why apes
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 325
Likes: 2
I switched after my first long ride and my back was killing me in between my shoulders. I felt hunched over the bike. The apes sit me in a better position, and they look badass to boot. For those who have not had the experience and are thinking about getting them take a ride you will love it!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 0
From: Danville Va, Providence NC
I have a 99 sportster with stock handlebars on it. I have had spinal surgery in my neck and lower back, and extreme back pain is a big part of my life. Would 10" minis work out OK for a 6'2", 225 pound man? Would they change my mirrors drastically? From what I have read, cables should be OK. Running S&S carb, my throttle cable seems short already though. I don't know if it is stock or not, changes were made to the bike before I inheirited it. I have never rode a bike with apes, they always looked terribly uncomfortable. But after reading this thread, it looks like comfort is better with them. Thanx in advance for the input. RD
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: SoPas, SoCal
Where do you place your hands on your steering wheel of your cage when driving? It's natural for them to be extended at or above your chest. It's same when riding with apes. It's a more natural position than your arms pointed in a downward position. My bike feels way more nimble now than it did with the stock bars. Plus, as others have said, it looks badass.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: republic of Texas
First, if your hand position is below your shoulders, you aint rocking apes! Stop referring to anything below 16" as apes!
If you are considering higher than stock bars, you need to know the height and pull-back. When choosing a new bar, there is a lot that comes into play - seat height, risers, your height / arm length, and pull-back. Check out http://www.brcustomcycles.com/MEASURING_NEW_BARS_UP.php for a way to measure your comfort level.
Maybe even consider a set of custom bars - the price seems right and the posts from BR Custom's customers have all been positive. I personally love the Wild1 bars I had previously. In the pic below are Hill Country Cycle 16" bars which I really liked also.
I found that the best position for me was somewhere between my shoulder and chin. I could ride all day. The ONLY problem with apes is those high wind days, unless you are running a windshield. The manuvering in a parking lot thing is a myth.
If you are considering higher than stock bars, you need to know the height and pull-back. When choosing a new bar, there is a lot that comes into play - seat height, risers, your height / arm length, and pull-back. Check out http://www.brcustomcycles.com/MEASURING_NEW_BARS_UP.php for a way to measure your comfort level.
Maybe even consider a set of custom bars - the price seems right and the posts from BR Custom's customers have all been positive. I personally love the Wild1 bars I had previously. In the pic below are Hill Country Cycle 16" bars which I really liked also.
I found that the best position for me was somewhere between my shoulder and chin. I could ride all day. The ONLY problem with apes is those high wind days, unless you are running a windshield. The manuvering in a parking lot thing is a myth.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
I'm 6' tall.. I put on a set of chubby 16s and no more back pain! can go on long rides and not be worried about being in pain after the first 30 mins now.. plus like a lot have said they look BAD A$$!! of course IMHO
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 19
From: Waukesha WI
I am 5'7 and I have 12 inch Money Bars on my SG. They are not 16's, so I guess they are not considered apes. But either way I was suprised how comfortable they are. Didn't take long to get used to them at all. No more pain in the back of the neck/shoulders. Like someone commented that the bike does feel more nimble.
