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.
@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.
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”
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.
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.
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 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!
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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 classic height is 14" with 2" risers. I taught MSF courses for the USAF for several years on my FXR and that included slamming footpeg mounts into the taxiway we used to demonstrate countersteering beyond the MSF demo. It got the attention of sportbike riders. Apes are not to be confused with buckhorns and pullbacks (pullbacks have horrid ergonomics). Countersteering with apes is no different than the same bend with shorter uprights. Worth knowing is how to keep your apes from twisting in their clamps so read and heed (I'm ancient and never see this online unless I mention it). Nothing works better than welded risers so either buy or fab them that way, or if you get stainless (chrome pits, stainless shines like nickle when polished) you can set your bar angle in a pair of Biltwell or other stainless risers then tack weld the bottom of each riser to the bottom of the handlebar. That will still shear in a crash or let you unbolt the riser clamp then twist off the riser if you bend the bars so you can reuse the riser.
I'm a Judoka and a biker, i tell you now, as soon as anyone puts there arms above they're shoulders, they lose they're strength, above the shoulders the muscle groups in that area are at there weakest, no good for controlling s machine in an emergency. Try a press up with your arms above your shoulders compared to chest level. Fantastic channel.
I got a set of 16 x 1.1/4 inch ape hanger bars with a one piece heavy duty riser and a set of knurled grips on a 07 flhrc. Now it’s the best ride I ever had. I started out with stock bars after a couple years I went to hd. High bars that gave me 10 inches of rise, that was ok for a while but with the touring seat I have I still wasn’t happy. Then the 16 inch apes. For me me the looks were off the charts. I admit when I first pulled out of the shop it took my body a couple miles to get used to. But after that I was hooked. Slow speed in parking lots cruising, curves you name it. More responsive, I Love em.
At 6'4" 14 inch LA Choppers Twin Peaks are a MUST for my 2017 limited. My hands are still below my shoulders - about bottom of armpit. Saved my riding years ago...higher bars eliminated my pain between my shoulder blades. I'm on my 4th set on 4 different Ultra Classic or Limited bikes.
@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.
I bought a 2002 FLSTC used and it has low apes on it and I hate um. I ordered two factory handle bars from E bay but both were wrong for my 02 and i sent them back. Changing bars on a twin cam is a pain in the butt.
When you start raising your arms above your head you are creating four visibility obstructions called bars and arms. How is that difficult to understand?
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 use the power saw rule. Just picture the hand height where you'd find it comfortable and controlled. Bars were some of the first things changed because that was the easiest thing other than the seat to change or even build.
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.
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.
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.
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 !
Dear Sir, I just want to let you know that I have tested the higher handlebars and my arms got tingly numb after a while when they were above my heart. You are correct about the bars being below the shoulder height. Thank you for the advice. Gil in Massachusetts
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
When I had apes on my bagger, it gave me a more upright seating position and, it was easier for me to see down the road further. Thus, being able to identify and react to road hazards earlier.
I had 14”s on mine and with the seat and suspension mods my hands were just below shoulders. Other riders who sat on my bike commented on how natural and ergonomic how everything was. That is what some of us are going for.. to enjoy the experience of riding a motorcycle without working hard to ride it.
Ahhhh....."The Gent" one of the nicest movie shovelheads out there...thanks for that! I have ridden with 12", 13" and 16" apes for decades.....currently running 16" apes w/stock risers on a 93 FXDL....most comfortable bars ever for those long open stretches.
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
Hey shawn I have a question for you. I bought a bike from a harley dealer, a big one. First time big money spent on a bike so I thought I'd do dealer. I bought a 2012 forty eight. After I got it home and started detailing it, I noticed tires are 10 years old, gas tank was missing hold down hardware, aftermarket hd intake had a bad air filter, sparo plugs rusted. And probably other things. Not sure what I should do. I feel the dealer sold me an unsafe bike, I love the bike and I want it, but I paid top dollar for a bike that needs well over 1k invested into it.
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.
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"! 👎😝
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.
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.
@@rickdee67 yes but my setup isn't typical, I usually ride a bobbed 89 softail springer with a sissy bar and back pillion that keeps my back supported and relaxed. kind of a weird reclined setup, but i prefer my arms up higher than lower no matter what bike I'm riding
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.
You didn't touch on wind resistance due to body position and the direct vertical force on the spine on every bump. This can't be just as comfortable as a slight forward lean where your arms and elbows can absorb some impact and reduce compression of the spine and to reduce wind pressure especially at highway speeds.
