I have a brand new 08 105th black and copper on the way next week. I am considering Chubby 502s 12.5" from Wild One. I owned an 02 softail and have never rode a bike with apes and don't even know what they feel like.

1) Are they more or less comfortable than stock bars? It would seem to me that the blood would come out of your arms if they were inclined. Do you think 12.5" apes would incline the arms? Any thoughts on comfort?

2) How drastically does it change the way the bike handles? Does it help or hurt handling capability?

3) Other than looking sweet are there any other pros or cons to going with apes?

4) How hard would it be to put on chubby 502s and new chrome hardware and grips/mirrors? Could someone with little to no experience modding a motorcycle follow the instructions and do it? Would I need to add or change the cabling?

Answers to any of these questions is greatly appreciated!

 

I'll tell you i have the 12.5 chubby's on mine.Best move i made,more comfortable,better handling than the stock.My .02

 

I just installed a set of 502's on my Deluxe. It's not hard but requires a little bit of competence. The Chubby's are pre-drilled for internal wiring so you have some work extending the existing wiring to the handlebar switches. There are quite a few threads about this and lots of tips. I also replaced all the cables with Stainless Steel ones.

The service manual is a must even though most of the parts come with instructions.

Can't give you much info on the comfort since I only had one ride with them but I like the feel alot and the handling seems fine.


Mike
NY

 

Do it !!!!!!

I have the 12 1/2" Buffalo Bars,but get the Chubbies.

Mine are not leaned way forward like most guys
(because it hits my Nostalgic windshield if Idid)
so mine aren't as high, but here is a picture anyway.
I'm 6 foot. Funny they don't feel that high while I'm riding.

 

Anyone else have pictures of you ON your bike with 12.5 or 14s? How tall are you? That is the first pic i've seen with someone on the bike.

 

heres me with 16"s

 

I know this is a old post and I hear this question a lot. This is my 07 fat boy with 14 inch apes. I'm 6'1" and they are great for me. I have ridden it across the country more than once and a few days I put over 700 miles on.

When I put a bag behind me I can stretch out. Really want to change to forward controls.

 

i did 2 inch stretched forwards.. and 10 inch todds strip bars ... best thing i ever did