Question on 12 inch apes
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 341
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From: Desloge missouri
Question on 12 inch apes
I am seriously thinking about putting some 12 inch apes on my 2015 slim this winter. I have been riding since I was 12 years old now 55 years old. I have never rode with apes before but I have always like the look. So tell me whats the difference riding with apes like. I am 5 ft 3in and weigh 155 lbs.
Last edited by klup; Sep 24, 2019 at 04:07 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Midwest
Probably something that is best answered from direct experience rather than someone elses opinions and preferences. Lots of dealers have used bikes with apes of various sizes. I would at least try to find bikes you can sit on first. At best, take one for a test ride.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: North Carolina
Well for me 12 inch on bars really isn’t apes. They just keep my arms out straighter so I sit up straighter making for a more comfortable ride. In my opinion they also improve the control I have over the bike, their are some that will argue that. Just a matter of opinion. I really hate a bike I have to bend over or reach downward for the bars.
For you at 5’3” they will probably be apes! Try and find some similar bikes with these bars and ask to sit on them to see how they feel. You should be much happier.
Good luck with the process.
For you at 5’3” they will probably be apes! Try and find some similar bikes with these bars and ask to sit on them to see how they feel. You should be much happier.
Good luck with the process.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 341
Likes: 144
From: Desloge missouri
Well for me 12 inch on bars really isnt apes. They just keep my arms out straighter so I sit up straighter making for a more comfortable ride. In my opinion they also improve the control I have over the bike, their are some that will argue that. Just a matter of opinion. I really hate a bike I have to bend over or reach downward for the bars.
For you at 53 they will probably be apes! Try and find some similar bikes with these bars and ask to sit on them to see how they feel. You should be much happier.
Good luck with the process.
For you at 53 they will probably be apes! Try and find some similar bikes with these bars and ask to sit on them to see how they feel. You should be much happier.
Good luck with the process.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,620
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From: SoCal
A lot of what one might define as "difference in handling" depends on where you're coming from. If your initial introduction to riding was sport bikes, anything higher that triple clamps may seem like less handling because it's not what your used to. If your introduction was dirt bikes, anything above waist level may seem awkward. If your first bike was a Honda Rebel with apes your Dad passed down, anything below shoulders height might drive you crazy at first.
Clearly, for outright high speed handling and performance, look to sport bikes and lower bars but, that's not what most of us do on the street (or what our bikes are designed for).
Get the bars that feel most comfortable to you and you will eventually find you are riding to the limits of your comfort zone with them regardless of how high or low they are.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 952
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From: Richmond TX
I've found that handlebar width has more impact on handling than height, maybe it's just me. Rule of thumb on ape height, don't go with your hands any higher than your heart, at least if you ride long distances and don't like your hands going to sleep.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: OH
Birdman gave you a good response. I came from sportbike and don't like real high bars but for the type of riding we do low bars are not practical for all day riding. I am riding with 10.5's on my king now and they are a good mid range height for me. The width and wrist angle also factor in. I got a cheaper bar and left them external until I can decide on what fits me. Bars and seats are very individual in taste. You have to sit on a few bikes and take the plunge.
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I cannot answer for anybody else but myself because how a bike handles for one isn't always the same for another. I can personally say that when I went from the stock bars on my bike and put 16's on my Springer that my bike handled better..I'm taller than you so have no idea how you and 12's would get along but for me and my 16's, perfect.
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: SE Michigan
I am seriously thinking about putting some 12 inch apes on my 2015 slim this winter. I have been riding since I was 12 years old now 55 years old. I have never rode with apes before but I have always like the look. So tell me whats the difference riding with apes like. I am 5 ft 3in and weigh 155 lbs.