Hello.

Has anyone any experience with mini ape handlebars on a sportster 883? Does the handling change a lot at very slow speeds? Are they more comfortable for long distance touring than the regular bars? Would they get on the way of a windshield I normally use for long distances? I have seen ape handlebars on larger bikes, never on a sportster...

Thanks.

 

I like my Factory Spec 13s. Real comfortable and I like the bend on them.

 

Here's a pic of my sporty with mini apes and 3" riser extensions to get them a little higher...windshield too.

For me it is much more comfortable riding, especially the longer the ride. No handling issues at all.

 

Here's a pic of some 17" apes on the sporty.

 

DK, how tall are those mini's on your bike. I've been wanting to do some mini apes and a tank rise on my '06 Sporty XLC, but I've got that dam jaw bone/ dog leg thing on mine. This would not allow but a 1" rise on tank or so, and the mini apes would not look right. What would you suggest? Thanks in advance.

 

First decide if you want to change your risers, or keep the one you have.

Either way, I think the most important thing in choosing handlebars is finding out what position is most comfortable for you WITHOUT buying and trying a bunch of different bars.


This is the way that has always worked for me to get the most comfortable handlebar position-


Sit on your bike

Have someone hold it up straight for you

Put your feet on the pegs

Close your eyes

Put your hands out to where it is most comfortable to hold them

Open your eyes...where ever your hands are, that is where you want the handlebar grips to be.


Once you know where you want the grips to be, AND you decide if you are going to keep your current riser, then you can start shopping for bars that will get the grips where you want them.

I had the taller bars on my sporty because that was most comfortable position. Then I got hit and it messed up my shoulder and it was no longer the most comfortable.

I choose the mini apes because combined with the 3" Riser extensions they put the grips right where it is most comfortable for me.

BTW, we have 1.5" tank lifts that will probably fit with your current risers....check to be sure first.

This video shows all kinds of sportys with different size tank lifts and different style handlebars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5InzT_lvtY

 

Thanks for the responses, pbr and DK. I am going to follow the advice on how to check on the best height for ape handlebars.