Handling with Apes
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 875
Likes: 2
From: Where I lay my head is home.
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.
I know lots of guys will grossly underestimate just how far 6" is.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Springs MS
I have 17" Carlini Pist Apes and love them! As far as handling goes i don't see much difference, maybe turning from a dead stop is a little different but other than that everything is about the same.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: California
I went from Wild one beach bars to apes and was also unsure of the handling and long rides and fight the wind, but handling is better with apes in my opinion. I have 16" carlini original apes and have no regrets.
Note: you do have to do a little of trial and error to adjust it to we're you are comfortable. If you have to have the bars adjusted too close to you (when riding) then you should go with shorter bars.
Note: you do have to do a little of trial and error to adjust it to we're you are comfortable. If you have to have the bars adjusted too close to you (when riding) then you should go with shorter bars.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
apes are like power steering in a car. I have 14s on the Crossbones and the Road Glide. There isn't as much total rise on the RG, which is fine with me because My hands are still protected a bit by the fairing. Long rides are WAY better IMO. If my hands rest below shoulder level, I get a pinch between my shoulder blades. That doen't happen on either of my bikes now
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
still havent put them on yet...'comon man!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 503
Likes: 9
From: NM
How do I feel about apes? Cherry!!!
I wouldn't ride a bike without them if possible. I ride any distance any time. Never really affected the handle of riding a bike. In fact I never really understood how some say any style affects to the point of no riding. I've almost ran most styles and while they were different, they were never a concern for me to handle, just a different style if catch what I'm saying.
Aside from that, cheers to all styles!
I wouldn't ride a bike without them if possible. I ride any distance any time. Never really affected the handle of riding a bike. In fact I never really understood how some say any style affects to the point of no riding. I've almost ran most styles and while they were different, they were never a concern for me to handle, just a different style if catch what I'm saying.
Aside from that, cheers to all styles!
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