I run 22's on mine... it's right at my shoulder. It's extremely comfortable... the only complication is some low speed maneuvers, like U-turns but you get used to it... I love them.
The Authority on Ape Hangers is the federal agency, NHTSA. Which means, since THEY are the authority, any lower government DOES NOT HAVE LEGAL AUTHORITY. Any Ape Hanger regulations made below the federal government level are illegal.
Yea man idk i wanna ride my bike and not have my arms fall asleep I guess when it comes to bars for me i look for comfort and controllable. Which means the height of the apes is directly chosen by the clamp height in relation to the seat height and my height
Not for me, or my roads. The high Peak District of Derbyshire uk 🇬🇧 is harsh enough without making it trickier. Just my personal opinion, I like to go into tight twisting bends on rough roads with a smile not a scream 😱 xx
I knew a girl who grew up around a lot of her dad's biker friends. When she was very young, she asked about ape hangers. Her dad told her bikers like high bars and vests because they never shower and need to air out their arm pits. She found ALL bikers unattractive well into her adulthood. I have to wonder if that was his plan in the first place. I can't see a pair without remembering that shit.
As someone who used to live and work on motorcycles in Florida the reason the cops don't give a shit is because there's a chance that they ride also. At the shop I worked at a good 1/3 of our customers were cops. People don't realize this but Florida is the highest percent of Motorcycle riders in the U.S. with 18% of the licensed state drivers have a Motorcycle endorsement.
@@TheREALOC1972 I lived in Florida before I was into bikes, but they were always out year round in Pensacola. Miss living there except for the cost of living.
@@TheLouisianan I live in Titusville and the Cost of Living was very very affordable, it was actually the cheapest place I have ever lived and I've lived all over the country and world for that matter. I spent 21 years in the Army and then became a traveling tech for BMW and then Indian when I retired from them, I live in Arizona now and it's expensive as hell out here and I don't live in a major Metro, as long as you don't live in a major metro like Miami, Orlando, Jackson, Tampa/St. Pete Florida is VERY affordable, Pensacola isn't expensive but it's higher than most places because of the Military presence there.
A little trivia: what was the original purpose of ape hangers? To protect motorcycle couriers in World War 2 from trip wires strung at neck level. The high handlebars would catch the wires thus saving the riders lives.
@Crown Commando Yeah it is harder for some bikes. And yes, really tall ape hangers would end up beside your hips if you pulled them back enough to pass inspection. But it should work for most bikes.
NH had that law. No taller than shoulder height. I went for an inspection and they said "They're over your shoulder". I stood up and viola. The kid just looked at me. I said "I read the law, it does not state riders position for measurement". Manager read it and agreed...passed. 🤣 Then they ditched the law.
Sturgis had a law (still ?), that said they couldn't be above the knuckles when extended straight off the shoulder.....big difference in riders height ! Had a GF give me a phone book to sit on as a joke.
haha , I like 14in but I run 12in mini's , much more comfortable than stock or drags to me , it all boils down to what works for you and everybody else can suck it , rock on brother
At my age(retirement age) it's about comfort. I never understood why riders would do this anyway. If it's significantly above your heart, your hands/arms are going to get numb.
I'm 60 and retired and love the way ape hangers feel. when I got my new scooter of course the seats are never comfortable. But after installing the 16" apes on the road glide no new seat needed. Plus it takes the pressure off your lower back.
I know its a matter of opinion,so I'll give mine . Not only do I think they look dumb, but altering your steering is never a good idea. If a deer or racoon races out in front if you and your doing 60 on a two lane road, I'll take my stock flh buckhorns over these arms up in the air bars like your being robbed anyday.
'Outlaw' origially refered to outlaw racing, to race outside tthe AMA s rules, -not criminal behavior and those were 'goose neck' handlebars. -and I'm finding this kid mal-informed and tedious.
Rode shoulder high apes for 15 years. Great ride, great handling. Actually makes the bike easier to counterstreer. Never numb, never pain , no more bugs than regular bars. If you have never ridden a bike with apes give it a try, you may be surprised.
I've ridden half apes on an Indian scout and really loved them. Not sure I would go much higher because I have a shoulder injury, but the half apes were great.
I used to make fun of apes hanger until I rode one. Of course I wouldn’t go pass my shoulder height. My rule is “ if I can’t do a proper u-turn, it is too tall”
@Das Beast Modus Made in the USA. Just a poor design. The company paid for the damage caused by the accident. They changed the design so I wont bad mouth them.
Ok. The truth. During wars 1or2 motorcycle couriers going through towns were taken out by the enemy who would stretch wire across streets.The solution? HIGH HANDLEBARS. You're welcome.A Vet..
I see someone else actually knows the origins of the ape hanger. People think they originated from outlaws motorcycle clubs but the truth of the matter is they only made it popular because most of them were vets that was treated badly when they cam back from war.
Bit late but I like to clean up history and call Bullshit on this story that won't die. Show me one photo or written account from WWII showing or telling of a motorcycle with apes. The photographic evidence and written accounts of the pole placed on the front of jeeps to take out piano wire is overwhelming. Apes on bikes there is nothing.
What a stupid analogy! Obviously by someone who's never ridden a bike with apes and don't embarrass yourself by saying you have! And the same goes for "Seth"! 👎😝
Florida unified the motorcycle laws about 15 years ago, before that every county (67) had different laws for handle bars. The way the law is written its very hard to enforce now.
that is false , I've tried stock and drags but my shoulder high 12in mini apes are a lot more comfortable and handles fine to me , I feel like drag bars have less control , I guess it's what you're used to
Hangers are a personal thing but I owned a repair shop and worked on a few hd's with apes. I thought they were horrible for control of the bike. A couple were so high it was absolutely dangerous.
