Don't "get it"
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,391
Likes: 10
From:
RE: Don't "get it"
I had beach bars on my rk custom (stock) and got a burn in my back feeling on every ride over ten minutes. I went with 18" apes. The difference is incredible. No pain, anytime. Even seems as though I have more room on the bike than I did before. My hand position is right at my shoulder height, and can ride all day with them. Once I cut down the sheild a bit, to fit with the apes, I would have no problem going coast to coast with them. Like 'em or not, it is your own decision. For me, I will not be getting any other bars.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Don't "get it"
Like manyof the cosmetic items today, extended front ends, rigid frames, ape hangers and forward mount pegs there was an original functional reason for their use. In the 50s guys were hitting the desert for some fun racing, to get a little better trail in deep sand they used the longer UL forks and 21" front wheels. Improved stability both in sand and on the road was the result. The 60s saw longer and longer front ends purely for cosmetics. Apes developed so that one could pull up and off the seat on really rough roads thus saving the ol' tailbone from bottoming out.You won't see suspension ontop drag bikes because of the way they hook up coming of the line, no wheel hop.Today's custom bikesowe a lot tothe pioneers of the bobber days .
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 2
From: LAKESIDE CA.
RE: Don't "get it"
I would have to say you are missing the boat....
just got back from an 1100+ mile ride have 16 inch apes...
have had apes for years love them comfort level is great, handling in the twisties is great. yes very slow speed is a little less but I don't spend that much time in a parking lot doin circles....
[IMG]local://upfiles/5757/CDB7673D663F4132A9E30021BCD66CC4.jpg[/IMG]
just got back from an 1100+ mile ride have 16 inch apes...
have had apes for years love them comfort level is great, handling in the twisties is great. yes very slow speed is a little less but I don't spend that much time in a parking lot doin circles....
[IMG]local://upfiles/5757/CDB7673D663F4132A9E30021BCD66CC4.jpg[/IMG]
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
RE: Don't "get it"
Interesting topic. I have never owned or ever ridden a bike with apes. I've always hadstock bars on my bikes. I'm fortunate I suppose that I never felt the need to change out my bars because stock bars always felt comfortable. I must admit, at first I didn't like the appearance of the ape hangers, but then I met somebody who became a very good friend and he has ape hangers on his Heritage Softail. We've been on several rides together and it seems a few of his other buddy's have apes on their bikes. Slowly I've started to change my opinion about those stype of bars and have begun to like them. My friend offered to let me ride his bike anytime. So I think I will have to take him up on his offer and give it a try. I don't know what size his bars are, but his hands are only slightly above his shoulders from what I can tell.
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