I'm 6' tall and rode with 16 inch apes on my old Heritage. I did back to back to back 650 mile days with no issues. Here's a pic of me on the ole bike.
I've got 16" Chubbies on 1.5" risers. I'm 6'1" and can ride all day with no issues. My son is about your size and has 16s on his Deluxe. He loves them also, and has no issue with long runs...
Hey Kerry- I'm 5'7 and have 14" carlini's on mine with a 1.5" riser. Supposedly the carlini's are about the height I other brands 16"ers.
This is my exact set up I'm 6ft the bars with risers come out to a little over 16"
my longest ride has been 200 miles each way no problems on shoulders, but my *** hurts from the ride. I like to think it has something to do with the seat.
Im 6'5 and I had 18's Gangsters on my last deluxe with 1.5 piston risers and it was comfortable, but this time Im going with 16's Carlini Gangsters with High roller risers. Low pro seat also, so it shouldnt change that much.
im only 5'6" and i run 14's the right size apes for your height put you in a great riding position as to not have back or tailbone pain on long rides i started with drags and will never go back, when i got my softail it had drags on and the first thing my wife asked was how long till i changed up to apes agian, i said not long