So I've been thinking about putting apes on my bike and I took a ride on my friends Road Star today that has 16" apes on it. They seemed too high for me to begin with and I'm certain he needs better bushings but I was wondering what others experience as far as handling goes. His only advice before I left was "it's different, be careful.". As I went into the first turn, my only thought was, yep he's right, it is different. I rode it around a bit and found that the biggest difference was that I just had to counter steer a lot to keep the turn radius. Once I got used to it, it wasn't too bad, I think 14's with poly bushings would handle much better. Is this normal handling? Does it get easier?

 

Hmmmm, I just installed 10" PY classics bagger apes on mine, and feel like the coutersteer is much more responsive. I had apes on my VTX and felt the same way. . . Easier handling. My hands are below shoulder height on my glide, and were right at shoulder height on my VTX, maybe that has something to do with the difference.

 

It seems to me that many people install apes and neglect to replace the stock bushings. While they're great for dampening vibrations on the smaller bars, they're terrible for taller bars.

Worse yet, is that for every inch a bar is longer, the problems are compounded. Poly bushings really tighten things up, and compensate for the extra height.

As was mentioned above, I personally feel that the taller bars are more responsive. My 14" PYO bars are solid, and I personally feel no loss of control since swapping the higher bars.

 

taller/wider bar = longer lever.


mike

 

I heard someone describe putting on taller bars like getting power steering. It's true. Now I'm sure that it reaches a certain point where it can get too high and effect handling.

 

I only have 12.5's but I may be going 14's. The only time I have a problem with reach is when I'm parking/backing up. My hands are just under shoulder height and I have a very slight bend in my elbows depending on how far I lean or slouch. When I'm backing up with the bars fully turned I have to reach for the furthest grip. I've tried tilting them down closer to me but found riding very difficult to get used to. I actually feel I have better control with taller bars.

 

A wider bar gives you more leverage, and when at roughly shoulder height, even more so. Unless you test a bike before & after, you can't compare.

It translates to easier steering effort.