Ever feel like your hands are just a little too far away or a bit too low on your Road Glide? That feeling, that slight disconnect between you and your machine, can really change a great ride into a tiring one. Choosing the right handlebars for your Road Glide is a big deal. You want comfort for long trips, but you also need control when you’re navigating tight corners. It’s easy to get overwhelmed looking at all the different heights, sweeps, and materials out there. What works for one rider might not feel right for you at all!
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you will understand the key differences between popular Road Glide handlebar styles. We will break down what matters most, like grip height and pullback angle, so you can finally find bars that feel like they were custom-made for your hands. Get ready to transform your riding comfort and control as we dive deep into the best handlebar upgrades for your Harley-Davidson Road Glide.
Top Road Glide Handlebars Recommendations
- Fitment list: For 2016-2023 Touring Road Glide. (Please ❗Note 1: For CVO & Ultra bikes, the alignment pin hole is on the left side of the bar bottom which is different from our bar, but if you still like our bars, you can use a plier to pull the alignment pin on the risers out to fit our bars, or drill an extra hole on the left side of the bar bottom to fit, thx ❗Note 2: The bottom-to-top rise for this bar is 14", bottom-to-grip end rise is 12")
- 👍Convenient Pre-wired: TIGERSGATE Road Glide Bars have been pre-wired with CAN-Bus switch control wires, and Throttle by Wire(TBW) harness. To help simple wiring work!
- ❗❗Note-the TBW routing plan: (Please click the video at the page bottom to see how to splice the TBW wires) ---We pre-wired extra long TBW wires to meet different needs, so you have to Cut & Splice both the bike's & our TBW wires at right hand grip part due to limited handlebar space. ❗No need to pull out the prewired TBW wire and reroute the TBW wire which is painful.(NOTE❗: please msg us for TBW wires connection instructions if you need, thanks)
- High-Strength Upgraded Steel: Made of high-strength upgraded steel, our FLTR (Road Glide), FLTRXS (Road Glide Special), FLTRX (Road Glide Custom) ape hangers have better strength, toughness, and safety than iron ones. With a solid structure and high tensile strength, they ensure a long service life for your motorcycle
- Enhanced Safety and Comfort: The anti-slip knurl design provides a non-slip and tight , improving the safety of your motorcycle. The larger pipe diameter (1 1/2") also provides a more comfortable grip experience, and the handlebar pullback offers an ergonomic fit that reduces stress and pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.
- CONTROL COMPATIBILITY: This 1 1/4 Inch Road Glide Meathook Ape is Compatible with all the Stock Cables and Controls on 2015-2021 Harley Road Glides Pre-Wired.
- MODEL COMPATIBILITY: Fits 2015-2020 model years of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide (FLTR).
- READY TO GO: Our Handlebars are Properly Plumbed for Internal Wiring and Notched for TBW Applications. What Does This Mean? Less Time Installing Your Handlebars and More Time RIDING!
- QUALITY: Hand Made in the USA - Laser cut, fully TIG welded, beveled & de-burred for easy internal wire pulling, and polished to show quality finish. Pre Wired For Quick And Easy Installation. All of our bars are carefully designed to provide natural, relaxed grip angles combined with optimal pullback comfort. We have engineered them to be direct bolt-on replacements for stock equipment. No slag inside the bar tubes makes installation easy.
- DOMINATOR: A NAME YOU CAN TRUST: Dominator Cycles is a Name You can Trust. We Produce High quality Handlebars Right Here in the States. Furthermore, Our Five Star Customer Service, Customized Products, and Limited Lifetime Warranty Will Make Dominator a Partner You and Your Bike can Partner with for Years to COME.
- 【Compatibility】This ape handlebar is compatible with Sportster 1984-2022, Fit Softail 1984-2024, compatible with Road King 1994-2022, compatible with Road Glide 1998-2013, Fit Dyna 1993-2017 models. Please check the detailed fitment list before purchasing.
- 【Comfortable Riding】This ape hangers handlebar is designed to provide a comfortable and relaxed riding experience, this handlebar reduces wrist and shoulder fatigue, making long-distance journeys a breeze， and provides exceptional grip and control, allowing you to navigate your motorcycle with ease and confidence, even at high speeds.
