Ape hangers
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Ontario
Ape hangers
Next upgrade/Mod: Apehangers
Bike:2003 heritage softail
Stats:50yrs old/6'3"/195lbs
experience: 3yrs
For ergonomics and comfort I've decided to modify my riding position and I'm looking at apehangers ssap!
My question is what height is the best for safe handling and comfort including the application of risers height and pullback? Nowadays most shopping is done online with knowledge and experience being the ultimate guide of which i have neither so I'm once again reaching out to the community for help and advice.
with my stats provided could anyone give me some advice or directions for the best practical solution?
Thanks in advance Jim
Bike:2003 heritage softail
Stats:50yrs old/6'3"/195lbs
experience: 3yrs
For ergonomics and comfort I've decided to modify my riding position and I'm looking at apehangers ssap!
My question is what height is the best for safe handling and comfort including the application of risers height and pullback? Nowadays most shopping is done online with knowledge and experience being the ultimate guide of which i have neither so I'm once again reaching out to the community for help and advice.
with my stats provided could anyone give me some advice or directions for the best practical solution?
Thanks in advance Jim
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 29
Likes: 50
From: Winston Salem, NC
Hi Jim. I have an '03 Fatboy and recently went from drag bars to apes for comfort. I'm 43 yrs old, 6' tall, and 215 lbs. I went with 14" bars and 1 1/2" risers. This setup puts my hands just under shoulder height when sitting straight up, and slightly over when slouching. I'm loving them. I recently posted some pics. Check out the "Ape hanger ****" thread here in the Softail section. Lost of great pics there for ideas. Hope this helps
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 74
Likes: 3
From: Socal
Jim,
I have always ridden with apes & my stats are the same as yours. That being said, I had 16" at one point & they're comfortable (just at/under shoulder height) & no problem to handle. Even with apes above shoulder height 20" or so, handling isn't an issue once you're used to it. Try the old trick & mock up some bars using pvc or the like & see what height is comfortable!
I have always ridden with apes & my stats are the same as yours. That being said, I had 16" at one point & they're comfortable (just at/under shoulder height) & no problem to handle. Even with apes above shoulder height 20" or so, handling isn't an issue once you're used to it. Try the old trick & mock up some bars using pvc or the like & see what height is comfortable!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 1,219
From: Dubuque, IA
I'm 60. .5'9" 160lbs. Had 14s on my sporty wishing I had gone 16. I'm putting 16" stainless on my Heritage. 1 1/2" risers..
Whatever you think they should be, add 2". And short risers.
Nothing looks more retarded than trying to make 16s out of 10s with 6" risers. As tight to the top of the forks as possible.
Whatever you think they should be, add 2". And short risers.
Nothing looks more retarded than trying to make 16s out of 10s with 6" risers. As tight to the top of the forks as possible.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 3,518
From: PA
I am only 5'8 and I went with 13 inch Apes on 1 inch risers. I wouldn't change a thing!!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Sorry, but I'm a "broken record" w/ ape advice...don't decide on bar "height" = measure for "comfort!"
Sit on bike, close eyes, hold hands out in comfortable position & measure. It's not just height, bar angles are equally as important and DON'T skimp on cables (e.g. will stock cables work w/ these NN" bars.). Do it right, measure appropriately & get new cables that work w/ the bars. Here's a site to assess:
https://www.chapmoto.com/blog/2014/0...lebars-harley/
Sit on bike, close eyes, hold hands out in comfortable position & measure. It's not just height, bar angles are equally as important and DON'T skimp on cables (e.g. will stock cables work w/ these NN" bars.). Do it right, measure appropriately & get new cables that work w/ the bars. Here's a site to assess:
https://www.chapmoto.com/blog/2014/0...lebars-harley/
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,926
Likes: 962
From: Texas
Only safe height is what you can reasonably control. At the end of the day these things are different for everyone. Being 6ft anything doesnt matter because that could be all legs, all torso, and factoring in arm length means any height can influence your preference.
Im 510 and find 14s comfortable on all of my bikes including my breakout, springer, and my road glide. Despite the geometry differences of all three. Sometimes the 14s on my breakout feels taller and more fatiguing, but thats because my seat sits lower and theres no windshield. I recently sat on a bike at a dealership with 16s and that felt comfortable as well. But actually riding it may be different. My guess is 14s minimum and consider 16s.
Im 510 and find 14s comfortable on all of my bikes including my breakout, springer, and my road glide. Despite the geometry differences of all three. Sometimes the 14s on my breakout feels taller and more fatiguing, but thats because my seat sits lower and theres no windshield. I recently sat on a bike at a dealership with 16s and that felt comfortable as well. But actually riding it may be different. My guess is 14s minimum and consider 16s.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 108
Likes: 69
From: California
You have a lot of good advice here, especially the piece of peoples heights. Don't worry about peoples heights because some have longer legs, longer arms etc.
That said I'm 5'11" and have 16's on my Deluxe and absolutely love them and feel far more comfortable and have way more control. The angle of the bars definitely matters, go for the old broomstick or pvc method and try out what fits for you. I was originally going to buy 14's and am super glad I went with 16's instead.
That said I'm 5'11" and have 16's on my Deluxe and absolutely love them and feel far more comfortable and have way more control. The angle of the bars definitely matters, go for the old broomstick or pvc method and try out what fits for you. I was originally going to buy 14's and am super glad I went with 16's instead.
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