I'm not trying to be offensive in any way, I just want some education from the bagger community as all I know anything about is Softails, so don't no one fly off the handle when you read my question. It's strictly for my own educational purposes & I'd like to learn something new outside of Softails.

So here goes: For all those guys with Road or Street Glides with sky-high apes, what exactly is the point? I thought the whole function of a fairing was to cover your hands? Is it a bagger thing? Looks? I've noticed around my parts, there's craploads of S/R Glides with some serious apes on them. Looks cool, but to me if you've got a fairing, it serves a purpose. I'm not understanding the point of putting apes on a sled that's designed to go long distances & keep your hands protected with the fairing.

Like I said, don't take offense. Everyone's got their thing. Sounds like I was trying to chew up the "ape/Glide" group, but I'm really not. It's just around here, it seems like a big bandwagon that everyone with a 'Glide of some sort wants to jump on. Teach me something. To anyone who can give me some insight on this, be cool. If you're gonna come unglued & just wanna insult, you're obviously one of the people that installed apes on your Glide because everyone else did.

 

Mid-height apes are more comfortable than the stock handlebars for long rides...

 

This is an answer I was looking for! That makes sense. When I went shopping for a bike, I noticed the 'Glides didn't have the most comfortable looking handle bars in the world. I've got a better idea now about apes on 'Glides. Thanks, man, that's a great reason. I appreciate you being cool. The thing that still baffles me, though, is apes on a bike with fairings. Can anyone else shed some light?

 

The fairing doesn't do anything for hands on my glide.

 

This is a good answer too. I was under the impression that fairings always cover the hands.

 

I put 14's on my SG for the Comfort! I have a bad back and couldn't take being hunched over all the time. I did lose some wind protection for my hands tho. I haven't ridden in the cold yet so, i'm not sure how bad it'll be. Anyways, the comfort for my back is a trade i was willing to make. I have read that i can get a little wider windshield to help gain back some protection for my hands. I'll cross that bridge this winter....if i need to.

 

This is the best answer so far! Never even thought about bad backs. When it comes to my back, mine's in great shape, but when it comes to riding a bike with big apes, I can't do it. I think my blood's just too thick. I'd be riding for about 5mins. with big apes & I'd have to stop 'cause I lost circulation in my hands. Since I don't have a bad back, I'm not thnking about it, I'm just thinking of losing feeling in my fingers. I never thought of back comfort with apes. I've got an even better understanding now!

You also said you've lost some wind protection with the apes. So I'm guessing fairings do serve a purpose, just not for all riders.

Thanks, man, I've got a much better picture on this!

 

The next time you have an opportunity, sit on a stock Road Glide. You'll discover that the fairing doesn't cover your hands. Ride one and you'll see this in action.

I never thought the function of a fairing was to offer hand protection, but rather to deflect the wind that would normally hit the rider in the chest and face, thereby allowing more miles to be ridden more comfortably.

I went with Wild 1 515 bars - by no means a tall ape. Taller than stock, but not by much. They put my arms and hands (and therefore my torso) into a more comfortable position. They also add better leverage.

 

I agree with the fairing being more to break the wind on your chest/body. You also have place for a radio and speakers which you don't have on an open bike or even one with a windshield. I think the apes are mostly for comfort when you drive. Everyone's height and hand position differs: it's what feels best for you.

 

I have sat on many a-Road Glide & the fairings always seemed to offer some sort of hand protection........but then again, this is coming from a dude that's clueless about touring bikes completely. Once again, I've been taught something & I thank you, sir.

One thing I do see in your response tho where I'm kinda scratching my head, is that the position of the fairing is to deflect wind from the rider's chest & face. Where my hands gripped the stock bars on the Shark were damn close to my lower chest. I'm seeing a little smidgeon of proof of hand protection. I'm still not 100% sold on the fairing not doing anything for the hands. Honestly, man, do I have a legit gripe?