I have 12's on a streetbob my arm's are almost straight it's so comfortable and fits me perfectly in 6 foot. And handles great! And looks good in my opinion? But when you get into 16 18 or more I think your crazy! But it's what you like and what your comfortable with? Just make sure it rideable?
Yo Sean, gotta go with the Bikini Beach bars for comfort. I feel like I could ride a cruiser with beach bars forever without any fatigue. I don't get the ape hangers at all.
It fascinates me how different preferences people can have :D I mostly dislike low bars, T bars are a thing to avoid while I'm being in love with ape bars. And it is all OK as long as nobody is telling that other bars beside his are shit.
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.
Here in Milwaukee, WI the Handlebar Height Law is “No more than 30” above the seat.”. Being the home of Harley, there are also no Helmet Laws in effect either.
I used to have mini apes on my Harley back in the day, I loved them and thought they were really comfortable, I ride a BMW nowadays but last summer I went for a ride with my son who has apes a couple of inches higher than his shoulders and he has big shoulders but after riding for a couple hours he would constantly take his arms off the bars and try to get some circulation back in them, but they are really cool looking
I'm 66 and have ridden all my life. One of the best thing I ever learned... go left, push left... go right, push right. It has saved my life many times. High bars greatly limit that leverage.
Back in the '80's, a friend living in Thousand Oaks CA owned a '65 Pan with moderate ape hangers. The grips were at, or slightly below shoulder height. He got pulled over a lot because from behind, the bars looked illegal. They weren't. Up close and stopped they were okay. So the cop would write him up for open "drag pipes." Anyway, one reason, accordion to my friend, ape hangers were illegal was they tended to hinder the rider's field of vision. Supposedly that's what CHP told him. Personally, about 4 inches below shoulder height is what I like.
I have shoulder high 12in mini apes and never been questioned about them or my drag pipes but i'm in N.C. also Cali is a liberal state if that has anything to do with it
Been in law enforcement almost 17 years with a traffic based agency (highway patrol) in a state where the law is “no more than 15 above seat height”. In that time, I have NEVER seen or heard of any officer EVER stopping or citing a biker for the height of their bars.
I have seen people go through so much headache over handlebars. My buddy's are low as hell and wide as the grand canyon. The ones on my 99 fatboy are perfect and I couldn't tell you if they are stock or not but they are staying.
@@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
I love that caddy u got in the back round it reminds me of good times when I was young with my dad miss that man how would u ship it if I buy it and any wiggle room on the price I'm poor but it would be my daily driver
We were at bike week 2019 in Daytona and the cops where actually walking down Main Street and measuring handlebars and anything over 14 inch were giving tickets. It's getting ridiculous there
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
Kinda related question. What happens if I have a bike with legal mods in NY And I ride it to Ohio where the mods are illegal? Am I not allowed to ride it there?
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.
@@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.
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 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.
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
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 .
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.
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!
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 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
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 like the low look drag bars gives you. And that is on a hardtail chop!
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.
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 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!
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 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.
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 !
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
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...
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.
So I cant ride my Stingray bicycle in Florida!!..🤔
Exactly 😂
Same tho
The Apple Crate. Ha
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
So it's got nothing to do with under arm perspiration then ?
The classic height is 14" with 2" risers. I taught MSF courses for the USAF for several years on my FXR and that included slamming footpeg mounts into the taxiway we used to demonstrate countersteering beyond the MSF demo. It got the attention of sportbike riders. Apes are not to be confused with buckhorns and pullbacks (pullbacks have horrid ergonomics). Countersteering with apes is no different than the same bend with shorter uprights. Worth knowing is how to keep your apes from twisting in their clamps so read and heed (I'm ancient and never see this online unless I mention it). Nothing works better than welded risers so either buy or fab them that way, or if you get stainless (chrome pits, stainless shines like nickle when polished) you can set your bar angle in a pair of Biltwell or other stainless risers then tack weld the bottom of each riser to the bottom of the handlebar. That will still shear in a crash or let you unbolt the riser clamp then twist off the riser if you bend the bars so you can reuse the riser.
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'm a Judoka and a biker, i tell you now, as soon as anyone puts there arms above they're shoulders, they lose they're strength, above the shoulders the muscle groups in that area are at there weakest, no good for controlling s machine in an emergency. Try a press up with your arms above your shoulders compared to chest level. Fantastic channel.
