Apes and Shoulder Issues?
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 11
From: Ladera Ranch, CA
Apes and Shoulder Issues?
I just put apes on my bike several weeks ago and now am having shoulder issues. I went with 16' Carlini Gangsters on my RK and I'm 6'4", so it's not like I'm reaching for the sky. My hands are level with my shoulders. I had one of my shoulders rebuilt a few years ago from a dirt bike injury.......that's not the one that's acting up. I had a cortisone shot yesterday and some x-rays, felt great when I woke up, so not even thinking, I rode into work today.....I totally blew it. The pain is back. Anyone have issues on their body with a bar switch?? I know, its probably just a getting old thing but it's a pisser!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
Everyone's different. Anecdotally from what I can tell taller bars solves more problems for bikers than they create. But I wouldnt be surprised if they cause problems for some.
My personal experience is that my apes (14", I'm 5-10) are much more comfortable than stock bars. Much.
The other factor that contributes greatly to comfort is cruise control.
My personal experience is that my apes (14", I'm 5-10) are much more comfortable than stock bars. Much.
The other factor that contributes greatly to comfort is cruise control.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
I agree on that, my backrest definitely increases comfort and forces better posture.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 11
From: Ladera Ranch, CA
My beachbars were giving me lower back pain. someone shot a pic of me riding and I noticed my posture was crap. I was hunched down over the bars. I realized that's what was giving me my lower back pain, so I went to apes. The bike handles great and I like them a lot. My arms have a pretty wide wingspan being 6'4". These are narrower and I've got them pulled back so I can still run the RKC shield on cold mornings. I do have cruise and use it when on the freeways, so I'm trying different things. Ive only got about 200 miles or so on these bars but I just thought it sucked that I am running into issues already. One thing I have not had so far is lower back pain, but I haven't been on a long ride yet 
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
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From: Glendale AZ
Hummmm Ive got 14"s and Im 5-8"....I have tendinitis in my left shoulder and It doesn't exacerbate the condition but Ive got a backrest, footpegs and use cruise all the time so you may want to discuss it with your surgeon to see if its the shoulder and any kind of motion aggravates it.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 26
From: OOB, Maine
I have 16" gansters, but I am not running them anymore. I am 6'-9". With my two up seat they were fine, but my solo is pushed back so far it caused pain below my left shoulder blade. I run heritage bars now and the positioning is perfect for me. I can deal with a little pain, but on and Iron Butt ride like we do it wouldn't fly.
Adam
Adam
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: Myrtle Beach, SC
I think you simply need to give them some time. Your body and muscles might just need some time to adjust to the new position. If that doesn't work, then as said before, try moving them forward or back until you're comfortable.