I just LOVE that 70's Eldorado you have sitting there @1:51, is that a 1976 model? Its a beautifull piece of art! They don't make em like that anymore unfortunately. :D
I think the reason would more likely be that it gives a reason to pull over an "outlaw biker". May be the same with window tint on cars and many other stupid laws.
Imagine holding your arms up in the air for hours at a time. Now imagine that the only thing giving them any rest is your grip on the bars. Do not tell me this is comfortable.
I run 12in mini apes shoulder high and it's way more comfortable than stock or drags , it doesn't matter to me how it looks , it's all about being comfortable , just my opinion and experience and I've tried those other bars unlike most people that talk shit about apes , some really high apes look uncomfortable and silly
@@swederetard " Nah, personal choice. It's silly, though. I watched a guy have a very interesting few moments when he got a couple of yellow jackets in the armpits a few years back. On the ride a week later, the original bars were on his motor, and the ape hangers were on Craigslist.
@@skeletalwreck8780 : You are, of course, welcome to try -- but if your ego can't take being laughed at when you look like a geek, perhaps you shouldn't go out of your way and spend money so that you can look like a geek.
@@skeletalwreck8780 Basically it is this, I tell everyone that you and I may like different things. What you think is cool I may not but like fingerprints everyone is their own person. If they are not then something strange is going on and I tend to ride away fast! Oh I once had a friend that had ape-hangers on a Honda and he wore a German style Helmet it was funny but it was his bike and his helmet, although it was still funny. lol
I have had buckhorns on both my 84 Sportster, and my 99 Softail Custom, and they are very comfortable for me, and I like the look. Apes look cool, but buckhorns adjusted right are very good. I am going to be 80 this year, so know what works for me. To each his own. I love my 99 carbed evo too. And the Softail Custom is the coolest bike Haley ever made and most fun to ride of all in my opinion. Everyone has one.
Not a fan of ape hangers. I think they upset the balance of the bike, aesthetically speaking and they don't do any favours if you have to make an emergency maneuver. I do however believe that people should be able to do whatever they want to their bike, these laws seem ridiculous. is the the USA or USSA?
@@sheilabridges6883 how does 3,500 miles this year on UK roads sound to you? Look, I'm not saying that ape hangers don't look good on certain HD machines and no doubt that sort of riding position feels perfectly comfortable for many riders on US roads. It's just not for me, that's all.
In Illinois ape hangers are legal as long at they aren't higher than the top of the rider's head. I run 18-inch on top of 2-inch risers and VERY comfortable combined with a driver's backrest. Also, no helmet laws at all, and motorcycles are able to treat red lights like a stop sign and run on through when the traffic is clear. I don't know of any state more liberal when it comes to bikers.
I run 12in mini apes and they're a lot more comfortable than stock or drags , just my opinion , please yourself , everybody else can suck it , rock on brother
Great in depth discussion. I saw a couple of guys on very expensive looking custom bikes the other day, and they looked like they were doing chin ups, hands well over their heads - and I just could not imagine that being comfortable
@@94SexyStang maybe so, but he's right. They really look stupid as shit. Also most times the "life of the party" is a complete fool who everyone else just laughs at.
@@mikeratkowski3506 The air force shooter in Florida was dishonorably discharged from the military and was not allowed to own firearms and they let with him buy one the federal government passed his background check
Jim Scully Love my apes ... got ‘em because they looked cool - side benefit Comfortable ... unexpected benefit safety :p People miles away snap their necks to look at you - less chance if someone running you over because they didn’t see you. I asked people who had them how they liked them for years before I got them - everyone said - they’re comfortable & I wish I got them Higher ... why I got 20’s ; ).
I've got 2 roadkings, one with beach bars and one with 16 inch apes In my opinion, I prefer the beach bars on a longer ride by far, but I get more compliments on the one with apes and fish tails.
If you were riding a bike with ape hangers and a bee hit you in the armpit and you weren't wearing a jacket, I think that would hurt a bit. And if the impact didn't hurt, the angry bee would definitely hurt! And forget a bird strike!
Shawn, I actually know the owner of the yellow bike. His name is James and he is from St. Charles mo. The blue bike is the same bike from back in the day. He adds an inch to the bars and exhaust every year to symbolise his years of sobriety.
Ok wait a minute here, the main reason for laws on apehangers is do to safety, such as handling control and responses.half the shit this guy is telling ya is irrelevant to what the actual cause is and why there pulling the shiy they do on bikers and apehangers. Think about it pull out in a pack with your brothers and guess what your getting pulled over, and you may ask how do I know this well I've been riding for a really long time and where I'm from the cops love pulling us bikers over for just about anything.
It has nothing to do with safety. That is some bullsht coming from guys that dont ride with Apes. Yes, the reason they made the laws about handlebar height was not just for ape's, It was for choppers and they started with those laws in the early 70's, not the 40', 50's like this guys says and the sole reason they started making those laws was to pull over the people the state considered "outlaw bikers". Your safety idea is a bunch of bullsht. It does not even effect the safety.
For me lower bars are more comfortable and enhance the sweeping lines of the bike. Hot rodders and custom guys chopped tops not added to them. But do your bike the way you want, that's what its all about, individuality.
Had 16" on my soft-tail w/6" risers, luved them. Only folks that gave me trouble we're the Sturgis Police, no where else. 16" on my current Road King !
