Ape Hangers: The Myth The Legend

[@luckyracing13]

Reading these comments I realize why I have the mentality I do. What I do I don't do to please other people or to try to look cool to someone else. I have been picked at by local Harley riders for wearing a full face while riding my Harley. And I get picked on by crotch rocket guys for mini apes and my fascination with Harley in general. I don't care. Do what makes you happy and screw what anyone else thinks

[@rickcastillo3573]

Brian Burton I feel ya man. I just love to ride. They wanna leave their skin on the pavement, fine by me, their right. Don’t give me crap for wanting to keep mine.

[@barackblows1942]

Keep the full face (FF) helmet; it might just save your life some day. I was sideswiped by a pickup truck pulling a landscaping trailer while riding my V-Rod Muscle and landed face first on the pavement. The doctor said I would have been dead without the FF helmet. I don’t care what anyone says, I never ride without a FF helmet. They didn’t like my V-Rod either..haha

[@bigronwaggles404]

I have seen many Harley riders that are very cool that didn't ride with a helmet. They are cool because they are dead because they didn't wear a skid lid. Any Harley rider that does not ride with a helmet must not have any brains to protect.

[@Night158]

Love your outlook on life brother 💪

[@timothyturner9134]

Harley riders give BJ’s

[@CaneFu]

I have 18-inch apes on top of 2-inch risers on my old Dyna Wide Glide and they are VERY comfortable for me and I am 6'1" tall. And FYI, they eliminated my lower back pain as I have them angled back just slightly which allows me to lean back against my driver's backrest. And when I ride and I have amazing control over my bike with them. I will never ever ride a motorcycle without them again.

[@Prairie_Barbarian]

I respectfully disagree. They are perfectly functional IF they are set up to the rider. Sit on a stool, with your feet on the floor. No back support. Raise out arms out, like you're holding a set of hangers, keeping your hands at or just above shoulder level. Relax you elbows a bit, do not lock them. Don't roll your shoulders forward. Notice your lower back. It straightens out. Your cervical spine also does as well. What a properly setup pair of ape hangers do is straightens your posture. Having to crouch forward just the tiniest bit to reach them is going to fatigue you, and too far back forces all your weight on your lumbar spine, and strains your shoulder blades. I have multiple spine issues, and after taking the recommendation from an old rider, I switched to ape hangers. I can ride all day long now without hurting, and I attribute it to the posture it forces me to sit in. I will agree having your arms up does create more drag, but I've since added a windshield to alleviate this. But like I said, it matters how the hangers are set up to the rider.

[@lagunaprmc8416]

You obviously didn't watch the whole video. He already said that.

[@PBMS123]

He says that Ape hangers that stupid high, above your shoulders etc. not just lengthening the handlebars to fit your rider triangle better. Ape hangers in their traditional form like above your shoulders. They are stupid, fatigue you, reduce your control of the bike, and so they are just a hazard.....

[@numbnnuts1]

I Deff agree....but you gotta have riding experience,. It's a different world up there......, I disagree pbms123. They aren't for everyone, but alot of us worn out guys with back issues swear by them. I can ride from Chicago to the St Louis arches then on to mountain home, only stopping for beef jerky, NOS drinks and gas through the Twisties and rolling hills....... granted I sleep like a baby....but hey.....to each their own

[@CaneFu]

@@PBMS123 You have obviously never ridden a motorcycle with ape hangers or you wouldn't be making those comments. .

[@ToddtheExploder]

- jääsh Gracias, hombre.

[@Zero_cool79]

Im 6'1" and rock 18" apes on my 2019 road king special. Those with a nice backrest and highway pegs is so comfortable.

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

One real function you forgot about, pit driers. on hot days it does make a difference. At least here in the southwest and rockies.

[@mraycgz]

I know this is old but the first thing I noticed when I put tall apes on my Road King was how fast the pits dry.

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

Old joke from the 60's when apes first started showing up was the chicks in bars, loved the guys with apes because they were the best smelling bikers

[@rousemkg]

Great video, you explained everything well! I have those same 18" ape hangers on my 2014 Breakout. I switched to apes 3 years ago and really love it. They are not for beginner riders for sure. At first my arms and hands did get numb, but I later realized it was from my death grip on them while riding. Once I calmed down I haven't gone numb at all, and mine are slightly higher than my shoulders. Even with my wife riding with me everywhere I think the turning is not bad at all. Yes they are like a kite, but if you're under 80 mph they don't try throw you off.

