Beach Bars vs Ape hangars
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 862
Likes: 2
From: WI
I am ready to start work on the front end. The only thing that has be torn is the choice between apes and beach bars. I love the look of both I have a vicla style deluxe and apes look awesome on them but the turned down beach bars are killer to. just wanted opinions from people that have rode with them. I have not rode with either of them so i have no idea. i am only 5'7" so the short height makes me nervous about apes. thanks for any opinions you guys have.
My wife primarily rides the Lo, and she's a petite 5'7". She has no issues - rides the thing like a Horseman of the Apocalypse. I'm 6'2", and find the Slim a comfortable ride - better once I move the boards forward a couple of inches, but that's not applicable to the bars. I like the apes, too, and have thought about changing them out for 16's... What I don't care for is apes way the hell up there.
At any rate, we can both ride either scoot without any issue - just hop on and go.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 249
I'd go with apes, you can get them from 10" up to 20" plus different height risers so you can get pretty much the height your happy and comfortable with, personally I think beach bars are the dumbest looking bars ever made, plus if your into lane splitting they would hamper your progress through traffic as they stick out a lot, more so than apes.
I ran 16" apes when I had the springer front end on my bike and loved them. Really comfy and your hands landed perfect. A little wierd at slow speed but overall you have a ton of leverage and can flick the front wheel around no problem. Now I switched to a wide glide because I to couldn't resist the vicla bug and went with the burly beach bars. 38.5" wide. I'm 6ft and find myself reaching a little bit when the bars are at full lock in a parking lot. But comfort wise. O my they are awesome while cruising down the highway. Your hands just fall perfect on the controls and there is no reaching out because they pullback so far towards you. So really it is up to you. We can't make the decision. Either way I think you will be happy. I still cant decide if I like the apes or Beach bars better. Sounds like I need two bikes.
I've never ridden with beach bars, so I can't speak on that. But I currently have 17" apes on my deluxe and all I can say is that I will probably never ride a bike without them now. They are the most comfortable bars I have ever ridden with. And I thought they would be just the opposite. And maneuverability is surprisingly easy.
Not only that, the bike looks like it's kicking azz even when it's sitting parked.
Not only that, the bike looks like it's kicking azz even when it's sitting parked.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 47
From: Lake Tahoe California
To the OP: It is about what YOU want. Each of us chose what we have for a number of reasons. The factors were unique to each of us. Performance, looks, riding style, etc. Obviously everyone is going to prefer their own choice as the "right" one. If you are lucky enough to have a friend or family member that will let you ride their bike (or at least sit on it) that has bars to your liking, that is a plus. Most of us have made or final selection based on trial and error.
Enjoy the fun of trying stuff out!
Ride safe.
Enjoy the fun of trying stuff out!
Ride safe.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
Depends how much of a show-off you are. Sounds funny and not meant as an insult, but even though I like the look of tall apes, it's like yelling "look at me!" everywhere you go. I prefer the more subtle beech-bar look.
Another reason I switched to beach bars. 3 handlebar tickets for the apes. I paid more in tickets than I did for the handlebars themselves. Don't think they can give me a ticket for the beach bars being to low.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 7
Carlini Freeways again gets no love haha. Best mod I got....super comfy and cuts through winds like butter. Beaches I imagine would be similar...but the Freeways gives a natural and relaxed feel at the elbows allowing one to lean back and chill.
