Aggressive riding with apes
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 100
Likes: 57
From: BC
Aggressive riding with apes
I have a 2019 road king special. I have a seat that sets me 2 " back and 1" lower from stock. Im 6'4" and need the bars to be higher so I'm looking at getting some factory 47 apes. I want more comfort which from what I read, means higher bars. I do like to ride pretty hard through the twisties and I figured lower bars provide better handling. What is people's experience with apes and different lengths. Do you end up sacrificing agility by going with higher bars? I'm wondering if I go with something not as high like a 12" bar to still provide a sitting position that allows me to crouch in for a more aggressive riding style.
Thanks
Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
I would say the opposite is true. With stock bars the grips are in my gut on slow speed maneuvering, and I always found twisties easier with 12 or 14" apes. I would think beyond 14" reach may start to become an issue, but I never had bars taller than 14"
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 237
Likes: 88
From: SF Bay Area, CA
I had 16 inch bars on a 2005 Road King.
Definitely effected my slow speed maneuvering. Full stop turns especially were tough as your hands ended up in strange positions.
That said.. I loved those bars on that bike. I could ride all day. Super comfortable.
Lane splitting was a pain too with my mirrors being at the same height as a lot of trucks. I know that's not an issue in most states.
Definitely effected my slow speed maneuvering. Full stop turns especially were tough as your hands ended up in strange positions.
That said.. I loved those bars on that bike. I could ride all day. Super comfortable.
Lane splitting was a pain too with my mirrors being at the same height as a lot of trucks. I know that's not an issue in most states.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 390
From: NJ
It really depends. The f47 are REALLY wide! And how far you tilt them forward will affect this as well. I run 13 inch on my RG and except for full lock at a stop I find them to be great. At full lock at a stop my outside hand is way out there. I also have a daddy long legs seat which puts me down and back a lot but I am only 5’ 11”.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 926
From: Squamish, BC
If the height has you at a comfortable riding position for you, I would think your riding capabilities would be better regardless of the specific height. I recently had custom 16" apes made and I installed them on my Road Glide, that is the height that suited my long bodied torso the best and I have ridden harder in the twists than ever before, because I feel confident and comfortable now.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 30
Likes: 13
From: So.Brooklyn
I find it easier to maneuver with a higher bar,about 4-5 inches below the top of my shoulders,arms slightly bent. I've used Khromewerks bars for years.
Last edited by DD3; Sep 23, 2019 at 02:40 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 786
Likes: 177
From: wv
The spread of the grips is the leverage. A wide spread makes the steering feel very easy, where a more narrow spread isn't as much leverage and will feel harder to turn on the same bike.
My 07 I have wide 37" bars on it and they make the steering feel very light. In other words, the wide spread gives me a lot of leverage to turn the wheel, either moving or stopped. Pretty much just think about it and the bike turns. Nearly no effort is needed.
Hope this helps.
My 07 I have wide 37" bars on it and they make the steering feel very light. In other words, the wide spread gives me a lot of leverage to turn the wheel, either moving or stopped. Pretty much just think about it and the bike turns. Nearly no effort is needed.
Hope this helps.
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 457
I find maneuvering easier with my 14” apes. Low speed especially, I have more leverage. I’ve noticed no detrimental effects on high speed maneuvering. I don’t know if it’s better or worse at high speeds but I’m riding a touring bike, not a performance bike.
I think if a person finds low speed maneuvering more difficult with apes, they are overextending their reach and should try lower bars or pulling them back some.
I think if a person finds low speed maneuvering more difficult with apes, they are overextending their reach and should try lower bars or pulling them back some.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
I run apes at shoulder length height. I have no chicken strips on my tires. I ride very aggressive in curves. What slows me down is dragging floorboards or dragging the slip ons, it has nothing to do with the bars.