Explain Apes to me.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
I have been a anti apes guy for many many years. Just didn't like them.
Then I bought a wide glide for the wife and it had apes already on it.
First thing I thought was crap got to change bars. Well I rode it with them for a while.
Now I am a pro ape guy.
I could not believe how comfortable they are.
Don't get me wrong here I like em but not for long trips. Crap they may be just fine on long trips but not on the Dyna.
Then I bought a wide glide for the wife and it had apes already on it.
First thing I thought was crap got to change bars. Well I rode it with them for a while.
Now I am a pro ape guy.
I could not believe how comfortable they are.
Don't get me wrong here I like em but not for long trips. Crap they may be just fine on long trips but not on the Dyna.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 39
From: Olive & Oak
What a lot of people call "Apes" to me are not Apes. Apes to me are where you hands are above your shoulders. I do like to have my hands higher and wider than what the stock handlebars on my '14 FLHTK gave me. I replaced my stock handlebars with WO578's and really like the comfort and control they provide.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 34,647
Likes: 36,241
From: outskirts of ba habba
I can't imagine riding without these....
Eliminated all neck, shoulder, lower back, elbow, wrist, and hand pain and discomfort.
Wished I'd done this 60,000 miles sooner !!!
Eliminated all neck, shoulder, lower back, elbow, wrist, and hand pain and discomfort.
Wished I'd done this 60,000 miles sooner !!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5,157
Likes: 740
From: new caney, tx
I like the handling better with apes.. Had the stock bars on my flhx and I hated it never felt right..i had 18s with 4 in risers on my fxst and could ride that damn thing all day even with the bare bones seat.. It's just a natural feeling for me.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,044
Likes: 336
Try this experiment - grab a broom handle, go out to your bike, sit on the seat, close your eyes & them move the broom handle out in front of you and put your arms where they feel most comfortable - in most cases you will find this to be pretty close to being parallel with your shoulders - now open your eyes - is the boom handle in a different position than your stock bars?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 805
Likes: 3
From: Colorado Springs, Colorado
They are more comfortable than you think. I have 18 inch bars and 4 inch risers. My father in law said what in the world am I thinking with those apes. He took it for a cruise and came back smiling ear to ear. He loved them . He say there comfortable.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 799
Likes: 8
From: central Il
I think back to when I was a kid the bicycle I had was a stingray with apes, I could control that bike like nothing else, and I get the same feeling with 16s which is why I went with them to keep riding after a few back surgery's and its just comfortable