- 【Durable Quality】The handlebar is made from seamless steel pipe materials, this handlebar is durable and designed to withstand extensive use, ensuring that it lasts for years to come.
- 【Stylish Design】This ape bar handlebar adds a touch of modern style to your motorcycle, enhancing its appearance and giving it a unique look.
- 【Ape Handlebar Size】The ape handlebar sizes are the following: End rise: 12 inches, Clamp Area width: 5.37'' and Diameter: 1 inch, Bar Diameter: 1-1/4 inch, Center Width: 10-1/2 inch, Clamp Area Bar Diameter: 1 inch. Overall Width: 33 inches. Pullback/Sweep: 8 inches; Knurling Inside Width: 2.5 inches; Outside Width: 4.5 inches. And its surface finishing is Triple (copper and nickel plating and black powder coated).
- 【Wide Compatibility】: This road glide ape hangers is compatible with Harley Road Glide 2015-2023. Please check the detailed fitment list before purchasing.
- 【Easier Faster Installation】: The internal handlebar has been laid out with a ‘can’ extension cable and a pre-installed switch line. The ‘can’ line is Plug & Play design; Notched for TBW allows you to install the electronic throttle. Pre-installed TBW auxiliary pull cord for easier and faster installation. Reserved connector for handlebar heater harness to keep winter rides from getting cold. So you can quickly complete the installation and always be ready to go.
- 【Excellent Quality】: Made of steel pipe with Triple Process（copper nickel plating chrome). It makes this handlebar much stronger than other straight-seam welded pipe handlebars on the market.Material: Steel Pip; Pre-Drilled: Yes; Pre-wired: Yes; End Rise: 12 inch; Bar Diameter: 1.5 inch; Center Width: 13.5 inch(outer width) ; Clamp Area Diameter: 1.25 inch; Grip Area Bar Diameter: 1 inch; Overall Width: 37 inch; Pullback/Sweep: 7 inch.
- 【Comfortable Beautiful】: The pre-wired handlebar is designed with a 7" pull-back distance, It provides you with maximum comfort and makes you feel relaxed and natural during the ride, reducing the fatigue of long rides. It matches the factory look of your bike and makes it natural and beautiful.
- 【Package List】: 1 x pre-wired handlebar.
- ✅Tailored To Fit Your Driving Needs: Count on the right finishing touches for your bike’s exterior to make every ride comfortable and convenient. Custom motorcycle powersports handlebars look great while keeping your accessories just how you like them—sleek, neat, and holding belongings steady. Crafted with durable, alloy steel materials. Tough accessories for a deserving driver.
- ✅Smart Craftsmanship: we spared no expense or brilliant concept to ensure this black 12" apes hangers set delivers excellent protection & peace of mind. We kept the design simple—no busy logos or messages. Put the custom-sized bars in your bike, then enjoy the handsome look and stay-put functionality.
- ✅It's What Your Motocycle Deserves: You love your time on the road, and the sturdy set of wheels that gets you out there. Grab this set to fit Harely Davison Softail FLST, FXST, Sportster XL 883, Sportster XL 1200, 1998-2013 Road Glide, 1994-up Road King. (Doesn't fit Harley Electra Glide, Street Glide & 2014-UP Road Glide, 2008-2011 Cross Bones FLSTSB with OEM risers).
- ✅RESCUE YOUR EXTERIOR w/ FJPACEMT: Our protective handbars are specially designed with premium-quality stainless steel that supports safety concerns. The solid connectors to your docking hardware and shock absorber areas so they stay in place when you lift up your moto, and makes for easy removal and cleaning.
- ✅BEST GIFTS FOR MEN WHO HAVE EVERYTHING - FJPACEMT for Harley accessories are great gift ideas for men or women who enjoy the feeling of a cool motocycle and love a detailed custom look. Buying Custom Mods? You can’t go wrong! With our assorted size options we are sure to have the right look to match your handlebars and luggage racks. Give the gift of custom fit accessories.
