What are Beach Bars Exactly?
Definition and Characteristics
Understanding the essence of beach bars is fundamental to appreciating their appeal. These handlebars, designed to evoke a relaxed and comfortable riding position, are identifiable by their characteristic shape. They generally feature a wide profile with a notable “sweep back,” meaning the grips curve back towards the rider. This differs significantly from other handlebar types, which often have straight, aggressive stances.
Material Options
The design philosophy emphasizes comfort and ease of handling. Instead of forcing the rider to lean forward or stretch excessively, beach bars encourage an upright posture. This offers several advantages, especially for long journeys. Different materials are used in the construction of beach bars, with steel being a common choice due to its durability and affordability. Chrome-plated steel provides a classic, gleaming look, while black finishes offer a more contemporary and stealthy appearance. The choice of material influences both the aesthetics and the longevity of the bars, with proper maintenance ensuring they look great for years to come.
The Advantages of Beach Bars for Your Harley Softail
Comfort and Ergonomics
Investing in beach bars for Harley Softail is an investment in your comfort, style, and overall riding enjoyment. The benefits span across multiple facets of the riding experience, enhancing the bond between rider and machine.
Perhaps the most significant advantage of beach bars lies in their impact on rider comfort. The upright riding posture they promote is a game-changer, especially for those who frequently ride long distances. This position places less strain on the wrists, shoulders, and back. Traditional handlebars can force riders into positions that cause pain and fatigue, hindering the enjoyment of the ride. Beach bars alleviate this issue by allowing the rider to maintain a more natural and relaxed posture. The arms are typically positioned at a comfortable angle, reducing the strain on the shoulders, while the upright back position prevents slouching.
This improved ergonomics directly translates to a more comfortable riding experience. Riders can spend more time in the saddle without experiencing the aches and pains associated with other handlebar styles. Imagine effortlessly cruising for hours, enjoying the scenery and the feel of the road without feeling constantly cramped or tense. This is the reality that beach bars offer. The increased comfort and decreased fatigue can enhance focus, making the ride not only more enjoyable but also safer.
Enhanced Style and Appearance
Beyond the functional benefits, beach bars also offer a distinct aesthetic advantage. They effortlessly complement the classic, laid-back aesthetic of a Harley Softail, particularly models designed with cruising in mind. The gentle curves and wide profile of beach bars provide a clean, uncluttered look that is undeniably stylish. They contribute to the overall visual appeal of the motorcycle, giving it a more relaxed and inviting presence.
The styling of beach bars can perfectly match the vibe of beach and cruising destinations. Picture your Softail, equipped with gleaming chrome beach bars, parked on a scenic coastal road. The combination of the iconic Harley silhouette with the relaxed feel of the bars creates a truly captivating visual. The availability of different finishes, from classic chrome to modern black, allows for extensive customization, enabling Softail owners to express their individual styles. Whether aiming for a vintage look or a contemporary edge, the choice of beach bars can contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic appeal of the bike.
Improving Your Riding Experience
The improvements extend past looks and ergonomics. Beach bars can have a subtle, but impactful, effect on the riding experience. They allow for a more natural range of motion. The relaxed riding position provided encourages a sense of control and stability, providing a more confident feel for many riders. This is particularly valuable when navigating through city streets or taking tight turns.
Furthermore, the upright position often leads to enhanced visibility. The rider has a clearer view of the road ahead and the surrounding environment, which promotes safer riding. It enhances your awareness of potential hazards, making for a more reactive riding experience. Wind resistance is another important factor. While beach bars are not always the most aerodynamic option, their wider profile can sometimes provide a degree of wind protection, particularly for the upper body. This can further contribute to rider comfort and enjoyment on long rides, as they help reduce the impact of wind blast.
Things to Consider When Selecting Beach Bars
Compatibility with Your Motorcycle
Choosing the right beach bars for Harley Softail involves a careful evaluation of several factors to ensure proper fit, performance, and compatibility with your specific motorcycle and riding preferences.
One of the most crucial steps is ensuring that the beach bars are compatible with your specific Softail model. Harley-Davidson Softail models have undergone various design changes over the years, meaning that handlebars designed for one model may not fit another. You’ll need to know the exact year and model of your Softail to determine compatibility. This information is crucial to ensure that the new bars fit properly and that all the controls, cables, and wiring can be accommodated. It’s wise to consult the manufacturer’s specifications or consult with a professional. Examples of compatible Softail models include the Heritage, Fat Boy, Street Bob, and many others, but again, model year plays a very important role.
