Explain Apes to me.

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Jan 8, 2015 | 08:29 PM

#51

Deadwood

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 208

Likes: 3

From: Here

Had 14" apes on my Superglide Sport and have 16" Wild1's on my Road King. Done very long days in the saddle with no discomfort. I keep up with my mates through the hills on their Fatbobs etc and with the 21" front wheel I now have extra clearance and rarely scrape the floorboards and am pushing them up through the hills now.

Rode a friends Ultra and it felt weird to have my hands low down and close to my knees when turning, love how I can 'turn on a dime' with the apes.

Jan 8, 2015 | 08:40 PM

#52

Keithhu

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 17,148

Likes: 6,171

From: SE Michigan

Every now and then someone posts a thread like this - "I dont like <X>, I think they look like ****, why do you people have <X> on your bike?"

I feel the same way about stock bars. Why do you idiots keep those hideous stock bars on your bikes. I think they look like ****. Please explain.

Jan 8, 2015 | 09:27 PM

#53

sixguns

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 3,807

Likes: 1,488

From: SW Washington State

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithhu

Yea, what he said! what's with that

Jan 8, 2015 | 09:39 PM

#54

RollieB

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 118

Likes: 0

I put 15" bars on mine and love them. Stock bars made me feel hunched over and gotta pain between my shoulders on longer days.I'll admit that they are a bit more of a chore on tight low speed cornering (park lots) but no issues whatsoever in the twistys. The only time my hands "go to sleep" is on cold days cuz my fists are in the wind now. Go with what suits you.

Last edited by RollieB; Jan 8, 2015 at 09:43 PM.

Jan 8, 2015 | 10:43 PM

#55

SanJuanRon

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 2,275

Likes: 149

From: High in the Colorado Rockies

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithhu

Absolutely! I rent bikes occasionally (Hawaii, Australia, etc.) and when I have to ride a Harley with stock bars the bike is virtually unrideable.

If you have to ask such ridiculous ape "questions", you will never understand. SJ Ron

Jan 9, 2015 | 12:08 AM

#56

Dozer40

Road Warrior

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 1,912

Likes: 328

From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithhu

My thoughts as well.

Jan 9, 2015 | 12:10 AM

#57

Dozer40

Road Warrior

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 1,912

Likes: 328

From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorido

I don't find that to be the case at all with regards to the fat tire. The more tire there is, the more grip you have in the corners.

As long as you're happy.

Jan 9, 2015 | 09:06 AM

#58

TexasRoper

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 158

Likes: 8

From: Decatur Tx

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithhu

I have never ridden with a passenger much in 40 years of riding but now I have an Ultra Limited so my GF will go on trips with me. So the handling concern I have about apes is not as important but if they are really more comfortable then I'm interested regardless of the fact that I don't like the look. I have other motorcycles that are better for me when solo riding.

I see many pictures of baggers with them on the dubya dubya dubya. I don't hang out with other Harley riders or ride with groups and don't know anyone who has them. If I could ride a Touring bike with them for a couple of hours I might change my mind and get some myself. I am always open to trying new things. My GF and I take several week or longer trips a year and I am willing to try new things for comfort.

I have never seen an Iron Butt rider with apes, or any other large touring bike, goldwing, BMW, etc etc either. So.....curiosity is why I ask.

Sorry you are easily offended.

Last edited by TexasRoper; Jan 9, 2015 at 09:09 AM.

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Jan 9, 2015 | 09:10 AM

#59

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasRoper

I have never ridden with a passenger much in 40 years of riding but now I have an Ultra Limited so my GF will go on trips with me. So the handling concern I have about apes is not as important but if they are really more comfortable then I'm interested regardless of the fact that I don't like the look. I have other motorcycles that are better for me when solo riding.

I see many pictures of baggers with them on the dubya dubya dubya. I don't hang out with other Harley riders or ride with groups and don't know anyone who has them. If I could ride a Touring bike with them for a couple of hours I might change my mind and get some myself. I am always open to trying new things. My GF and I take several week or longer trips a year and I am willing to try them.

I have never seen an Iron Butt rider with apes, or any other large touring bike, goldwing, BMW, etc etc either.

If apes are so good they would have been invented way back, before H-D was born and would be stock on most if not all brands. I've been riding even longer, with and without gf/wife, and the stock bars are just great. Don't feel under any pressure to think otherwise. On the other hand, if apes grab ya then go ahead and try them.