Explain Apes to me.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 8
From: Decatur Tx
Explain Apes to me.
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.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 691
Likes: 35
From: Colorado
They're really crazy comfortable to ride with. There are extremes, that go for the visual impact, but for the most part it's a comfort issue. The only people I ever hear about complaining about hands falling asleep are those without apes, but that's just my experience. There's a lot of states that have laws restricting the heights; and of course peoples' preferences vary. Also , they are not to everyone's liking, usually for appearance reasons. but you really should try some, nothing too crazy, of course. I disliked them when I was younger, I love them now. I guess you could say they grew on me.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 941
Likes: 9
From: Denver, CO
I think they look pretty cool on some bikes. But I don't see how they would be practical/comfortable for the type of riding I do. I rarely ride less than 200 miles in a day and I corner and ride very aggressively for most HD riders. I'm fairly certain I would fatigue quickly if I had to work apes on most of the roads I ride.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 12
From: Washngton State
Your bike, get what you want.
I love the way Apes look...and they're far more comfortable for me on longer rides. Hands do not go to sleep (mine do not, anyway). They allow you to stretch out. Shoulders are in a more comfortable position and you can hang on them slightly (pull up) while you ride, to alleviate pressure on your spine.
They handle awesome in corners...however, low speed turns will take you some practice if you're not use to them.
I love the way Apes look...and they're far more comfortable for me on longer rides. Hands do not go to sleep (mine do not, anyway). They allow you to stretch out. Shoulders are in a more comfortable position and you can hang on them slightly (pull up) while you ride, to alleviate pressure on your spine.
They handle awesome in corners...however, low speed turns will take you some practice if you're not use to them.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
From: Lumberton, Texas
I run 12" mini apes on my 13 Street Glide and wish I had put 14" apes on it, its much more comfortable than factory height bars for me, my arms are just a touch below level with my shoulders, bike rides, handles and corners just fine with no issues for me, long, long days in the saddle at times and no complaints or hands going to sleep with my setup.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 347
Likes: 5
From: Corpus Christi, Texas
Just like seats and a lot of other things, comfort is very unique to each individual. You only lose cornering leverage once you get your hands more than about 3 inches above shoulder height (at least that's what I felt riding a few differentry bikes with apes). And hands going to sleep is another issue that really only arises once your hands are a good deal above shoulder height.
I chose to go with 13" bars on mine because the position felt most comfortable to me and has improved my posture in the saddle which has alleviated some pains in my back and shoulders on longer trips. 13" is almost exactly shoulder height on me.
To each their own, my father doesn't lIke the bars on my bike because they are "uncomfortable" and I don't like the stock bars on his fatboy because they are uncomfortable to me.
Then again, some people just think they look cool and could care less about affecting maneuverability or it making their hands go numb because they only ride down the street to the local bar and then go home after a couple.
In the end, I think about 75% install apes for comfort and 25% do it for looks. I just got lucky because mine are comfortable and look cool as well.
I chose to go with 13" bars on mine because the position felt most comfortable to me and has improved my posture in the saddle which has alleviated some pains in my back and shoulders on longer trips. 13" is almost exactly shoulder height on me.
To each their own, my father doesn't lIke the bars on my bike because they are "uncomfortable" and I don't like the stock bars on his fatboy because they are uncomfortable to me.
Then again, some people just think they look cool and could care less about affecting maneuverability or it making their hands go numb because they only ride down the street to the local bar and then go home after a couple.
In the end, I think about 75% install apes for comfort and 25% do it for looks. I just got lucky because mine are comfortable and look cool as well.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 347
Likes: 5
From: Corpus Christi, Texas
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
I've done 900 mile days with my 12" bars. Regularly drag the floorboards in the curves around here. Feels like adding power steering with the added leverage from taller bars. Got rid of the numb finger problem by adding apes. Last bike had them, current bike has them, next bike will have them.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
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.
2010 Limited with some stuff!!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 222
Likes: 11
From: Erie
Came off sport bikes to my SG. 350 miles with multiple stops and my shoulders and back/ neck were toast with the stock bars. Put 13" wild ones on and 400 miles with one stop and zero pain.No numbness. Bike handles great. As mentioned...slow speed maneuvering is different but once used to it it's fine...I would never go back to stock bars