Handling with Apes
NOT A MODERATOR
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 27,730
Likes: 23,324
From: Paradise
The bones came with the 10.5 mini-apes. I just installed 12" Road6customs (LOVE THEM)...but the way they are built my hands feel like they are at the same level as the stock bars. Handling isn't something I relate to a cruiser. If I want handling...I'd buy a crotch rocket.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
IMO, it would depend on how you set up the apes. I've seen people with apes pushed so far forward they have a great deal of difficulty making a slow sharp turn. Personally, I prefer mine back instead of pushed forward since I have short arms. I also get a better response with the apes than with stock since I don't have to reach as far forward to make those sharp turns. In addition, my neck doesn't bother me as much with the apes over stock either since I'm not bent over looking upwards for extended periods of time. When the apes are not pushed so far forward, a detachable windshield will fit without any problems or at least mine does not.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 875
Likes: 2
From: Where I lay my head is home.
I went from super wide beach bars to the apes. Love 'em.
The hardest thing for me to get used to was low speed turning... especially making left hand turns in parking lots... when it felt like the back of my hand was about to touch my forehead.
I'd probably put beach bars on a bagger if I had one... 'cause of the meat parachute effect and long term fatigue. But a nicely rolled blanket or flannel strapped to the bars does tons to deflect the wind over the shoulders.
The hardest thing for me to get used to was low speed turning... especially making left hand turns in parking lots... when it felt like the back of my hand was about to touch my forehead.
I'd probably put beach bars on a bagger if I had one... 'cause of the meat parachute effect and long term fatigue. But a nicely rolled blanket or flannel strapped to the bars does tons to deflect the wind over the shoulders.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
[QUOTE=thelawnmowerman;10425345]Anyone running or had experiences of 16's with a Batwing[/QUOT
I have 14's on a CVO Ultra -- very comfortable ride and the fairing with curved windshield blocks the wind so you don't get the "parachute" effect that you can get with other bikes if you are driving into a strong headwind. The grips are maybe 2" above the fairing, but the grips are heated if you are driving in the cold. SJ Ron
I have 14's on a CVO Ultra -- very comfortable ride and the fairing with curved windshield blocks the wind so you don't get the "parachute" effect that you can get with other bikes if you are driving into a strong headwind. The grips are maybe 2" above the fairing, but the grips are heated if you are driving in the cold. SJ Ron
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
I'm in the same boat Dude. Apes are at the top of my mod list for this winter but I have no idea how much will or will not like them. I hate spending money only to have it hanging on a nail in the garage. I am pretty well set on getting the 14", 1.5 Gangster apes. I figure I can adjust them to fit me better if I play with what type of risers I end up going with. Good luck and post some pics if and when you do it, I will do the same.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
My Heritage Springer has 16" LA Chopper Nice Curves with 2" risers, and I have Paul Yaffe 14" bars on my Street Glide.
I can, and have, ride all day. When we ride, it's usually 4-500 miles. Mountain passes, and the more the better. Apes make handling so much better. My arms are comfortable, my shoulder pain is gone, and things just feel better. My bars were the probably the best mods I've done to either bike.
Now, FWIW, I am converting my SG to a RG. I can't use my current apes on the RG, but I am so insistent on having apes, I've already bought Carlini 17" Evil Apes.
I don't imagine I'll ever own another bike that doesn't have apes.
I can, and have, ride all day. When we ride, it's usually 4-500 miles. Mountain passes, and the more the better. Apes make handling so much better. My arms are comfortable, my shoulder pain is gone, and things just feel better. My bars were the probably the best mods I've done to either bike.
Now, FWIW, I am converting my SG to a RG. I can't use my current apes on the RG, but I am so insistent on having apes, I've already bought Carlini 17" Evil Apes.
I don't imagine I'll ever own another bike that doesn't have apes.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
I have 21" Apes on my 2008 Dyna Low Rider. It's my first street bike. Never ridden any other street bike with lower bars but I never had any problems. I love them. At first I was thinking 18" might be better but the more I ride the more I like them. They sit exactly 6" above my shoulders so It's CA legal. As far as head wind, it requires holding on over 65 mph. I'm thinking a clip-on windshield might be nice for long Hwy. rides.