Ape hangers on a jeep?
To lift themselves off the seat?
Just looking for the comfortable spot of the handle bars creates a different than typical scooter. As with anything else, the extreme comes into play. I don't think anything other than the former introduced ape hangers.
Now, why did they take on the name of "Ape Hanger"?

 

I thought they were to keep my arm pits dry...

 

If you've ever ridden a rigid you'll find the ape hangers will indeed enable you to get off your seat easier and faster when approaching RR tracks or any other severe bump.I know, and have met many hardcore bikers from that era ('60's-'70's)who'll all tell you thats why they have them.I ride a hardtail with no spring seat and my apes have saved my *** many times

 

Magilla Gorilla loaned me a set in 1973, been usen em ever since..

 

this has to be very uncomfortable

 

Or maybe some guy way back when, had a dream, woke up and with out regards to the norm and said "I think I'll do something different"....

By George I think he's got it......

 

apes help you lift up off the seat eh? sweet! now if I can just find some way to mount them on the kamode, "yeeesssss"

 

I had a rigid frame back in the late 70s but pull backs were high enough because the seat was lower than a swingarm frame. I would think the higher bars would cause enough torque action at the bar clamp if a rider put his weight on them so they would end up rolling back unexpectadly.

 

Hey Tx2Ca HD, I didn't know they let you guys have HD Forums in the retirement home. 8-)

 

Because they look awesome?





2' apes are kinda blah IMO.....but mini apes are the best handlebar, period.