Top 10 Best Handlebars For Road King of 2024 (Buying Guide)

The best handlebars for Road King offers several excellent benefits for Road King’s owners.

Although there are several reasons why King Road owners may choose to upgrade or replace their motorcycle’s handlebars, comfort and appearance come top of the list.

In case you are not satisfied or struggling with the factory handlebars, and you are not sure about the top choice to go for, we have good news for you.

In this guide, we have picked 10 impressive handlebars designed to provide the perfect solutions to Road King owners’ problems. These designs are selected based on several factors.

These factors are the comfort they offer, compatibility, improvement in performance, quality build, appearance and grip enhancement, and the ease of installation.

The top handlebars for Road King on the market are WILD 1, FMB, XKMT, KHROME WERKS, BARON, HARDDRIVE, HTTMT, and WSAYS.

Comparison Table of Best Handlebars For Road King [2023]

What are The Best Handlebars For Road King?

The best handlebars for road king is Wild 1 WO518.

Why Wild 1 WO518 is The Best Brand For Road King Handlebar?

Wild 1 WO518 is designed to offer massive comfort and convenience. When installed, it gives your bike an appealing look that everyone will love. 

Also, the height is perfect, which makes it very comfortable for all riders. The installation easy and smooth, and the build and finish are top-quality.

10 Best Handlebars For Road King Review & Buying Guide

01. Wild 1 WO518

 

Highlighted Features

• Pre-drilled holes
• 1-2 hours of installation time
• Top-quality bars
• Chrome finish
• No soldering
• 1-1/4 inch thick diameter

Wild 1 is a popular name on the market, thanks to its long history of manufacturing exciting, long-lasting, and top-quality bike accessories.

In case you are contemplating between two brands without any clear direction on the one to choose, WO518 is an excellent choice to consider.

The extended height, width, and pullback offer the comfort that your wrists will appreciate and love.

Although the manufacturer states that these handlers are mostly suitable for riders with a height of 5’6″ and above, reviews from users show that short riders or riders with thick and short arm length can also install WO518 on their bikes.

Thanks to the incredible reach and ergonomic fit these handlebars offer.

Wild 1 WO518 handlebars will improve the ride quality, thereby making riding your bike more fun and enjoyable.

These bars allow you to sit more upright, which enhances comfort. Indeed, your wrists will appreciate you for them.

The installation is easy, thanks to the pre-drilled holes. These holes make it very easy to pass the wires through, which saves you time.

During the installation, you may need to extend the cables depending on your bike’s model. If you ride the 2004 Road King, you may not need to carry out an extension.

Pros

• Appealing appearance
• Offers great comfort
• Easy to install
• Grip enhancement

Cons

• You may need to invest in cables
• Takes time to get used to these bars

02. FMB 12″ MERCENARY BARS HANDLEBARS

 

Highlighted Features

• Aggressive appearance and comfort
• Perfect fit for 2014 and below road glides
• Well-packaged product
• Pre-drilled holes for easy wiring
• Attracts a lot of compliments
• Powder-coated design 

FMB 12″ handlebar offers superior comfort. It is one of the best ape hangers for Road King that you will find on the market.

This product is built to improve your bike’s handling, which ensures that you do not strain your back or shoulders.

The pre-drilled holes are wide enough. This makes it easier to pass wires through, making the installation process more comfortable and convenient.

During the installation process, ensure the cables are appropriately lubed before you start pulling them.

These handlebars offer a compelling and irresistible appearance that catches every onlooker’s attention, thanks to its glossy and powder coating. Also, the materials and coating assure durability.

The paint and coating are considered too thick, making it a bit difficult for the throttle to slip in. So, you may need to sand the handles slightly to get the job done.

Overall, FMB 12″ Handlebars give your bike an aggressive appearance, which gets a lot of attention and generates many compliments wherever you go.

