I like my 03 Mean Streak and for the short runs around town I have no problems. However yesterday we rode 130 miles before stopping On these long runs my arms start to hurt. I feel like I am reaching for the handle bars. I have the stock T bars on the bike. I don't know if I need a new seat or handlebars or what, but I have to do something to make it more comfortable. I am looking for any suggestions.
You won't be able to use risers with T-bars. If you want to use the risers and still retain a similar stock setup, you'll need to buy a drag bar to use with the risers. The drag bar can be had for cheap; risers can cost more depending on who makes them.
I, personally, don't like T-bars simply due to their lack of customization. T-bars are stuck in a single setup and cannot be altered like stand alone risers and bars.
Same as your stock bars only now you won't be reaching and you'll be more comfortable. I had Phat II risers on my 2005 Nomad and loved them. You just have to decide how much pull back you need.
I would suggest replacing the stock t-bar with a set of risers paired with either mini-apes or a drag bar. You can find other t-bars with more rise and pull back; however, I'd go with risers so you can have full control of the setup. With t-bars, you are stuck with how it's built.
Another suggestion would be to take more longer runs to build up your stamina and strength. After a while, your arms should be used to your current setup.
Replacing the seat may not help with what you need. Aftermarket seats typically move you down and back a bit. You could get an air cushion which would raise you up some.
Get a set of risers like the Phat ones Patrick posted, or something similar, and a stock 1700 Nomad bar, or something similar, and you'll be set.
I, myself, would have considered getting those risers, if not for the fact that they would not fit on my ride due to a stereo head unit hanging directly over the risers.
I would go to a bike dealer and try different bars before buying, even if they are on different bikes from yours. One Road King I sat on had beach bars, and they were not comfortable for me either, as I felt they were too far apart.
Found a set of risers online. Wanted to test these before changing the bars. I had our machine shop at work make a set for me. I have never removed handlebars before and I don't think the threaded stem is going to be long enough. I am assuming I can remove them and replace with either a hex head bolt or another piece of threaded rod???? Anyone have experience with something like this??
Got my answer at lunch. I can't use the spacers. The stems are built into the bars and can't be swapped out. So I am back to trying out different bars and risers.
Bummer! Perhaps there are some guys here on the forum with some stock bars you could buy and then use the aforementioned pullback risers. I know they made a huge difference for me. And the benefit of stock bars and risers is you can loosen the bars and move them around to get the proper angle for you. These bikes have a pretty good distance from the seat to the triple tree. My friends that ride Road Kings and Ultra Classics were surprised when they sat on my 1500 Classic at the space. I can't imagine riding it without the risers. When I bought it new, I used to get that sting right between the shoulder blades until I added the risers to it and fiddled with the angle until I got it just right. Now I never get that pain. I think the Mustang seat might have helped too.
Everything keeps getting better and better. So I find a set of bars that I think will work they are on sale which is a plus. They are not here yet but I am looking things over and can't figure out how to remove the clutch and brake components. Has anyone here dealt with this. Do I have to drill them out. There is no bolt head.
I have found a set of 8" ape hangers with 11" of pull back. I think these will do the trick and are a reasonable price. Educate me please on what it means "without indents". Do I need with or without? These are listed to have 7" rise, but I figure if I need a little more I can alter that with the risers. I am hoping the stock cables will be sufficient.
I have on of those. It as on the bike when I bought it, but I removed it when I changed the grips. Wasn't comfortable having the throttle locked. I'll probably put it back on when I changed the bars.
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