[@Rif_Leman]

I am one of the oddballs that finds Ape hangers comfortable. I have tried every practical form of bar and I always return to using Apes. Mine aren't radical. They are shoulder height and rubber mounted. I love the look of drags and buck horns, but they just aren't comfortable for me when riding beyond the city limits. I have both '84 and '99 model Softails and both are sporting Apes. As to the speed thing, I haven't found that to be a problem on my scoots. I regularly find myself inadvertently running in excess of 80 mph and it is the glance at the speedo that indicates my speed. I have heard others speak of high speed wobble when running Apes, but it hasn't been a problem for me.

[@PBMS123]

Yeah they aren't really ape hangers then.... You really just have lengthened handle bars to help your rider triangle, and sit you up better. Ape hangers, are stupid shit that raise your arms well above your shoulders. And they are just for fucking retards.... that's what the're for. What you have is for anyone smart enough to want to have a comfortable ride... and not look like a fucking idiot.,

[@PBMS123]

@Nish Kumar Great comeback idiot. Did your mommy help you with it?

[@kevingraham1566]

I have 12" apes on my bike. You have it right about freeway riding - I call it the "flying squirrel" effect - wears you out quick! Mine are just about shoulder height. The bars do seem to absorb some of the vibration on a solid-mounted engine (mine is a shovelhead solid mount), so there is a bit of a benefit there.

[@waynemetevia7983]

Thank you sir for the education. It is much appreciated. As you stated comfort should be the main factor in deciding which bars (and the size of them) that the individual rider should use.

[@vancehamilton1934]

I have 20" x 1.5" Carlini gangster apes on my 2011 Fat Boy Lo. I love them. It did take me roughly 2 weeks to learn how to handle my bike again after I installed them. I had bad vibrations at speed and I couldn't make a tight u turn to save my life. I installed them because of the nostalgic look and they look bad ass. Once I really learned how to ride with them, I never had those problems again. I can throw my bike around just as I always had, so I disagree with those saying you have reduced handling. I have done a lot of riding with them locally in SoCal on and off the freeway. I've also done several long trips including one from Apple Valley, CA to Jackson, NJ averaging 700 miles per day. I also suffer with headaches that don't go away. I found that going for a ride got rid of them. My chiropractor explained that the tall bars were decompressing my back and neck. I'll keep my apes for every riding scenario. I do agree though........ had wings can be a mother........ especially in the Santa Anas.

[@michaelroberts6299]

I too suffer from headaches that don't go away had them for 30years now mine are tension (external) headaches are yours? Also im 5ft 11 i ride a duese what height bars would you recommend? Also i like to just cruse, do you notice they make you ride faster? cheers

[@onefreesouljan]

I just bought Harley Fatboy with ape hangers 400 miles away, never had them before, on the way home after 6 hours of riding, Now I love them, the ​only drawback is it is little hard to make a turn, but you get use to it!!!!

[@nefarisc]

Not my style, but was always curious. Thanks for the explanation and the history that goes with it. Ride well.

[@ryanj7517]

In the Marine Corps I was sent to motorcycle couriers course in 2001. They gave us similar information in the book work portion of the course. We rode Honda CR 600’s . I was stationed with 3rd Marine Division in Hawaii. The course was extra challenging because of the mountain terrain on the island and it ended up being a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. We had one guy in my class have his throttle stick wide open and he ended up having to be rescued by a helicopter extraction because he went off a ravine and it was about a 100 foot drop. He was jacked up pretty bad because he ended up shattering both legs and his pelvis. Outside of that incident it was always a really cool job while on deployments.

[@jetpilot111]

Took me a minute to figure out how you had the camera mounted. The perspective is a trip for sure. 🤙🏼

[@DBIIIStudios]

Made him look like a chicken. How when you move their body around the head stays still.

[@gabbyhayes1568]

Matt, I always appreciate your objectivity and honesty.

[@dondefact3541]

I'm a rocket rider but years ago rode my friends Norton Atlas with apes. Yes, that long ago. I really enjoyed the feeling. It occurred to me, after watching your video, the riding position with apes looks close to that of sky diving. The ultimate feeling of freedom. Like, you don't see Superman flying with his hands at his waist.

