Handling...and Apes
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Elsberry, Mo
" I have heard that if you get your hands above your shoulders that you can experience hand numbing....I've never experienced it...but I don't want that. (Maybe someone can speak to that as well)"
Myth, peoples hands go numb on all kinds of bars becasue they are gripping them too tight, or have adopted a poor riding position/posture. Never had my hands go numb with apes, and I used to run some ridiculous ones years ago. Another myth is that you "act like a sail" when you ride with apes. Or that you cannot maneuver in parking lots safely, etc, etc. If someone does not, or has not run apes on their bike(s) then they really dont know what they are talking about. Riding your buddies bike for 30 minutes between bars does not count as running apes on your bike.
Apes are like power steering. I much prefer riding with apes all day than drag bars etc. I find them much more comfortable on long trips. Myself I like apes that are at or just below shoulder level that's just where my hand "fall". That is a very good starting point if you never had apes and are looking at new bars or getting some made, or making them yourself. As far as handling, I have always found field games to be much easier with bikes that had apes.
As all things motorcycle it is all very personal and what works for one of us might not work for anyone else.There really is no standard bike just a common starting place. That is part of the beauty of bikes, even though it is very frustrating sometimes to go into my shop and see 3 sets of bars hanging on the wall, next to 5 seats. For a bike I have not had in five years
Myth, peoples hands go numb on all kinds of bars becasue they are gripping them too tight, or have adopted a poor riding position/posture. Never had my hands go numb with apes, and I used to run some ridiculous ones years ago. Another myth is that you "act like a sail" when you ride with apes. Or that you cannot maneuver in parking lots safely, etc, etc. If someone does not, or has not run apes on their bike(s) then they really dont know what they are talking about. Riding your buddies bike for 30 minutes between bars does not count as running apes on your bike.
Apes are like power steering. I much prefer riding with apes all day than drag bars etc. I find them much more comfortable on long trips. Myself I like apes that are at or just below shoulder level that's just where my hand "fall". That is a very good starting point if you never had apes and are looking at new bars or getting some made, or making them yourself. As far as handling, I have always found field games to be much easier with bikes that had apes.
As all things motorcycle it is all very personal and what works for one of us might not work for anyone else.There really is no standard bike just a common starting place. That is part of the beauty of bikes, even though it is very frustrating sometimes to go into my shop and see 3 sets of bars hanging on the wall, next to 5 seats. For a bike I have not had in five years
" I have heard that if you get your hands above your shoulders that you can experience hand numbing....I've never experienced it...but I don't want that. (Maybe someone can speak to that as well)" Myth, peoples hands go numb on all kinds of bars becasue they are gripping them too tight, or have adopted a poor riding position/posture. Never had my hands go numb with apes, and I used to run some ridiculous ones years ago. Another myth is that you "act like a sail" when you ride with apes. Or that you cannot maneuver in parking lots safely, etc, etc. If someone does not, or has not run apes on their bike(s) then they really dont know what they are talking about. Riding your buddies bike for 30 minutes between bars does not count as running apes on your bike. Apes are like power steering. I much prefer riding with apes all day than drag bars etc. I find them much more comfortable on long trips. Myself I like apes that are at or just below shoulder level that's just where my hand "fall". That is a very good starting point if you never had apes and are looking at new bars or getting some made, or making them yourself. As far as handling, I have always found field games to be much easier with bikes that had apes. As all things motorcycle it is all very personal and what works for one of us might not work for anyone else.There really is no standard bike just a common starting place. That is part of the beauty of bikes, even though it is very frustrating sometimes to go into my shop and see 3 sets of bars hanging on the wall, next to 5 seats. For a bike I have not had in five years
I'm 5'8 and recently changed my stock mini apes to 14 burly narrows and let me tell u, initial reaction to turning it's much more responsive now and turning is effortless... Idk if it's me but turns I would slow down for before I could take now without slowing. My opinion only of course! I used all stock wires/cable with this set up also, took about 3hrs to install here are some pics..
Thank you! I know how hard it can be when choosing the right size/style apes.. It took me a few months to finally decide which direction to go and I'm glad to have gone the route I did.
I try to help fellow riders as much possible!
I try to help fellow riders as much possible!
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 461
Likes: 22
From: East Coast, US
I dunno, I like to lean in and push the bike in corners and I find no way to do that with apes. Nor do I like the look. Plus, I admit I am tired of seeing them everywhere . . . but what other people like is none of my business. I'm only commenting because someone said they find their bike handles better 'with' apes. More power to you, but I didn't find that to be true for me. First thing I did was replace them.
Last edited by NYC.streetkid; May 28, 2014 at 11:35 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 4
From: Out and about
FWIW, handlebars have no effect on handling, that is determined by chassis/suspension/tire type and size, etc... what the do have an effect on is control.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 461
Likes: 22
From: East Coast, US
obviously . . . for me I am referring to how I 'handle' the bike. I would guess most mean the same.