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When I see a bike with apes the first thing I notice are the handlebars and then I check out the bike. However, when I see a bike without apes I notice the bike first and at some point may check out the bars.
So I decided to put Factory 47 14 Malos on my 2017 Road King, and sure enough it substantially changed the look of the bike. At 510 with a 30 inseam it put the grips slightly below my shoulders with the stock seat. It took me a couple of hours of riding to get use to and realize, as others have said, how much more comfortable apes can be than the stock bars. The pain in my wrists is gone, I sit up straighter, it feels like I have power steering and having air conditioned armed pits can be refreshing.
An unexpected benefit that I havent seen anyone else write about is the wind buffeting for a passenger is reduced (assuming you are riding with a windscreen). My SO and I went 2up for a 50 mile ride yesterday and she said that was the least amount of wind she had felt on the bike since weve been riding. Then I realized that the angle of my arms on the stock bars was probably causing the passenger some wind buffeting while with the apes I get air conditioned arm pits instead of a SO with a stiff neck and ringing ears.
In conclusion, when someone tells me apes are only to get attention it tells me they either have never ridden with apes or have the wrong sized apes. Notwithstanding the few apes out there that are clearly for attention purposes only.
The correct apes are great indeed and finding the ones that work correctly for an individual is pot luck but does sometimes happen. Problem is no changing station exists and once ordered and on a bike they most likely stay. Take this guy for instance. Best guess he is still wishing his were a tad bit taller.
Interesting, Im on a thread right now and thinking of adding these to my bike. I have an Ultra Limited....... I know that it is up to me to add or subtract items from my bike, but..... what do you guys think of 10" apes on an Ultra Limited?
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Apes are only for looks and to get attention!