Pros

• Installation is easy
• Offers comfortable and convenient handling
• A comfortable ride is guaranteed

Cons

• Available in black only
• Thick coating (makes it difficult for the throttle to slip in)

03. XKMT- Harley H-D 14″ Handlebars

 

Highlighted Features

• Comes in black and Chrome
• A height of about 14-inches
• Super-sharp and edgy appearance
• Pre-drilled holes
• Top-quality steel material
• 1.25″ in thickness

XKMT- Harley H-D 14″ has a height of 14″. This is an excellent deal for riders who need handlebars with a super-sharp appearance.

This design is made from top-quality steel material, making it exceptionally durable and strong, all at a pocket-friendly price.

These handlebars come with pre-drilled holes, making it very easy to pass wires through the bars during mounting.

Also, these handlebars can be repainted to the desired color if you are not satisfied with the original color (black and Chrome)

While the outside of XKMT- Harley H-D 14″ looks smooth and shiny, the interior is a bit rough.

Although the rough interior doesn’t affect this product’s appearance, it can make the installation process a bit stressful, especially if you are upgrading your handlebars for the first time.

Once you overcome the tricky installation process, you will enjoy the exceptional performance it offers for a very long time.

XKMT- Harley H-D 14″ doesn’t come with an installation guide. Since the package doesn’t come with a manual to guide you through the process, you may have to check the internet for how best the installation can be done.

Pros

• Very attractive
• Durable and strong
• Pocket friendly
• You can repaint to your desired color

Cons

• No installation manual
• Installation may be a bit tricky

04. FMB MHBM10FMB 10″ handlebars

 

Highlighted Features

• Comfortable and stylish design
• Perfect fit for road Glide and Road King
• Three coating variants
• Pre-drilled holes
• Durable  and aesthetically pleasing
• 10-inches in height
• The thickness is 1-1/4 inches

FMB MHBM10FMB has a smooth and sleek appearance that every road king owners will fall in love with at first glance.

Suppose you are looking for handlebars that offer improvement in grip and overall appearance of your bike. In that case, this may be a great choice to consider for the Best Handlebars For Road King.

A thickness of 1-1/4″ gives this product its aggressive look, and the bars come in three coating options that bike owners can choose from- satin black, glossy, and powder-coated.

FMB MHBM10FMB is durable, strong, and aesthetically pleasing. There are pre-drilled holes to ensure wires can pass through and be adjusted easily.

The build and design are a bit technical. In most cases, bike owners may need to contact or hire an expert to carry out the installation for them, which increases the costs of acquisition.

Once the installation is successfully done, you can enjoy the quality of ride these handlebars offer.

FMB MHBM10FMB 10″ handlebars are specially designed for Road King and Road Glide models.

This means any other bike brands or models outside these two can’t make use of these handlebars.

Also, with a height of 10″, these bars are perfect for people with average height.

Riders with longer arms may find it a bit uncomfortable if they install these hangers-on their bikes.

Pros

• It can be customized
• Enhances the handling and comfort of the bike
• Aggressive and long-lasting appearance

Cons

• Not compatible for all bikes
• Installation is a bit technical
• Not a perfect option for taller riders

05. Khrome Werks 1″ Handlebar

 

Highlighted Features

• Made from top-quality steel
• Excellent fit and finish
• Pre-drilled holes
• No visible welds
• Durable and sturdy

Khrome Werks 1″ Handlebar is one of the top choices of handlebars you will find on the market.  

This design is famous for its excellent fit and finish. The appearance and feel are uncommon when compared with several other handlebars that are available out there.

If you desire a sturdy and stylish handlebar for your Road King, this chrome-finished design is a great option to consider. The smooth and sleek curves improve handling and control.

Also, Khrome Werks 1″ is not heavy (4 pounds), contributing to its easy and fast installation.

It fits perfectly on Road King, and there won’t be a need for an extra cable.

The 8.70-inch pullback ensures riders can comfortably sit in an upright position, especially riders suffering from back-related issues.

