Apes question.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
Apes question.
I have been riding Harleys for 41 years now and I have never ridin a bike with apes on it other than to road test a few that I worked on for a couple of miles back when I was a tech.
I'm thinkin about puttin some on my springer before I do an endurance run this summer and was hoping to get some feedback from those of you that have some experience with them as to what is a ballpark height that will be comfortable for both around town and some serious long distance riding. Everyone seems to think they are much more comfortable than stock or low bars. So what say you?
Thanks.
I'm thinkin about puttin some on my springer before I do an endurance run this summer and was hoping to get some feedback from those of you that have some experience with them as to what is a ballpark height that will be comfortable for both around town and some serious long distance riding. Everyone seems to think they are much more comfortable than stock or low bars. So what say you?
Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 842
Likes: 64
From: N. CA & East TN
I rode with apes on my old softtail standard and my softtail springer FXSTSI. I started with 12" then 16" then 18". My favorite setup, (I'm 6'1") was 16" with 4" risers. I rode this for the last 3 years of having apes. I have since switched to drag bars. I loved the apes and it was fun, but i started riding alot more long distance rides. I have ridden about 45,000 miles with the apes, but the thought of riding to sturgis in 2008 did not sound like fun. I switched for that ride and never switched back. I miss the looks of my apes but 80MPH on the freeway, i felt like a kite, my back killed me and my fingertips went numb. If you are anywhere around my height and want the apes 16" and 4" risers were my fav.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,190
Likes: 5
From: Eastern Washington
I have 13" on my SG, and I really like them. For me they are tall enough to make me sit up straight and allow better comfort, and they are low enough so that around town riding and maneuvering is easy.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
I have an 05 Springer with 16" Wild 1 chubbies and 4" risers. I haven't taken the longer trips like some have but I have found them to be more comfortable than the stock bars that it came with. Like has already been said, I feel like a kite when I am going fast down the freeway but I learned to lean into the wind a little and it doesn't bother me. It also seems that the more that I ride, the more that I get used to the kite effect and I don't notice it anymore. I don't have any problems with my shoulders, arms or hands.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Lee, NH
Im 6'1" on a 01 RG. I have 17" apes. Love them. Of course at the beginning of the year my shoulders hurt alittle but after a weekend im good for the year. I rode to PA last year and did 1,000 miles straight down no problem. I also have cruise though and can let go and drive with one hand every once and a while which is great. I would never go back. Rented a RG and rode to NY did 1600 miles in two days with stock bars and my forearms hurt for days. Thats my two cents whatever feels best for you.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From:
I absolutely love riding with apes. I started out with 16's on my 06 softail standard, but after a shoulder injury I thought the 12.5" apes would be better for me so I switched. The 12.5 apes are very comfortable, and will probably stay with them. But I do miss my 16's. They just look better in my opinion, and a lot of fun to ride with. As stated before, the 16's took a little to get used to flying down the interstate at 80 +.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia
I'm 5'8" and I have 16's with 2" risers and I've had my bike all over western Canada. when it gets cold out I find my fingertips get cold and numb but otherwise......LOVE EM!!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 707
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton, Alberta
I've done a few long trips with my apes and I find them very comfortable. The first couple of trips I had my seat bag on so I was able to lean back against it, then I adjusted my detachable windshield to fit with the apes and now no more feel like a kite.
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Rode Rodeo in my younger days, so broken bones keep from using them on my last three bikes. Used to use'em a lot when I was younger. They look great in a bar parking lot the taller the more outlaw, but even when I was younger on long runs hands, forearms, & shoulders would cramp up after 300 or 400 miles a day. It's just my anatomy, but I personally wouldn't go over 16" for serious miles. It also gave me less front end turning control and mountain windy roads. Like I said just my opinion and if other riders think it's more comfortable, more power to'em.