[BDMastiff]

First, I've never ridden a bike with apes. I'm a strong rider and I like to go fast through the twisties. I can usually keep up with most ricers in the mountains and I'm aggressive. That said, how do apes effect handling? I love the look but I need performance that will fit my riding style.

 

[lowdog]

Since I changed out my bars to a set with a 13inch rise I feel the bike handles better. Put it this way the stock bars were so uncomfortable for me that when these went on they just make me one with the bike. Btw like you these were the first set on apes I have had. Good luck

 

[Roadie4Evr]

I had to change out my stock bars years ago as well because I couldn't stand the position they put you in while riding. I put on 14" apes and to me, it was magic. It makes you feel more in control, more comfortable while riding and no numbness in the hands anymore. I would strongly recommend adding apes to your ride. It's a pain the the arss to have to change out your cables and all, but well worth it once it's all over with. In my mind it's the best mod I have ever done to my bike.

I was skeptical of apes before this until I rode a buddies softail who had 18" apes. It gives you a totally different feel while riding and even though you may think it looks uncomfortable, it is way more comfortable the second you get on and start riding. You just need to figure out what size you think would work best for you.

 

[Neano62]

I had to change out my stock bars years ago as well because I couldn't stand the position they put you in while riding. I put on 14" apes and to me, it was magic. It makes you feel more in control, more comfortable while riding and no numbness in the hands anymore. I would strongly recommend adding apes to your ride. It's a pain the the arss to have to change out your cables and all, but well worth it once it's all over with. In my mind it's the best mod I have ever done to my bike.

I was skeptical of apes before this until I rode a buddies softail who had 18" apes. It gives you a totally different feel while riding and even though you may think it looks uncomfortable, it is way more comfortable the second you get on and start riding. You just need to figure out what size you think would work best for you.

+ a Big 1 on that! I put on Yaffe's OEM Monkey Bars and Love every minute of them,when I'm in the Saddle! They are 10" and absolutely Awesome. At $379.00 they are worth every Penny.1-1/4 wide,...they have ATTITUDE wrote ALL OVER THEM! I cant beleive I've been ridin legally for 32 years and aint done this b/4 NOW!

 

[Neano62]

 

[MYFLTRX]

I went with the Krome-Werks +2s. Not really ape hangers but the way I have them set up there about 4-5 inches above stock. Those stock bars just suck! I too like the twisties and i've become acustomed to hearing metal parts dragging. (Ok, ok, it becomes a little addictive!) When I first put them on I felt like I had never ever ridden a bike before. But After about 1000 miles with them I feel like I should have went a little higher. Don't get me wrong I love these bars. I used to get a pain in the middle of my shoulder blades, no more pain. Last night I schooled a kid on a older Ninja, about 9 miles of high speed twisties. When we got to the red light he was just aw-struck that he got spanked by an " old mans bike". I was comfortable the whole time.

 

[UTPD#5]

I had ordered a pair of HD mini-apes when I bought my bike...rode about 30 miles and removed them. Didn't care for the angle of my wrists on the bars. But, they were HD bars.

Went back to the stockers, rolled them up about four inches, to the point where they just clear my wind screen when turned fully. Much nicer ride, cheap and easy. There is a slight angle on the grips pitching in towards the neck, but, not bad.

Since doing the roll forward of the stockers, I will be buying a set of apes in the future...pretty excited actually.

My point is, to make sure you like the ride, just try rolling your stock bars forward/up and try it.

 

[DED HD]

Do taller apes come closer to the rider?
I know at some point they would be a stretch for anyone, but I have been trying to find any info on apes for shorter riders and cant seem to find anything.
i have also considered going the opposite route, with Beach bars.
i just traded my '06 Street Glide in, and had the Khromeworks Sweepers on that bike and it did help with the shoulder/ back pain, but now Ive got to get this bike ('10 Road Glide) to fit me as im on y 5'6".
The reach seat has helped me.
i read in American Iron, that Genevieve Schmitt, editor, put on 14" apes on her Street Glide and loves them. She is only 5'6.5".
Obviously there are more options for handlebars with the RG, but have yet to find out what i want to know.

 

[CHAINSAW]

Kind of of subject, but GR8FLH reminded me of a guy in town here. Dude is maybe 5', 5'2" at the most,.. short little guy. He rides a Heritage with at least 16 if not 18" apes on it. Looks funny as hell, as I don't think his ass sits on the seat. I think its nothing but holding onto the bars and standing on the pegs.

 

[Roadie4Evr]

Here are a couple pictures of my 14" Apes. You can set them anyway you like. You can set them towards the windshield to reach up and out, or pull them away from the windshield so you can sit back and reach them with ease.

 

[blur]

apes14"

I have had apes on my last couple of bikes. I cant imagine not having them. being tall they keep my back straighter. I rode 800 miles in a weekend with stock bars once and had the funny walk for a week later to prove it. No problems if I can keep back straight. Handling wise you may need a little time getting used to. I tend to pull more than push on bars I dont think to much time is needed to get used to ( a weekend) unless you go super high with them. I race around canyons in utah with mine and have no noticeable handling difference.