I feel like I have more control on my bikes when they have apes. I feel like I get a much better lean with the bars higher. It really depends on a persons height. A person who is 5’6 ain’t gonna need 16” bars. Me at 6’4 is gonna need them depending on the bike. My road glide only needs 12” rise and my previous street glide needed 16” rise to feel comfortable
I have 17" apes. I'm 6'3" and they're perfect, but anything higher and it would be too high. I'd prefer the 15" but they fit me and the bike perfectly. Another good video!
I rode from Eastern Pa to Madawaska Maine and from Eastern Pa to Key West. I’ve ridden the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Tail of the Dragon. I had 16” ape hangers mounted with 4.5” tall risers on my Softail Deluxe. I never had an issue with this setup. If you have lower disc issues in your back, high bars force your back into a straight position. I’d venture to say I’ve had more issues with clip on bars than apes.
My favorite bars are Shadetree Surgeons Harley FXR "Huffy bars" with the white vinyl foam pad like i had when i was a kid. I got 19 inch Arleen ness apes on my bike, no problem controlling in high speed or in town or in the parking lot.
True story. Friend put ape hangers on before we trailed to Daytona. We're on 195 he's complaining his bike is loose. Something wrong, thinking it's the rear end. I'm next to him seeing the cross winds are using his body as a sail. Moving the bike. Good for low speed trawling, dangerous on the highway
Louis Rauzi I’ve been a motorcycle tech for 19 years s in that time I’ve never once installed a set of ape hangers but have removed more them than o have fingers and toes. Never once in all these years has anyone ever stated that their bike was more comfortable to ride or more stable before we replaced their bars with something a bit more ergonomically correct. Meanwhile nearly every set of bars I’ve replaced have come with stories like you just shared. It always seems the guys who ride with the high bars do it more for that iconic American image of tough guy image, perhaps that are trying to say “you can’t hurt me more than my one willingness to hurt myself”.
@@entropicgirl8648 i run 12 inch mini apes and they are very comfortable , also it's like putting custom wheels on a car it makes it look good , it's all up to the person , we all have personal likes and dislikes but i will say you can get tacky once you get really high just my opinion tech lady
Elmur Fud Is that. Real 12”, cause I’ve had lots of guys say they were 12” but they started at the small of their back and wrapped the tape measure around.... oh wait we’re not talking about that, but on the subject of body measurements; depending on how tall you are, 12” may be not adversely effect handling and on what your riding hot be overtly offensive on the eyes, mileages varies on my comment based on bike and user. How ever I consider ape hangers to be. Any bar that brings ones hands higher than ones line of sight. If your hands are approaching the height of your head or higher possibility and probability of having a motorcycle accident increases dramatically. Thanks for the comment and remember... 9 out of 10 moms recommend wearing a helmet.
They are very practical if set properly your arms are relaxed and your back is straight not bent on long rides. Most stock bikes still place your back in a minor curve.
A few years back i was following a Guy on a Harley he had the highest apes and the widest cruiser foot rests i have ever seen. To say that from behind it looked so stupid would be an understatement, it looked like he was doing star jumps and was frozen mid jump. Ever since that day apes and choppers have lost their appeal for me.
@@camhester4251 As i said before "live and let live" it's not for me to say who puts what where. But when you put wide cruiser pegs and equally tall and wide apes on motorcycle it looks hilarious from behind.
16” apes on 2013 road king here love them and wish i had gone 18” but i listened to everybody’s blabbing about how terrible they are and the laws when you ask them have you ever rode a bike with apes ? and they say oh no it’s just what i heard or think they take more effort at slow speeds for sure and i definitely will be changing to hard bushings as i hate the movement when pulling back on the bars when i first put them on i stupidly re used the stock handlebar clamps and at the lake george bike event they broke free when i stood up going over a pothole scared the shit out of me and could have been disasterous!! now have a better clamp with three set screws and skateboard tape but i’m thinking of welding a pin somewhere i still don’t trust it it’s so much leverage !!! 16” on road king and i’m exactly shoulder height at 6’2” should have done 18” but not spending another 800 to do this again and that’s with me doing the work!!!!
I'm 57, I run 16's on my HERITAGE softail. No more back pain. They might be a half inch above my shoulders. Also, my hands DON'T go to sleep like everyone always claim. They actually did go to sleep all the time with the stock bars.
if your hands go to sleep you probably have nerve damage because I rode for 29 hours and I never felt that. I did stop to smoke some marijuana though and pop ephedrine. Stock handlebars.
My dad taught me that everyone likes their coffee the way they like it... but... WHY AND TF DO SOME RIDERS LIKE THEIR BARS SO HIGH! Doesn't the blood rush down ur arm, that's so uncomfortable looking
There's nothing like the pain of an 80 mph June bug in the arm pit.
Try a dragon fly. To the throat not. So much fun. LOL
@@stephenbrown571 No try a quail to the chest.
LOL uuuuuum no thanks.
One time I was riding a motorway, and had a wasp land on my crotch and start stinging. A VERY uncomfortable moment
Paul Standeven Bet the swelling made your girlfriend or wife happy. LOL 😆
I run 22's on mine... it's right at my shoulder. It's extremely comfortable... the only complication is some low speed maneuvers, like U-turns but you get used to it... I love them.
my 12in mini apes are shoulder high on my bike and a lot more comfortable than stock or drags like you said
You get a great panoramic view of the inside of your own arms.
The Authority on Ape Hangers is the federal agency, NHTSA. Which means, since THEY are the authority, any lower government DOES NOT HAVE LEGAL AUTHORITY. Any Ape Hanger regulations made below the federal government level are illegal.
