First off, the bars will not change the way the bike handles. The advantage to apes is the adjustability, which you will not have at all with drag bars or t-bars.
As far as high drags looking funny, that is all in your personal preference, if you like it, go for it.

 

I got a pair of 12" apes and it definitely feels different than the stock buckthorns that I had before, both in my back/shoulders and the way the bike responds to rider input. I haven't tried drag bars, but have been told they help the bike react a little faster to your input (i.e. handle better) but I don't know for sure. All I know is I agree with what was said before about the adjustability of apes over drag/T bars. I didn't end up placing my bars where I assumed I would have and if I didn't have the flexibility to move them around, I might've been more uncomfortable. So if you want to be as comfortable as possible, take that into consideration when you get new bars.

 

The drag bars have bushings where they bolt to the upper triple tree. In theory that would lead to a little looser steering than apes. Between that and the adjustability of the apes, it is an easy choice.

 

Also take into account the way you ride. Ape's give you leverage at the top clamps and if your doing wheelies or just riding real aggressive they do move on you no matter how tight your top clamp is. I also have seen them tear (between the clamp)on bars that have been drilled for internal wiring I think that's one of the big reasons for one piece t bars or tall risers on drag bars.

 

I will smile to these.

 

I'm in the same boat. I'm either going to switch to taller apes or some sort of tbar.

Short arms aren't the best for my stock Street Bob bars. I'm thinking 14 inch apes would allow me to roll them back some? I only need about 2 inches towards me and life would be so much better.

Am I on the right track here?

 

I was worried about the Mini Apes on the SB I bought until I rode it. Later bought a FB and sent it in for 12.5 inch Wild 1 Chubby Apes and some other mods.

I was worried about the 12.5 over the Mini Apes.....Now the SB is going back for 12 in LA Chopper's Nice Curves (12 inch Apes) because the Mini Apes just look wrong.

Karsten