The Best Ape Handlebar
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I recently installed Wild 1 509, 16 inch apes. I have run many brands and styles of apes over the years and I recommend against these. Yes, they are a super high quality bar, with outstanding chrome work, but they are not comfortable, have a lousy wrist angle, and just look goofy. The grip area is way to far out and looks like a beanstalk with two grips hanging out in space. I think BR Custom, Roland Sands, Burly, and LA Choppers are all great choices. But as mentioned, visiting a bike night and asking the owners what brands they are using on bikes you notice, is the best option. Here's some pics of my WO509's in case your interested.
Last edited by bikerlaw; Sep 9, 2013 at 06:53 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,598
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From: 27°51' N, 082°17' W
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, MD
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 483
Likes: 5
From: Way U.P. North
WO 14's here. The wrist angle(pullback) is OK if the bars are wide enough. If they're narrow too much pull back puts you in a bind. Burly's are wider at the bottom, which I think looks better.
Poly bushings from HD are a wise move also. No vibration issues and much better for moviing the bike around.
Also be sure and use a 1 pc handlebar clamp if you dont already have one. The added leverage will fatigue the bars where the hole is in the center for the wiring. Wont happen in a week or a month but it will happen. And when they break it's like having 2 oars on a rowboat. Been there. Previous owner didnt put one on and mine snapped 200 mi from home. Luckily it happend while backing into a parking spot. Could've been really bad 2 miles back up the road.
Poly bushings from HD are a wise move also. No vibration issues and much better for moviing the bike around.
Also be sure and use a 1 pc handlebar clamp if you dont already have one. The added leverage will fatigue the bars where the hole is in the center for the wiring. Wont happen in a week or a month but it will happen. And when they break it's like having 2 oars on a rowboat. Been there. Previous owner didnt put one on and mine snapped 200 mi from home. Luckily it happend while backing into a parking spot. Could've been really bad 2 miles back up the road.