Hey guys,

I am new to the Harley world, but not new to bikes. I just got myself a 2000 Heritage Softail. Long story short, I got the La Pera Bare Bones gel seat and want to install apes. I am roughly 5'8". Considering the seat drop from stock, what size apes would put my hands at about eye level. I am thinking 16's but since I am vertically challenged and have a lower seat, I thought 14's may be what I want. If anyone has pictures or suggestions that would be great. Sorry if I started a thread that has been beaten to death. I searched all the threads I could find and didn't get any clear answers. Thanks !

 

First rule of apes... take your initial thought and add two inches. My Deluxe has 16" Wild1Chubbys, I'm 5'8" and have a similar seat and a 30" inseam. You will love them. If for what ever reason you would ever want to swap them, you can always go down in bar size and keep the throttle/clutch/brake lines. If you regret not going big enough and try going from 14's to 16's, you probably have to swap the cables as well unless you purposely order them +2". If you go with Carlini's, they run large and 14.5" Carlini's are more like 16's. HTH!

 

Not sure with your seat set up, but what yzergod seems about right. I went out and sat on my Heritage with 12" inch bars and they are shoulder high for me. A set of 16"s would put me about where you want to be, though I am a little taller. Just be cognizant of your state laws on them--some states are kinda funny about apes. I can't speak to PA.

 

I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam. I have the bare bones and 16" wild ones. My hands sit right about eye level. What yzergod said is the truth. I had 14" and went to 16". Get it right the first time.

 

My opinion is that 14" would be best (especially Carlini which run tall). I have had apes on all my bikes (2 current bikes are Softails with LePera seats) and my experience is that if you are 5-8 the 14s would be closest to shoulder height. Keep in mind if you go with Carlini (in particular Flying Apes) they are 1.5" above the stated height. If you went with 16", the grips would be several inches above your shoulders. SJ Ron

 

Vertically challenged at 5'8, lol! Try 5'6 right here bro on a good day. I got a deluxe with a bare bones seat and Carlini 14.5 flying apes. Im good with that setup. You are Probably better off going with 16's minimum. Also account for risers too if u plan on changing the stock ones

 

I agree with 16's. I'm thinking about getting carlini 18 inch original apes for my other softail

 

You short guys crack me up...just kidding.

Go high, or go home. Especially if age is on your side. I found the older I get, the lower I get. like my b@lls.

 

if only they made 15's ........ lol

(just go with the 16's if you want em eye level)

 

Hmm I have a HD brawler seat on my bike with 18" bars and 1.5 inch risers. I started with 14 inch bars then moved up to 16's and now I rock the 18's they are a little above eye level but I am 5'5" with long arms