The thickness is below 1.25-inch. Some users think the pre-drilled holes are not wide enough to allow easy passage of cables during installation.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Enhances grip, control, and comfort
• Economical

Cons

• The thickness is below 1.25-inch
• Pre-drilled holes may not be wide enough

06. Baron Custom Accessories Handlebar

 

Highlighted Features

• High-quality construction
• Enhanced grip and control
• Attractive design
• Pre-drilled holes
• Fits all OEM cables, clamps, wires and brake line perfectly

Every road king owner seeks for handlebars that offer comfort, durability, and attractiveness.

These three properties are the top features of this remarkable design from Baron Custom. Before investing in this bar, make sure you check for compatibility.

This handlebar is built to enhance the overall body posture of riders.

When installed on the Road King bike, it improves ride comfort and makes the bike easier to handle.

Baron custom accessories handlebar’s most amazing feature is that it is compatible with all stock lines, cables, and controls.

The 13-inch pullback improves back position, relaxes the shoulder, thereby enhancing comfort. In the end, you will enjoy a comfortable ride from time to time.

Overall, Baron Custom Accessories Handlebar offers unbeatable performance, durability, and sleek appearance. Also, the installation process is easy and straightforward.

We couldn’t find any performance-related downsides. Reviews from users show that they are pleased with the features, and some even considered it one of the top handlebar designs for Road King.

Baron Custom Accessories Handlebar is available in one color, and it is not compatible with all Road King models

Pros

• Comfortable ride
• Easy to install
• Improves ride performance

Cons

• Available in one color only
• Not compatible for all Road King models

07. FMB RKM16FMB 16″ Handlebars

 

Highlighted Features

• Aggressive appearance
• 16-inch rise
• Pre-drilled holes
• Evenly and smoothly painted
• Powder-coated finish
• Black in color

This is the third FMB handlebar on our list. This says a lot about the manufacturer.

Our research reports show that FMB produces top-quality bike accessories that meet customers’ needs and satisfaction.

FMB RKM16FMB 16″ is carefully built, making it one of the most reliable, enticing, and comfortable handlebars produced by the manufacturer.

The exterior is spotless, and it doesn’t show any sign or mark of welds.

The craftsmanship displayed by the company while putting this hanger together is top-notch and commendable.

The paint is well-spread and smooth on the outside, which enhances its appearance.

Although the interior is a bit rough, it doesn’t hinder the free-flow of cables during installation.

Thanks to the pre-drilled holes, which offer convenience.

Compared with other high bars, FMB RKM16FMB does not place unnecessary pressure on your back and shoulder.

Instead, it ensures Road King owners enjoy a comfortable ride every time.

Overall, this is a brilliant design that you will be happy with, and it worth every penny you invest in it.

If you suffer from back or shoulder pain, FMB RKM16FMB may not be an ideal choice for you.

You may want to look beyond the aesthetic and other enticing features that this design offers and focus exclusively on your health.

Pros

• Doesn’t strain the shoulders or the back
• Installation is stress-free
• Guarantees comfortable ride

Cons

• Black color only
• It is not an excellent choice for people suffering from back pain

08. HardDrive H30-0219AS-14 Chrome 14″ Handlebar

 

Highlighted Features

• Top-quality steel tubing
• 14-inch rise
• Offers durability and strength
• Pre-drilled holes for easy passage or cables
• Comes in two different colors (Chrome and Black)

HardDrive H30-0219AS-14 Ape hanger is made from top-quality Steel tubing, which offers durability and strength.

The step-joints are expertly welded- this gives no sign of stain and offers it a smooth and neat appearance.

H30-0219AS-14 comes in two different colors (Chrome and Satin Black), which gives Road King options to choose from.

It comes with pre-drilled holes for easy passage or cables to ensure they fit rightly by extending to the appropriate length.

