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I know there are quite a few threads out there about Carlini bars, and many specifically about Gangster Apes. I've seen responses here and there about the comfort of these bars, but can't seem to find a thread that focuses specifically on this aspect. I don't think there's any argument between those who have them that they look awesome (especially on the front of end of a Road King), but my question to those of you who have Gangster Apes is this: Taking looks completely out of the equation, do these bars provide comfort for the mid-long haul (100+ miles)? In my humble opinion, after looking at countless pictures, these bars look best when perfectly aligned with the front forks, creating a smooth transition from forks to the forward bend of the bars. I'm wondering how comfortable they actually are without having to pull them back closer to the rider, which kills that look of aligning them with the forks.
I totally realize handlebar comfort depends on bike model, bar height & width, rider and torso height, reach etc., so I'm just looking for some general candid opinions from those of you who have them. Are they all you hoped they'd be and more? Please include which bars you have (height and either 1.25" or 1.5") since the grip width varies quite a bit.
Here's an example of what I mean by "in line with the forks" (this bike belongs to a member here - xmen9c). I think the bend in the bars themselves gives the appearance they're rolled forward, even when they're lined-up with the forks at the bottom.
As for gregeinsc's previous post, I agree to a point about cool vs comfort, but I don't think you MUST have it one way or another - there's got to a balance somewhere out there. Anyone else care to chime in?
**BUMP** Anyone out there with Gangster Apes willing to comment?
Sure, I'll comment, I like my Carlini Gansters mounted inline w/forks. Accomplishes both cool and comfy, IMO. The bars are extremely comfy, so much so that I now have 16's on my RKC and 14's on both softails. Best bars ever IMO.
Don't know about others but I'm not riding cross country (and I have ridden this bike to and from MBBW 3 times and from Sturgis to BearTooth Pass and back) bent over forwards just cause it looks cool. That'd be hell on your back.
Anyway, that's my $.02 an since my bike was used as the example, I guess I had to reply...
I have 14" high 1.5" dia Gansters on my bike. Love them. I had them in line with the forks and I had to reach too far forward when turning the bars.
Also, at first the width was odd. But once I got used to that, if I look at a stock bikes width, they look and feel so close together.... Lot of people hate the width, but I really like it now. I feel more in co
ntrol.
Forgot to mention. I do around 40 miles each way to / from work, and I dont have any problems. The stock bars bothered me more between the shoulder blades and my wrist ached. With these bars, I dont have any of these problems anymore.
I've posted this before, but I think it's the best testament unless you're in the anti-ape camp. I've had them for about 10 years, and probably always will. Though I don't have Carlini's. My old man is 65 and he was always wanting to ride my bike, because "it felt better."
Long story short, we put a set of Carlini Gangster's on his bike about 4 years ago and he averages about 20,000 miles a year and absolutely loves them. He just did a 6000 mile trip in a couple weeks time. His are the 1.5" and 16" tall.
**BUMP** Anyone out there with Gangster Apes willing to comment?
I have 16 inch gangster apes and 1.25 inch diameter bars. They are comfortable and I like to have them pushed as far forward as I can. With the windshield on that lines up the bottom of the handle bar with the fork legs. On Long rides i may rack them back a little bit more and lean on my back rest. The gangster Apes have 7 inches of pull back like the
Heritage bars that I had and really liked. I had flying Apes before and there was 11 inches of pulled back which is more than I liked
i have 12" evil apes in line with the forks....i guess i dont know about cool... cause to me if they are not lined up...well it looks ****ed up like you stopped to fast and pushed forward cause you couldnt get the installed the right way ; ) most comfortable ive had wrist angle is great
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Carlini Gangster Apes: Cool AND Comfortable?
