Were Fat Boys always intended to have APES ???
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
Lots of bars look great. Fad or not, apes look great. Went from stock bars to Heritage and this helped neck pain during long rides. At 6'1", installing apes for comfort, looks is just icing on the cake. The handling in the twisties is a concern though... Probably go with 14's for that reason.
Novice
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
IMO.
Other than riding in a straight line, you better keep both hands on the grips.
Long trips are a bitch and cold weather riding ain't to fun either.
A special breed ride with apes and they don't care about any of the above.
The're badazz and thats all that matters.
Other than riding in a straight line, you better keep both hands on the grips.
Long trips are a bitch and cold weather riding ain't to fun either.
A special breed ride with apes and they don't care about any of the above.
The're badazz and thats all that matters.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 986
Likes: 6
From: NY
They don't come standard because depending on size....lol...they are illegal in some states (at least the 16 inchers are, unless you are a biggun). In NY, they can't be higher than the level of your shoulders when seated, and they WILL give you a tickey.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
When I first sat on a FBL I was shocked at how low and out of reach the stock bars were for me, I could not imagine riding it without some kind of ape. My preference for Apes is merely for comfortable reasons first then for looks. With a solo seat backrest and Apes what more could a person want in riding comfort for an old fart like me on a Fat Boy!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
I put the FatBoy Lo bars on my 07 FB and prefer them over the stock bars. Every rider has different style and tastes. Apes aren't my style but maybe if I rode a bike with them that opinion might change but for now the Lo bars are my preference.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Miami, Florida
Other than riding in a straight line, you better keep both hands on the grips.
Long trips are a bitch and cold weather riding ain't to fun either.
Long trips are a bitch and cold weather riding ain't to fun either.
Also, while riding without the windshield at freeway speeds (which I do quite often), my lower back appears more strained, likely due to the increased wind resistance the open body provides and having to hang on. In any case, I can only ride for two hours maximum before I need to dismount and stretch a bit.
Regardless, these 16" -1.5" Carlini's were one of the best mod's performed on my bike. They really give the Softail family an enhanced look.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 774
Likes: 17
From: Howe, TX
^ Guess I'm lucky. My experience is nothing like yours. I ride 42 miles to work, daily, rain or shine, and damn near all 42 miles are with my left hand in my lap. That's when I am most comfy, when just one hand is up.
Regardless though, apes are the best bars a softail could have.
Regardless though, apes are the best bars a softail could have.