This handlebar design offers a comfortable and fun-filled riding experience, especially if you are an average-height rider.

Suppose you want a top-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting handlebar without breaking the bank.

In that case, HardDrive H30-0219AS-14 Ape hanger is a great option to consider.

The packaging needs to be improved. The manufacturer should consider adding adequate packaging material to protect the bars from unnecessary scratches or dent during shipping.

Pros

• Assures enhanced grip and control
• Aesthetically-pleasing
• Installation is not difficult
• Pocket-friendly and long-lasting

Cons

• Average packaging

09. HTTMT- 16″ APE Hanger Bars 1-1/4″ Handlebars

 

Highlighted Features

• Made from top-quality steel
• A perfect design for experienced Road King owners
• Available in Black and Chrome
• Pre-drilled holes for cables
• Powder-coated finish
• An ideal fit for 1995-2017 Road King
• 16-inch rise

HTTMT- 16″ APE Hanger Bars is made from top-class steel material.

This design guarantees durability, and the pre-drilled holes allow the passage of necessary cables during the installation process.

These handlebars are a perfect fit for Road Glide (1996 to 2013) and Road King (1995 to 2017).

To avoid compatibility-related issues, make sure you are confident about your bike’s model before purchasing.

HTTMT- 16″ APE Handlebar design is available in two colors (Black and Chrome). So, you can choose the best color that complements your bike.

HTTMT- 16″ has a rise of about 16-inches, base width of 15-inches, pullback of 8-inches, and an overall width of 33-inches.

The overall dimensions of this handlebar make it an excellent choice for experienced Road King riders. This is because a height of 16-inch may be a bit difficult for a beginner.

Suppose you are an experienced Road King Owner and want to upgrade your handlebars. In that case, this HTTMT design will make a perfect addition to your bike.

In addition to its exceptional performance and stress-free installation process, it also offers durability and an appealing appearance. 

Some riders (beginners) reported that the installation process is a bit difficult.

Pros

• Exceptional performance for a more extended period
• Durability and sleek looks
• Easy to operate

Cons

• Installation is a bit tricky for beginners
• Not compatible for all Road King models

10. WSays 16″ Rise Handlebar

 

Highlighted Features

• Copper, Nickel, and Powder Coated finish
• Top-quality steel
• Rust resistance design
• Aggressive appearance
• Pre-drilled hole for cables
• 16-inch rise

WSays 16″ Monkey Bagger Bar is one of the strongest and most durable designs you will find on the market.

The top-quality seamless steel material and the forward bend design give this bar its aggressive appearance, which is also an identity of strength and longevity.

At first sight, WSays 16″ Monkey Bagger Bar gives onlookers an impression of premium.

The exterior glows with class and style whenever light falls on it, which distinguishes your Road King from other bikes around.

WSays 16″ is not affected by extreme conditions, and it is resistant to rust and corrosion. The amazing thing about this product is that the price is economical.

It is one of the best bars you will find at this price when you consider the top features it offers.

With a diameter of 1 ¼ -inches and pullback of 8-inches, this sleek handlebar will easily fit a wide range of bikes. Still, ensure you check for compatibility before you make a purchase. 

In terms of installation, since it is a lightweight design, the installation is relatively easy. You can carry out this process without the assistance of an expert.

Before you choose to invest in this hanger, ensure it is suitable for your height. At 16-inch, it is considered long and may not be an excellent option for riders with short arms.

Also, it comes in only one color (black), which may not give room for customization.

Pros

• It can easily fit a wide range of bikes
• Installation is quite easy
• Guarantees strength and longevity
• Economical

Cons

• Comes in black color only
• It may not be a perfect choice for riders with short arms

Buying Considerations of Best Handlebars For Road King

Since there are several brands and models of handlebars on the market, it may be challenging to choose the best design for your Road King.

This is why Road King riders need to come up with their requirements and tailor their search towards these needs.

