Drag bars vs apes
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, NC
Drag bars vs apes
I love the look of apes and I think if I get the height right they will be more comfortable. I'm concerned I might give up a lot of control that I'm used to having with the drag bars I have now. Is there a certain height that I should stick to in order to retain the most control? If I go with apes I'm looking at the 10" Wild one Out laws.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
You will not lose any control with apes. You may feel different, but you will still have the control. I recently switched from apes to T-bars and I felt I lost a little control at first, even though I feel like the T-bars make me more aggressive. It's more of an attitude adjustment than a physical issue.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 1
I got some twisties you Apes can follow me threw.
You can say no loss of control, but can you say how stable you cornering is?
Or wet weather? I had pull backs in the 70s, and they were great on the freeway and long cruise.
Around town was a whole different things.
You can say no loss of control, but can you say how stable you cornering is?
Or wet weather? I had pull backs in the 70s, and they were great on the freeway and long cruise.
Around town was a whole different things.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Dude, it's the rider that makes the final difference. Yes I was just as stable with my 14" apes, or my 12" apes, as I am with my 8" T-bars. BTW, you can try and follow me, I don't follow very well.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: nashua NH
for me apes are the way to go, way more comfortable riding position. As far as handleing goes drag bars give me a little mental advantage but in the big picture id say there about the same as long as the apes are a reasonable hieght. try em if you dont like em there just handlebars you can always switch back
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 98
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From: Oregon
IMO handling was better with drag bars because it kept me slightly closer to the center of gravity of the bike.
I liked apes around town, but for long distance riding all that wind pushing against me in a full upright position was very tiring. I find today I appreciate a slightly forward lean into the wind.
I liked apes around town, but for long distance riding all that wind pushing against me in a full upright position was very tiring. I find today I appreciate a slightly forward lean into the wind.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 139
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From: where the military takes me
The 16's I have are amazing. I have no more hand and wrist pain from the stock 10's on the 2010 SB. I ride my scoot every day Its not raining or snowing, in town and on long rides to georgia. No problems here. It all matters on your height. 10's are average height for average height people. If you 6' and up, you might want to get a set that is at least 13-16. I felt a lettle ackward at first with the 16's but I feel I can manuver faster with them then the stock 10's.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 176
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From: Torrington, CT
I switched from the stock bars to 10" mini apes and was pretty happy with them, but In my opinion if your gonna put apes on go at least 14". I was able to keep my stock throttle cables on but had to change my clutch cable. 14" I believe you will have to change all of them. 10" just aren't enough to make a real difference. IMHO
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 4
From: NC
For me I run drags on short straight risers, I have been researching into taller bars and really like the mini sized apes. My problem with most of them is the funky wrist angles many ape bars have. The only ones I found that I liked were 12 Z Bars because they had very minimal pullback and were basically like a 12 T bar with the benefit of being able to be rolled back and forth to fine tune the positioning.
I am still running drags and actually bought the above mentioned bars, and I just couldnt do it. Sold em to another member here for a slight loss. I wish I woulda kept them now, but they still make them and I may grab another set.
I think the only time apes and ill handling go together is when a guy uses bars that are too tall for himself. Anything over 14 is not for me, but I will stick with 11-or 12 inchers just for handling sake. Then again I am 6ft tall and run mid controls. I see many 5ft 6 inch guys that feel the need to run forward controls.? I removed mine and sold em for mids. To each is own....
I am still running drags and actually bought the above mentioned bars, and I just couldnt do it. Sold em to another member here for a slight loss. I wish I woulda kept them now, but they still make them and I may grab another set.
I think the only time apes and ill handling go together is when a guy uses bars that are too tall for himself. Anything over 14 is not for me, but I will stick with 11-or 12 inchers just for handling sake. Then again I am 6ft tall and run mid controls. I see many 5ft 6 inch guys that feel the need to run forward controls.? I removed mine and sold em for mids. To each is own....