Handlebars: Apes. mini-apes, Drags ?????
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
Handlebars: Apes. mini-apes, Drags ?????
I am looking to fit some new bars on my bike. So many choices in rise, width, etc. Then have to choose risers, pull back or straight, short or long? With so many choices, options, and combinations, where should I start? Is there a good way to accuratly measure what is best for my reach? Or better yet, a way to try different set ups?
Also, while I'm asking questions, where can I find chrome bolts, nuts, washers, etc.? Home Depot, Lowes and the like have zinc, stainless, and even nickel but no chrome. Seems like I always have a modification project going that requires chrome fasteners. I am sure there are places to order whatever I need, but I am never that organized and usually make things up as I go.
Thanks guys
Also, while I'm asking questions, where can I find chrome bolts, nuts, washers, etc.? Home Depot, Lowes and the like have zinc, stainless, and even nickel but no chrome. Seems like I always have a modification project going that requires chrome fasteners. I am sure there are places to order whatever I need, but I am never that organized and usually make things up as I go.
Thanks guys
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
Ace hardware has the best selection of chrome bits. As for the bars, figure out how you want to sit and go from there. If you want your arms low and to lean forward slightly go for drag bars. If you want your arms up a little higher which I find more comfortable go for apes. It is a personal choice as to all of this, but see if you have some guys who will let you try their setups, or at least sit on their bikes and see how they feel. Go to the dealer and see if they have any bieks with different types of bars. My local dealer has a huge room full of used bikes with many different configurations. And obviously as you are doing ask all the questions that come to mind. Good luck.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
I am looking to fit some new bars on my bike. So many choices in rise, width, etc. Then have to choose risers, pull back or straight, short or long? With so many choices, options, and combinations, where should I start? Is there a good way to accuratly measure what is best for my reach? Or better yet, a way to try different set ups?
Also, while I'm asking questions, where can I find chrome bolts, nuts, washers, etc.? Home Depot, Lowes and the like have zinc, stainless, and even nickel but no chrome. Seems like I always have a modification project going that requires chrome fasteners. I am sure there are places to order whatever I need, but I am never that organized and usually make things up as I go.
Thanks guys
Also, while I'm asking questions, where can I find chrome bolts, nuts, washers, etc.? Home Depot, Lowes and the like have zinc, stainless, and even nickel but no chrome. Seems like I always have a modification project going that requires chrome fasteners. I am sure there are places to order whatever I need, but I am never that organized and usually make things up as I go.
Thanks guys
B. Got a rocker? Drag/slammer style handlebars are the only way to go with the extra rake in the frame. Look for 1 piece bars/risers to clean the front of the bike up. WIdth and height is your descretion for whats comfortable to you.
C. Your dealer will have the bolts you need. A good dealer will always give 20% off retail for Harley and basic aftermarket catalogue parts. If not, go to Zannoti's or Hales HD online.
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
When choosing bars, the sky's the limit. But I would go to as many cruise nights as you can and just look around. If there are a lot of bikes you should be able to see a good selection of bars and if your lucky you'll find one will strikes your fancy.
Most guys if they are asked politely will let you sit on their bike to see how the bars fit.
Well its how I found and decided to get the ones I have, I saw them on a guys bike and asked, politely, if I could sit on it to see how they fit and the guy was nice enough to let me.
I agree, forget chrome. Most of the bolts you get from Ace or True-Value are not as tough as you need anyway. better to use good grade stainless steel wherever you can.
There are several outfits that specialize in polished stainless hardware Alloyboltz.com, Diamond Engineering, and South Coast Stainless are some of the better known brands. They can also supply you with kits of replacement bolts, just be prepaired to lay a few bucks for the bigger kits.
On the other hand if your not afraid to get your hands a little dirty you can do what I did and get common finished bolts and polish them your self. Its a bunch more work. But you can get them a few at a time to do a job and replace the bolts as you pull things apart for other mods. I have even made bolts when I couldn't find what I wanted, its not hard and looks a lot better than the stock parts.
I put the instructions in the DIY thread here;
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3306932#post3306932
Most guys if they are asked politely will let you sit on their bike to see how the bars fit.
Well its how I found and decided to get the ones I have, I saw them on a guys bike and asked, politely, if I could sit on it to see how they fit and the guy was nice enough to let me.
I agree, forget chrome. Most of the bolts you get from Ace or True-Value are not as tough as you need anyway. better to use good grade stainless steel wherever you can.
There are several outfits that specialize in polished stainless hardware Alloyboltz.com, Diamond Engineering, and South Coast Stainless are some of the better known brands. They can also supply you with kits of replacement bolts, just be prepaired to lay a few bucks for the bigger kits.
On the other hand if your not afraid to get your hands a little dirty you can do what I did and get common finished bolts and polish them your self. Its a bunch more work. But you can get them a few at a time to do a job and replace the bolts as you pull things apart for other mods. I have even made bolts when I couldn't find what I wanted, its not hard and looks a lot better than the stock parts.
I put the instructions in the DIY thread here;
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3306932#post3306932
Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From:
Go APE
Not sure what bike you have, But Here is another example. Im 6' 250lbs average reach.
18" Apes keeps my back straight and there pretty comfortable. I just got the Carlini Ganster Apes.
18" Apes keeps my back straight and there pretty comfortable. I just got the Carlini Ganster Apes.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,700
Likes: 0
From: down south
I'm ditching my drag bars for apes. Drags are just too uncomfortable. They do look cool though 
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