Handlebar swap on '09 K9

Bowhunter

Bowhunter

Well-Known Member
I have just completed a swap of the '09 K9 factory handlebars to '08 Ridgeback handlebars. As you can see in this photo, there is a big difference in the pullback of these two handlebars.



Changing out the bars required: Longer clutch cable, longer brake line, and longer wiring through the handlebars. The reach to the bars before I changed out the bars required me to be straight-armed if I had my back in the position I wanted to ride.



The reach to the bars with my back in the position I want to ride is much improved as you can see from this pic.



The end result was a 4" increase in pullback, this allowed my arms to be bent and my back to be straight so that my lower back doesn't hurt. A quick test ride put a smile on my face that is going to be hard to wipe off.
 
cavcom278

cavcom278

THE COMMOMAN
WOW i like that change :up:. it gives you some room to move you arms around a little to,looks good. nice change
I found a 06 K-9 today and may just do the same thing on it if i can swing getting it monday....
 
rhino17

rhino17

Member
Nice mod

Wow, that looks like it will be a lot more comfortable. Please post back after you take a long ride and tell how much better you feel. Thanks for sharing.:2thumbs:
 
Bowhunter

Bowhunter

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the positive feedback guys, I really like the look and feel of the new bars. On long rides, I will be able to lay back on my big bag and really be in the lap of luxury. I will let you guys know how it works for long rides next weekend if the weather co-operates.
 
francoblay1

francoblay1

The Spaniard
Yes, definitely an improvement! I like it :2thumbs:

I've noticed your controls are extended forward... may I ask how told are you and how many inches those extensions are? it looks very comfortable in your pic.

:cheers:
 
RubWhore

RubWhore

Asshole Extraordinaire
I dont know why they didnt use Ridgeback bars to begin with cause I agree with Bowhunter nite and day improvement bike is a hundred tymes more comfortable
 
snake1962

snake1962

Active Member
Damn, looks good and by the arm bend definately more comfortable. How long did it take to swap out? I assume you did it yourself. Did you get the Ridgeback bars online or local shop? The only drawback for me, would be it would then allow my wife to drive the K9. Once she rode my VRod she thinks it's her's now. Kinda hard to get her back to riding her own sporty now.
 
Bowhunter

Bowhunter

Well-Known Member
Snake, I did do the swap myself. When I did mine, I had my bike "laid up" for a week while I had Barnett make me a custom clutch cable, a hydraulic co. make me a new front brake hose, and I had to extend the wires inside the handlebars 4" to make it work.
The throttle cables still fit fine.
When I did Postman's bike, I had everything ready since I knew what I needed to do the swap, and it took about 4 hours. Bear in mind that you have to drop the exhaust to swap the clutch cable and you might want to do a little polishing while you have good access.
Got the bars from "Bigdogpartsking" and Donna was a pleasure to work with. I have the parts number for the bars and the length for the brake and clutch cables and the wires need 4" extension if anyone wants me to post it.
 
Th3InfamousI

Th3InfamousI

Administrator
Staff member
anyone know what the Pullback is on the 04 handlebars? I think its slightly more in 08, correct?
 
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08ridgid

08ridgid

Active Member
Hmm... SO here I am with my new "chopper" bars I just received (from bigdogpartsking) yesterday so that I could lean forward more and straighten out my arms while riding my Ridgeback.
 
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