What bars
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
There is no way science backs up "better control with apes". I've never seen a race bike with them. But it matters little on a tourer that is all about looks and comfort anyway. Comfort is different for different folks. Some like apes and some don't. I will say the 16s on my RK aren't terrible comfort wise but control is defiantly compromised, especially braking. I do think apes look silly on fairinged bikes and really like the sweepers on my EG... but different strokes for different folks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
On the other hand, I tend to be a much more practical guy. I don't spend money on fluff. If it doesn't have a functional purpose, then it's not going on my bike. period. End of story.
So, although I respect your point of view and appreciate your comment, I stand my ground...is the OP looking for the perfect fit, or is he looking for something that looks cool, and is he gonna be satisfied with something that's close...but not perfect? I don't know, none of us know, and that's why handlebar threads are largely unproductive, in my opinion...
We don't always know the motives of the poster; however, we often answer the question in a "what I would do" fashion. This adds perspective to the conversation and presents alternatives that may not have heretofore been considered. We need to consider not only the OP, but the other posters and the many "lurkers" who may be asking the same question!
Like I say, on my current bike, I'm compromising on what I consider true comfort... reason why is that if I put my hands where they are really comfortable, I'll negate the benefit of the fairing, and that just seems silly to me, and they are comfy enough where they are!
When you lose focus of your goal, you lose...
Focus on the goal!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 59
From: Port Neches Texas
I have the 12" monkey bars I wish I would have went with the 14's, try this out. here are two dimensions taken from my bars they are for a road king so yours will be different but perhaps the 10" 12" 14" street glide guys will chime in.
Excuse the water spots on the first photo.
The centerline of the grips are about 10.5" above my fork locks
The width as shown is 34" tip of grip to tip of grip, my bars are basically in line with my forks
So with a broom stick and a tape measure you should be able to come close, for positioning.
Good luck
Excuse the water spots on the first photo.
The centerline of the grips are about 10.5" above my fork locks
The width as shown is 34" tip of grip to tip of grip, my bars are basically in line with my forks
So with a broom stick and a tape measure you should be able to come close, for positioning.
Good luck
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 111
From: Sioux Center IA
Sit in your seat and put your hands up where you want them. Apes will be a little bit wider than stock. I'm 5'11" and sit in a little bit of a recline in my stock seat. I went with wo578s after long hours of searching. Love them and they keep my hands right at the top of the fairing. I got it right on the first try by extensive research. These wild ones can be pulled back or pushed up quite a ways
I like the Flander Handlebar there 2" up 2" back from stock 36" wide. I'm 6'1" with 6'1" arm spread no more back pain on long rides. there is a lot to choose from wires in or out.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,728
Likes: 9,235
From: Snow Hill, NC
I will say that from stock, i went with HD 2" touring pullback touring bars and they made a hell of a difference for me. I did sit on somebody's street glide with 12" classic bagger apes and felt really good...The fact that my bike turns and makes it easier to handle at low speed is a mystery to me but frankly i don't give a **** what anybody says, it turns and handles better with the apes period. I originally did it for looks and comfort but the handling part just fell in there... I originally was gonna go with higher bars but backed off because they looked to high for me on my FLHTC. 12" was the highest i was gonna do...Glad i did, i might would look at different brands like Wild ones or Carlinis but the Yaffee's as fine. Personally i don't fancy the Monkey Bars. I like the smooth curves.
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