apes
apes
hey all , i have been getting a sore elbow when riding, was wondering if a new set of bars are in order. and second question, how do you know what bars are good for you without riding them for a while?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, IN
That's big question I always come to. Maybe I need new bars. How the hell am I going to figure out WHICH ONES will work for me? Bars are not free, nor is the labor to swap them. (No, I can't do it myself - I don't have the tools, the skills, or even the room, to do the work.)
Broom stick a string measuring tape. Hold the stick where you feel comfortable. Have read that shoulder height is very comfortable to most. Once you have all your measurements then start looking at bars and there dimensions find the one closet to your comfortablity.
good idea, thanks 06
but dont apes look funny on a bagger, well an ultra?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 287
Likes: 6
From: N/A
Also be sure to check the local laws.
I don't know how Missouri is, but I've heard that there are some areas where the handlebars can't be so high that your hands above your shoulders, like in my avatar
I got rid of those apes. Loved the cool factor, but didn't feel confortable
I don't know how Missouri is, but I've heard that there are some areas where the handlebars can't be so high that your hands above your shoulders, like in my avatar
I got rid of those apes. Loved the cool factor, but didn't feel confortable
Last edited by semiret; Jun 28, 2013 at 11:27 AM.
true dat
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 34,661
Likes: 36,273
From: outskirts of ba habba
3 measurements you will need...
height
width
pull back
Once you have these numbers, look for bars with similar numbers.
height
width
pull back
Once you have these numbers, look for bars with similar numbers.
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Supporter
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 10
From: Shenandoah, TX
Set on your bike with it upright. Have your wife, GF or buddy there to help. Close your eyes and reach out to a comfy position. Have your bud or whoever take some measurements.
The states with ape laws are usually 15" above the highest part of the seat. I've been using apes for some forty years, and I've had 30" to 12". I figured anything above the shoulders is showing off. The weight of your arms will make you shoulders hurt after a while. Mine, in my sig are 16" and are perfect for me. I'm 6-9 and they are just above my elbows, and that's a good rule of thumb. Between shoulder and elbow. I've found that HCC and Cyclesmith have the best hand passion for me.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 355
Likes: 2
From: Aiken, SC
I changed the bars to 16" on my first bike, an 05 1200. I did the hold the hands where I like them with my eyes closed and have wife measure it thing. My road king has 16" bars too. Im 5'7" and the bars are just at my shoulders. I love them. Ive done several 500 plus mile trips in a day with no problems. If I had the money to spend I would change them to 18-20". With apes, you either love em or hate em.