Explain Apes to me.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I've always thought apes were some kind of silly tough guy things. Not for actually riding. No racer of any kind has anything close to apes?? I bought my '00 RK with 16" apes figuring I'd change them. Well, I haven't changed them.They aren't as bad I thought they would be but anyone who thinks they improve handling is crazy. There is no way to "get up on the bars" for aggressive handling and the height plus width makes for some real stretching at slow speed. No matter what anyone says, I still think they are an image/looks thing and they just look silly on fairinged bikes imho.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
I run taller bars than what came on the Bike. The taller bars fit me better and feel great. I do not consider them APE's,as they do not put my hands above my shoulders. I see few guys actually running APE's, Most are just taller bars. I am a fan of Apes though, they can make the right bike.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
I agree on both. While they look cool on cruiser style bikes, to me they look completely out of place on a bike with a fairing. A batwings whole shape is designed so that it blocks the wind to the hands and the bars. To raise the bars above that looks awkward. But again, just my personal opinion.
Last edited by TKDKurt; Jan 7, 2015 at 08:07 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
Originally Posted by Onedef1 View Post
The only people I ever hear about complaining about hands falling asleep are those without apes, but that's just my experience.
The only people I ever hear about complaining about hands falling asleep are those without apes, but that's just my experience.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
2010 Limited with some stuff!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 328
From: Arizona
I've always thought apes were some kind of silly tough guy things. Not for actually riding. No racer of any kind has anything close to apes?? I bought my '00 RK with 16" apes figuring I'd change them. Well, I haven't changed them.They aren't as bad I thought they would be but anyone who thinks they improve handling is crazy. There is no way to "get up on the bars" for aggressive handling and the height plus width makes for some real stretching at slow speed. No matter what anyone says, I still think they are an image/looks thing and they just look silly on fairinged bikes imho.
I had 16 inchers on my road King and I liked t a lot. I am glad I went with 13" on my FLHX. They don't rise too far over the fairing and fits me and my arthritic shoulders well. I'm happy with the way it handles. If anything the fat rear tires on the newer bikes affects the handling in a negative way. IMHO.
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 691
Likes: 35
From: Colorado
I had 16 inchers on my road King and I liked t a lot. I am glad I went with 13" on my FLHX. They don't rise too far over the fairing and fits me and my arthritic shoulders well. I'm happy with the way it handles. If anything the fat rear tires on the newer bikes affects the handling in a negative way. IMHO.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 520
From: San Angelo, Tx
But all that being said, I wouldn't go back to a 150 rear tire, and when I notice the rear tire on my street glide affecting the handling....it's time for a new one. I like the bigger surface patch the 180 puts on the road, and I like the way it looks parked next to a bike with a 150 rear tire.