Apes all the way for me. I am considering 14", 16" or 17", depending on who makes them and what they offer. What makes my dicision so hard is the way my bike sits. I lowered the rear end 2" and left the front end at stock....this already raised my bars in relation to the seat. Then I added the Loner Industries 1" risers made for the SB trees giving me a total of 2" of rise and the stock 12" bars (14" total rise height). But to tel you the truth the bars grip location is only about 2" lower then they where on the Sporty I used to have, thhey totaled around 18" of rise with the 16" bars and risers off a Sportster Low. I have concidered going with drag bars with 1"-2" of rise, but I don't like the low bars on long rides and I also would have to stretch all out cause I am only 5'7" and use forward controls. I also use the apes cause if I ran drags I would be agressive and would prob kill myself in the corners, I already drag pegs and pipes in the corners.
But, like most would say get what fits you and your style of riding. If you don't like it change it, it's only money.

 

If what you have is comfortable to you but you want black, have you thought about powder coating or painting yours?

If you use the self etching primer, it's really easy to paint them and the finish is tough if you let it dry and cure a couple of days.

 

Thanks guys for all the replys. Iam going to do the apes then. Iam going to just give a 16in ape a try and see how it is...in black of course
Erik

 

I want to change over to 16" apes on my Fatbob. Is there a preference between the standard and narrow apes?

Thanks

 

Try and find apes that are close to the same width as your trees, I think the bars look out of place if the are wider then the tree. I am not sure if the Fat Bob comes with a wide glide front end or a mid glide front end (like on the SB). Mostly, just look around at the pics of others with apes (try to find them on your bike) and find what you like. Ask tones of questions until you find what you want.

 

I'd planned to do a full "before and after" of my 08 fxdb next week when completed.
However, I just installed some Chubby Wo504 bars and am loving the result. Here's some pics of the bars just to give you something other than apes to look at on a bob.

 

The Fat Bob has a wider front end then the Street Bob.

 

Roguepup,

the preference between the bars are going to depend on what looks good to you and what you plan on doing with your bike in the future. I put 16" standards on mine. The bars are a little wider the the trees (not bad looking), but it gives me the option to change to a WG front end in the future.

 

I'm 5'11" with 16"s

 

Click the link in my sig for a 21 rim for your street bob. I need it outta the house.