Ape Hangers? Just wonderin . . .
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Just put 14" Apes on my 07 RKC last week and they are great so far.
My decision for apes was made by posting on this site for recomendations and by talking to people that had them. It took me probably 6 months to finally make my mind up ( alot of $$ to spend if you get it wrong). One guy gave me a great bit of advice... He simply asked me where I put my hands on the steering wheel in the car... my reply was that I always have them at the top of the wheel. With that he said "well I guess you answered your question". So I went with the Apes. I rode aprox. 300 miles over the weekend and no stabbing pain between my shoulders. An added (unexpected) benefit is now I have a panoramic view of everything behind me, since I don't block 1/4 of the mirrors with my arm. I do have to admit though, it did feel a bit wierd at first but by the time I got home from the shop I was feeling very use to them.
My decision for apes was made by posting on this site for recomendations and by talking to people that had them. It took me probably 6 months to finally make my mind up ( alot of $$ to spend if you get it wrong). One guy gave me a great bit of advice... He simply asked me where I put my hands on the steering wheel in the car... my reply was that I always have them at the top of the wheel. With that he said "well I guess you answered your question". So I went with the Apes. I rode aprox. 300 miles over the weekend and no stabbing pain between my shoulders. An added (unexpected) benefit is now I have a panoramic view of everything behind me, since I don't block 1/4 of the mirrors with my arm. I do have to admit though, it did feel a bit wierd at first but by the time I got home from the shop I was feeling very use to them.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, California
I'm 5'8" tall. My seat is custom made, slammed as low as possible, and pushed back as far as possible before hitting my fender.
The apehangers are very comfortable. My brother is 5'5" and handles my bike better than me, with his old lady on the back. He weights 185# and she weighs 215#.
I have to admit though, my brother looks like he can barely reach my bars but he loves the COOL factor.
Get some 16" apehangers you won't be dissapointed!
The apehangers are very comfortable. My brother is 5'5" and handles my bike better than me, with his old lady on the back. He weights 185# and she weighs 215#.
I have to admit though, my brother looks like he can barely reach my bars but he loves the COOL factor.
Get some 16" apehangers you won't be dissapointed!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
they are illegal for many reasons beside looking stupid. hands should not be above the heart for extended periods. watch riders shaking circulation back into their hands at stop lights. you must be able to keep your hands on the controls at all times in any manuever and many cannot in a tight parking lot turn.
That's an old wives tale about "hands should not be above the heart for extended periods." Heck, I keep my head above my heart for extended periods quite a bit and I think blood to my brain is more critical than blood to my hands.
scg1953. I would like to see a pic of your RKC with the 14"ers. I'm thinking about those for my RK.
Last edited by txfxstrider; Oct 1, 2008 at 02:56 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
TXFXSTRIDER,
I don't have a pic. yet , but if you look on this forum for
" 06ultrabig", his Raod King has the exact same bars (he currently has a post in the "Size of Apes" thread). I'll work on gittin' a pic posted of mine.
I don't have a pic. yet , but if you look on this forum for
" 06ultrabig", his Raod King has the exact same bars (he currently has a post in the "Size of Apes" thread). I'll work on gittin' a pic posted of mine.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 572
Likes: 6
From:
. . .yeh, 16s may be a little high for a 5'8" guy. I'm 6'3" with 16s and couldn't imagine being much shorter and still being comfortable with them.
All depends on your seat positioning and your particular torso/arm length.
That's why I always say to try them before buying.
My 16s (Wild1) are like a friggin Lazyboy now. Absolute comfort.
As far as the "arms above the heart" statement (which I've never heard) this link may be of use for some. Typically the rule is to not have the hands above the shoulders. . .
http://university.apehangers.org/hbarlaw.php
All depends on your seat positioning and your particular torso/arm length.
That's why I always say to try them before buying.
My 16s (Wild1) are like a friggin Lazyboy now. Absolute comfort.
As far as the "arms above the heart" statement (which I've never heard) this link may be of use for some. Typically the rule is to not have the hands above the shoulders. . .
http://university.apehangers.org/hbarlaw.php
Last edited by 07FLHRCMarinePatriot; Oct 1, 2008 at 11:55 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 12
Im 5' 7" and ran 16" apes for years, making several cross country trips. I thought they were both cool and functional. Id like to put some on my Roadglide, but I dont think a fairing bike looks good with them.