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.
I got a set of 16 x 1.1/4 inch ape hanger bars with a one piece heavy duty riser and a set of knurled grips on a 07 flhrc. Now it’s the best ride I ever had. I started out with stock bars after a couple years I went to hd. High bars that gave me 10 inches of rise, that was ok for a while but with the touring seat I have I still wasn’t happy. Then the 16 inch apes. For me me the looks were off the charts. I admit when I first pulled out of the shop it took my body a couple miles to get used to. But after that I was hooked. Slow speed in parking lots cruising, curves you name it. More responsive, I Love em.
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
At 6'4" 14 inch LA Choppers Twin Peaks are a MUST for my 2017 limited. My hands are still below my shoulders - about bottom of armpit. Saved my riding years ago...higher bars eliminated my pain between my shoulder blades. I'm on my 4th set on 4 different Ultra Classic or Limited bikes.
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.
I bought a 2002 FLSTC used and it has low apes on it and I hate um. I ordered two factory handle bars from E bay but both were wrong for my 02 and i sent them back. Changing bars on a twin cam is a pain in the butt.
I like my apes because it keeps my back straight up. I'm old, back gets sore on long rides.
When you start raising your arms above your head you are creating four visibility obstructions called bars and arms.
How is that difficult to understand?
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 use the power saw rule. Just picture the hand height where you'd find it comfortable and controlled. Bars were some of the first things changed because that was the easiest thing other than the seat to change or even build.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
Dear Sir, I just want to let you know that I have tested the higher handlebars and my arms got tingly numb after a while when they were above my heart. You are correct about the bars being below the shoulder height. Thank you for the advice. Gil in Massachusetts
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 !
I forget the height limit in inches for apes in my state but it's fairly high, unless you are a NBA player tall it would probably be shoulder height.
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.
When I had apes on my bagger, it gave me a more upright seating position and, it was easier for me to see down the road further. Thus, being able to identify and react to road hazards earlier.
I like my 12in mini apes too , why everybody hating on apes , they're more comfortable than my stock bars were anyway my opinion ,
I had 14”s on mine and with the seat and suspension mods my hands were just below shoulders. Other riders who sat on my bike commented on how natural and ergonomic how everything was. That is what some of us are going for.. to enjoy the experience of riding a motorcycle without working hard to ride it.
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
Are ape hangers better for handling or could the possibly be dangerous?
It's different at first but not much , you get used to it fast and they are very comfortable shoulder high to me anyway
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.
How do you feel about extra long forks? Take the chopzilla for example from joey mack 420
"They make the bike unique." just like every other bike.
Uniquely stupid
@@suedeball635 now that is just uncalled for
Ahhhh....."The Gent" one of the nicest movie shovelheads out there...thanks for that! I have ridden with 12", 13" and 16" apes for decades.....currently running 16" apes w/stock risers on a 93 FXDL....most comfortable bars ever for those long open stretches.
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
Hey can you tell me where I can get the ape hangers at 1:13 into the video?? It’s that still pic of the black bike….what model and brand is it???
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
Hey shawn I have a question for you. I bought a bike from a harley dealer, a big one. First time big money spent on a bike so I thought I'd do dealer. I bought a 2012 forty eight. After I got it home and started detailing it, I noticed tires are 10 years old, gas tank was missing hold down hardware, aftermarket hd intake had a bad air filter, sparo plugs rusted. And probably other things. Not sure what I should do. I feel the dealer sold me an unsafe bike, I love the bike and I want it, but I paid top dollar for a bike that needs well over 1k invested into it.
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!
How about handling? Do ape handers negatively affect the handling?
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.
What about those Harley Davidsons that came with factory installed ape hangers?
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 first time ever riding a bike with ape hangers was on a V-star 650 and I loved it, it was really comfortable on the highway.
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.
Ok Sean what about loud pipes aren't illegal right?
After all been said....it's a great anti theft device😉
Nobody gonna steal a bike with a foot clutch either !
I love my apes, very comfy and I may be crazy but initiating counter steer with apes are easy peasy when at shoulder height
U go on many long rides?
@@rickdee67 yes but my setup isn't typical, I usually ride a bobbed 89 softail springer with a sissy bar and back pillion that keeps my back supported and relaxed. kind of a weird reclined setup, but i prefer my arms up higher than lower no matter what bike I'm riding
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
You didn't touch on wind resistance due to body position and the direct vertical force on the spine on every bump. This can't be just as comfortable as a slight forward lean where your arms and elbows can absorb some impact and reduce compression of the spine and to reduce wind pressure especially at highway speeds.
