Something I've always been curious about. What's the attraction to ape hangers? I've never been on a bike with them but they seem uncomfortable (espically for a long ride) and it doesn't seem like a rider will have alot of control, especially while making turns.

For those that have them or want them? What's the attraction.

I thought the same thing until I bought a bike that had them years ago. I bought the bike thinking I was going to change the bars. After riding just a couple times I was hooked. To me they are VERY comfortable and they really don't affect the control of the bike. As a matter of fact, since I am used to then now regular bars feel weird. Especially on a long trip...with regular bars I would get a pinch in my back after a while, but not with apes. I am not saying they are for everyone, but coming from someone who has ridden ALOT of miles with both bars I personally prefer apes. PLUS they are just so damn cool looking!

Now the perfect height for me is 16" that puts my hands right at shoulder height when riding. A buddy of mine who is really tall has some really high ones and they aren't comfortable at all for me. So you have to have the right height.

i liked the stock bars but the reach was funky even with risers...then i went beach bars cuz i really loved that low look but had felt like i lost a bunch of control at slow speeds...then i went 14 apes on my sportster and loved them so i tossed 16s on my roadie and its just perfect...ill admit sometimes it can be a little bit more of a bear over stock when taking a tight turn slow, but overall i dont notice any bad part of having apes, other than needing new cables!!

For me, the control of the bike is SO much better, especially at slow speeds! Oh, yeah, and they look damn cool, too...

RK

I have to admit, they really do look cool but I was thinking that it would hurt my arms so high up there and I have a 6 degree raked triple tree. Making turns is not that easy--with apes, I fear it would be scary.
To bad I can't easily change between apes and a regular bar. Currently I have the BMS Pimp bar installed.

I found myself putting my hands up on the mirrors to relax my arms on longer trips. It felt better, but of course I couldn't leave them there for all that long. It got me to thinking, "If putting my hands up that high made for a more relaxing ride, I wonder if apes are the answer?" I thought at first that 12" might be a safe way to go but then I had a chance to get a set of 16" from a fellow Clinic member. The 16" on my 4" risers made for a 20" total and I must say, RIGHT ON!!!! Very comfortable, long rides are a dream. I have the feeling that the bike handles more nimbly when I want to whip it around in an aggressive mannner. The cool factor is nice as well.

Apes are comfortable.

Apes are different.

Apes are cool...


Rich

TampaSVT wrote:
Apes are comfortable.

Apes are different.

Apes are cool...


Rich

That just about sums it up!!

When I bought my R* the first thing I did was put 5" risers on it. I didn't like the low bars.
I have 12" apes now. they're not all that tall but then again neither am I.
I like my hands just below should height. Better for my old circulation to the hands.
You know the best thing about motorcycles is you can do whatever you want and it is OK.
Oh yeah they do look cool, way cool, IMHO.