Anyone installed Pro Taper bars on their Harley? Need some tips!

Performance & Modifications
1

I’ve been considering upgrading my Harley with Pro Taper handlebars, but I’m a bit unsure about the installation process and what parts I might need. I’m looking for insights and experiences from those who have gone through this modification.

A Few Questions:

  1. Compatibility: Are Pro Taper bars easy to fit on most Harley models, or are there specific models they work better with? I’d love to know which ones you’ve had success with.
  2. Installation Process: What does the installation entail? Are there any tricky parts I should be aware of? Any specific tools recommended for the job?
  3. Necessary Parts: Besides the bars themselves, are there any additional parts I should consider to complete the upgrade, like risers or new cables?
  4. Overall Experience: How do they feel compared to stock bars? Have you noticed any improvements in handling or comfort?

I appreciate any advice or personal experiences you can share. The goal is to get a setup that enhances both performance and aesthetics. Let’s hear what you’ve got!

5 Likes
2

I’ve installed Pro Taper bars on my 2017 Sportster. The key tools you’ll need are a torque wrench, Allen wrenches, and possibly a cable extender. Make sure to also double-check your brake and throttle cables for length!

7 Likes
3

Thanks for the tip! I heard that using a digital angle gauge can help with getting the bars perfectly aligned. Anyone tried that?

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4

I installed Pro Taper bars last month on my '05 Dyna. Just be mindful of the wiring inside the bars. It can be a bit of a tight fit. Consider upgrading the wiring if you’re doing a full upgrade!

5

Good point! I didn’t realize that until I was halfway through. I ended up needing to make some adjustments on the wiring to avoid pinching anything.

6

Before starting, make sure you’ve got all the right parts and tools laid out. Have a good workspace and take your time—there’s no rush. This isn’t a race!

7

I agree with piercejennifer. Also, keeping track of all screws and bolts is crucial. If you lose one, it can be an absolute nightmare to find a replacement. Haha!

8

Hahaha, true! I learned that the hard way—you think you have everything, then bam, a screw is missing!

9

Has anyone faced issues with brake line clearance when installing? I’m thinking of going (or have gone) with the 1 1/8" bars and am curious about any fitment troubles.

10

Oh, I had that issue as well! You might need to reroute the lines or change the banjo bolts for proper clearance. It’s a little tricky but definitely doable!

11

Thanks, that’s helpful! I’ll keep that in mind. Is there a good place to get those banjo bolts?

1 Like
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You can find them at most motorcycle parts shops. Online retailers also have a good selection. Just make sure they are compatible with your model!

13

Awesome, thanks for the details! By the way, has anyone had a tough time with the handlebar clamp bolts? They can be such a pain in the neck!

14

Totally! A good trick is to use a bit of penetrating oil to loosen them up if they seem stuck. Just don’t strip them, or it’ll complicate everything—even us seasoned pros have had our moments!

15

I just switched to Pro Taper bars on my Softail, and the difference is night and day! The improved ergonomics really reduced my wrist strain during long rides.

16

That’s great to hear! Do you feel like it improved your handling as well?

17

Absolutely! The wider stance gives you better control, especially on curves. It’s like the bike responds to you better.

6 Likes
18

I’m considering switching too, but I’ve heard mixed reviews. What specific model did you choose, Anthony?

19

I went with the Pro Taper Evo model. Highly recommend it for a more aggressive ride! It’s also lightweight.

20

Thanks! That’s really helpful. I’m curious about the installation process too. Was it straightforward?