Why Apes?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 2
From: Cali
it all depends on what's comfortable. im not a big fan of my hands shoulder level. i prefer mids to forward controls. probably because i spent most of my life riding dirt and standards (UJMs).
personally i've been pretty happy with the stock fatbob setup. but im thinking of either putting the pullback risers on there for a little less reach or swapping to the bars from a wideglide and leaving the stock risers.
just sit on the bike and figure out where your arms are comfortable. but then decide if you want 8" risers and drag bars or no risers and 8" apes. or something in between. *** 8" was just thrown in there for a number ***
personally i've been pretty happy with the stock fatbob setup. but im thinking of either putting the pullback risers on there for a little less reach or swapping to the bars from a wideglide and leaving the stock risers.
just sit on the bike and figure out where your arms are comfortable. but then decide if you want 8" risers and drag bars or no risers and 8" apes. or something in between. *** 8" was just thrown in there for a number ***
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 127
From: Aussie lost in Switzerland
My stock buckthorns gave me real bad neck and shoulder pain, as well as having my hands go to sleep after only an hour or so of riding. I put on 16 in apes and I no longer have any comfort issues and can cruise for hours.
And they look awesome!
And they look awesome!
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664
Likes: 9
From: Nowhere
I've never rode a bike with tall bars but can't imagine them being comfortable but even if they were I just don't like the looks of them. I think they look totally ridiculous on most bikes and the tall t-bars look even worse, but what do I know?
Me, I like "flat track" bars, and when I am slightly bent over it takes the pressure off my spine and tailbone.
Me, I like "flat track" bars, and when I am slightly bent over it takes the pressure off my spine and tailbone.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 3
From: Ca.
I'm 6' all arms and legs too.
Apes are my best overall feel and comfort zone.
To determine what height is best for you, close your eyes and extend your arms to where you feel most comfortable...that should do it.
I don't really steer, it's more of a push and pull thing.
Twisties, long rides...it's all good.
My apes are only 12.5" but with my stock 2.5" risers, I'm at 15"
Had both shoulders operated on and this works for me.
Sadly, I had to add a backrest too to complete the long distance comfort thing. Looks like ****, but it works.
Sucks gettin old. LOL
Apes are my best overall feel and comfort zone.
To determine what height is best for you, close your eyes and extend your arms to where you feel most comfortable...that should do it.
I don't really steer, it's more of a push and pull thing.
Twisties, long rides...it's all good.
My apes are only 12.5" but with my stock 2.5" risers, I'm at 15"
Had both shoulders operated on and this works for me.
Sadly, I had to add a backrest too to complete the long distance comfort thing. Looks like ****, but it works.
Sucks gettin old. LOL
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 700
From: St. Clair Co., MO
I didn't like the look of apes for a long time, until I rode a bike with them. Was blown away by the comfort & suddenly, I "got" it.
I had installed "superbike"/lower bars on every single one of my previous bikes (minus the FLTR), as I liked the look & the aggressive riding position. As I got older, however, my back & knees & shoulders got beat up & it wasn't comfy anymore.
I had installed "superbike"/lower bars on every single one of my previous bikes (minus the FLTR), as I liked the look & the aggressive riding position. As I got older, however, my back & knees & shoulders got beat up & it wasn't comfy anymore.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 3
From: Ca.
I think another plus to apes is the many riding positions you can go to with them. When my neck gets cramped up I can just bend my elbows, lean forward and kinda lower my head for a while. You can set em up to make your arms straight by tilting the apes forward or just lean back. I have mine a little forward but I still have a slight bend in my elbows. whatever is most comfortable for you. In high winds, apes turn you into a sail kinda/sorta but for crosswinds just tuck your elbows to your sides. I don't feel the sail effect until I go over 90, which isn't often.
As you get older, I think you should get a height that lands your hands somewhere between your heart and shoulders. That's where I have mine and my hands never go numb as some have stated.
As you get older, I think you should get a height that lands your hands somewhere between your heart and shoulders. That's where I have mine and my hands never go numb as some have stated.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 9
From: Goodyear, Az
I've never rode a bike with tall bars but can't imagine them being comfortable but even if they were I just don't like the looks of them. I think they look totally ridiculous on most bikes and the tall t-bars look even worse, but what do I know?
Me, I like "flat track" bars, and when I am slightly bent over it takes the pressure off my spine and tailbone.
Me, I like "flat track" bars, and when I am slightly bent over it takes the pressure off my spine and tailbone.
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