What are the benefits of ape handlebars
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 2
From: PEI, Canada
It's about looks and comfort for me but just like anything else it's a matter of personal opinion. It still amazes me how often I am asked if I ever get tired of my hands going numb from being up high. Misinformed people who have never even sat on a bike with ape hangers but are sure they have all the answers anyway. I think I'll start replying back with "do you ever get tired of your a$$ going numb because of your head being shoved up it"
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 22
From: Fort Pierce, Florida
When I had my first bike (07 RK), I didn't want apes. However, I was having neck, back and shoulder pains. I was only able to ride a few miles before I had to get off. I'm 6'4" by the way.
Someone suggested apes, and I was resistant to them. After a lot of pain, I finally gave in and bought a set. OMG, what a difference in my ride and comfort. My 12 SG has 14" Chubbys and I love them. Right at shoulder height.
As for control, I was not able to turn the bike as well when I did not have apes. Pain remember. On my SG I can make a uturn in the same lane fully locked without a problem. I think the right size apes matched to the rider will help in comfort and control. JMHO though. As mentioned before to each their own. Mine is with apes!
Good luck to the OP in what ever you choose.
Someone suggested apes, and I was resistant to them. After a lot of pain, I finally gave in and bought a set. OMG, what a difference in my ride and comfort. My 12 SG has 14" Chubbys and I love them. Right at shoulder height.
As for control, I was not able to turn the bike as well when I did not have apes. Pain remember. On my SG I can make a uturn in the same lane fully locked without a problem. I think the right size apes matched to the rider will help in comfort and control. JMHO though. As mentioned before to each their own. Mine is with apes!
Good luck to the OP in what ever you choose.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 727
Likes: 31
From: Fenton, MO
You really just need to go to a dealer and test ride a bike with them if possible. When I was trying to decide what bike I liked best I went to the local dealer and test rode what I was interested in. Took a stock road king out and was impressed with everything but the hunched over feel of the stock bars. The dealer had a brand new road king sitting there with 18" on it and told me take that for a spin, within the first mile I was sold on the apes.
Advanced
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
From: Springfield, il
much, MUCH more comfortable than the stock bars. I have 16s on 4" risers on a softail and 17s on a roadking. no more back pain, and no more panick when the wife decides she needs something out of the bag.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
Here's a test for the ideal, most ergonomic seating position (for best results, have the bike raised to a vertical position and be seated on the bike in a comfortable, upright position):
Close your eyes and position your hands and arms in a comfortable riding position.
Open your eyes. If your hands are not near the bars, then you need to adjust/replace the bars.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Na! They look naff. Never have wanted them, but each to their own. 
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Joined: Jul 2010
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 308
Likes: 40
From: usa
I agree...not into apes at all and i don't get the "Cool" thing?..I think they look stupid but that's just my opinion right. I have Wild-Ones Chubby Dresser Style on my Road King Classic and they are totally comfortable.............and "Cool"--ha-ha!...Joke!
Honestly, whatever makes you happy and gives you the comfort and style you need....... it doesn't matter what others think...........
Just Ride-Ride-Ride...................
Honestly, whatever makes you happy and gives you the comfort and style you need....... it doesn't matter what others think...........
Just Ride-Ride-Ride...................