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Great topic and some great responses. Thank you all for the good read and info. I would really like a set of 12" or 14". Not quite sure which just yet, but, I know I want them. I really like the Mayhem Bagger. I just don't like the width.
Jes
Measure...Measure...Measure.....If you don't measure first it is a crap shoot hoping you guessed correctly !!
16" Twin Peaks fit me perfectly....
Go with bar height that puts your hands at.., or just above shoulders (most comfortable / keeps hands from going to sleep)
Ghost
I would used caution with going above the shoulders because in some states, that's illegal (like mine - NY), and I personally don't like giving the law a reason to stop me.
I would used caution with going above the shoulders because in some states, that's illegal (like mine - NY), and I personally don't like giving the law a reason to stop me.
I stated "just" for a reason - sit up straight if / when stopped
You cant beat body mechanics and physics. Above your shoulders you lose a lot of control/ strength and wider bars have more leverage.
so if you have more/ less control with apes will be dependent on your height, and the height and width of the bars. General rule of thumb says the taller and more narrow the bars the worse the control. But any reasonable set of bars where your arms are at or below your shoulders and greater than 28 wide will give you the best control IMO.
I believe this statement is pretty accurate...
However.... IMHO, comfort while cruising, and mechanical advantage while doing an emergency maneuver or during slow speed control, are not the same thing...
I suspect that many personal factors, including height, arm length, arm strength, and technique... will probably affect whether someone notices any mechanical advantages or disadvantages to higher bars... than the actual bar height itself.... obviously, within reason...
Most people go to apes for the look and/or the comfort during long stretches in the saddle....
However.... IMHO, comfort while cruising, and mechanical advantage while doing an emergency maneuver or during slow speed control, are not the same thing...
I suspect that many personal factors, including height, arm length, arm strength, and technique... will probably affect whether someone notices any mechanical advantages or disadvantages to higher bars... than the actual bar height itself.... obviously, within reason...
Most people go to apes for the look and/or the comfort during long stretches in the saddle....
Pretty much why we're called individuals. Everyone is different.
Handle bars are subjective like windshields. Some folks who are 6' have longer or short legs, meaning that their shoulders are different heights. Seating position is also different with different seats.
They make many different bars for different folks and their many different reasons.
I've never put on taller bars, and I am 6'7". With my current 2019 FLHTP, retaining the police seat, and I am considering going 2 inches up. I ride in all types of weather, and desire to retain the fairing coverage for my hands. I also desire to retain my ability to ride 500+ miles day comfortably.
Changing the bars slightly can cause your muscle groups to be used differently and cause pain during the adjustment period. I have ridden same year ElectraGlides that the handle bars were mounted slightly different that was noticeable.
I have KST Straight Jackets, 16" ...they are a narrow ape and give me plenty of reach for parking lot maneuvers. I am so glad I went with the 16" . They are so much more comfortable than the police bars that came on my bike.
Width of the bars plays huge roll. Not all bars are the same. Wider gives more leverage which acts to increase control in my opinion. To me both taller and wider add to better control. So many variables to consider.
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