I've only put on about 50 miles since the Thursday install, but I'm completely surprised at how comfortable they are and how responsive it handles when turning. I've taken a lot of deliberate slow turns from stop signs in the neighborhood and stop lights because I thought that's where things would feel weird.....NOT SO! My neighbor (with same bars) said it would take me a little while to feel comfortable. He watched me take off and I came back and told him...NOT SO! Things felt so natural. From my years on crotch rockets, I'm a huge "counter steerer" and brought that to HD years ago. I love curves. I thought these bars would prohibit my ability to aggressively counter steer....NO SO! Pushing straight out felt as good as pushing down.

I feel that the controls are easier now because they're in my line of sight. I'm still new to the bagger, so I fumble with finding controls...this helps. I feel that the speakers were louder. Not sure if the stock bars and my hand in front of the speakers really made that much of a difference...but I think they did. I feel the mirrors are more usable now looking under my arm...they are perfect! Lastly, I just feel cool and thats all that matters...besides being able to properly control the bike. Only negative is I got used to my hands being behind the fairing. Im still riding with spring/fall gloves and instantly noticed the wind on my hands. Nothing a good pair of gloves can't fix....plus, I'm not a big winter rider anyway.I can't wait to throw on the backrest because thats where I think I will feel like I'm sitting on my recliner.

I'm 5'11" and bars are shoulder height, I went with the magnum shielding sterling chromite II cables throughout. I went +4 on the clutch and +4 on the brake. My technician and parts guy got into an argument because the technician wanted +6 and the parts guy told him to get lost. +4s will work...but some technicians will want +6 for personal preferences (unless you just do it yourself). I don't mind sharing that I paid about $450 in labor due to my unwillingness to try the install. But my grin makes that $450 worth it.

If you're on the fence, find some buddies who will let you sit on their bikes. I sat on many and knew that 12s was my desire because I wanted to use the stock mirrors.

 

Great write up. It's always nice to see a detailed report on someone's experience with apes.

Like a lot of people, I never wanted apes on my Street Glide because I didn't want anything sticking out past the fairing but after my last long ride the stock bars are killing my back so I'm now looking at 10" MBBs. Can't wait to get them.

 

sfcmo357.
Get yourself a set of National cycle Hand wind deflectors. they work great.
I have had them on my last two bikes and just out them on my SG.
Down to 40 deg I wear my mechanix gloves....
Some people paint the inside of them to match there bike....

 

My bike is in the garage with the bars off. Went with the 12's as well, wanted 14's but there was a 4 week wait on them. Should have waited I guess Im still waiting on the +8 wire kit from designs by novella. (Horrible experience with this company thus far).
I went +8 just in case I wanted to go taller. Im glad there were no issues for you getting acclimated to the new bars.
With the painted inner and bars it looks very nice.

 

Thanks guys! I actually waited for almost 6 weeks for my 12s. HD ordered them from Drag Specialties and they were on back order. I wasn't in a hurry and the price was outstanding....then a military discount. I told my buddy to go +6 even though my +4 were plenty long. This should keep him from having an issue with a tech stating that the cables are too short...without even trying.