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I have had 2 bikes with apes. I can barely ride with standard bars anymore due to a back injury. After about 50 miles I find myself in a lot of pain. With apes, I can do 4-600 miles relatively comfortably. After that, it's a crap shoot. The reason it helps me is the location of the injury. I can adjust a taller bar to force me to keep my back stretched and straight which makes a world of difference for me.
As for handling, here's the simple truth to it. Anybody that says ape hangers don't change the way their bikes handle at low speeds is lying to you to justify having them. That being said, I'd like to point out that I said "change" and not "reduce". I had my dad laughing one day when he came through to visit because I was doing figure 8s in the parking lot dragging **** all over the place with 18 inch apes. It's just a matter of taking the time to adjust your riding style to the change in leverage. The simple explanation is more hip and less arm.
Not a huge fan of tall apes but I do like bars that are higher.....so I guess I'm a fan of mini apes. Keep in mind though I'm only 5'8 so if I was taller I probably would get something more in the 'ape range'. I replaced my stock bars on the Road King with Heritage bars. Those bars are about 12" and to me perfect. My hands are an inch or two lower than my shoulders with them so it's pretty perfect for me. My best advice would be to go your local HD shop (or really any motorcycle shop) and sit on some used bikes that have apes on them and see what you like. It's not a cheap or quick mod so you want to be sure before you throw them on.
Love my WildOne Inc. 16" bars on my 2000 softail. I really appreciate the wrist angle and wider stance for comfort.
I also know from experience, they'll stand behind their bars for years to come.
Between those and the rider backrest, my gimpy *** can still take down 600 miles and ride the next day without hassle.
For reference, I'm about 5'6" 175 lbs. so what works for you may be more or less, depending.
Check your local laws though. Some have bar height restrictions on the books.
Welcome to the forum. I never thought I would care for apes but I purchased a Victory that had 12" apes. I ended up loving them. So much so that I put 14's on my old FXR and now I love that bike more than ever. Here is the before and after.
thats what Im looking at but trying to find those that fit my bike are pretty hard. Also idk what else Im going to need to get. As in extra wires and all.
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