More or Less control with 16 inch apes?
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 7,127
From: Beyond Fucital
I find it's more about comfort than about control.
And arm length has little to do with it, unless you have T Rex arms.
Apes have more adjustment for those who are arm length impaired.
And arm length has little to do with it, unless you have T Rex arms.
Apes have more adjustment for those who are arm length impaired.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,282
From: OH, USA
I have 14' Factory 47 meat hooks. The grip height is at about 12" due to the drop from the peak. They're perfect for me.I'm 5' 11" my wife's cousin is 6'2" he has 16" Carlinis. Which are 16" they're perfect for him. No real stretch.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 460
I have 14’s on my Ultra. When I slow speed maneuver, I sit straight up instead of the laid back relaxed position I’m in when just riding. This brings my upper body closer to the bars and I find I have very good control while slow speed maneuvering. The proper body position for slow speed control is a sitting up with your back straight position.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 131
Likes: 60
From: California
I have 14s on my Ultra. When I slow speed maneuver, I sit straight up instead of the laid back relaxed position Im in when just riding. This brings my upper body closer to the bars and I find I have very good control while slow speed maneuvering. The proper body position for slow speed control is a sitting up with your back straight position.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,915
Likes: 5,929
From: NorCal
Lock to Lock is new learning experience with tall apes. You'll find not only sitting on the tank, but reaching far with one hand while the other is under chin a challenge. And rolling the throttle or putting drag on the front brake while it's under your chin....well my wrist just bend that way! Turn to the right and the clutch gets pulled out of your fingers.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 461
Likes: 119
From: North Dakota
Its not just the height. Most apes are wider than stock and make the reach at full lock that much harder. I have 12 Twin Peaks and they are narrower than most so they seem to be about the same as stock as far as handling is concerned.
Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
I’ve ridden apes on near every model. You definitely need to buy bars that fit you, not just because they look cool. You will love them when they fit right. I’m 6’2”. I keep my bars at shoulder height or maybe a fist above. I have used 14’s to 24’s and have found for me that I like 20” on Softails and 18” on Dynas and Baggers. All using 2” risers.
It is always best to ride friends or brothers bikes that have them if you can. Most importantly, be honest with yourself! Ride what’s comfortable! Don’t just go for looks. ✌️
It is always best to ride friends or brothers bikes that have them if you can. Most importantly, be honest with yourself! Ride what’s comfortable! Don’t just go for looks. ✌️
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 669
From: The Rust Belt!
Ive ridden apes on near every model. You definitely need to buy bars that fit you, not just because they look cool. You will love them when they fit right. Im 62. I keep my bars at shoulder height or maybe a fist above. I have used 14s to 24s and have found for me that I like 20 on Softails and 18 on Dynas and Baggers. All using 2 risers.
It is always best to ride friends or brothers bikes that have them if you can. Most importantly, be honest with yourself! Ride whats comfortable! Dont just go for looks. ✌️
It is always best to ride friends or brothers bikes that have them if you can. Most importantly, be honest with yourself! Ride whats comfortable! Dont just go for looks. ✌️
I think at 6ft 14 inch bars or 16s would be ideal. Bars are so dam expensive these days that id definitely want to know the exact fitment for sure before going all in.
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