I only got 10” ape hangs not too big at all but makes it look fantastic my other ones were too small and looked funky
Yea man idk i wanna ride my bike and not have my arms fall asleep I guess when it comes to bars for me i look for comfort and controllable. Which means the height of the apes is directly chosen by the clamp height in relation to the seat height and my height
Not for me, or my roads. The high Peak District of Derbyshire uk 🇬🇧 is harsh enough without making it trickier. Just my personal opinion, I like to go into tight twisting bends on rough roads with a smile not a scream 😱 xx
When your arms are raised to shoulder height or higher, it will take away lateral vision. This is dangerous as you cannot see cross traffic.
Disagree i have a set shoulder height and i have no blind spot as you stated.
I knew a girl who grew up around a lot of her dad's biker friends. When she was very young, she asked about ape hangers. Her dad told her bikers like high bars and vests because they never shower and need to air out their arm pits. She found ALL bikers unattractive well into her adulthood. I have to wonder if that was his plan in the first place. I can't see a pair without remembering that shit.
Haha that's funny
I'm so glad I live in Florida where cops don't give a shit what you do to your bike so long as it isn't a danger to others.
As someone who used to live and work on motorcycles in Florida the reason the cops don't give a shit is because there's a chance that they ride also. At the shop I worked at a good 1/3 of our customers were cops. People don't realize this but Florida is the highest percent of Motorcycle riders in the U.S. with 18% of the licensed state drivers have a Motorcycle endorsement.
@@TheREALOC1972 I lived in Florida before I was into bikes, but they were always out year round in Pensacola. Miss living there except for the cost of living.
@@TheLouisianan I live in Titusville and the Cost of Living was very very affordable, it was actually the cheapest place I have ever lived and I've lived all over the country and world for that matter. I spent 21 years in the Army and then became a traveling tech for BMW and then Indian when I retired from them, I live in Arizona now and it's expensive as hell out here and I don't live in a major Metro, as long as you don't live in a major metro like Miami, Orlando, Jackson, Tampa/St. Pete Florida is VERY affordable, Pensacola isn't expensive but it's higher than most places because of the Military presence there.
Unless you go to daytona.
A little trivia: what was the original purpose of ape hangers? To protect motorcycle couriers in World War 2 from trip wires strung at neck level. The high handlebars would catch the wires thus saving the riders lives.
I know this is 2 years later but that's awesome
@@777RocketS Right
Right 🤣🤣
Really??
Sorry, but they didn't have ape hangers during WW 2.
Easier way to pass inspection: just loosen bars up and pull them back. Then move them back up after inspection.
thats a great idea
That’s what I was thinking to 🤙
@Crown Commando Yeah it is harder for some bikes. And yes, really tall ape hangers would end up beside your hips if you pulled them back enough to pass inspection. But it should work for most bikes.
@Crown Commando depends on the bike and how they mount. I can pull mine back and they lower a bunch
Why loosen them things fold right over with a little pull
NH had that law. No taller than shoulder height. I went for an inspection and they said "They're over your shoulder". I stood up and viola. The kid just looked at me. I said "I read the law, it does not state riders position for measurement". Manager read it and agreed...passed. 🤣 Then they ditched the law.
That’s awesome!
Fair enough
Sturgis had a law (still ?), that said they couldn't be above the knuckles when extended straight off the shoulder.....big difference in riders height ! Had a GF give me a phone book to sit on as a joke.
I have 14s and my arm pits don't smell any more rock out the fresh pits 😂🤙
Have you ever considered washing?
@@paulstandeven8572only if you want to have a shower with me🤣
Mennon, or right guard.
haha , I like 14in but I run 12in mini's , much more comfortable than stock or drags to me , it all boils down to what works for you and everybody else can suck it , rock on brother
@@beaugarvey6446 I think you made him see the light...
Ah. So they’re illegal for the same reason I can’t own an ar with a giggle switch
Because politicians don't know shit about poop.
Dumb people need laws like this placed on them because otherwise they wouldn't know any better.
@@FixNewsPlease they should make a law that of you have some sense and some smarts ,that you're exempt from stupid laws.
@@MrTheHillfolk No conservative would be exempt. lol
Actually, it's because the blood flows out of the arms, you can lose your grip, and fall over.
Depending on the bars, sometimes it makes the bike look like "Hey look at those handlebars with the motocycle on them".
Haha...nice Saddletramp
Hey saddle big fan
@@steelftw6097 Thanks for following, Dylan!
I want to be a parachute going down the highway in the summer, so I can catch every bug
@M Lopez Totally not cool.
@M Lopez if he likes it then there’s no problem.
I guess that depends on your tolerance for stupid.
If I miss one I just turn around and go back.
Stay home couch boy, lol
I like my apes because it keeps my back straight up. I'm old, back gets sore on long rides.
I grew up around the Rockford outlaws. Nicest people I've ever met. Karen at Safeway was more hostile then a 6'8 350 1%er
lol those karens
@@TinyDragon Don't underestimate a Karen in the wild... They are vicious.
After all been said....it's a great anti theft device😉
Nobody gonna steal a bike with a foot clutch either !
At my age(retirement age) it's about comfort. I never understood why riders would do this anyway. If it's significantly above your heart, your hands/arms are going to get numb.
I’m 73 and apes are very comfortable and blows the sweat out of your pits !
I have no problem
I'm 60 and retired and love the way ape hangers feel. when I got my new scooter of course the seats are never comfortable. But after installing the 16" apes on the road glide no new seat needed. Plus it takes the pressure off your lower back.
Seems about as comfortable as a hard tail 😂
@@Buszzbait69 67yrs old, w/16" apes on my RK, rides great. This makes as much sense as outlawing bikes with a foot clutch !
So I cant ride my Stingray bicycle in Florida!!..🤔
Exactly 😂
Same tho
The Apple Crate. Ha
you sure they look cool?!
