Hello..

I own a 08 RK classic.. i love mini apes but I realise that stock handlebars are great on curvy mountain roads.. will a 10" or 12" mini ape change this?.. i love that look but wouldnt like to loose "sport" skills of this bike

thnks

 

Some folks find apes comfortable, but they do compromise you in certain situations. I had a rider take the RLAP course from me a couple weeks ago and he had apes on his Dyna. Given his size, it was almost impossibe for him to turn the bars to a full lock position and still be able to operate all the hand controls easily. One hand was in his face, and the other was waaaay out. He was over extended.

It may not be an issue for you, but it is something to think about.

 

Apes have no bearing on the ability to control a motorcycle.


That's why you see 'em on so many of the bikes competing in the Superbike and MotoGP races.

 

That is a good question, I have heratige bars on my RKC now and have put 1000 miles on them and they are alot better than the stock bars, but I am saving the $$$$ to put wild one 502 12 1/2 in. On this winter so I would also like to know how the cornering is with them. There are alot of twisties around here local were we do our weekend rides and I would not like to be the slow guy in the pack.

 

I have 18" apes. I have not had a single issue in the twisties...

 

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also thought about them .. or the black ones from the new SOFTAIL CROSS BONES...

 

Handlebars of most any configuration make very little difference in "sport" or "twisty" type riding. You do not steer by turning your bars in that type of riding. They may affect you in very slow speed turns where you actually turn the bars. Just sayin'.

 

Good point I guess it would just be a matter of getting use to a new body position being more streched out maybe a higher center of gravity at speeds which would be worse the higher the bars.

 

I had shorter apes on my Spinger and just went to a little taller set. They are fine when under speed and are not a problem at all cornering, in curves, etc. They are not as good as the stock bars at very slow speed, parking lots, etc.

 

No proplems w/ my 16". I can scrape foot boards on both side w/ no problems. Got ride often with any bars to get better.!!!