Before you decide to invest in a handlebar, below are some of the factors you need to consider.

The Bar’s Height

If you do not know, the handlebar’s height affects your level of comfort while you ride your bike.

This is why you must choose a bar with the perfect height when making a purchase.

To determine the right height, you can either sit on your bike or pretend to be sitting on one. The next thing is to let your body take its natural sitting posture.

Usually, you should be comfortable with your hands positioned below the shoulder level and with your hands widely spread beyond your shoulders’ width.

If you notice a particular posture is not comfortable, make sure you try out another posture.

Once you have determined your comfort zone, the next thing you need to do is to take a measurement of the distance between your hands and the riser.

Whatever result you get is the estimated height for the handlebars you want to purchase.

Budget

There are various brands of handlebars on the market, and the price may vary from one brand to the other.

While looking for a design to buy, one easy way to narrow down your search is by coming up with a budget.

When you know how much you are willing and ready to invest in a bar, you can easily tailor your search to brands offered at such a price.

Remember, because a product is offered at a very high price doesn’t automatically equate to quality.

Likewise, being offered at an affordable price doesn’t mean it is a bad design. No matter how much you want to invest in a handlebar, do not forget to research the product before you make a purchase.

Know the product’s durability

No matter how much you are capable and willing to invest, make sure the product is worth the price.

Ensure you check out how durable such a product is. You can find this information by checking the material, finish, and other construction details about this handlebar.

If your choice of design is not made from premium materials, you may have to look elsewhere.

Consider going for a handlebar made from aluminum alloys, titanium, carbon fiber, and chrome-finished steel.

Cable extension

If you are buying a handlebar with more than 10-inch height, you may need to extend your cables.

Whatever the case may be, it is advisable to measure your cables before investing in a new handlebar.

Before the measurement is carried out, make sure the wires are not bent to avoid getting inappropriate measurements.

Once you have completed this exercise, match the results with the handlebar of your choice to see if you will need an extension or not.

The Common FAQ’s of Best Handlebars For Road King

What are the best handlebars for Road King?

We have picked 10 top-class handlebars that every Road King rider can depend on. These brands offer improved performance, comfort, and appearance.

If you desire overall satisfaction, go through the product list and pick any design that fulfills your needs.

Why do I need to install handlebars on my bike?

The primary reason why many riders install handlebars on their bikes is to achieve an upright posture while they ride.

This improves the level of comfort they enjoy. Also, there are other reasons, such as improvement in appearance, grip, and control.

Are handlebars dangerous?

Although handlebars are designed to enhance your comfort while riding your bike, if you fail to but some essential things in check, they may become dangerous.

Ensure your bars are rightly installed on your bike; they should not be excessively tall or too close to your chest to avoid back and chest pains.

Can I install handlebars myself?

Generally, handlebars installation is what everyone should be able to do on their own.

In some cases, the installation process may be tricky, especially if you are installing these accessories for the first time or if the package doesn’t come with an installation guide.

What if I can’t install my handlebars myself?

Suppose you find it difficult to install your handlebars on your own even after you must have studied the installation guide. In that case, you may need to hire an expert.

 Should I go for a 16-inch rise handlebar?

You can go for a 16-inch bar provided you are not suffering from back and neck pains. However, this height requires you to put a lot of effort into handling your bike during rides.

Why should I check for compatibility?

Do not assume that a particular handlebar will be a perfect fit for your bike. Ensure you check for compatibility before you make a purchase. This is the only way you can avoid investing in the wrong product.

Conclusion

When you study the information provided in this guide, you will find it very easy to select the Best Handlebars For Road King.

The 10 designs we have listed are from trusted and reliable motorcycle accessories companies worldwide.

One thing is sure, these handlebars won’t fail to deliver on your requirements or expectations.

The best tip for choosing the perfect design for your ride is to go for handlebars that enhance your bike’s appearance and offer a comfortable and exciting ride experience.