Iol I know right? I absolutely hate all mods that are supposed to look cool but actually make a vehicule less performant or useable
I know its a matter of opinion,so I'll give mine . Not only do I think they look dumb, but altering your steering is never a good idea. If a deer or racoon races out in front if you and your doing 60 on a two lane road, I'll take my stock flh buckhorns over these arms up in the air bars like your being robbed anyday.
I like ape hangers... maybe not over the top kinds lol
'Outlaw' origially refered to outlaw racing, to race outside tthe AMA s rules, -not criminal behavior and those were 'goose neck' handlebars. -and I'm finding this kid mal-informed and tedious.
Agreed man
Rode shoulder high apes for 15 years. Great ride, great handling. Actually makes the bike easier to counterstreer. Never numb, never pain , no more bugs than regular bars. If you have never ridden a bike with apes give it a try, you may be surprised.
Will apehangers take pressure off my lower spine?
I've ridden half apes on an Indian scout and really loved them. Not sure I would go much higher because I have a shoulder injury, but the half apes were great.
🦍
I used to make fun of apes hanger until I rode one. Of course I wouldn’t go pass my shoulder height. My rule is “ if I can’t do a proper u-turn, it is too tall”
I'm going back to drag bars.. Apes are good if you like rain down your sleeves and you like to freeze when the temps drop .
Level with shoulders is perfect for me, my carpel tunnel dont bother me at that hight where the stock bars on a bike drive it nuts
I always turned the handlebars on my 10 speed 90 degrees up!! Does that count .
Don't get caught cruising on that sweet 10 speed. It illegal in at least 48 states.
@@jeffshultz3883 wouldn't surprise me one bit
That is perfect to set a box of beer on the handlebars to carry it to your trailer park.
don't forget the vice grips on the seat post
I like the low look drag bars gives you. And that is on a hardtail chop!
Apes put too much pressure on the risers, which could lead them to break off; this I know first hand, on i-95 in Ft. Lauderdale.
I live and ride on i-95 and I'm running 12in mini apes and never had a prob like that , very comfortable and that's all that matters
@@camhester4251 I'm not talking about baby apes.
@Das Beast Modus Made in the USA. Just a poor design. The company paid for the damage caused by the accident. They changed the design so I wont bad mouth them.
Ok. The truth. During wars 1or2 motorcycle couriers going through towns were taken out by the enemy who would stretch wire across streets.The solution? HIGH HANDLEBARS. You're welcome.A Vet..
I see someone else actually knows the origins of the ape hanger. People think they originated from outlaws motorcycle clubs but the truth of the matter is they only made it popular because most of them were vets that was treated badly when they cam back from war.
@@markwarren515 thanks for another addition to the truth! 😎🗽
Bit late but I like to clean up history and call Bullshit on this story that won't die. Show me one photo or written account from WWII showing or telling of a motorcycle with apes. The photographic evidence and written accounts of the pole placed on the front of jeeps to take out piano wire is overwhelming. Apes on bikes there is nothing.
I always wondered about apes until I got a Dyna with them and now I would never have anything else on that bike . Very comfortable!
I'm the same way , I run 12in mini apes and it's more comfortable than stock bars ever were , rock on brother
Ditto
Ape hanger bars are the motorcycling equivalent of holding your handgun sideways.
Jon Dougherty - Well done sir. Well done.
What a stupid analogy! Obviously by someone who's never ridden a bike with apes and don't embarrass yourself by saying you have! And the same goes for "Seth"! 👎😝
What's wrong with holding your handgun sideways?
It's the shooting equivalent of ape hanger bars on a motorcycle.
They look dumb.
When Peter Fonda made Easy Rider he said at the end of the day he couldn't even lift his arm to drink a beer.
That must have been hard, considering they towed them around on a trailer to get the shots !
Florida unified the motorcycle laws about 15 years ago, before that every county (67) had different laws for handle bars. The way the law is written its very hard to enforce now.
I have had nothing but buckhorns for the last 35 years. They fit me perfect.
Lets hear it for buckhorns. Got them on my Low Rider, very comfy.
My Softail Springer's got buckhorns and they are the epitome of comfort for me. Love 'em.
Drag bars for me!
It’s Motorcycle clubs, not “biker gangs” just a friendly reminder 👍🏽 not everyone follows the AMA
not according to the F.B.I.
@@keithturbin6768 The Feds.enuff said,Everyones in there files to moped riders.
Ya everyone say . You ride a hog.you are not a bike ride.i ride all kinds.an the all bout the same freedom cheep gas. Have a great day
I thought the only club was four H?
I still say just because you ride it doesn't make you a "biker" your a rider
Screw the laws. It's my bike. I'll do what I want with it. People need to stand up for there freedoms.
mwclark7 i agree with you brother! Ride or die
@@u142 HELL YEAH
Exactly
Brian Harrison what happened to freedom right brother? Liberation god bless the institution
the only real laws are the laws of physics
I have drag bars ,,,, just what i like
2:57 I'm certain Caleb wholeheartedly appreciates the disclaimer in top-left lol... A new desktop wallpaper for the office PC?!
Except it was not spelled correctly
Actually the best reason to ban them is because he greatly limit your ability to control your steering.
that is false , I've tried stock and drags but my shoulder high 12in mini apes are a lot more comfortable and handles fine to me , I feel like drag bars have less control , I guess it's what you're used to
"They make the bike unique." just like every other bike.
Uniquely stupid
@@suedeball635 now that is just uncalled for
Hangers are a personal thing but I owned a repair shop and worked on a few hd's with apes. I thought they were horrible for control of the bike. A couple were so high it was absolutely dangerous.