I have 12's on a streetbob my arm's are almost straight it's so comfortable and fits me perfectly in 6 foot. And handles great! And looks good in my opinion? But when you get into 16 18 or more I think your crazy! But it's what you like and what your comfortable with? Just make sure it rideable?
The pics at the end just had me dying. True legends
Yo Sean, gotta go with the Bikini Beach bars for comfort. I feel like I could ride a cruiser with beach bars forever without any fatigue. I don't get the ape hangers at all.
those would KILL my back. I have a long torso, and apes allow me to ride comfortably.
@@Dustin359 Awesome! Ride w/what makes you most comfortable bro.
I dig the beach bars. Or even the stock ones on the softail slim.
It fascinates me how different preferences people can have :D
I mostly dislike low bars, T bars are a thing to avoid while I'm being in love with ape bars.
And it is all OK as long as nobody is telling that other bars beside his are shit.
No way, beach are not comfy, shoulder hight apes are the best!!
6:32 Where's THAT video?
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.
Here in Milwaukee, WI the Handlebar Height Law is “No more than 30” above the seat.”.
Being the home of Harley, there are also no Helmet Laws in effect either.
I rode for years with 18” bars and never got hassled once
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?
I used to have mini apes on my Harley back in the day, I loved them and thought they were really comfortable, I ride a BMW nowadays but last summer I went for a ride with my son who has apes a couple of inches higher than his shoulders and he has big shoulders but after riding for a couple hours he would constantly take his arms off the bars and try to get some circulation back in them, but they are really cool looking
I don't have that problem but I run shoulder high 12in mini apes
I'm 66 and have ridden all my life. One of the best thing I ever learned... go left, push left... go right, push right. It has saved my life many times.
High bars greatly limit that leverage.
I've always had a preference for beach bars on cruisers.
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
Back in the '80's, a friend living in Thousand Oaks CA owned a '65 Pan with moderate ape hangers. The grips were at, or slightly below shoulder height. He got pulled over a lot because from behind, the bars looked illegal. They weren't. Up close and stopped they were okay. So the cop would write him up for open "drag pipes." Anyway, one reason, accordion to my friend, ape hangers were illegal was they tended to hinder the rider's field of vision. Supposedly that's what CHP told him. Personally, about 4 inches below shoulder height is what I like.
I have shoulder high 12in mini apes and never been questioned about them or my drag pipes but i'm in N.C. also Cali is a liberal state if that has anything to do with it
@@camhester4251 - Has a lot to do with it. Why I don't live there anymore.
Been in law enforcement almost 17 years with a traffic based agency (highway patrol) in a state where the law is “no more than 15 above seat height”. In that time, I have NEVER seen or heard of any officer EVER stopping or citing a biker for the height of their bars.
I have seen people go through so much headache over handlebars. My buddy's are low as hell and wide as the grand canyon. The ones on my 99 fatboy are perfect and I couldn't tell you if they are stock or not but they are staying.
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
I love that caddy u got in the back round it reminds me of good times when I was young with my dad miss that man how would u ship it if I buy it and any wiggle room on the price I'm poor but it would be my daily driver
They're great bars if done right
Shawn I was a hwy patrol the main problem you didn't mention is the mirror location and the ability to be able to see through them
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
My state (Minnesota) does not regulate handlebar heights
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
We were at bike week 2019 in Daytona and the cops where actually walking down Main Street and measuring handlebars and anything over 14 inch were giving tickets. It's getting ridiculous there
I run 12in mini apes but I've never heard of cops measuring bars , not saying I don't believe you
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.
Kinda related question. What happens if I have a bike with legal mods in NY And I ride it to Ohio where the mods are illegal? Am I not allowed to ride it there?
Never had reason to change the ones that came on the bike bone stock. To each their own...
shoulder height great for tall riders. Fixed all my back issues for long rides
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 like the mini apes on my sportster. but i wish there was a horizontal bar attached in the middle so i could clamp on a RAM mount.
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.
Here in NJ there is no inspections on motorcycles.
"Petaphile"
I’m glad someone else caught it
So does this make Caleb very attracted to pets?
In certain Provinces in Canada, your insurance will be higher if your car is red or 2 door. But I'm betting that the same for a few states as well.