[@motopsych088]

At 6' 4", I've put 16" apes on every motorcycle I've ever owned! From the 1964 XLCH that I took my M1 test on at age 18 y/o, to the 2013 FLTRX I ride today at age 52...I have no idea what this numb hands thing is either.... Thanks, I enjoyed the video!

[@MattLaidlaw]

MotoPsych0 thanks for the comment. Enjoy the ride.

[@1AXMRDR]

Good points made in the video. A windshield negates the flying squirrel effect. I find my 14" extremely comfortable with my LePera "long legs" seat. I'm 6' tall. The 12.5" bars I first ran were just a tad too low. The riding position is much more comfortable than any other bar I've tried. I've had the same bike over twenty years replacing virtually everything on the bike in that time.

[@myklmusic]

I've recently purchased a 2014 Harley Davidson Road King last June 2022. I'm considering Apehangers for all the cool reasons You stated. We'll see.

[@jmackinjersey1]

I have to call you out on the origin. I have been a military history buff for as long as I can remember, was enlisted in the Corps and actually went through the MC motorcycle safety riding course in order to get a 250cc-650cc motorcycle courier cert. My great grandfathers were enlisted in WWI, and grandfathers were also enlisted in one branch or another in WWII. (I could go back farther, but not for this conversation) Out of all of the actual motorcycles in private collections or museums and even countless pictures all around the world that I have seen and even after looking for some after hearing people say there were soldiers modifying their bikes, I looked even harder. Not ONE picture or story did I find or have I seen of anything except standard bars on the military motorcycles on either side. I honestly don't see many high bars until the 60's, maybe a few out there in the 50's, but that would be late 50's. Unless someone has a picture of anything earlier. I think it is a style/comfort thing in all honesty, and that is perfect, but I don't see any proof of the military having used them. Chopper was a term used in the early 1900's when HD and Indian were in their infancy. Men and women have been modifying and customizing their bikes since day one for comfort as well as to make the bike either stronger or lighter. "I'm going to Chop this off, I'll Chop that off" were often heard around garages, and it was more towards the person doing the chopping than the motorcycle it's self. Other than that, it is a nice video that covers a lot of other aspects of the bars.

[@jmackinjersey1]

Here is a funny story about the quest to find the origin... www.bikernet.com/pages/The_Evil_History_Of_Highbars.aspx

[@jfkreallywasablackhataclos3767]

US military are clowns. Dumb robotic soldiers never know who or what they're really fighiting for. United States of Lies.

[@dogstarstudios718]

I posted this elsewhere but thought I'd share here: Your quite correct that WWII m/c couriers did not use high handlebars. WWII era motorcycles used by couriers had a bar attached to the front forks that looked like an upside down "L" that was suppose to catch & snap the wires strung up across roadways etc. Many of the Jeeps used in the European theater also had the same type of bar attached to the front bumper for the same purpose as the windshield was usually left in the down position. According to original Boozefighter founding member Wino Willie Forkner (whom I knew quite well as I was a Boozefighter Charter #13 1988-1990) told me and in interviews that in the late 40's they created the first high bars called "fish hooks" from the crash bars that they removed from the bikes when bobbing. They were later called apehangers in the 1950's. I guess Wino should know, he was there.

[@Mephistopheles13]

UPDATE: Apparently I’ve already commented on this 🤣 I’m 5’9” and have 14” carlinis on my RKS so my arms are perfectly level with my shoulders. I’ve ridden it all over CA, NC, and AZ... eventually riding from NV to Austin, TX. I have personally experienced no fatigue. I feel like if I had bigger apes, I’d definitely experience what you’re talking about so your rule of thumb is on point

[@Nelluch390]

Thank you for this. I just bought a 2007 FLHR with 16" apes. Debating if I want to keep them or not. Mind you, they are and look very bad ass. I am 5'9"; maybe 14" apes might be a bit more suitable. Waiting for warmer weather to ride and decide. Thank you.

[@petered92]

Just started riding. My first bike is a road king special with ape hangers. Love it!

[@brushcountry6361]

Buy the heavy duty . I have a friend, his broke!! He was really lucky he didn’t get hurt.

[@bradlee950]

I had 22" apes on my dyna wide glide. super comfortable. and I'm only 5'7" lol just sucks at about 70-75 MPH when you start getting speed wabbles lol

[@MrJustus88]

I absolutely love mine and i have no problem riding long distances, now if i could just get a seat that wont hurt my butt. Great video

[@michaelburris582]

I love to see ape hangers with a windshield...says "I'm a bad ass I just don't like the wind and bugs scare me"

[@thomasmarchese2808]

Yea. Because when you only weigh 155 pounds going 90 with no windshield totally doesn't make you a human parachute. I love how 99% of negative opinions are completely subjective and only from the complainers perspective. Just shut the fuck uo and let people do what they like.

