To Ape or not to?

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  • nathanp
    nathanp
    12 years ago

     Well finally purchased my first Harley after many years of being on the wishlist. Only problem is the customising bug is starting to kick in starting with handlebars.

    I would really like to go with 16" Apes but from what I have read this would be illegal in NSW? 

    Just wondering what the general consensus is in terms of being pulled up and fined over handlebars and what the fine/demerit points is for such an item?

    Failing the Apes my next though would by the HD Street Slammers but would prefer Apes. Just don't want to draw too much attention to the pipes etc!

     

     

  • terroristone
    terroristone
    12 years ago
    Go the apes, anything over 320mm (seat to lowest point of hand grip) is not roadworthy. But this dosnt stop many of us. I went from stock bars to 8" mini apes and now onto 14" and thinking of going higher. I've done 3 day trips with my apes and have no issues pushing into corners, and its also my daily. DO IT!

    T1
  • terroristone
    terroristone
    12 years ago

    double post please delete

  • the_mongrel
    the_mongrel
    12 years ago

     I went the 12 inch Mini Apes and love them!!

    They are not that high and they are comfy!!!

    Here is  a recent pic on a charity ride..

     

  • Normthe1
    Normthe1
    12 years ago
    I've got 12" minis on my Iron and the new Fat Bob is coming with the 14" (with 2" riser).

    I'm also in two minds, I love the 12's and am thinking the 16's will be too high. I'm hoping to ride someone's this weekend that has the 16's so I can work out if I like them or not.
  • dv8
    dv8
    12 years ago
    I have 16" apes on my softail. got stickered for apes and loud exhaust. Ape's must be max of 350mm for seat, and no wider than 600mm, I think. I love the apes, I have the original 10" apes all wired up to swap over for stickers, as rewiring is a bitch.
  • Asher
    Asher
    12 years ago

    Maybe Rabbits?

  • nathanp
    nathanp
    12 years ago

    Posted By dv8 on 26 Feb 2013 3:33 AM
    I have 16" apes on my softail. got stickered for apes and loud exhaust. Ape's must be max of 350mm for seat, and no wider than 600mm, I think. I love the apes, I have the original 10" apes all wired up to swap over for stickers, as rewiring is a bitch.

     

    Mmmmm...Not good

    How much was the fine and were any demerit points involved? What is the process to get the defect lifted?

  • the_mongrel
    the_mongrel
    12 years ago
    Nathan - I too am 5'9". So have a look at that pic I posted above. They are the 12's. That might give you an idea.

    I tried a set of 16s and they were too high for me. :( But each to their own I guess.
  • terroristone
    terroristone
    12 years ago
    I'm 5'6 and my 14" apes are fine with my low seat also. I often ride a fatboy with 14" apes and 4" risers that are wide. It comes down the the individual really. But I've always been able to drive/ride anything.
    You get used to using those muslces over time.
    T1
  • Wimbo
    Wimbo
    12 years ago

    Mongrels Apes look great in the pic, match the bike, but the way he has them set doesn't give that "Ape" look if you know what I mean.

    Maybe thay need to be rolled forward a bit.

    I think 14's or 16's might be the go, something that makes you look like you reaching up a bit.

    As in Pic


    See how he's hanging.

    As in Ape Hangers.

  • the_mongrel
    the_mongrel
    12 years ago

     Wimbo - They actually are not that tall to even look like apes!!  :)


    Here is a better pic, and you can, they are as forward as I would like them, and yeah, they don't have that classic APE look about them - but then they don't attract as much attention either.  ;)

    You can see they are already past being inline with the forks.  Any further forward and the handling starts to get really scary.

     

     


  • Gilesie
    Gilesie
    12 years ago

     16's with 6 inch risers, thrown a little by the rake, im about 5'10

     


  • 06 Softail
    06 Softail
    12 years ago

     Hi there, go with what feels most comfortable and legal, maybe as previously suggested use risers to get that desired look and feel. It really is a personal taste kinda thing. I'm happy with what bars which already came fitted to my bike, and don't plan changing them any time soon, maybe as I came from a dirt bike background. Good luck with your choice.

  • scotti
    scotti
    12 years ago
    After having a heritage with the 10"minis which i thought were comfortable enough bars , i do like the looks of 14" bars , but seen my exact FLHRC with 16" bars on it the other day and decided to leave the OEM Roadking bars on her as they have grown on me to the point that i like the riding position , style and look of them , so yeah i`ve for now decided not to go ape !
    Go with what feels right to you mate , everyone is different , Nice looking rides fella`s , Cheers hey !
  • Deadwood
    Deadwood
    12 years ago

    14" Burleigh's, 6'3" and my arms stretch out just nicely. Had 8" road6customs mini apes but too low so put back 14" apes and can cruise forever without any aching arms. I have them kinked forward so I can stretch my arms out, if laid back to run in line with forks I feel myself leaning back too much.

    I would recommend getting apes that attach to seperate risers and not ones with built in risers.

     

  • Wimbo
    Wimbo
    12 years ago
    Yeah, thats a nice looking Setup Deadwood.
  • sonnyc
    sonnyc
    12 years ago

     


  • sonnyc
    sonnyc
    12 years ago

     Im 176 cm and these are 16" apes with 2" risers in the above foto . Mate comfy as and the fuzz aint bothered me in the 2years Ive had em on

  • Alan54
    Alan54
    12 years ago

    Hi Mate

    That's a sweet ride,,very nice,,I love the fishtails.The apes just set it off. It reminds of an '87 springer I onced owned, kinda old school but a very.very nice bike.

    Congrats.

    Alan

     

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