Is it okay to install custom drag bars onto a Sportster 1200 Custom?

Question

I never thought it would be a problem until I searched on ebay for handle bars. There was a disclaimer posted by one of the sellers which said that they discourage any change of handlebars/risers to 1200 customs. Now I am confused.

Answer 1

The disclaimer by the seller is a CYA thing.

He's covering his, that's all.

You can put whatever bars you want on, as long as you take it ALL into consideration. You may want / need different risers to clear the tank. You may need different length cables to fit your combination.

Answer 2

Go for it , it is no big deal

Answer 3

a buddy of mine has an '03 1200C.  changing the bars is fine, he had drags on his when he got it, changed to apes.  i would keep the stock risers though.  for one, there are a whole mess of wires inside, like someone else said.  and its a tight fit, might not fit in different risers.  also, the way the speedo is mounted, smaller risers would make it hit the tank, but you could always change how its mounted i guess.

Answer 4

I dont know of many stock ones  I like pulled back risers also

They just say that to cover their a$s

Answer 5

it is probably due to clearance problems on the 1200 custom. the newer ones have pull back risers installed from the factory, and these may cause the handlebars to hit the tank. i had a 2000 model 883 custom and it was no problem, but the older customs had straight risers. turn your bars all the way to one side and look at the straight part of the bar coming from the clamp. you should be able to tell if it looks like a lower straight bar would clear the tank or not.

on the older customs, the riser contained a huge mess of wires inside, and it was a real pain to change the risers. i don't know if the pull back risers are that way still.

Answer 6

it shouldn't be a problem I switched my original buck horns for a drag bar and risers over a year ago on my 07 Sportster I went with 4 inch risers with a slight pull back

Answer 7

I wonder if they will end up coming into contact with the tank. I tried to put drag bars on my old Ironhead and it was a total pain. If you are planning on using the stock risers, you could check pretty easily by measuring and seeing how tight things are. It could also be that the forward controls and drag bars will put you into a really awkward riding position. Good luck. I bet the custom would look cool. I'm warning you though! They aren't the most comfortable bars on the planet. They look cool though.

Answer 8

It's all about control and the height of the risers. Contact HD Parts and ask them or a mechanic at the dealer ship.