Love my 14's, being tall its more comfortable than waist level bars
Thinkin of swapin mine to 14". Might i ask what you ride and how tall you are?
They also turn your body into a windsock at highway speeds.
I just LOVE that 70's Eldorado you have sitting there @1:51, is that a 1976 model? Its a beautifull piece of art! They don't make em like that anymore unfortunately. :D
I think the reason would more likely be that it gives a reason to pull over an "outlaw biker". May be the same with window tint on cars and many other stupid laws.
@larry ballard They use to pull us over all the time back in the day. They ignore us now.
Imagine holding your arms up in the air for hours at a time. Now imagine that the only thing giving them any rest is your grip on the bars. Do not tell me this is comfortable.
I run 12in mini apes shoulder high and it's way more comfortable than stock or drags , it doesn't matter to me how it looks , it's all about being comfortable , just my opinion and experience and I've tried those other bars unlike most people that talk shit about apes , some really high apes look uncomfortable and silly
It is very comfortable, and you get better control of the bike.
@@punk303 That's why all MotoGP riders are on cruisers. You get so much more control.
Not that hard to hold onto if it's a windshield bike like a Street Glide with higher bars.
@@punk303 But somewhat awkward to make a sharp turn, especially at slower speeds with apes--one arm gets scrunched against the side of the ribcage.
If you like ape hangers, use them. But don't be offended when I laugh at you.
Using ape hangers = 100 % retarded...
I run 12in mini apes and they're very comfortable , it's alright if you laugh , rock on
@@swederetard " Nah, personal choice. It's silly, though. I watched a guy have a very interesting few moments when he got a couple of yellow jackets in the armpits a few years back. On the ride a week later, the original bars were on his motor, and the ape hangers were on Craigslist.
@@skeletalwreck8780 : You are, of course, welcome to try -- but if your ego can't take being laughed at when you look like a geek, perhaps you shouldn't go out of your way and spend money so that you can look like a geek.
@@camhester4251 : 12 inches of rise probably doesn't look silly.
Personally I dislike ape hangers I prefer drag bars but what the heck to each his own.
Sean Thornton I dislike like drag bars and prefer apes but like you said to each his own
@@skeletalwreck8780 Basically it is this, I tell everyone that you and I may like different things. What you think is cool I may not but like fingerprints everyone is their own person. If they are not then something strange is going on and I tend to ride away fast! Oh I once had a friend that had ape-hangers on a Honda and he wore a German style Helmet it was funny but it was his bike and his helmet, although it was still funny. lol
I have had buckhorns on both my 84 Sportster, and my 99 Softail Custom, and they are very comfortable for me, and I like the look. Apes look cool, but buckhorns adjusted right are very good. I am going to be 80 this year, so know what works for me. To each his own. I love my 99 carbed evo too. And the Softail Custom is the coolest bike Haley ever made and most fun to ride of all in my opinion. Everyone has one.
Apes definitely change the dynamic of turns , I’ll scrape the boards with apes , straight bikes push you forward and take a bit out of the turn
I love my 12in mini apes shoulder high on me , they do handle different than stock or drags
IMO apes look silly a comrpomise control. I would never have them.
Thanks then we know
Not a fan of ape hangers. I think they upset the balance of the bike, aesthetically speaking and they don't do any favours if you have to make an emergency maneuver. I do however believe that people should be able to do whatever they want to their bike, these laws seem ridiculous. is the the USA or USSA?
Never understood why people want to ride in what is effectively a stress position. Madness.
Phil Bennett hell of a price to pay to look stylish! !HD. Americas gift of humor to motorcycling !!!
U obviously don't ride much
@@sheilabridges6883 how does 3,500 miles this year on UK roads sound to you? Look, I'm not saying that ape hangers don't look good on certain HD machines and no doubt that sort of riding position feels perfectly comfortable for many riders on US roads. It's just not for me, that's all.
In Illinois ape hangers are legal as long at they aren't higher than the top of the rider's head. I run 18-inch on top of 2-inch risers and VERY comfortable combined with a driver's backrest. Also, no helmet laws at all, and motorcycles are able to treat red lights like a stop sign and run on through when the traffic is clear. I don't know of any state more liberal when it comes to bikers.
Had 18 inch chubby apes on my 2003 Dyna and loved them, could ride all day that way and was very relaxing.
ron stewart don’t reminds
I run 12in mini apes and they're a lot more comfortable than stock or drags , just my opinion , please yourself , everybody else can suck it , rock on brother
I picked up a Yamaha Virago with 18's. First time riding a bike with apes. I'm 6'+, and was surprised how comfortable they are
@@camhester4251 Drag bars are called drag bars for a reason, good for going straight, not great for cornering.
I run 19 in bars on my fat boy and love them. to each there own.
I'm a 19 year old boy who runs through bars with my fatty. To own each one.
I run 12in mini's and it's really comfortable , rock them hippie apes brother , everybody else can suck it
Great in depth discussion. I saw a couple of guys on very expensive looking custom bikes the other day, and they looked like they were doing chin ups, hands well over their heads - and I just could not imagine that being comfortable
I'm holding on to my lazyboy because I'm laughing my ass off
And I thought ren & stimpy was funny
Not my aesthetic. Also, I ride a lot of cold areas, so opening my body up like that seems like it’s just opening up to be miserable. 😓
they look absolutely ridiculous and pretty much ruin any turning abilities. I feel embarrassed for the apes who have them.
well you sound like the life of the party............worried about what everyone's doing, I'd HATE to be you.
@@94SexyStang maybe so, but he's right. They really look stupid as shit. Also most times the "life of the party" is a complete fool who everyone else just laughs at.
