T-bars vs Apes?
I think its a combination of personal style and comfort. More sporty/performance based setup bikes tend to suit T's and more cruizy bobber styled bikes suit Apes
I had 15"Santee bonanza bars on my old bike.
I've got 14" Wild1 Outlawz to go on my new bike.
For me its a width thing, I'm big and tall and around 14-16" high and 33" wide is the sweet spot for me.
I considered running T'Bars on this build but I couldn't find a set at the width and height to suit me. Plus I usually run a roll bag on the bars and these strap better to apes.
The other option would have been tall risers and MX style bars but nothing grabbed me.
I had 15"Santee bonanza bars on my old bike.
I've got 14" Wild1 Outlawz to go on my new bike.
For me its a width thing, I'm big and tall and around 14-16" high and 33" wide is the sweet spot for me.
I considered running T'Bars on this build but I couldn't find a set at the width and height to suit me. Plus I usually run a roll bag on the bars and these strap better to apes.
The other option would have been tall risers and MX style bars but nothing grabbed me.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 89
Likes: 5
From: Oklahoma
I've got a set of homemade 11" Z-Bars on 3" pull back risers and they're kind of middle ground between T-Bars and Apes. As far as apes go, I don't like the way they turn my wrists at an outward angle. I've ridden T-Bars and like that they keep my hands in line with my forearms, but I don't like how narrow they are. If I was a wheelie guy, I think I would probably switch to MX bars on taller risers. Anyway, here's my set-up:
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 5,148
From: Robbm sucks
I switched out my mini apes for some wild1 8" pullback drags. The handling is way better. No flex and vibration was cut significantly. Better wrist angle for me too. The only thing is it's easier to torque that throttle now hehe.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 508
Likes: 31
From: California
Just switched out the stock rubber bushings for solid, but not polyurethane. A little more vibration but the bars are rock solid with my new 12" Tbars. Had polyurethane bushings on my last Dyna with 14" MX Tbars and there was still some flex. The solid bushings were a BEAST to press into the trees though!
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 9
From: Williamsport, MD
I hate the T-bars, they block your straight ahead view and they look stupid, apes all the way. who cares if they are more rigid, never had a problem with apes or the stock bushings, they kill some of the vibration, bars don't make the bike handle any differently, if your goofing off and hanging off of them in turns then there might be some difference in the flexing
Last edited by LunaticFringe; Jun 23, 2016 at 07:23 PM. Reason: who
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,420
Likes: 7,118
From: Beyond Fucital
This is only MY opinion, but bars of equal high handle equally. Apes are more versatile, as they can be moved forward or back to suit your needs. Now MY opinion, Tall "T" Bars look stupid.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 931
Likes: 76
From: Buford, GA
No one is going to change anyone opinion, because it's all just taste, but I have to ask. Have you ever riden Tbars the same height as you apes? I found there to be a HUGE difference in feel and handling.