For all you Ape/Monkey Bar Riders, a question.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 6
From: FT Bragg NC
For all you Ape/Monkey Bar Riders, a question.
Ok I've been looking at possibly putting apes on my 09SG. Now I don't want to go too high looking at 10-12"s. My question is about long distance riding and cold and rainy weather riding. First how is the ride? I like to ride sometimes 6-7 hours at a time. Also when riding in the rain, is there an issue with water running down your sleeves. How about cold weather riding. In North Carolina I can just about ride all year around although in the winter months My hands do get cold. It seems to me that with the hands being over the fairing your getting the brunt of the cold air on your hands...
Thanks in advance for your help.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Supporter
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 10
From: Shenandoah, TX
My last bike I had 13" Cyclesmith (05 EGC) and loved them. I did several 10 to 12 hr ride with no discomfort at all. Now, on my 2010 I have 16" from HHC and love them more. We ride from Conroe, TX to Daytona every March. Last year it was from 39 to 30 dg both days ride up. This year it was rain for the first 360 miles, and it took us 12 hrs to do that. Get some Gerbing heated gloves, they do the trick.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
Got 12.5 577WO's on mine and ride 10 to 12 hr days with no problem. I've also got a windshield from www.customflhtwindshields.net and the added width keeps the wind and rain off your hands. Two of the best mods I have made to the bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 19
From: Waukesha WI
I am about 5'7 and my MB are very comfortable. I had stock bars, then back bars and the pain in my shoulders never went away until I got the MB. I have spent an entire day on my bike and no problems. My hands are higher then the fairing. I don't think they get any less wind them my forehead does? I wouldn't think twice about getting them again
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
Like all the rest have said. 577's on mine and have done 4800 mile trip already, 12 hours in the saddle, multiple days, great fit and function and no tired hands, back etc.. .rain gloves to keep my hands dry and otherwise its all good.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,190
Likes: 5
From: Eastern Washington
Did a 8 hour ride on my stock bike and had pain all over my shoulders and back. After putting on the 13's I did the same ride and could have continued on for another couple hours. Best mod I ever did IMO. Both for looks and comfort. As far as cold weather, I ride in the 30's and no matter if my hands were above or behind the fairing, I wear gloves and they stay warm
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 192
From: Lakeland, FL
Ive ridden in the mid teens. My hands get cold, but I don't have a shield or anything. Go for it.
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
hey been rideing apes for many years on differant bikes currently 04 electra glide with 16 inch apes and really think about it when you run stock bars and you sit on your bike most people are slumped over with your shoulders rolled forward when runing apes they make you sit up with better posture so your spine is in better upright position if you run apes for awhile its hard to ride anything else just my opinion but hope this helps sorry im a physical therapist and think about the posture thing too much
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 646
Likes: 5
Yeah it's a little colder, but rain is not an issue. i have a windsheild on the RK...ergonomically i had some wrist pain on 8 hour multiday tours, but when I pushed the apes forward it vanished. You get a lot more flexibility for comfort with the pull back range on the apes.