Yes, another thread on installing the popular Paul Yaffe bars. I'm really interested in 12" apes. That comes to the fairing. I think the 14" will go beyond the fairing.

I found a video on youtube with a gent showing how to install bars on a 2012 SG. If this is the same method for the Yaffe bars, I dont think I want to deal with the hassel.

But here are a few questions.

I have the Biketronics Radio Retro kit, which allows me to use the handlebar controls with my aftermarket Sony stereo. Does anyone know if I'll loose that feature with apes?

I ride with the HD adjustable backrest. Will there be any issues in seating positions with apes?

I live in NC. I do alot of riding up and through the mountains. Therefore, lots of curves and tight twists. For those with apes, do you feel that you lost some ride ability with apes.

Finally, I have a black SG and I'm thinking about black apes but leaving the rest of the bike chrome. Has anyone done this? If so, any pics?

Here's a link to the Youtube install video that I found.

Guys, thanks for your help and advice.

 

You'll get used to apes after the first 15 minutes. There are no issues with handling with 12s that I've found. (or 14's for that matter.)

I have the biketronics setup, no issues with apes.

I see all this hand wringing by people choosing apes that they dont want their hands above the fairing. Dont want to get your wittow fingows cold?

I live in Michigan, trust me, its not an issue. Wear gloves and go tall. You live in Charlotte for petes sake, you want cold, come to Michigan!

Oh, and by the way, I hate you.

 

If you put 12" bars on you probably won't be able to see out your fairing mirrors. Then you have to plug the holes and put some sort of bar mounted mirrors that will never look as good as the fairing mounted mirrors. 14 or above usually allows use of the fairing mirrors and will give a better feel and look. It makes almost no difference in feels with the grips above the fairing to below the fairing unless you plan to ride in the winter.

You will sit upright more with apes so you may have to adjust your backrest. Or not. Depends on your position.

I have Biketronics on my bike and the bar mounted controls work just fine. Just have to make sure when you do the wiring extensions they are matched up correctly.

I have what I feel to be greater handling with the apes. Gives a bit more leverage but there is a certain amount of time needed to get used to them. I recently rode a touring bike with standard bars and I almost could not turn the thing now that I am used to the apes. The apes are far better in my opinion.

I prefer chrome, but that's me.

 

Hell, I left NY 11 years ago, mainly because of the cold weather. Here, I ride until mid-January. I'll put the bike up in February and pull it out again in early March. lol. Shoot, 40* is considered cold for us Southerners. lol.

Guys thanks for all of the advice, I really appreciate it. I don't mind doing some work on my bike. I pulled off my inner fairing to have it painted. I installed the Biketronics system, lowers and 6x9's. I just FINALLY got my CFR's. Which I'll be installing shortly. I'm gonna install V&H headers over the winter. For those, I feel comfortable. But really, I don't feel comfortable or confident doing the apes. Pulling the outer fairing off was a bi_ch, especially re-installing the ignition. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have one of the local aftermarket shops do the install for me.

 

No worries with Biketronics & backrest etc. The Yaffe bars are measured very conservatively. So those 12" are closer 13". As far as bar height I think it depends on your riding style which in my case I ride some long distances. Hail hitting your knuckles at interstate speeds doesn't feel good ask me how I know

 

So men, in order to use my stock mirrors, should I go with 14" bars?

AND, according to the Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation website, there are Monkey Bars and Monkey Bagger bars. Since I ride a SG, I assume that I should go with the Monkey Bagger Bars. Also, do these provide internal wiring?
Uggghhhh, there's so much to think about. It's killing my Gentlemen's Jack...

 

Go with 14s, you rarely hear guys saying they should have gone shorter, "I should have gone taller" is something you see said a lot here.

 

The stock mirrors work with the 12's. You'll look below your arms.

 

"Ride it wrench it "has a good video on YouTube on a bar swap. Might be something you want to watch

 

I have 12's on mine. I love the height, and it's easier to ride than with the stock bars. I use the fairing mirrors with no problems. This will be determined by how far you pull back you bars.