Apes or T-Bars?
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Lake Forest, CA
Apes or T-Bars?
Hey guys, I need some advice for new handlebars. I can't decide between getting apes or getting T-bars. I'm 6' and I'm looking for a comfortable ride. My lower back is bent too much for my liking with the stock handlebars. My conern with the apes is that I'll lose manuverability at slow speeds (I don't like the idea of having to stretch one of my arms out to turn the wheel at slow speeds) and that they wont be pulled back far enough for my arms without hitting the gas tank. I plan on getting that coil relocation kit with a 2" tank lift in the near future. For the T-bars my concern is that they wont be pulled back far enough to keep my back straight or more relaxed and that I'm going to have to relocate the speedo. I don't like that joker relocation kit on the forks and I will be using the left side of the engine for that part with the coil relocation kit. I also hate the idea of having the speedo on the top part of the T-bars right in my face. For both bars I would like to keep the overall width less than or equal to 32" for lane splitting and I want black bars. For the apes I would like to keep them at shoulder length or lower so definitely not 16" apes and I believe 14" is too tall as well but I'm not sure about 12" apes. Am I to picky or is there a solution out there for me? Thanks in advanced for all of your replies.
Hey guys, I need some advice for new handlebars. I can't decide between getting apes or getting T-bars. I'm 6' and I'm looking for a comfortable ride. My lower back is bent too much for my liking with the stock handlebars. My conern with the apes is that I'll lose manuverability at slow speeds (I don't like the idea of having to stretch one of my arms out to turn the wheel at slow speeds) and that they wont be pulled back far enough for my arms without hitting the gas tank. I plan on getting that coil relocation kit with a 2" tank lift in the near future. For the T-bars my concern is that they wont be pulled back far enough to keep my back straight or more relaxed and that I'm going to have to relocate the speedo. I don't like that joker relocation kit on the forks and I will be using the left side of the engine for that part with the coil relocation kit. I also hate the idea of having the speedo on the top part of the T-bars right in my face. For both bars I would like to keep the overall width less than or equal to 32" for lane splitting and I want black bars. For the apes I would like to keep them at shoulder length or lower so definitely not 16" apes and I believe 14" is too tall as well but I'm not sure about 12" apes. Am I to picky or is there a solution out there for me? Thanks in advanced for all of your replies.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans
Took me 3 sets of risers. a set of T bars, set of drag bars and 3 seats to find the postion I found to be the best on my bike. Everyone can give their opinion but till you sit in that spot you will only have a idea of what might work.
I rode for years with 17" apes, no problem with low speed or 3" tank lift.
About a year ago switched out to the HD Mini Apes with 3" riser extensions and no problem with low speed turns or 3" tank lift.
Here is a link to knowing exactly what is most comfortable for your handlebar placement-
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/other...andlebars.html
About a year ago switched out to the HD Mini Apes with 3" riser extensions and no problem with low speed turns or 3" tank lift.
Here is a link to knowing exactly what is most comfortable for your handlebar placement-
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/other...andlebars.html
__________________
DKCustomProducts.com
DKCustomProducts.com
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 362
From: Mansfield Texas
Trending Topics
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
Like everyone is saying, it's really a personal decision. I have an 04 Custom and have had both on there for mock up purposes. I ended up going with 11'' T-Bars with some pull back and they are perfect for me - but I'm only 5'9''. The thing you have to worry about with T-Bars is the higher you go, the more they come back toward you. Apes are adjustable, T-Bars are not. You would definitely want to get the straight T-Bars with no pull back because your elbows would be in at your sides if not. Here's a link to pictures with Z's, T's, Apes, and Drags on my bike. Also, I just ordered a different speedo that is longer and more narrow to put at the top of the T-Bars.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...m-rebirth.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...m-rebirth.html
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
