jus' kiddin'....
Apes finally Installed!
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana
Apes finally Installed!
Finally installed my Wild One 509 16 " Chubby Apes this past weekend on my 06 Wide Glide. The job is not that hard technically, but does take some time to get everything fitted and plugged in correctly. I did it in two days, working about 3 to 4 hours each day to get it done. I'm sure I could do it in half the time, now that I know what to expect. I will be putting my stock Wide Glide mini apes on my wife's 883 Sportster very soon, and it should be a breeze, now that I have one install under my belt.
Let me tell you, if you are tall like me (6'4"), these taller bars will really set you in a good comfortable riding posistion. I replaced a set of Street Slammers on my Wide Glide with these Chubbies. The drag bars are really nice and comfortable, and look great on the Wide Glide, but I'm now looking for more of an Ol Skool look for my scoot.
I've also noticed since going ape, that cars are not stopping behind me at red lights as close as they were before. Not sure if they think they will smell my pits, or the hanging altitude of the bars gives me a little bad a## attitude. Anyway, that can only be a good thing from a safety standpoint.
I want to say a big thank you to all of you Chimps, Gorilla's, and Orangutang's who have posted photos and detailed explanations of your ape installs to inspire me to do the same. It really feels great doing all of your own work on your bike, while learning and saving money at the same time.
Spring is just around the corner, and soon it will be knuckles to the wind!
Jim
Let me tell you, if you are tall like me (6'4"), these taller bars will really set you in a good comfortable riding posistion. I replaced a set of Street Slammers on my Wide Glide with these Chubbies. The drag bars are really nice and comfortable, and look great on the Wide Glide, but I'm now looking for more of an Ol Skool look for my scoot.
I've also noticed since going ape, that cars are not stopping behind me at red lights as close as they were before. Not sure if they think they will smell my pits, or the hanging altitude of the bars gives me a little bad a## attitude. Anyway, that can only be a good thing from a safety standpoint.
I want to say a big thank you to all of you Chimps, Gorilla's, and Orangutang's who have posted photos and detailed explanations of your ape installs to inspire me to do the same. It really feels great doing all of your own work on your bike, while learning and saving money at the same time.
Spring is just around the corner, and soon it will be knuckles to the wind!
Jim
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Martinsburg, WV
RE: Apes finally Installed!
y'know, i originally had 12" apes, and then took them off and went to 16" apes, and really liked that difference. the BIGGEST surprise to me was that you can actually see the mirrors and what's behind you. but, i'm a taller rider also (6'3") and always suggest going to 16" if you're up in the air as to whether to do the 12's or 16's.
-glen
-glen
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Southern Maryland
RE: Apes finally Installed!
You will love them! I had 18's on my 03' Fatboy and they were so comfortable......
I'm putting some custom 12's on my SB; bars are at the powder coater (black) right now......
I'm putting some custom 12's on my SB; bars are at the powder coater (black) right now......
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 724
Likes: 1
From: pekin illinois
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood, California
RE: Apes finally Installed!
Jim, your ape's look great!!! Great feeling too, that you did it yourself. Know what you mean about
cars keeping distance. There's something about apes that that make people wince a bit, never could
figure it out myself, and like yourself, chalk it up to another safety layer. Enjoy!!
cars keeping distance. There's something about apes that that make people wince a bit, never could
figure it out myself, and like yourself, chalk it up to another safety layer. Enjoy!!
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