Another Ape post
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 182
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Another Ape post
OK I'm thinking of changing my bars (2000 softail standard) to Apes. I've ridin about 32,000 miles with the stock bars. I want somethng that will be comfortable for a short ride or a long 2 week trek. I was looking at going with the 10 inch but after reading some of the posts it seems to go no less than 12.5 inches. So here are the questions:
Comfort: I'm 5'9 and 225lbs with alot of weight in the shoulders and arms how much would the bars increase/decrease the fatigue (not to mention I have some back problems, and no I'm not planning on losing weight anytime soon)? The stock bars start to bother my wrists after 150 miles and I really don't like the set up.
If I go with 12.5" and decide I want to go down to 10" can I use the same cables? Assuming that if I went with 16" in the future or higher if I liked them, I would need new cables, right?
Handling of the bike: right now I have good handling with the bars that are on. Would Apes increase decrease handling?
All comments are welcome good and bad as you all know any investment into the scoot costs $$$$$$$. Obviously everyone likes different things and I truely won't know until I get the bars installed, but I just wanted to get some opinions.
Thanks!!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 11
From: Punta Gorda,FL
RE: Another Ape post
Ape hangers can be very tiring, for some riders, on long trips. I would think it would be simpler to add a riser or change seats so you are positioned better common to your handle bars.
Tom
Tom
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 91
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From: North Dakota
RE: Another Ape post
I put 16inch on Flstc like it but with out a windshield you kind of turn into a windsail. If your hands are at your shoulder or above it gets hard to hold on. Sit on bike and measure up from mounting spot. It will get you in the ballpark. 12.5 I think would be about perfect. good luck
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,245
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From:
RE: Another Ape post
I know I'm a Dyna guy, but, I found my 12.5 Wild1 Chubbies way more comfortable than my stock mini-apes. I don't think the discomfort factor comes in to play unless you're going 16+ on height, or, if you decide to push your bars forward past the line of your forks which would offset the pullback built in to them. Other than feeling different initially, handling should not be an issue and may actually be improved. It just takes a little more stretch to do the tight, slow, U-turns. Nothing you can't get used to.
My $.02,
Whiff
My $.02,
Whiff
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
Likes: 6
From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
RE: Another Ape post
Ok... I know I'm in the wrong forums right now... but come spring I won't be... lol
I put the DWG mini's on my bike with the pull back stock riser.... best dang thing I've done to my bike comfort wise...
The spread is just right.. the angle of the grips... the height, all those things just made it so much more enjoyable...
The reach on tight slow turns really wasn't a problem and got use to it in days....
Charlie D.
I put the DWG mini's on my bike with the pull back stock riser.... best dang thing I've done to my bike comfort wise...
The spread is just right.. the angle of the grips... the height, all those things just made it so much more enjoyable...
The reach on tight slow turns really wasn't a problem and got use to it in days....
Charlie D.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: Another Ape post
I have 13" apes on my Night Train, and they're perfect for me! Just the right height and pullback. I'm 5'8 at around 210lbs.
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: Another Ape post
If you are going to do it, do it right. I had 12.5"ers before my 16"ers. I am also 5'9". The 12.5 were comy, but I wanted a little higher. Once you get used to the steering with the apes, all is well. It took me a little while to get used to it, but now I am jsut as good as with straight bars. As far as fatigue is concerned, I don't feel any more fatigued with 16"ers than 12.5"ers. I had the wildones. I weigh about 195, and don't have any issues with my hands getting more tired or shoulders hurting. It is a little like a sail if it is real windy, but I never use a windshield anyway. The fatigue is no more noticeable than with regular bars. I vote for the 16"ers. Just right for me. I also suggest to try to find someone who has apes of different sizes to let you try their bikes. I tried a friends with 18"ers and found them to be a smidgen too tall. I think that apes are supposed to be tall, and the 10" and 12.5" don't look right or feel right, but that is just my opinion.
Here is a pic with the 12.5" and the sig pic is with the 16".
Here is a pic with the 12.5" and the sig pic is with the 16".