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Old Apr 24, 2019 | 10:02 PM
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Default Ape Height

So I have been looking at this site without an account for some time and am going to be probably beating this to death it seems. But I am going to be getting Carlini Gangster Apes. I have the stock bars on now and they are awful. Oh yeah, this is for an 04 RKC. Bought the bike in September and want to be comfortable this summer. Sore palms and a slouched over posture when riding. It’s not ideal or comfortable. I am 5-9 to 5-10 ish. My cousin who has 14’s says go 14’s. but my dad who has 20’s says go 16. So I’m stuck with this decision. I don’t want arms over shoulder length because I worry about losing feeling in fingers. Can someone please help me out with this????

Thank You!
 

Last edited by Mannydude34; Apr 24, 2019 at 10:04 PM.
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Old Apr 24, 2019 | 10:24 PM
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Welcome Manny!!

The best bet is to sit on their bikes to get a feel for what is comfortable to you. Most people tell you to go taller. I went with 12" on my Road Glide and they have been very comfortable. Others say 14 was best for them, and yet others say 16. So sit on a few bikes and see what you think.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2019 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Kermie
Welcome Manny!!

The best bet is to sit on their bikes to get a feel for what is comfortable to you. Most people tell you to go taller. I went with 12" on my Road Glide and they have been very comfortable. Others say 14 was best for them, and yet others say 16. So sit on a few bikes and see what you think.
thank you! Yeah that’s what I’ve been gathering. I don’t know anyone with 14’s or 16’s that live near me. Dad is in Southern California and Cousin is in New Mexico. So I won’t know any better is the thing since I’ve never ridden a bike with Apes.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2019 | 11:24 PM
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I would take a trip to local dealers and see what they have to sit on. Thats what I did while looking for mine.
 

Last edited by Kermie; Apr 24, 2019 at 11:30 PM.
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Old Apr 25, 2019 | 12:48 AM
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i am 5 10 and have 14s, i feel that is the max height...any taller and my hands will be way above my shoulders and i will loose feeling and it will be uncomfortable.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2019 | 01:24 AM
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I have a 04 Road King and I am 5' 10". I went with 12.5 Wild ones and they are perfect for me. I installed 16's on a friends 2005 Road King and they were way to much for me. He is 6' 2" so they worked for him.


Bruce
 
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Old Apr 25, 2019 | 05:14 AM
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You want shoulder height with low risers, no more than 2" for best looks.
Get a friend, and while holding your arm out, measure up from the top of the trees and deduct the riser height.
Anything different in desired height then becomes personal preference.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2019 | 07:12 AM
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im 6' ,32-34 seam depending on if its cold or not lol and have stock flhx seat. My 14s have me about shoulder level. On my old softail i had 18's and 4" risers and was still comfortable on long trips.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2019 | 08:44 AM
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Saw where someone mocked up bars using PVC pipe. This way you can feel what bars will “feel” like. Did it with my 09 RK and ended up with 16” gangster apes. I’m 6’ with 32” inseam for reference.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2019 | 09:26 AM
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12 or 14 no higher or your shoulders will ache. Like everyone said take a ride on one if you can ….
 
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