Swapping out your stock victory vegas handlebars is usually one of those modifications that fundamentally shifts the soul of the bike and exactly how you feel when you're out on the open street. Most people think regarding exhaust or paint when they wish to customize their trip, but the pubs are where the particular literal connection among you and the particular machine happens. When you've ever finished a two-hour ride with a nagging ache between your own back or numb fingers, you currently know that the factory setup isn't an one-size-fits-all answer.
The Victory Vegas will be a gorgeous, low-slung cruiser with a lot of attitude, however the ergonomics can end up being a bit polarizing depending on your height and get to. Some riders love the pulled-back feel from the stock bars, while some feel like they're reaching just a little too considerably forward, breaking that will relaxed cruiser character the bike is famous for. Selecting the most appropriate set of bars isn't just about looking cool with a bike night—though that's a good bonus—it's mostly regarding making the bicycle fit your entire body like a glove.
Why You May want a Modification
Let's be honest: the stock bars on the Vegas are decent, but they're designed for a "middle of the road" rider profile. In the event that you're taller than average or have the shorter reach, you're going to feel the strain eventually. I've talked to plenty of guys who thought they were just getting old due to the fact their wrists hurt after fifty kilometers, only to realize that their victory vegas handlebars were angled just a few degrees off for specific wrist position.
Beyond comfort, there's the aesthetic factor. The Vegas provides those clean, sharpened lines and that trademark "spine" running down the tank. The incorrect set of pubs can clutter that will look, while the particular right ones can accentuate it. Regardless of whether you want in order to look like a weekend outlaw with high-reaching apes or even a sleek street carver with small drag bars, the particular choice you make defines the figure of the motorbike.
Exploring Different ones
When a person start taking a look at options, the sheer range can be the bit overwhelming. You aren't just selecting a piece of metal; you're selecting a riding posture.
The Attractiveness of Ape Hangers
Ape hangers are a classic choice for a new reason. They put your hands upward in the atmosphere, catch some wind flow, and give a person that "king of the road" feeling. For the Victory Vegas, mini-apes (usually around 10 to 12 inches) tend to be the sweet spot. They provide sufficient height to take the pressure away your lower back with out making the bicycle feel like the chore to change in a parking lot. If you go along with massive 16-inch hangers, just be ready for the truth that both hands might go numb through the blood depleting down—but hey, you'll look incredible.
Drag Bars to have an Aggressive Look
If you choose a more "fists forward" aggressive position, drag bars would be the way to proceed. These are usually much flatter plus straighter than the stock bars. They pull your body forward, putting a bit more excess weight on the front wheel. This could actually improve the handling sense because you have a more direct connection to the forks. Drawback is that on a long haul, leaning forward may put a great deal of pressure on your wrists. It's a trade-off: much better control and the meaner look as opposed to long-distance plushness.
Reach or "Pullback" Bars
This is the selection for the motorcyclists who just need to relax. Reach bars bring the particular controls closer to your body, allowing you to sit further back in the saddle. For the Victory Vegas, this particular often helps resolve the "clamshell" impact where you feel like you're being folded away in half. If you find yourself scooting to the particular very front associated with the seat just to comfortably grasp the bars, a set of pullback bars will be a lifesaver.
The particular Technical Side of the Swap
Before you go out and buy the tallest pubs you will discover, we need to talk about the "hidden" parts of the job. It's rarely as easy because just unscrewing the particular old ones plus bolting on the new ones.
The almost all important thing in order to keep in thoughts is the cable size. Your throttle wires, clutch line, and brake lines are usually all measured specifically for the manufacturer victory vegas handlebars . If you switch to 14-inch apes, your stock wires aren't likely to reach. They'll be expanded tight like acoustic guitar strings, that is harmful and won't allow you to switch the forks.
Generally, you can get apart with about two inches of additional height before a person have to begin thinking about the "cable kit. " These kits include extended lines that match the newest elevation of your pubs. They add in order to the cost of the project, but they're non-negotiable if you're going big. Furthermore, don't forget the wires for your blinkers, horn, and start switch. You might need to do some soldering or even buy extensions intended for those as well.
Dealing with Oscillation and Feel
One thing individuals often overlook when changing their victory vegas handlebars is the vibration. Victory engines have a lot of character—they're big V-twins, after all—and that indicates they shake. The stock bars usually have internal weight loads or specific increasing points to dampen that buzz.
Whenever you move to aftermarket bars, especially thinner or even very tall ones, you might notice more "tingle" within your hands. Using high-quality grips can help, but several riders also like to use "bar snakes" or inner weights to kill the vibration. It's a small details, but it makes a huge difference if you plan on doing a 400-mile day.
The Installation Procedure
If you're a DIY type of person, changing bars is really a satisfying Saturday project. A person don't require a diploma in mechanical executive, but you do need patience. The hardest part is normally "fishing" the cables through the inside of of the pubs if you want that clean, internal-wired look. It involves the lot of line, some lubricant (dish soap works wonders), and a fair little bit of swearing.
If you aren't comfortable bleeding your brakes or altering your clutch cable connection, it might end up being worth taking bike to a local shop. It's preferable to pay a pro for 2 hours of labor than to realize you have no front brakes when you're approaching the red light.
Conclusions upon the Upgrade
At the finish of the day, your victory vegas handlebars are usually about personal appearance and physical ease and comfort. There is no "best" set of bars—only the place that makes you want to ride your bike more often.
I often tell individuals to go sit on their particular bike, close their eyes, and place their hands where they wish the bars had been. If your hands naturally want to be six inches higher, then a person know what you have to do. If they need to be nearer to your chest, that's your answer. The Victory Vegas is a fantastic machine that's built to be customized. Don't feel like you have to stay with what the stock gave you. Get the time to find the bars that fit your design, bolt them on, and go find a long, turning road to check them out. Your back and your arms will thank you, and your bike will certainly look exactly the method it was often meant to.