That's how I got my exercise doing pull-ups while riding down the highway,
They're great bars if done right
Apehangers don’t look cool, they look stupid. I agree with your statement,”not the way motorcycles were meant to be”!
It's the EXACT same thing with Gun Laws. ENFORCE what's already on the books.
Please share what’s not being enforced?
@@mikeratkowski3506 The air force shooter in Florida was dishonorably discharged from the military and was not allowed to own firearms and they let with him buy one the federal government passed his background check
Mike Ratkowski murder is illegal in all 50 states.
I was just about to say this.
@@timothydornan6517 exactly
Jim Scully
Love my apes ... got ‘em because they looked cool - side benefit
Comfortable ... unexpected benefit safety :p
People miles away snap their necks to look at you - less chance if someone running you over because they didn’t see you.
I asked people who had them how they liked them for years before I got them - everyone said - they’re comfortable & I wish I got them Higher ... why I got 20’s ; ).
yes my mini apes get looks also but most of all they are comfortable 12in shoulder high
I've got 2 roadkings, one with beach bars and one with 16 inch apes
In my opinion, I prefer the beach bars on a longer ride by far, but I get more compliments on the one with apes and fish tails.
I have 50 inch ape hangers on mine.
I have to stand in the seat to ride it and use a stick to shift gears and break. 🤣🤣🤣🤡🤪
I really don't like them,to be honest with you I don't like the way they look eather. Less control
Either?
@larry ballard my 12in mini apes are so much more comfortable than stock or drag to me anyway , everybody else can suck it
I own a 2004 flhrci with 16's. It is the most comfortable set up I've ever rode. The beach bars that were on it were horrible.
They're not offensive. They're just stupid looking and horribly uncomfortable to ride.
I’m rockin drag bars on a 1200 cafe racer. Everyone gets to see my license plate. 😎
I'm rockin 12in mini apes on my 1200 cafe racer and they are very comfortable , rock on brother
If you were riding a bike with ape hangers and a bee hit you in the armpit and you weren't wearing a jacket, I think that would hurt a bit. And if the impact didn't hurt, the angry bee would definitely hurt! And forget a bird strike!
I had that on my Road King with 18” Apes and also on my Night Train with a drag bar. Bar height makes no difference.
"Petaphile"
I’m glad someone else caught it
So does this make Caleb very attracted to pets?
Wait, wait, wait Sean...are you saying laws that don't focus on the root problem...don't work? This is 'Murica! And that's crazy talk.
“Petaphile”
Bruh
I saw that too 😂😂😂
The truth about ape hangers....
Your armpits get cold and it's not comfortable.
Shawn, I actually know the owner of the yellow bike. His name is James and he is from St. Charles mo. The blue bike is the same bike from back in the day. He adds an inch to the bars and exhaust every year to symbolise his years of sobriety.
The guy should start using a pro to paint flames for him, they both bikes had shit paint jobs on them!
Ok wait a minute here, the main reason for laws on apehangers is do to safety, such as handling control and responses.half the shit this guy is telling ya is irrelevant to what the actual cause is and why there pulling the shiy they do on bikers and apehangers. Think about it pull out in a pack with your brothers and guess what your getting pulled over, and you may ask how do I know this well I've been riding for a really long time and where I'm from the cops love pulling us bikers over for just about anything.
It has nothing to do with safety. That is some bullsht coming from guys that dont ride with Apes. Yes, the reason they made the laws about handlebar height was not just for ape's, It was for choppers and they started with those laws in the early 70's, not the 40', 50's like this guys says and the sole reason they started making those laws was to pull over the people the state considered "outlaw bikers". Your safety idea is a bunch of bullsht. It does not even effect the safety.
When I'm at the bar with gravel parking lot, the guy with apes is always the first one laying on his side.....
Cool story there Archimedes
@@Jackyl82334 hahaha so obviously you understand the physics 😁
For me lower bars are more comfortable and enhance the sweeping lines of the bike. Hot rodders and custom guys chopped tops not added to them. But do your bike the way you want, that's what its all about, individuality.
Rode a bike with apes many years ago and was hooked; never looked back and I love riding with them. 18s or 20s depending on the bike.
I had 18s on my victory and I loved it. Gunna put them on my next bike too
Had 16" on my soft-tail w/6" risers, luved them. Only folks that gave me trouble we're the Sturgis Police, no where else. 16" on my current Road King !
I love hanging my weight off of handlebars. I only rode a bike with ape hangers once, but it felt very relaxing.
I love them, just not to high
Those 2 at 7:31, they are in the fringes of the outskirts of society 😂
Total wackos.
it's also less nibble, harder to drive. looks ridiculous, serves no purpose other than it looks cool, hey look at me. sorry i hate them.
@@horsedood13 lmao, typo (nimble) yeah those damn goats!
I feel like I have more control on my bikes when they have apes. I feel like I get a much better lean with the bars higher. It really depends on a persons height. A person who is 5’6 ain’t gonna need 16” bars. Me at 6’4 is gonna need them depending on the bike. My road glide only needs 12” rise and my previous street glide needed 16” rise to feel comfortable
Set of 12-16 inch apes are really comfortable on the highway imo. So there is a purpose especially compared to the clip ons/near clip ons of the 60s.
Im 6'2"
Have 19" bares on my Softail standard, have road over 800 miles in a day, very comfortable, it's what you like and feel is comfortable.
They come from ww2 and its tradition thats all i like em
I have 17" apes. I'm 6'3" and they're perfect, but anything higher and it would be too high. I'd prefer the 15" but they fit me and the bike perfectly. Another good video!
Never had reason to change the ones that came on the bike bone stock. To each their own...
