Thinking of putting ape hangers on my HD Sportster 48 year 2011. Is there anyone out there that has attempted this on their Sportster? Interested in lessons learned, some and or all advice your willing to share?

 

mine is a 10' model, but i dont think there is many differences... i put mine on in a buddys garage at the same time i did my "first service" so pretty well had everthing tore down anyway. i went with 16" narrow glide apes in black (drag specialties, ordered them through HD) so i had to extend my wiring and install a new clutch cable, brake lines etc... i would definately recommend new grips if you are putting on new bars, i got some from Flyrite choppers and i am super pleased with them thus far . anyways, here is a before picture...



and here is one after...





i hope that was some sort of help, if you have anymore specific issues, please feel free to ask... good luck, you will love em

 

I got a set of 12" mini apes for Christmas; I've started mock-up on my '09 Nightster and have ordered a Burly Kit. The apes came from HD and I purchased new hand grips. The 12" is more than enough for me, it comes down to what you want. Good Luck!

 

I have 12" HD apes on mine and love em. The 48 should have come with em from the factory IMHO.

 

12" Nash chumby Gimps

 

A few mods on the 2010

 

I put apes on all my bikes as soon as I get them. When I lived in TX I would put 25k mi/yr on my bike. Lots of backroad and long highway hauls. I have a bad shoulder and apes provide me more comfort. Some say they don't handle their bike as well with them. However, I feel as if I have way more control and balance with apes than stock or drags. I agree with Aaron48. The 48 should have come with apes. I drilled holes in my bars and ran the wiring internally to keep a cleaner look. These are 16" apes on my 2010. Went with 1" diameter this time since it's a smaller bike.

 

There's been some ape threads already but that's fine with me cause I löööv ape hangers!
These are my 14" road 6 customs, internally wired of course, Burly Brand extended wires. If you're putting apes on your bike I strongly advice you to get knurled bars. Knurles are a diamond cut pattern on the bottom tube where you clamp the bars onto the bike. Keeps them from rotating in the clamp under for example acceleration. Then it depends on how tall you are and of course personal preference when it comes to choosing bar height, but for reference I'm 5'11".

 

I have 12 in ape hangers installed on my 2011 sportster 48. Can you do me a huge favor and measure from ground to the top of your apes how many inches that is? My bike is in my friends shop and he’s out of town. I’m moving to California and just want to make sure the bike will fit in back of my van! Lol true story. Thank you in advance.

 

My 2008 Bobber completed