Sizing and Dimensions
Precise measurements are crucial for optimal comfort and control. The width, rise, and pull-back of the beach bars significantly impact the riding position and overall feel.
- Width: The width of the bars should be appropriate for your body size and riding style. Wider bars provide more leverage and control but can also be less comfortable for shorter riders.
- Rise: The rise refers to the height of the bars above the mounting point. A higher rise positions the grips closer to the rider, which can improve comfort for those with shorter arms.
- Pull-back: The pull-back is the degree to which the grips sweep back towards the rider. Excessive pull-back can cause wrist fatigue, while insufficient pull-back may result in a stretched-out riding position.
Ultimately, finding the right fit is a matter of personal preference and experimentation. Taking measurements and consulting rider feedback can help you determine the ideal dimensions for your individual needs.
Installation Challenges
The installation process can range from a simple swap to a more complex undertaking, depending on the level of customization required. It is essential to extend the existing wiring or replace them with longer ones to ensure the new bars function. For certain models and handlebar styles, internal wiring is possible to create a clean look. You might need to relocate the existing handlebar controls.
Professional installation is a worthwhile investment, particularly if you are uncomfortable with the technical aspects of motorcycle modification. A qualified technician will ensure that the bars are installed correctly, all the controls are properly connected, and all wiring is routed neatly and securely.
Top Recommendations
*Note: *This section is for informational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Prices may vary. Always consult with a reputable dealer or supplier for current information.*
(I am unable to give specific product recommendations as an AI, but the following is a generalized example of what this section would look like).
To guide your selection of beach bars for Harley Softail, here are some popular styles to consider:
- Classic Chrome Beach Bars: These bars epitomize the classic cruiser look, with a polished chrome finish. They often offer a moderate width and pull-back, striking a balance between comfort and style. These bars are relatively easy to install and come with a variety of fitment options.
- Black Powder-Coated Beach Bars: For those who prefer a more contemporary and stealthy aesthetic, black powder-coated beach bars provide a striking contrast to the chrome of the engine and other components. These bars offer the same ergonomic benefits as their chrome counterparts but with a modern, sleek appearance.
- Wide Beach Bars: For a wider profile and greater control, wide beach bars are available. Be sure to select a width that is comfortable for your arm span and riding style. Wide bars may require some adjustment to the cables and wiring, but the enhanced control they provide is often a worthwhile trade-off.
When reviewing different options, compare the measurements of the existing handlebars to what is available to ensure that your new set will meet the requirements.
Installing Beach Bars: Tips and Tricks
Safe installation is critical for the riding experience. While some riders are comfortable with performing the installation themselves, others choose professional assistance.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the battery before starting any electrical work. Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and gloves.
- Gather Tools: You’ll need a variety of tools, including wrenches, a torque wrench, screwdrivers, and wire strippers/crimpers. A handlebar installation kit, including all necessary hardware, is helpful.
- Cable and Control Relocation: Carefully remove the existing controls, cables, and wiring from the original handlebars. You may need to reroute or extend the wiring.
- Torque Specifications: Always use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Overtightening can damage components, while under-tightening can lead to vibration and potentially unsafe conditions.
- Take Your Time: Rushing the installation can lead to mistakes. Take your time, follow instructions carefully, and double-check all connections and fittings before riding.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Maintaining your beach bars helps extend their lifespan and preserves their aesthetic appeal.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean your bars with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect the bars for any signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or corrosion.
- Rust Prevention: For chrome bars, apply a protective polish or wax to prevent rust and corrosion.
In Conclusion
The journey to customizing your Harley Softail should begin with choosing the right beach bars. From improving comfort and enhancing aesthetics to providing a more enjoyable riding experience, beach bars offer a winning combination of style and function. Choosing a set of beach bars is a great way to customize your bike and make it your own.
By carefully considering the factors and choosing the right bars, you’ll experience the true essence of cruising. So, take the leap, upgrade your Softail, and get ready to enjoy the open road in style and comfort.
Now go explore the possibilities.
