So, I have been an Wide Glide Apes rider for 20 years. Took a 5 year break and got my first Low Rider. Seems my searching is finding both Apes and T-bars are popular for the LR! I'm just trying to plan the best future for this 07 stocker I bought. What's the appeal for the T-bars and old Apes guy asks?

 

They are typically narrower than apes, mine in particular are just under 28 inches wide. That narrow stance puts my hands in a more comfortable position. If you find both to be comfortable, then it really boils down to a style preference.

 

I just switched to T-bars from apes and for me the difference in comfort and control with the T-bars is a thousand times better over the apes. Also, no more flying squirrel effect on those long rides.

 

I've heard, not experienced, that T bars are comfortable.
But they're not my taste.

 

T-bars have a MUCH more solid connection to the bike and by design have less deflection. So T-bars offer better handling generally speaking. But I think Apes have a little more adjustablity so you can fine tune them for comfort. But with some T-bar setups using a tall riser block and motocross style bars you can also have that same adjustablity. So then it really comes down to personal preference of style, but T-bars edging out in terms of performance.

I myself like the T-bar look on Dyna, and would rather see an ape style on a bagger. I also like the handling and comfort of my 12in West coast bars.

 

I'd say comfort wise its a wash.

For a shorter guy 12in T-bars Vs. 12in apes is going to be quite different since the apes can be rotated in the riser to offer much more pull back so he doesnt have to lean up and forward to reach the bars, like he would with T-bars that are straight up from the triple tree. But at the same time T-bars are usually much more narrow than most apes.

 

T-Bars or Riser/MX Bar setup.

I have much more control of my bike on turns and I have a pretty narrow setup for splitting lanes. I had the stock apes when I first bought the bike, I took them off within a week.

 

LOL, I hear ya! Thanks for the comments! Anyone know what the max height for T-Bars on an 07 LR that won't require new cables?

 

this, i went from 16" apes to 14" tbars. wy less vibration, more control, just better overall

 

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