Apes after 300 miles..
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 14
From: lancaster,ca
What kind of helmet are you wearing? I felt the same way until this week. I got a biltwell 3/4 helmet with a bubble shield and it feels like I have a windshield or fairing. Now, when cruising at 80 mph, I feel comfortable instead of like I'm hanging on for dear life. Just something to consider. P.S. I have 12" L.A. Choppers Nice Curves Apes with 2" risers.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
I've seen where at least one guy made cutouts to clear a windshield with forward leaning apes.
He did a great job and it came out looking great. He posted here, but sorry was quite awhile back.
He did a great job and it came out looking great. He posted here, but sorry was quite awhile back.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 507
Likes: 4
From: Wentzville, Missouri
I've never been a fan of apes. For me, having my hands above my sholders for long periods of time is a bad idea, in addition to the wind. Hell, I'm still running my stock bars because they are comfortable no matter how long I ride. Plus, I can't make up my mind what else to put on.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Nova Scotia
I have a 2012 Fat Boy Lo, with the stock bars, no wind screen, and I find it very comfortable at highway speeds, all day long. I also like the look of the "apes", but I can't imagine them being comfortable on a long ride, or even being all that stable around town, for that matter.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 14
From: lancaster,ca
I will have to look for that post on the forward leaning apes..As far as being unstable its really not bad I feel like I'm always in controll hell wven at 80 I can run with one hand, I guess I shouldn't complain at least my abs get a work out!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
I've posted this many times and others then also posted it for cutting a windshield to fit.
Many posted back it worked out perfect for them.
I'd look for a cheap used shield to trial cut/ride to see if it has you smiling again after another 300 mile trip.
I'd look for a cheap used shield to trial cut/ride to see if it has you smiling again after another 300 mile trip.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
There's the bright side!
Just out of curiousity how far forward do you lean with the apes in the current position? If you rolled them back a little I wonder if being more upright might reduce the amount of drag by having a flatter surface and not creating an actual sail shape with your torso. I shouldn't have drank all that cough suryp this morning.
Just out of curiousity how far forward do you lean with the apes in the current position? If you rolled them back a little I wonder if being more upright might reduce the amount of drag by having a flatter surface and not creating an actual sail shape with your torso. I shouldn't have drank all that cough suryp this morning.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 503
Likes: 9
From: NM
I like apes best on freeway! I feel like I am flying with my fists out! Rode 650 miles on freeway with stock bar when I got this bike and I hated the feeling. I was leaning forward too much. To eaches own, but I have logged quite a bit of miles with apes and no windshield through the years and it is the best to me.
Everyone rides for different reasons. I am not ready for all the ideas that take away from the riding experience. Before you know it, you in a cage. windows, deflectors, fairings, music, reverse. Shoot, ride a car. lol. no disrespect to my big bike cruiser brothers.
Everyone rides for different reasons. I am not ready for all the ideas that take away from the riding experience. Before you know it, you in a cage. windows, deflectors, fairings, music, reverse. Shoot, ride a car. lol. no disrespect to my big bike cruiser brothers.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,392
Likes: 184
From: Big ol Titties
I'm running 16" gangster apes on my Heritage and my stock windshield fits with no problem. Not sure if the extra 2" on your bars will matter or not. I also don't have my bars pushed forward, just kept the base of the bars inline with the forks. I know alot of the HD shops have the demo seats, they might have some demo windshields you could use to mock up how they would fit?