HELP me decide on which apes

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Mar 24, 2009 | 11:50 AM

JonnyD

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From: Washington State

HELP me decide on which apes

I don't want to do this twice, so I'd like some help deciding which apes will be the best fit for me. I'm 5-7 and the top of the stock RK windshield is even with the bridge of my nose, if that helps.

Which are best for touring, not just for show. I use my Mustang backrest, so I'd like a height that allows for me to lean back on it and maintain a good long distance riding posture. And best for maneuverability.

If you have any pics of you sitting on your bike showing your riding position, and also pics of the bike upright so I can associate it with the winshield/fairing, I'd like to see them. I plan on adding a detachable fairing in the future as well.

Thanks and I look forward to your suggestions.

Mar 24, 2009 | 12:02 PM

oinker02

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I'll offer first that we are all different, and what works for me might not work for you. It really depends on your physical shape and what position feels best.

With that in mind, and also considering we ride the same basic bike and are about the same height, I finally settled on 14" tall Wild1 chubby apes......I first installed 10 tall HD bars and discovered they weren't tall enuff to fully get the weight off my hands.....the 14" bars allowed me to sit upright yet still allowed full lock-to-lock reach while doing slow parking lots moves, and they also allowed me to finally ride for hours without cramping or going numb.

I ended up installing my apes on same angle as fork tubes, but you can lean them back or forward as needed no matter what the height.

I'm glad you are taking time to ask because it's a rather expensive mod when done right. Buy the time I bought chrome cables, hand controls, extended internal wiring, and brake lines, it was almost 1200 bucks.

Mar 24, 2009 | 12:55 PM

JonnyD

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From: Washington State

I was kinda considering the 14's. I have been scanning the Wild 1 website looking at them and they do look to be the right height. How are your hands as far as the winshield is concerned? I put a 17" shield on instead of the stock 20", cause i got tired of straining to see over it.

Mar 24, 2009 | 01:00 PM

oinker02

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No matter what height, the bars extend beyond the sides of the shield, but even my 14" don't go over the top, neither would yours.

I can send you a pic if you pm with email addy that will accept attachments.

Mar 24, 2009 | 01:11 PM

fairplay

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From: McHenry, IL

like others have said, we all come in different shapes and sizes, inseams and riding styles. A good one to try is the stock heritage or police bars (the dealer will know what your talking about). They are the best judge to determine what you want. They will set you back 40 smackers and no cable change. If you like that size and want to keep them your good. If you want a cleaner look, now you at least what size you like and can buy the 1-1/4" version. I was gonna get the fatty 14"s right off the bat but my buddy's old man talked me into the above mentiones bars just in case. I am glad I listened because after about 4-6 months I realized I wanted taller. at this point I was only out 40 bucks. I moved on to the 18" apes and love them to death. I am not out the origional 40 either. the police bars are on thier 4th bike as "test" bars for buddys. I rent them out for a 6pack. In fact, I may be making out on this deal.

p.s. I am 5'10" w/ 30"inseam and the 18" are perfect for me. still legal (w/ good posture) and great control. You may want a little lower, but thats up to you.

good luck

Mar 24, 2009 | 01:15 PM

oinker02

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Wait, screw the email stuff. I'll post the pic for all to see if they too are considering 14" bars with 17" shields.

Here is my Road King with a 20" shield and 14" chubbys....The black line on the shield is a piece of electrical tape placed at the 17" mark. Click on the link below

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0166_large.jpg