Ok I have a question. I have a 2014 Rushmore Ultra Limited. When I ride I get lower back cramps and at the base of my neck between my shoulders. Does anyone else have this issue, and would changing the bars to 12 or 14 inch apes help? How do apes effect slow tight turns? Any comments appreciated.

 

This past summer I did just over 7500 miles on a trip with my brother, between my shoulders was the worst, lower back not as bad but uncomfortable. I put on 12 Monkey Bars but haven't gone on a long ride yet so I can't tell you about long rides, but for me it's way better than the stock bars. Next thing I'll get is the rider backrest.

 

general rule ,if its lower back get a backrest,between the shoulders change the bars.

 

Low speed/parking lot maneuvering is greatly increased. Apes got rid of hand numbness and upper back pain for me.

 

Apes will definitely help with the pain between your shoulders. I had apes on the bike I rode to Sturgis and back in 2011. basically 5000 miles, I never grew tired of the apes. Slow speed handling is fine. Its in my plans to add apes to the roadglide

 

Apes or any bars for that matter are a difficult purchase as very few local stores have much of a selection if any. I have been through a fair share of bars and finding one that is perfect for you is a challenge at best. That being said you will most likely end up buying online. General rule of thumb is their height should be about level with your shoulders. You don't need to spend stupid money on Yaffee bars but don't go stupid cheap either. My latest are 13" Reaper bars and although not on the bike yet (being rebuilt/painted) they are much higher quality that a cheap set I put on the Road Glide. I had a KST Kustoms Mayhem bars on before and was quite happy with them. Best of luck.

 

This is my brothers 2014 Rushmore Ultra Limited. Its the exact set up your interested in. I have ridden it a number of times, and can attest that its one of the most comfortable rides I have ever had the pleasure to ride. I only ride bikes with apes, so I am probably biased, but at least for me, bikes with moderately sized apes such as these are the most comfortable setups available. Low speed turns and parking lots are a breeze.





This is another brothers bike. Its a '14 Street Glide with 14 inch apes. I had the pleasure of riding this one for the first time a couple weeks ago. Same thing.... super comfortable, handled great, no back issues. I'm right at 6 feet, 190 lbs. At least for me, the comfort level was excellent.





.

 

Agree with what he said. You won't regret going with apes.

One interesting side note, I had 14" monkey bars on my Road King and had zero issues with hand numbness. I put 12" monkey bars on my Glide, and after about 45 minutes of riding, I do get a bit of a tingle of numbness. Nothing that a couple of shakes can't handle, and I don't really have any issues with this, but just a tidbit for you.

I'm 5'11'' and the 12 inchers are just below my shoulders. The 14 inchers were basically right at my shoulders.