I've never tried the buckhorn. Prefer flat bars for looks, but the risers are too tall.

I have a 86 with drag bars, I like that style better, but it  is choice only.  to go from pull backs to drag bars, you just need the bar, to go from drag to pull back you must replace all the cables as they are too short for the pullbacks. (open to correction, but this is my understanding)

Pullbacks.
Seem to fit me better. And, call me old fashioned, but I just like the look a little better.

I have an '06 with the stock drag bars, but recently swapped out for Sportster bars.  I found the stock drag bars a bit short and my hands wanted to be further apart.  I kept finding myself holding on with two fingers on each side.  So far I like the slightly wider HD bars better...

Had the buckhorns on the 2002.  Have the flats on the 2006.  Definitely like the flat bars more.  I do think it is a personal preference kind of thing though.

Hi - George the new person really getting in his 2 cents today - (already) replied to mag wheels question!)

Maybe it is because I'm English so I am not big on "buckhorns," "mini-apehangers," call them what you will (though I had them on my first bike when I came to the US - a Harley "clone" - a Honda Shadow). However, never liked the really narrow flat bars "stock" older British bikes are often depicted with either.

My & my wife's used '96 (obviously) came with pullbacks, so I virtually immediately changed them to something more my liking. Don't know brand (cost around $40) as bought from huge catalog in local bike store after holding up a bunch of bars they had in stock against the bike.

If this helps, they are about 31" across (I like the width, though not too much, as I find it really helps with swinging the bike through the turns) They bolt straight on where the pullbacks would go, giving about 3" of lift from their lowest point to the highest at their "reach" (measuring from center to center of the bar).

It gives me a bit of a lean forwards, but not too much, (nothing like straight bars without any risers!!!), putting some weight over the front wheel, which I think does not hurt at all. Have not been on a long distance yet so can't say what it would be like as far as strain on your back (something many proponents of pullbacks state as a reason for their preferences).

Oh - cables/lines do not need changing when going from pullbacks to these bars, though when I order my steel brake line I might get an inch or 2 less - just to neaten things up. However, the metal curved part of the throttle adjustment on the cable did rub on the tank the first time I put the bars on full lock, so I wrapped the bare metal in tape to stop risking scraped paint.

After all is said & done, however, I can agree with another writer - much is up to the individual - I suggest you do as I - go to a store & sit on the bike with various bars to hold (if you are lucky enough to have such an "old style" bike store in your town that does carry parts other than for specific makes/models).

Down the road, as I get better @ replying to this site will try to post picture of the bars on the bike.

I went from buckhorns to stock drag bars and the only change I'll make from here will be if I ever decide to break over the funds for the 16"-18" apes and the cables and hoses. I like the flat bars alot.