX, RMZ, and DRZ. These 7/8" handlebars for motorcycle with 0.19" thick walls can also be installed on ATVs and quad bikes.
- Lasts Longer - Made from high-strength and lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum that underwent HRC16 heat treatment, our durable dirt bike handlebars will stand up well against damage and bending caused by falls and collisions.
- Customize to Your Needs - Aside from being easy to install, these pit bike handle bars are also feature dimensional markings allowing for riders to cut them to their desired length.
- Premium Look - The anodized anti-oxidation-treated surface sports a matte finish to give the dirtbike handlebar a sleek look. The bends are curved smoothly and are not flattened, crimped, or deformed. This makes them stronger than the competition.
- Buy with confidence - set includes1 x Motocycle Handlebar,1 x Foam Pad,2 x Stainless Steel Bolts as Spare Parts. For your peace of mind, every purchase is backed by our unconditional 1-year replacement warranty.
- [Vehicle Fitment-1]: Compatible with Harley-Davidson Sportster/Sportster 883 1971, Deluxe/Fat Bob/Heritage Classic 2018, Bad Boy 1995-1997, Blackline 2011-2013, Breakout 2013-2017, Disc Glide 1983-1984, Dyna 1983-1991, Dyna Glide 1992, Fatbob 1979-1981, Fatboy 1990-2017, Fatboy Lo 2010-2017, Forty Eight 2010-2018, Freewheeler 2015-2018, Heritage Softail 1986-2017, Iron 883 2009-2018, Low Glide 1982-1985, Low Rider 1977-1992, Night Train 1999-2009, Road Glide 1998-2013
- [Vehicle Fitment-2]: Compatible with Harley-Davidson Road King 1994-2018, Roadster 1978-1985, Rocker 2008-2009, Rocker C 2008-2011, Seventy Two 2012-2016, Softail 1984-2018, Sportster 1000 1972-1985, Sportster 1100 1986-1987, Sportster 1200 1988-2018, Super Glide 1971-1994, Super Glide II 1982-1984, Wide Glide 1980-1986, Dyna 1993-2017, Roadster 2016-2018, Sportster 883 1986-2018, Super Glide 1999-2000
- [Reference Number]: M-HB-3006BK-40096, MHB3006BK40096
- [Durable Construction]: Manufactured and tested to the strictest standards for superior performance. Utilizes the premium material technology for a long lifespan.
- [Buy with Confidence]: A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee on our meticulously crafted Handlebars. We offer a wide variety of automotive accessory categories, ensuring that you can hit the road with peace of mind.
- Aftermarket Customization Products;All parts are well manufactured by our engineers, just to provide the best experience for your ride.
- 18" rise. 1 1/4"-diameter center section tapers to 1" so that standard handlebar controls fit. 33-1/5" wide from tip to tip.
- High class quality and very durable,Good Working Condition and Easy to Install.
- These handlebars are 1.25" diameter while keeping the grip and clamping area 1" for beefy look while maintaining the use of your stock controls and clamps.
- Fit For All Harley-Davidson FLST, FXST, Sportster XL, including Throttle-by-wire models, and any Custom Application.
Choosing the Perfect Handlebars for Your Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Upgrading the handlebars on your Harley-Davidson Fat Boy can completely change how your bike looks and feels. Finding the right set makes riding more comfortable and gives your bike that custom look you want. This guide helps you pick the best bars for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for Fat Boy handlebars, several features matter most.
- Height and Pullback: These determine how far you reach and how high your hands sit. Taller bars (like mini-apes) raise your hands. More pullback brings the grips closer to you. You need bars that match your arm length for comfort.
- Width: The overall width affects your control. Wider bars give you more leverage, especially at slow speeds. Narrower bars can feel twitchy.
- Grip Diameter: Most stock bars are 1 inch, but some custom bars use 1.25 inches. Make sure your grips, controls (like throttle housing and switch housings), and risers fit the new bar diameter.
- Knurling: This refers to the rough texture where the bars clamp into the risers. Good knurling prevents the bars from slipping under hard riding.
Important Materials
The material of your handlebars affects strength and weight.
Most high-quality aftermarket bars use **steel tubing**. Look for seamless, thick-walled steel. This tubing offers excellent strength, which is critical for safety, especially on heavier bikes like the Fat Boy.
Aluminum is lighter than steel, but you must ensure it is aircraft-grade alloy to maintain necessary stiffness and durability. For most riders, heavy-duty steel provides the best balance of strength and price.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is often seen in the details of construction.
What Improves Quality:
- Welds: Smooth, clean, TIG welds show careful manufacturing. Poor welds mean weak spots.
- Finish: A thick, even powder coat or flawless chrome finish resists chipping and rust.
- Gauge (Thickness): Thicker tubing generally means a stronger bar that resists flexing when you pull hard.
What Reduces Quality:
Hollow bars that use thin metal are usually lower quality. If the bars bend easily during installation or feel spongy while riding, the quality is low. Avoid bars with visible grinding marks over the welds.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your riding style dictates the best handlebar choice.
Cruising Comfort
If you ride long distances on the highway, you want comfort. Bars with moderate height (like 10-inch apes or low risers) and a slight pullback reduce strain on your back and shoulders. You should be able to reach the controls easily without leaning too far forward.
Aggressive or Local Riding
For city riding or more aggressive maneuvers, you might prefer slightly lower bars (like “drag” bars or T-bars). These place you in a more forward, assertive position, which gives you quick control input. However, very low bars can hurt your wrists on long rides.
Installation Note: Remember that taller bars often require longer control cables (clutch, throttle) and potentially longer brake lines. Check compatibility before buying!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fat Boy Handlebars
Q: Do I need new cables if I buy taller handlebars?
A: Yes, you likely need longer cables and brake lines if the new bars raise your hands significantly (usually anything over 12 inches tall).
Q: Will new handlebars fit my stock Fat Boy risers?
A: Most aftermarket handlebars for the Fat Boy use the standard 1-inch clamping diameter, so they fit the stock risers. Always double-check the diameter specification.
Q: What is “pullback”?
A: Pullback is how far back the grips sweep toward the rider. More pullback means your hands are closer to your body.
Q: Are T-Bars better than traditional handlebars?
A: T-Bars look very clean and modern, but they often require replacing the entire triple tree setup. Traditional bars just replace the bar itself.
Q: How do I know what height is right for me?
A: Sit on your bike. Your arms should be slightly bent when holding the bars. If your shoulders hunch or your arms lock straight, the height is wrong.
Q: Does changing handlebars affect my bike’s warranty?
A: Modifying parts like handlebars can void the warranty on those specific components or related systems if the modification causes the failure.
Q: What is the benefit of ‘Bung King’ style bars?
A: These are often very sturdy, thick-gauge bars known for excellent strength and a specific aggressive look favored by custom builders.
Q: Is chrome or black powder coat better?
A: Black powder coat resists chips better than chrome, but high-quality chrome offers a classic, deep shine that is hard to match.
Q: Can I install heated grips on aftermarket bars?
A: Yes, as long as the grip diameter matches the bar size. Heated grips work well on both steel and aluminum bars.
Q: What is the easiest handlebar swap for a beginner?
A: Swapping to a slightly taller set of bars that use the existing cable lengths is the easiest job. This usually means bars less than 2 inches taller than stock.