ape hangers
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: PA
Electra Glide, "And they're not comfy. And you don't have the control over the bike you have with shorter bars. There's a reason why they're illegal. But, to each their own."
I would have to disagree with all of what you wrote. 1. They are very comfortable. 2. I have better control with my apes then I did with t-bars. 3. They are not illegal, there a height restrictions in some states but not illegal.
I would have to disagree with all of what you wrote. 1. They are very comfortable. 2. I have better control with my apes then I did with t-bars. 3. They are not illegal, there a height restrictions in some states but not illegal.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 9
From: Goodyear, Az
Guntoter, I'm with ya. Guys like em, and I love em on a non fairing bike, the look at least. I like the look on a road glide even, but on a batwing they just don't effect the look that much. You see grips barely peeking above the fairing. And they're not comfy. And you don't have the control over the bike you have with shorter bars. There's a reason why they're illegal. But, to each their own.
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
The thought of taller bars that reach a little farther back has crossed my mind.
Laws vary from state to state. I can say that in Virginia, bars that reach more than 20" above seat height are illegal, thats according to state code. A bike could fail a state safety inspection for them, and a rider could get a ticket for operating with unapproved equipment.
That said, I've never known of it to actually be enforced
Laws vary from state to state. I can say that in Virginia, bars that reach more than 20" above seat height are illegal, thats according to state code. A bike could fail a state safety inspection for them, and a rider could get a ticket for operating with unapproved equipment.
That said, I've never known of it to actually be enforced
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
In Illinois (my state) handlebars can only be at shoulder height or less to be legal. Since most apes are on Softails or choppers around here, and these bikes nearly always have low sitting seats, the bars almost always are well above the shoulders. Its not often enforced, but it sure can be. Would not want to go through the "safety check" stops with apes as it would almost assuredly bring a citation. I don't see any of the local outlaw gangs riding around with radically high apes anymore like they used to either, probably because it will get them a for sure stop. Have not seen too many on baggers with apes but I would guess it depends on bar height and seat drop as to whether it will be illegal.
And yes, I am the cops. Illinois statute is ILCS 625 5/11-1403(c)
And yes, I am the cops. Illinois statute is ILCS 625 5/11-1403(c)
In Illinois (my state) handlebars can only be at shoulder height or less to be legal. Since most apes are on Softails or choppers around here, and these bikes nearly always have low sitting seats, the bars almost always are well above the shoulders. Its not often enforced, but it sure can be. Would not want to go through the "safety check" stops with apes as it would almost assuredly bring a citation. I don't see any of the local outlaw gangs riding around with radically high apes anymore like they used to either, probably because it will get them a for sure stop. Have not seen too many on baggers with apes but I would guess it depends on bar height and seat drop as to whether it will be illegal.
And yes, I am the cops. Illinois statute is ILCS 625 5/11-1403(c)
And yes, I am the cops. Illinois statute is ILCS 625 5/11-1403(c)
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
I oit the 15 inch yaffe bars and love them. if your even in question about how tall to go, just go a little bigger, and as far as comfort a million times better than stock. anyone who say's different hasn't rode with apes much. Shuold have been the first mod to my bike.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: SoPas, SoCal
Guntoter, I'm with ya. Guys like em, and I love em on a non fairing bike, the look at least. I like the look on a road glide even, but on a batwing they just don't effect the look that much. You see grips barely peeking above the fairing. And they're not comfy. And you don't have the control over the bike you have with shorter bars. There's a reason why they're illegal. But, to each their own.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 38
From: The real N.CA (not S.F. Bay Area)
Ape hangers are one of those things in life that just defy logic. The logical mind would think, just by looking at them, that they would be uncomfortable and adverse for the handling of the bike. Truth is, neither of those things are true. But you can't expect to convince someone who's never actually ridden a bike with them. They're going to stick with what seems logical. And that's fine with me. If every bike out there had them, they wouldn't be so cool.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 143
Likes: 1
From: Central Pennsylvania
Gee That's Funny... I never met a Leo that wanted to advertise it this way !! Must be some Kinda Wanna-Be !!!
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