Why Apes?
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 539
Likes: 5
From: Harleyland, USA
Why Apes?
I'm curious about ape hangers and everyone's seeming obsession with putting them on their bike. 
I'm not trying to be a wise guy, I've just never ridden a bike with apes so have no reference. Is it just a style thing or is there also a comfort reason? I have an issue with my right elbow where it starts to hurt after about 150-200 miles (I assume from being in same position and/or working throttle.) It's better on my Low Rider than on my last bike which had lower bars. However, since clip-ons and drag bars are usually added to improve high speed handling, I'm curious if apes adversely effect handling?
I'm not trying to be a wise guy, I've just never ridden a bike with apes so have no reference. Is it just a style thing or is there also a comfort reason? I have an issue with my right elbow where it starts to hurt after about 150-200 miles (I assume from being in same position and/or working throttle.) It's better on my Low Rider than on my last bike which had lower bars. However, since clip-ons and drag bars are usually added to improve high speed handling, I'm curious if apes adversely effect handling?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 4
From: Out and about
It would stand to reason that the higher the ape the less the control you have over the bike. You will most certainly have less feel from the front end with apes. I'm 6'7'' so I like them because they are comfortable. As a side benefit, I think they look nice.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 856
Likes: 6
From: Charlotte County FL
I put them on primarily for comfort, they eliminated pain in my back between my shoulders from reaching down to the stock bars, always felt like I was riding hunched over with the stock bars... Side benefit is they look great, I have 14" on mine, if I were to do it again I would put 16", really don't notice any difference in the handling...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma
Personal preference. I had 16" apes on a Dyna and felt like Rocky the Flying Squirrel when I rode. Never again for me but to each his own.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 809
Likes: 23
From: Olathe KS
Comfort. I can sit more upright. It also helps a shoulder that I have issues with time to time. Less pressure on it.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 415
Likes: 2
From: Wichita Falls, Texas
Apes
I have 16" Apes on "Ethel". I too wondered about the handling before I installed them. I liked the look and decided to do it. It is the best mod I have done so far. Low speed handling is vastly improved (more leverage). Comfort on longer trips is also greatly improved. I like to cruise mostly, and the comfort while sitting back is like night and day compared to my old bars.
At first, I wasn't sure about pushing it in the twisties with apes. While I don't push it as hard as I did before, once I got used to the different position (along with forwards), it became second nature and I can still push pretty hard in the curves (it does feel a little different sitting back instead of leaning forward).
All in all, it is a swap I am very pleased with. And I love the look. A riding buddy told me "once you go to apes, you'll never go back". He was right. Try them, I bet you'll love them too.
This is before:
These are after:
At first, I wasn't sure about pushing it in the twisties with apes. While I don't push it as hard as I did before, once I got used to the different position (along with forwards), it became second nature and I can still push pretty hard in the curves (it does feel a little different sitting back instead of leaning forward).
All in all, it is a swap I am very pleased with. And I love the look. A riding buddy told me "once you go to apes, you'll never go back". He was right. Try them, I bet you'll love them too.
This is before:
These are after:
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,120
Likes: 17
From: Indiana
My bike came stock with 10" mini apes. Went to 16" apes, but with the grip angle it's probably only 4" higher. Initially I did it for looks, but come to find out the tingling in my fingers went away, no more back pain at 30 miles into the ride and a hell of a lot more comfortable for me. My hands are right at shoulder height. You'll never know what suits you best till you try it. I have my buddy's nightster in my garage and when I take that out with the drag bars my back starts to hurt within 5-10 minutes. Get back on my strew bob and it just seems natural.