when riding a bike with apes, is it easy to turn, shift, brake, etc? is it a comfortable riding position or do you have to get used to it? I'm thinking of 14" apes or so. i will be buying a softail deluxe and going with the cholo look, without the fishtail exhaust...

thanks in advance

 

I find them extremely comfortable, and don't think it takes much to get comfortable with them as long as you don't go too tall. How tall are you? Do you have long arms? Is this the look you are after?

Since the picture I have added saddlebag guards to further the cholo look....

 

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

Ever seen a race bike with apes?

 

i like the fishtail pipes, but i just don't want them to stick out 2 feet behind the bike. id like them to stop around where the pic that you posted does. and I'm 5'9" 180lbs, decent reach.

I'm really digging something like this...

http://heritageshots.blogspot.com/20...-heritage.html

 

For me personally and to keep it simple, I'd say Yes to all your questions. I've been using 16" apes on my Springer for over 10 years and I haven't had any issues with in town riding, riding twisty mountain roads short rides to town or longer, some times all day runs. The grips on my apes are just about shoulder high and I've never had any trouble with my neck, shoulders or back. One thing that I will explain why I said Yes to. For a person that has never ridden a bike with apes, it will take a little getting use to because of the obvious difference in height between stock bars and the apes. Apes aren't for everybody but I can honestly say, at the young age of 65, my apes are here to stay cause I'm not going back.

 

I had 39" Cholos from Samson for my bike, but when I took the engine from 88" to 117" I could not use them due to lack of flow and way too much potential to melt my engine down!

You can get the 23.5" fishtails for yours and they will end at the back of the rear tire be for the fender...

12" or 14" apes will work for you, just remember one thing; apes rolled back because you went too high are not cool, lol. A 12" bar rocked straight up looks wayyyyyyy better than a 14" or 16" leaning back!

 

I had 12 inch apes on my Street Glide. Didn't take long to get used to them. They are comfortable. I found that my riding posture is better. I tend to sit straight up more.

And it doesn't make you a poser lol

 

When I had stock bars my hands always went numb and my back hurt. No issues with the 16 inch apes and I do many 400 mile days. Don't think I am a poser as mentioned in an earlier post. Everyone is different

 

I think I'm going to go with the apes. They make the look of the bike for sure!

 

Lets see your race bike....