Explain Apes to me.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Explain apes? I don't think that's possible! Personally I can see no attraction in them at all, but we can all form our own view. I've managed half a million miles to date on a wide variety of bars, from clip-ons to cow-horns, but those were quite high enough thanks. If apes need an explanation perhaps they aren't for you either!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,111
From: Florida
They are comfortable, & look great on some bikes, like FX Softails, rigids,Fatboys, & RKs. I think they look ridiculous on Sportys,Dynas,(except WG) & bikes with fairings. They are laughable on RGs. Sorry, but that's just my opinion. Yours may vary.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,215
From: Green Country
I've had apes on all of my bikes from a SuperGlide to a Heritage SofTail. They cured the hand-numbness, and pain between the shoulders and back. Handling or long distance comfort wasn't a problem. A backrest also helps.
My new RK has the taller Heritage bars on it, so I may not need to change...
My new RK has the taller Heritage bars on it, so I may not need to change...
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 4
From: Lansing, MI
I came from sportbikes and never had a problem with the bar position. I was always comfortable leaning into the bars. I always thought apes looked kind of ridiculous.
Got my first Harley and the comfort was okay but I felt a little disconnected from the bike because they bars were low and I had no weight on them. Bought my apes and it feels like the bike finally fits me. Granted, I am taller than most at 6'3" but I now feel connected to the bike. Rode a test bike with standard bars and found myself kicking my knee out every time I turned because the bars were too low.
Still not sure they look great on my bike but the comfort is incredible... I wouldn't ever go back now.
Got my first Harley and the comfort was okay but I felt a little disconnected from the bike because they bars were low and I had no weight on them. Bought my apes and it feels like the bike finally fits me. Granted, I am taller than most at 6'3" but I now feel connected to the bike. Rode a test bike with standard bars and found myself kicking my knee out every time I turned because the bars were too low.
Still not sure they look great on my bike but the comfort is incredible... I wouldn't ever go back now.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
Once you have apes you'll never go back. Seriously, they are very comfortable when you have hands at shoulder height. I do like the way they look but would not have them on both of my bikes if they were not comfortable.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Sit on your bike, close your eyes and put your arms where they are comfortable. Move'em up...move'em down...move'em in...move'em out. Play around. Then open your eyes. You'll likely be surprised. Close to shoulder height and straighter wrists both make for a more comfortable ride. Long ride or short ride.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 73
Likes: 4
From: Callahan, FL
I am 5' 7" and have 13inch LA chopper apes. What made me get them was I tried them out at J an P cycles. They have a section in their showroom where you can put sample apes on a model bike to get a feel. The main reason I like them is when you are driving a car your hands are most comfortable at the top of the steering wheel (10 ans 2). With the apes my hands are at the same level and not in my lap. As for opinions everyone has them so I try to stick to answering the post as honestly as possible.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
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
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 88
From: San Quirino, Italy
I see a lot of posts about apes. I don't get it and think they look like sheet but I can't say I've tried them so tell me why they are so popular. It dosn't look like it would be good for cornering leverage and I'm thinking my hands would go to sleep. I'm not trying to pick a fight, I really just don't get it from any perspective and want to know.
Sit on your bike, close your eyes and put your arms where they are comfortable. Move'em up...move'em down...move'em in...move'em out. Play around. Then open your eyes. You'll likely be surprised. Close to shoulder height and straighter wrists both make for a more comfortable ride. Long ride or short ride.