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So, I’m a shorter (5’8”) old guy (70) and I just downsized from my StreetGlide a 21’ FatBoy.
it feels like a mini bike. I’m really love the stance and my ability to be flat footed.
I can not; however, tolerate the “beach bars.” They are just too low. I’m considering 12” narrow apes. Any shorter stature members out there go this route. If so, how is it?
Thanks
So, I’m a shorter (5’8”) old guy (70) and I just downsized from my StreetGlide a 21’ FatBoy.
it feels like a mini bike. I’m really love the stance and my ability to be flat footed.
I can not; however, tolerate the “beach bars.” They are just too low. I’m considering 12” narrow apes. Any shorter stature members out there go this route. If so, how is it?
Thanks
I've seen many Fat Boys with mini or taller apes. Since you sit nice and low on a FB, that lends to a cool stance with taller bars. Beach bars and T-bars suck.
Not exactly the same but similar...I have a 19 Heritage and the 10" stock bars are awful on that bike. I purchased used and mine had T-bars Uggh! I wanted to replicate the feel of my 02 Wide Glide with mini apes. The spread, pullback and all of it. One very important thing is the angle of the grips. As you know, there is a huge difference between T-bars, for example and basically everything else. Not getting any younger myself, I was able to replicate the feel I was used to and ended up with 14" Carlini Menace. While that sounds tall, my arms are raised but only slightly. Basically straight out. I feel perfectly safe and in control. If your wrist is not at the right angle for you, it is going to hurt.
I was lucky in that I already knew the feel I wanted and took all the measurements from my WG. PLUS, there were 4 bikes in the showroom that day so I could compare. Bottom line, you just have to shop around and speak to a salesman or parts guys that know their stuff and can help. Like anything, you'll just know when you have found the right ones.
I've seen many Fat Boys with mini or taller apes. Since you sit nice and low on a FB, that lends to a cool stance with taller bars. Beach bars and T-bars suck.
Not exactly the same but similar...I have a 19 Heritage and the 10" stock bars are awful on that bike. I purchased used and mine had T-bars Uggh! I wanted to replicate the feel of my 02 Wide Glide with mini apes. The spread, pullback and all of it. One very important thing is the angle of the grips. As you know, there is a huge difference between T-bars, for example and basically everything else. Not getting any younger myself, I was able to replicate the feel I was used to and ended up with 14" Carlini Menace. While that sounds tall, my arms are raised but only slightly. Basically straight out. I feel perfectly safe and in control. If your wrist is not at the right angle for you, it is going to hurt.
I was lucky in that I already knew the feel I wanted and took all the measurements from my WG. PLUS, there were 4 bikes in the showroom that day so I could compare. Bottom line, you just have to shop around and speak to a salesman or parts guys that know their stuff and can help. Like anything, you'll just know when you have found the right ones.
hey brother
that set up looks good.
im short of arm so i was looking at 12” to be on the safe side.
ill check out that sizing guide.
👍🏽
hey brother
that set up looks good.
im short of arm so i was looking at 12” to be on the safe side.
ill check out that sizing guide.
👍🏽
Thank you! I am only 5' 7"
The day I purchased my bike I knew the T-bars had to go. That's why I came prepared with the measurements from my Wide Glide with mini apes. While the mini apes are not 14", the feel is the same since the fork is taller on the WG. Just like bikes that look very much the same but are so very different, bars are just like that.
14" sounds huge but really isn't. I wanted my back straight and my arms straight out and level. My arms do angle slightly up, but certainly not above my head and I am in complete control. With the four bikes in the showroom, none of them were exactly what I wanted so it was more of what I didn't want, the measurements I brought along with me and the parts guy's expertise and patience. Note: I am not very strong, so I definitely required a setup that was not outside of my comfort level.
The one thing I also included in the mix was my need to also have the Harley Get-a-Grips that I had been used to. No matter what bars I chose, those grips had to fit. That is just my personal preference but I cannot imagine having any other grips of any other style.
12" is probably a good choice but try as many as you can to be sure. If you can get lucky with sitting on some bikes at dealerships or bar mockups at rally's or shows, that is an excellent starting point.
The day I purchased my bike I knew the T-bars had to go. That's why I came prepared with the measurements from my Wide Glide with mini apes. While the mini apes are not 14", the feel is the same since the fork is taller on the WG. Just like bikes that look very much the same but are so very different, bars are just like that.
14" sounds huge but really isn't. I wanted my back straight and my arms straight out and level. My arms do angle slightly up, but certainly not above my head and I am in complete control. With the four bikes in the showroom, none of them were exactly what I wanted so it was more of what I didn't want, the measurements I brought along with me and the parts guy's expertise and patience. Note: I am not very strong, so I definitely required a setup that was not outside of my comfort level.
The one thing I also included in the mix was my need to also have the Harley Get-a-Grips that I had been used to. No matter what bars I chose, those grips had to fit. That is just my personal preference but I cannot imagine having any other grips of any other style.
12" is probably a good choice but try as many as you can to be sure. If you can get lucky with sitting on some bikes at dealerships or bar mockups at rally's or shows, that is an excellent starting point.
I’m not disagreeing with anything you have said. I want to add, don’t get to set on one type of handlebar or grips. I have my favorite bars and grips but they change based on the specific bike and purpose of the ride. For example I prefer higher and wider bars on a bike setup for touring but prefer a little lower and narrower bars for a bike used around town.
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Handlebars