- 【Wide Compatibility】This 12" pre-wired handlebar is compatible with Harley Road Glide FLTR/I FLTRX FLTRXS 2015-2023, Fit Road Glide Ultra FLTRU 2016-2019, Fit Road Glide ST FLTRXST 2022-2023, Fit Road Glide Limited FLTRK 2020-2024. Please check the detailed fitment list before purchasing.
- 【Durable Quality】This ape handlebar is made of durable quality steel pipe with Triple Process (copper and nickel plating and chrome). It makes the pre-wired handlebar much stronger than other straight-seam welded pipe handlebars on the market and makes it natural and beautiful.
- 【Easier and Faster Installation】The internal of the ape hanger handlebar has been laid out ‘can’ extension cable and a pre-installed switch line, The ‘can’ line is simple and convenient design; it is notched for TBW and allows you to install the electronic throttle. Pre-installed TBW auxiliary pull cord for easier and faster installation. Reserved connector for handlebar heater harness to keep winter rides from getting cold. So you can quickly complete the installation and always be ready to go!
- 【Comfortable】The prewired handlebar is designed with a 7" pull-back distance, this ape handlebar provides you with maximum comfort and makes you feel relaxed and natural during the ride, reducing the fatigue of long rides.
- 【Specifications】Bar Diameter: 1.5 inch Fat Bar, End Rise: 12 inches, Center Width: 13.5 inches (outer width), Clamp Area Diameter: 1.25 inch, Grip Area Bar Diameter: 1 inch, Overall Width: 37 inches, Pullback/Sweep: 7 inches, Pre-Drilled: Yes, Pre-wired: Yes.
- Fitment List: Fit for Road Glide - FLTRX 2015-2023, Road Glide CVO/SE - FLTRXSE 2018-2022, Road Glide Special - FLTRXS 2015-2023, Road Glide ST - FLTRXST 2022, Road Glide Ultra - FLTRU 2016-2019, Road Glide Ultra CVO/SE - FLTRUSE 2015-2016
- Sturdy Construction: Crafted with a 1.25" diameter and a 16" rise, featuring a 1.25" clamp area diameter, providing enhanced stability and control, complemented by a 11.5" base width for confident handling on the road.
- Effortless Installation: Our pre-drilled mercenary handlebars feature notches for TBW sensors, ensuring a hassle-free setup. Enjoy a clean and seamless look while installing with ease, saving you time and effort
- Simplified Wiring: Thanks to a convenient 1.25-inch bar diameter, our meathook ape hangers simplify the wiring process for convenient installation, while adding to the attractive, muscular appearance of your bike
- Striking Meathook Design: Experience the perfect fusion of style and strength with our Z-shaped meathook bat-wing handlebar. Its angular profile blends seamlessly with a muscular look to take the aesthetics of your bike to a whole new level
- Perfect Fit: Our Road Glide handlebar for 2023-later FLTRXSE CVO Road Glide & 2024-later FLTRX Road Glide & 2024-later ABS enabled Road Glide models (not including FLTRXSTSE CVO Road Glide ST)Bar Diameter: 1.5", Width: 37.25", Pullback (depth): 7.9", Rise (height): 14" Clamp Area Diameter:1.25", Base Width: 12"
- 1.5" Diameter: The 1.5" diameter handlebar appears more robust and powerful, with a timeless right angle design that never goes out of style, making it more eye-catching and fashionable, adding a unique look to Harley.
- Durability: Our road glide handlebar is constructed from high-quality materials and finished with multi-layer chrome plating or powder coating technology, ensuring outstanding durability and a long lifespan, suitable for various riding environments.
- Simplified Installation for Cable Kit : The 1.5" diameter right angle handlebar is more user-friendly for riders who prefer DIY installations, providing a convenient installation experience for cable kits.
- One-Piece Molding Technology: Internal smoothness eliminates burrs, making threading easier, resulting in a more refined appearance and enhanced overall integrity.
Choosing the Best Road Glide Handlebars: Your Complete Buying Guide
Upgrading your Road Glide handlebars can change your whole riding experience. Better bars mean more comfort and better control. This guide helps you pick the perfect set for your bike.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for new handlebars, check these important features first.
