I think its a combination of personal style and comfort. More sporty/performance based setup bikes tend to suit T's and more cruizy bobber styled bikes suit Apes


I had 15"Santee bonanza bars on my old bike.
I've got 14" Wild1 Outlawz to go on my new bike.


For me its a width thing, I'm big and tall and around 14-16" high and 33" wide is the sweet spot for me.


I considered running T'Bars on this build but I couldn't find a set at the width and height to suit me. Plus I usually run a roll bag on the bars and these strap better to apes.


The other option would have been tall risers and MX style bars but nothing grabbed me.

 

Come down my way. We'll go hit the triple nickel or head down into hocking hills.

 

I've got a set of homemade 11" Z-Bars on 3" pull back risers and they're kind of middle ground between T-Bars and Apes. As far as apes go, I don't like the way they turn my wrists at an outward angle. I've ridden T-Bars and like that they keep my hands in line with my forearms, but I don't like how narrow they are. If I was a wheelie guy, I think I would probably switch to MX bars on taller risers. Anyway, here's my set-up:

 

I switched out my mini apes for some wild1 8" pullback drags. The handling is way better. No flex and vibration was cut significantly. Better wrist angle for me too. The only thing is it's easier to torque that throttle now hehe.

 

I have 14" apes, they do flex a little but I love them. The angle of the grip and throttle is also good for me.

 

I'll just leave this here.....

 

Just switched out the stock rubber bushings for solid, but not polyurethane. A little more vibration but the bars are rock solid with my new 12" Tbars. Had polyurethane bushings on my last Dyna with 14" MX Tbars and there was still some flex. The solid bushings were a BEAST to press into the trees though!

 

I hate the T-bars, they block your straight ahead view and they look stupid, apes all the way. who cares if they are more rigid, never had a problem with apes or the stock bushings, they kill some of the vibration, bars don't make the bike handle any differently, if your goofing off and hanging off of them in turns then there might be some difference in the flexing

 

This is only MY opinion, but bars of equal high handle equally. Apes are more versatile, as they can be moved forward or back to suit your needs. Now MY opinion, Tall "T" Bars look stupid.

 

No one is going to change anyone opinion, because it's all just taste, but I have to ask. Have you ever riden Tbars the same height as you apes? I found there to be a HUGE difference in feel and handling.