I rode from Eastern Pa to Madawaska Maine and from Eastern Pa to Key West. I’ve ridden the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Tail of the Dragon. I had 16” ape hangers mounted with 4.5” tall risers on my Softail Deluxe. I never had an issue with this setup. If you have lower disc issues in your back, high bars force your back into a straight position. I’d venture to say I’ve had more issues with clip on bars than apes.
I try to avoid sitting on my thing.
My favorite bars are Shadetree Surgeons Harley FXR "Huffy bars" with the white vinyl foam pad like i had when i was a kid.
I got 19 inch Arleen ness apes on my bike, no problem controlling in high speed or in town or in the parking lot.
Aesthetically is ugly, functionally is dangerous.
True story. Friend put ape hangers on before we trailed to Daytona. We're on 195 he's complaining his bike is loose. Something wrong, thinking it's the rear end. I'm next to him seeing the cross winds are using his body as a sail. Moving the bike. Good for low speed trawling, dangerous on the highway
Louis Rauzi
I’ve been a motorcycle tech for 19 years s in that time I’ve never once installed a set of ape hangers but have removed more them than o have fingers and toes. Never once in all these years has anyone ever stated that their bike was more comfortable to ride or more stable before we replaced their bars with something a bit more ergonomically correct. Meanwhile nearly every set of bars I’ve replaced have come with stories like you just shared.
It always seems the guys who ride with the high bars do it more for that iconic American image of tough guy image, perhaps that are trying to say “you can’t hurt me more than my one willingness to hurt myself”.
@@entropicgirl8648 i run 12 inch mini apes and they are very comfortable , also it's like putting custom wheels on a car it makes it look good , it's all up to the person , we all have personal likes and dislikes but i will say you can get tacky once you get really high just my opinion tech lady
you don't have to like my mini apes , everybody gotta talk shit about
Elmur Fud
Is that. Real 12”, cause I’ve had lots of guys say they were 12” but they started at the small of their back and wrapped the tape measure around.... oh wait we’re not talking about that, but on the subject of body measurements; depending on how tall you are, 12” may be not adversely effect handling and on what your riding hot be overtly offensive on the eyes, mileages varies on my comment based on bike and user. How ever I consider ape hangers to be. Any bar that brings ones hands higher than ones line of sight. If your hands are approaching the height of your head or higher possibility and probability of having a motorcycle accident increases dramatically.
Thanks for the comment and remember...
9 out of 10 moms recommend wearing a helmet.
Comments more entertaining than video...touchy subject
that's what i'm talking about , it's like different color bikes some you like some you don't and I run ape hangers , just more comfortable to me
They aren't very practical nor cool looking in my unbiased opinion...
You must have a short person bias.....I find that at 6' 6" my 16" apes on 2" risers is far more comfortable with better control than stock bars.
They are very practical if set properly your arms are relaxed and your back is straight not bent on long rides. Most stock bikes still place your back in a minor curve.
10 inch meathooks on my RoadGlide made a big difference, the stock bars made my arms hurt
same here , I went with 12in mini apes and they are shoulder high , very comfortable compared to stock and drag bars
Stock bars suck, you'd think they would put something better on for what these things cost and cost to maintain...
A few years back i was following a Guy on a Harley he had the highest apes and the widest cruiser foot rests i have ever seen.
To say that from behind it looked so stupid would be an understatement, it looked like he was doing star jumps and was frozen mid jump.
Ever since that day apes and choppers have lost their appeal for me.
Same!! First time I saw that I couldn't stop laughing! Never thought about apes on my Harleys ever again😂🙈
To Each his own.
@@jguilletjr Hey i totally agree, live and let live is my mantra, all i'm saying is that in my opinion it was hilarious and not for me.
I run 12in mini apes and they are much more comfortable than stock or drags but I didn't know until I tried it , right !
@@camhester4251 As i said before "live and let live" it's not for me to say who puts what where.
But when you put wide cruiser pegs and equally tall and wide apes on motorcycle it looks hilarious from behind.
16” apes on 2013 road king here
love them and wish i had gone 18” but i listened to everybody’s blabbing about how terrible they are and the laws
when you ask them have you ever rode a bike with apes ? and they say oh no it’s just what i heard or think
they take more effort at slow speeds for sure and i definitely will be changing to hard bushings as i hate the movement when pulling back on the bars
when i first put them on i stupidly re used the stock handlebar clamps and at the lake george bike event they broke free when i stood up going over a pothole scared the shit out of me and could have been disasterous!!
now have a better clamp with three set screws and skateboard tape but i’m thinking of welding a pin somewhere i still don’t trust it it’s so much leverage !!!
16” on road king and i’m exactly shoulder height at 6’2”
should have done 18” but not spending another 800 to do this again and that’s with me doing the work!!!!
I love my 12in mini apes shoulder high but i'm not tall either , more comfortable than stock or drags
I'm 57, I run 16's on my HERITAGE softail. No more back pain. They might be a half inch above my shoulders. Also, my hands DON'T go to sleep like everyone always claim. They actually did go to sleep all the time with the stock bars.
1962....
At 57 years of age, you have paid enough dues to know what works for you.....Good on ya....
if your hands go to sleep you probably have nerve damage because I rode for 29 hours and I never felt that. I did stop to smoke some marijuana though and pop ephedrine. Stock handlebars.
my shoulder high 12in mini apes are much more comfortable than stock or drags , apes for ever
My dad taught me that everyone likes their coffee the way they like it... but... WHY AND TF DO SOME RIDERS LIKE THEIR BARS SO HIGH! Doesn't the blood rush down ur arm, that's so uncomfortable looking
Ape hangers keep your back Straight. So Comfortable and Great for back health.