Apes - Not Loving 'Em
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
I don't have apes but wanted to say I think it's natural anytime we change to bars that are much more radical than what we're used to.
I know when I put my Burly's on it took me a couple of days to get use to my hands being so low and back, which is a lot different position than I've ever experienced riding a bike. Almost felt like I'd fall over a few times! LOL
I also say give'em a couple rides and see if they feel better for you. If not, nothing wrong with it, definitely move on to something so you can be comfortable with and enjoy that ride!
I know when I put my Burly's on it took me a couple of days to get use to my hands being so low and back, which is a lot different position than I've ever experienced riding a bike. Almost felt like I'd fall over a few times! LOL
I also say give'em a couple rides and see if they feel better for you. If not, nothing wrong with it, definitely move on to something so you can be comfortable with and enjoy that ride!
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 365
Likes: 1
From: near Chitcago
Thanks for all the input, guys! Surprisingly, it isn't that bad riding with them other than slow maneuvers and tight turns, as a couple of you mentioned. Even with wanting apes almost a year and drooling over pictures of bikes with 'em, there's just something weird. It's kind of like coming home to your woman to see she cut her long hair into a mullet...just wasn't as prepared as I thought for the new look and feel. You've got me wondering about the parachute action. I'll have to get it out on the highway and see how it feels. I'm going to spend some time cleaning up the bike and taking it for a longer ride this weekend. That'll give me more time to adjust to the look and feel and make a better judgement.
Oh, and Brian, I'll try to get some pics up this weekend after I get it all cleaned up.
Oh, and Brian, I'll try to get some pics up this weekend after I get it all cleaned up.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 6
From: Nuevo Mexico USA
Mullet... thats funny. I had 12.5 mini apes on my first Luxe and they were uncomfortable for me also and to be honest I know what you mean about not being prepaired for the new look, it was kind of awkward at first. I tried to adjust to them but comfort and look wise they were just not for me, I love the way they look on other peoples rides tho. Then I went to beach bars and havent looked back since, I just finished installing them on my current Luxe and they fit me to a tee..JMHO
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 3
From: Mebane, NC
Maybe you went too high? I have 12" Carlini Flyin Apes on my scoot and I love them. Carlini's measure higher than stated (mine measure around 13-13.5"). . I'm 5'6" and the bars are right at shoulder height which is very comfortable to me. Any higher and I don't think I would like them.
I had Drag bars before and always felt strecthed out. They made my shoulders and low back hurt. Bars depend on height, bike set up, riding style, etc. so everyone's different but I love my apes.
I had Drag bars before and always felt strecthed out. They made my shoulders and low back hurt. Bars depend on height, bike set up, riding style, etc. so everyone's different but I love my apes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 14
From: Northern Colorado
It kinda depends on how tall you are. I have a buddy that is 5'7'' and has 20 inch gangsters on his, and it cant be comfortable. Just cant be, his a** is barely on the seat. But to hear him tell it, he loves it. I think its the short man sickness and he likes the attention.
Im 6'5'' and had 18 inch gangsters and loved them. But they fit me. I didnt like stock bars, because they felt weird. But thats just me. You may try and pull them back just a tad, until you find your sweet spot. I had mine pushed forward so I could extend my arms. But, on longer trips, my hands would get kinda numb, but it wasnt uncomfortable, It just took some getting used to.
Im 6'5'' and had 18 inch gangsters and loved them. But they fit me. I didnt like stock bars, because they felt weird. But thats just me. You may try and pull them back just a tad, until you find your sweet spot. I had mine pushed forward so I could extend my arms. But, on longer trips, my hands would get kinda numb, but it wasnt uncomfortable, It just took some getting used to.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 478
Likes: 40
From: Bay Area - California Land of Libtards
I am just not into them period. I think they look goofy. To each his own. Personally, I don't think they are safe either. I could be wrong, but I don't think you can maneuver as well, especially in a panic situation. Additionally, any time you get your hands above your heart for an extended period of time, it's going to be uncomfortable.
Last edited by Detroit Iron; Mar 18, 2012 at 11:26 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 14
From: Northern Colorado
I am just not into them period. I think they look goofy. To each his own. Personally, I don't think they are safe eigher. I could be wrong, but I don't think you can maneuver as well, especially in a panic situation. Additionally, any time you get your hands above your heart for an extended period of time, it's going to be uncomfortable.
I do agree with going above your heart, but it also depends how tall the fella is. Im so tall, that my hands were level with my shoulders.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: United States
I rode with drag bars for 5 years, just switched to 14'' apes with 1.5" risers and my back has never felt so good while on the bike! It took me a little bit to get used to them. I have to agree with the guys that say they feel like they have better control with drags.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 43
From: NJ
I don't know how anyone over 6 feet tall does NOT have some sort of apes. Drags, Beach bars, & most stockers, all have us tall folks leaning foreward, kind of hunch-backed or because our knees sit so high they want to get in the way of the bars. Well, that's the way is is for me anyways...LOL
I only have 12" miniapes but they made all the difference in the world. You have to experiment with the angle and I've found that if you are having trouble with slow speed, they are too far foreward. I had a little bit of hand numbing and lowered them by going from 4" risers to 2", I can ride gas tank to gas tank in comfort.
Give them a good shot in various riding conditions and adjustments befor you move on.
Doug
I only have 12" miniapes but they made all the difference in the world. You have to experiment with the angle and I've found that if you are having trouble with slow speed, they are too far foreward. I had a little bit of hand numbing and lowered them by going from 4" risers to 2", I can ride gas tank to gas tank in comfort.
Give them a good shot in various riding conditions and adjustments befor you move on.
Doug