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-   -   Thinking of changing bars to apes for comfort? (https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softail-models/489889-thinking-of-changing-bars-to-apes-for-comfort.html)

harleyheaven 03-15-2010 09:21 PM

Thinking of changing bars to apes for comfort?
 
Hey Guys, I'm thinking of changing my bars to some apes. Due to injuries and several surguries (back and shoulder) I'm looking for maximum comfort. I'm 5'6" tall so I won't need them to be very tall. I'm thinking 10.5" mini apes or 12" apes should be about what I'm looking for, 14" at most. I'm thinking the grips should be even with my shoulders for maximum comfort. Any suggestions??

KumaRide 03-15-2010 09:33 PM

Measure with a broomstick, holding it where it feels comfortable and measure from your tank to the stick. Then compare to these measurements. Should give you an idea of what size. Also, more pushed forward makes them taller.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...nt-please.html

Lundee 03-16-2010 08:47 AM

Best move I ever made going from drags to apes. I can ride alot longer w/ the apes and be able to walk when I get there. 6' tall w/ 14" of total rise.

Fireman1501 03-16-2010 09:32 AM

Everyone thinks that they are uncomfortable but they let you relax. I think you will be happy. Have a buddy that is the same height and we are putting a set of 12" Flying Carlini Apes on his Deluxe.

DR. V-TWIN 03-16-2010 10:14 AM

I love my apes. I have had them on for 4 years. People always ask how I ride with them. Truth be told they are comfortable. I rode my wife's bike with drag bars yesterday and found that less comfortable than my 16" apes.

DragonSlayer08 03-16-2010 10:26 AM

Check out BR's Custom Bars for how to measure for bars. While you are at it check out some of the bars he makes. His work and customer service are top notch.

FastHoss 03-16-2010 10:42 AM

They are not for everyone.I had some on a Sportster but were pulled way back like pullback bars,was not bad for comfort.Your whole body becomes a sail when they are tall and you are spread out on them.If they were the hot set up they would be on all touring bikes.

fallenspringer 03-16-2010 10:55 AM

My bike came with a set of 12.5 chubs with a 38 inch wing span and i just recently went back to a drag bar(thats what i had on my sportster) with a 30.5 inch width. when i had the apes my arm and hand would always fall asleep and i would end up shaking the hell out of it half the ride to get the blood to it. Put 3-400 miles on the drags in the last two days and not a problem not to mention the amount of control i got back with the bars. I am only 5'10 so that could have been part of the problem as well, but i didnt find the apes as comfortable as everyone makes them out to be. maybe mine were just a little to big for me.

mp 03-16-2010 11:51 AM

If you've had back and shoulder problems, the last thing you need is ape-hangars. When I had shoulder problems, there's no way I could have ridden with anything higher than my buckhorns.

Milty 03-16-2010 11:59 AM

I am 5'6 and have 14" gimps. Most comftorable position, I can ride on long trips no problem. But make sure you measure as everyone is different and bars from anywhere get expensive. measure twice buy once and you won't be dissappointed with apes..


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