5'6 and need ape recommendations?
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Wauwatosa, WI
5'6 and need ape recommendations?
I'm new to Harley's and customizing my ride, bought my Heritage new in 13. Doing a few upgrades this spring and would like to put on some apes. I am 5'6 and don't want to go to high and still like to lean back into my seat while riding. Only have heard of a few manufacturers like Carlini and RSD. Would also like to see some pics of lower apes, that you shorter riders use and are comfortable. thanks
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 261
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From: Fayetteville, Arkansas and Afghanistan
I am 5'8" amd have RSD 16's on my Slim. The grips are shoulder height for me. Check with local laws and see what they say first. Way I did mine is I sat on a 14 Slim and put my arms up and had someone measure from the top of the forks to my hands.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,238
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From: fort walton beach
i would start by getting a seat that you like alot and plan on keeping. from there you will be able to measure where you want your bars to be. if you have shorter arms more pull back will help keep you in your seat. i am 5'5" with a set of custom bars. i have a elevated spring seat so i could go taller with the bars for my height. My bars are 17 inch height (measure 18 inches) by 40 inches wide, with 7 inches of pull back.
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Wauwatosa, WI
Thanks for the tips, also very sweet ride you have!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 67
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From: Wauwatosa, WI
i would start by getting a seat that you like alot and plan on keeping. from there you will be able to measure where you want your bars to be. if you have shorter arms more pull back will help keep you in your seat. i am 5'5" with a set of custom bars. i have a elevated spring seat so i could go taller with the bars for my height. My bars are 17 inch height (measure 18 inches) by 40 inches wide, with 7 inches of pull back.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 96
From: fort walton beach
for us short people we have to plan everything out. we dont have the wiggle room like tall people have when it comes to comfort and reach. a narrower seat will hell get your feet on the ground. a lower seat that moves you back of course will require lower bars with more pull back. that is why i suggest starting with the seat then moving to bars and controls.
most Z style bars will have lest pull back than a set off standard apes. imo when every inch counts i would go with a set of custom bars to fit you. they are expensive and take along time to make but you will get just what you want without sacrificing comfort.
most Z style bars will have lest pull back than a set off standard apes. imo when every inch counts i would go with a set of custom bars to fit you. they are expensive and take along time to make but you will get just what you want without sacrificing comfort.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 115
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From: Washoe Valley Nevada
Flanders, Wild 1, LA Choppers to name a few. I checked on 2 local harley shops sitting on used bikes with apes until I found the right height for me. I'm big on center width not exceeding the fork width, just a symetry quirk I have. Good luck finding some bars.
Last edited by TheCarpenter; Mar 9, 2015 at 09:46 PM. Reason: Added text
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