I'm looking for a little help in deciding what size ape hangers I should put on my '07 RK. I'm a short guy, 5'6". I've decided on the Carlini Gangster apes. My question is should I go with 12" or 14"? I want my hands at shoulder height. I've heard the Carlini Gangsters measure out differently than other apes. Some say they are taller, some say they are shorter.

I've also read alot of post of guys saying they wish they had bought taller bars, i.e. bought 12's, wish they had bought 14's, or, bought 14's, wish they had bought 16's... So I am trying to get the right size the first time.

So are there any "vertically challenged" guys like myself, who are riding with apes, specifically, Carlini Gangsters, who can help me decide what size I should get?

 

Just my 2 cents here but the right height can vary, people have different builds, someone the same height might have a longer torso, so shoulder height would be higher, or vice versa. Maybe try your best to measure the height, get a couple buddies to help, sit on the bike in your natural riding position and hold your hands where you want them, then get someone to measure up, be sure to check the exact rise of the bars you want, I have 12" Yaffe's but they measure more like 14", I'm not sure how the Carlini's measure out. Best of luck in your ape hunt.

 

Given your height, I would recommend 12" which will keep the bars at shoulder height. 14" bars will put the grips above your shoulders and closer to eye level. Carlini Gangster Apes run tall -- maybe 1/2" above stated height. FYI, Carlini Flying Apes run really tall (1 1/2" above stated height). SJ Ron

 

Yeah - What he said!

 

Subscribed, going to do my seat first. Good luck, let us know how you make out with them.

 

I'm 5'6" and while this was on my '02 RK I put on some 12" Chubby's. Best mod for comfort I did on that bike. Hand were shoulder height and I could pull them back slightly. Loved 'em. Different bike but your headed in the right direction.

 

im 5'7" and i sat on a RK with 12", 14" and 16" standard type apes. i would go with 14" on a RK and 12.5" on a Ultra or SG. Those sizes are at top of shoulders. 12" on a RK and 10" on a Ultra or SG are right below my shoulders.

 

I'm 5'7 and agree with the previous post. I have 12.5 Wild One's on my Ultra but would go with 14's on a Road King.

 

I have a riding buddy that is 5'6" and he has 18s on his bike, and they are at shoulder height when he isn't slouching. he is on an 05 king with a sundowner .

 

5' 7" and went with 12.5s on RK. Some days I think about 14s, but happy with my choice. If you are moding your seat, do that first for sure. There is a difference as well if you are running a back rest or not (at least for me).

Also I pull mine back pretty frequently especially when touring. When the 12.5s are perfectly lined up with the forks they are spot on for me.

At the end of the day, worry less about the look then the comfort factor.