14's should be just about perfect for ya. And posers are generally the ones that talk about posers being posers.

 

Nobody I know buys a harley to have a race bike. Yes I've raced my night train. But up against other Harleys. I've got 14.5 inch apes. Love the look of 3.5 inch risers. But they put me above my shoulders by an inch. I ride more upright because of my apes. No shoulder issues or hands getting numb. *** hurts but that's a different issue. Only thing I know of thats harder with apes is lane splitting.

 

I've had 18" apes on mine for the last 5 years, and I'm very happy with them. I have terrible posture, so I find apes more comfortable for my back and shoulders. Turning and stuff, just takes some getting used to, but after a few good rides it's like 2nd nature. Slower turns are a bit harder, but you just learn to lean forward and go with it. As I said, just takes a little practice and getting used to...

 

"Apes are more for posers and bar-hoppers, than for real riders."

Wow......Really?

 

After switching from 16" apes to drag bars, I will never run apes again because of the improved handling and comfort alone.

 

16" apes. A bit above shoulder height. Did not take long to get used to. I find that they make it easier to handle my bike - but that's just me. Go for it and I bet you never go back.

Oh... forgot to mention that I have had buckhorn, T-bars, 12" mini and 16". I like the 16" best.

 

All my bikes have apes and I switched 10+ years ago. Much easier on the back without having any control issues. Ron

 

To answer your questions in order;

1) Shifting and braking are the same as stock bars but the turning can be a bit cumbersome at slow speeds... depending on how much wider the bars are from stock you will find yourself having to lean quite far ahead if the bars are wider than stock and your hands are above your shoulders. That is of course if you have the forks placed at an 11:00 or 12:00 position (which is where they look best). If you lean them back to match the rake of your forks or further back... it's probably easier to turn but looks dorky as hell.

2) Apes are comfy but do take a day or 2 to get used to when going from a stock bar set up. Sizes vary. I bought 14" Carlini Flying Apes and if I did it again, I'd go with the 12's for comfort. Their bars fit 1.5" - 2" higher than advertised heights and I find that having my hands above my shoulders when on the bars is not too comfy for long trips. They also put your grips out wider so low speed turns are not as comfy..... but that is a minimal concern as most of the time I'm doing highway miles.

 

Drag bars would look pretty dumb on the style of bike that the OP is after. Gotta be apes or beach bars. IMO, drags only look good on FX Softails and some Dynas...

 

Parking lot speed turns are a little different, but you'll catch on quick
14" apes on the Train on 1 3/4" risers. Kept height where my hands are same height as shoulder, so blood can flow...
Taken Train on many extended weekend rides. Although it's a different animal than the Glide, it still makes you wanna get up early next morning and ride all day. Huge improvement over drag bars.
..my opinion