- Height and Pullback: This is the most important part. Taller bars put your hands higher. More pullback brings the grips closer to you. You need bars that fit your arms and riding style. Shorter riders often want less height and more pullback. Tall riders might want much taller bars.
- Diameter: Most Harley-Davidson bikes use a 1-inch diameter bar. However, some newer or custom models might use a 1.25-inch or even 1.5-inch “fat bar.” Make sure the new bars match your bike’s clamps and control housings.
- Grip Angle: This is how the grips angle toward you. A comfortable angle reduces wrist strain on long rides.
- Wire/Cable Routing: Some bars come with holes drilled for internal wiring. This gives a clean, custom look. If the holes are not there, you need longer cables and wires, which costs more time and money.
Important Materials and Construction
The material of your handlebars affects strength and weight.
Most quality bars use steel or aluminum. Steel is very strong and often cheaper. It can be heavier than aluminum. Aluminum bars are lighter. This can slightly improve handling. Look for thick tubing. Thicker tubing means the bars will not bend under hard use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good manufacturing makes a big difference in safety and look.
Quality Boosters:
- Welds: Smooth, clean welds show good craftsmanship. Poor welds are weak spots.
- Finish: A thick, even powder coat (black) or chrome plating protects the metal from rust and scratches. A great finish lasts longer.
- Fitment: Bars that fit perfectly into the stock risers without forcing them are higher quality.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin Walls: Very cheap bars might use thin metal walls. These can flex or break.
- Rough Edges: Sharp, unfinished edges on cut tubing show a rush job. These areas can cause stress points.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you ride your Road Glide.
If you take long highway trips, comfort is king. You want bars that let you sit upright without reaching forward too much. This reduces fatigue in your shoulders and back. Many touring riders choose “ape hanger” styles that raise the hands near shoulder height.
If you ride mostly in the city or enjoy aggressive cornering, you might want lower bars with less pullback. Lower bars give you more leverage over the front wheel. This helps you steer quickly. Always test the bars before a long ride. A quick 30-minute ride can tell you if the fit is right.
Road Glide Handlebar FAQs
Q: Will I need new cables when I install taller bars?
A: Yes, usually. If you go up more than 2 inches taller, you will need longer brake lines, clutch cables, and throttle/idle cables. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your chosen bar height.
Q: What is “riser pullback”?
A: Riser pullback is how far back the grips come toward you from the steering stem. More pullback means you do not have to reach forward as much.
Q: Can I use standard Harley grips with any new bars?
A: Most aftermarket bars use the standard 1-inch diameter grip area. However, some very thick bars (1.25 inches or more) require matching grips. Always check the grip area diameter.
Q: Are aluminum bars strong enough for touring?
A: Yes, quality aluminum bars are very strong. They are often used successfully on heavy touring bikes. They save a little weight compared to steel.
Q: What is the difference between “ape hangers” and “mini apes”?
A: “Ape hangers” are generally taller, often 12 inches or more. “Mini apes” are shorter, usually between 8 and 12 inches. Mini apes offer a taller look without the extreme height of full apes.
Q: Do I need special tools to install these?
A: You will need standard motorcycle tools, including torque wrenches and possibly a cable puller tool. If the bars have internal wiring holes, you will need wire extensions or soldering tools.
Q: How does bar width affect steering?
A: Wider bars give you more leverage for low-speed maneuvering. Very narrow bars can make the bike feel twitchy at high speeds. Aim for a width that lets your arms rest naturally.
Q: Should I choose gloss black or chrome?
A: This is purely cosmetic. Chrome shines brightly but shows fingerprints easily. Gloss black powder coat hides dirt well and matches modern bike aesthetics.
Q: What is the easiest handlebar upgrade for a beginner?
A: Swapping to bars that are only 1 to 2 inches taller than stock, but with the same pullback, is the easiest. This often allows you to reuse existing cables.
Q: How do I prevent vibrations after installing new bars?
A: Poorly fitting bars or loose clamps cause vibrations. Ensure you use a torque wrench correctly on the risers. Some riders add specialized rubber damper mounts between the bars and the risers for extra dampening.