Thinking about putting on apes.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 63
From: MPLS, MN
Thinking about putting on apes.
So I have a new 2017 Road King special. I love it, but Friday I rode my bosses new Victory and it had 18' ape hangers on it and now I'm thinking I may do the same. It was very comfortable. I did a 250 mile trip this weekend and I kept thinking maybe they would be better for me. Hmmm
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,674
Likes: 11,463
From: State of Confusion
I always wondered about them for comfort level..loved the ergonomics of my Heritage...but worry about handling, cornering and more importantly, control in hard avoidance braking
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
Speaking from experience, apes make all those things easier.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,674
Likes: 11,463
From: State of Confusion
interesting..I'll have to ride a bike with some and test some things out..just seems to me with my forearms down below my shoulders and level it offers better control...we never had ape hangers on our motocross bikes! LOL
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 760
Likes: 273
From: Olympia, WA
I went with the Wild ones 502 Chubby 12.5" Very comfortable easy install, brake and clutch cables will reach fine but needed the wire kit #69200034. The kit was plug and play, no splicing and all wires were same color code.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 220
From: Dallas
I agree apes are the way to go. With that said though I think 18" is way to much. Unless you're like 7' tall
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 11,185
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From: In my head
Apes (anything under 18 I'd say) give you more control, especially when slow riding. The only drawback could be that hands go numb on some people occasionally on long rides. Its because your hands are above your heart. It's an easy fix by simply setting cruise control and lower your hand for 15 or 20 seconds then your all back to normal.
You won't be sorry.
You won't be sorry.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 476
Likes: 90
From: Westchester, NY
10 or 12 is probably the highest I would go for that reason. My friends have 14" bars and they do complain about numbness during longer rides. I have 10s.. would have gone with 12s but wasn't sure so I played it safe. love them and have done plenty of long range trips on them with no problems. Much more comfortable than stock and bike feels a bit more controllable IMO. I'd say go for it.