Guys, I have my eyes on apes and I'm wondering how they affect the handling, especially on the twisties? The apes im considering are Biltwell 8" chumps or the 12" apes. Which would u recommend?
I currently have the stock bars on my 07 Superglide.
Thanks

 

8" or 12" is not considered "apes" lol

I run 16's. I find the bike handles twisties easier with apes because it takes less effort to change direction via pressure on the grips.

 

I got a set of 13 inch knurled and drilled chubby's Im lookin to sell. Nothing wrong with them, I just ended up keepin the stockers after I ran the wires internal (07 streetbob) and Im too lazy to change the bars out.

 

love my apes, i went 14 and would never go back to anything lower, but i would go taller.

i'm with vic, countersteering seems to be easier with the taller bars, less effort needed to lean it into turns.

go big or go home.

8" are baby apes and 12" are mini apes.

 

i have 16'' apes and you better be one helluva rider to out corner me! they were a little akward the first few days but now its GAME ON! like said before it really is easier to corner

 

forgetting corning they are more comfy, mine are 13in carlini with there one in riser, that puts me about shoulder height, don`t get sucked into taller is better depending on what kind of riding you do if your hands are way above your shoulders you will have problems and i know someone will say i have 20 in and no problems, but to high is as bad as to low, go to a shop and hold up different sizes

 

I happen to like apes and tall bars. Most every bike I have owned has had them at one point or another. Are there better handling handlebars, sure. But that doesn't mean you can't safely ride a bike with tall bars. I'll give you the generic "Ninja" answer. If you haven't seen the part (apes, spring seats, 21 inch wheels, forward controls, ect...) on a Ninja, its probably not the best handling/cornering part you can install on your motorcycle. But since we ride Harley's and not Ninjas, buy a tall set of bars and see how you like them. Theres not to many tales of guys installing 8-12 inch bars and suddenly flying off the road.

 

Know anyone with a Street Bob? If you do you could ask them to sit on thier bike, that will get you a feeling for 12" mini apes. I didn't think I'd like the bars when I bought the bike, now I wish they were a little taller.

 

I think of apes like Power Steering on a car. They definitely make the bike easier to maneuver if you are used to drag bars and EXTREMELY better than narrow drags.

 

I would never install apes on my bike. It's one of those "Oh look at me I have tall handlebars" statements. I guess it makes bikers feel better about riding a Harley Davidson. Wait, I forgot, I have always had them on my bikes.