[@kylekampa6721]

Ever taken a junebug to the neck doing 80mph?

[@richardmoorer377]

i think the important things are, your height, the bike seat height, how far you plan to ride...bars that are shoulder height or a little lower tend to be comfortable for longer rides..i would have gone to 12" but didnt want to replace all cables...with the wild 1 chubby 10" 1 1/4 " had to replace brake line...

[@ericmills5683]

OK so I've ridden sport bikes/nakeds since I started riding. Clip ons ect. I recently bought a 07 Sportster 1200 and it came with some apes on it. I'm a shorter guy at 5'8 and first thing I was gonna do was change out the bars to the stock ones. But I got onto the bike to cruise around and man, lemme tell you. That was the most comfortable ride I've ever had. I absolutely love them. Now as far as being able to make sharp turns, they aren't that great. But they look good to me and they are comfy. I won't be changing them. If I do they'll be the Z bars. I'm a fan.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Cool good to know 👍🏻👍🏻

[@stevenrakett5577]

That was an excellent description and explanation for using ape hangers. I've built many custom bikes and never liked the look but to each his own. I like the honesty regarding the comfort and functionality of the style and the history.

[@JohnBrown-ug5ty]

Thank you for the history lesson about choppers and ape hangers. I hadn't heard that before so it was neat to hear.

[@jefferyfurman1354]

You are exactly right about the history of the ape's that is why I love HD is because of the heritage of it. as I roll with 10" ape's on my 48 so to me having the bars is the same reason I own a Harley Davidson

[@Dustin359]

I have 16" LA Choppers bars on mine... they're still below my shoulders on my fat boy lo. I had no problems with doing 600+ miles in a day with them. Stock bars were MURDER on my back.

[@TheWolfsnack]

Same here.....6' 6" and run 16" apes on an evo FXDL

[@Truth...]

The way we arrived at apes here in Cape Town decades ago, was to apply an oxy-acetylene torch to our old springer-mounted bars and bend them up so that we could more easily slip through traffic, later termed as "lane-splitting", though your explanation also feels right.

[@combatjm89]

The theory makes sense. We had angle iron welded on front of the old jeeps with a notch cut in the top for the same anti-wire defense. I miss my old shovel FLH with 12" apes. I'm 6'1" and they were even with my shoulders and very comfortable. Even on week long runs, no problem. Maybe it was all the PT from the Army...lol. Great vid, thanks for defending a part of the history. Maybe a vid on Frisco tanks or coffins???

[@yourhandlehere1]

Don't care for wasps in my armpits, too cold in the winter and I like to shift positions a lot. What I like are the 20's, 30's style that come back to you.

[@nmchugh1]

Love the Spidey intro! Very clever!! lol Also love the WW2 history behind it as well! Thanks!!

[@edwardpoff575]

I know this is a 3 year old video but dang you did a great job on this topic. The history lesson was great. Thanks.

[@zebulon2.198]

I've had apes for 16 years and they are way more comfortable than any other bars I've used in my 39 years of riding. Mine are 14" and I'm 6 'so they are just lower than my shoulders.

[@matthewhaight1321]

I am 6.4 w/ 32-34" inseam relatively proportionally longer torso. Had ape hangers for 10years on my Heritage apes are great for your spine, Only con is riding into a storm with apes. Purchased a new m8 Softail don't know what to do with handles yet.

[@miksnbeats]

I'd have to disagree, I ride a 2010 softail standard, with 16" apes, and I have a bad back from a real bad accident a few years ago, and I'm just under 6' tall. I find the apes, in comparison to lower bars (I'm motorbike mechanic in sydney Australia and ride a lot of bikes), gives me more ability to move around, and easier control of my bike, and I ride long trips regularly, and I've been known to beat sports bikes through the twisties. I like adding protection from coat hangers to the list of pros though.....

[@chevelle70ful]

Never rode without them. had them on every bike i owned.

[@SantiagoHernandez-ec5ib]

steve harley stay real!

[@imbrandon16]

santiago hernandez *stay gay

[@littledeel]

Sheep Dog69 typical liberal response.

[@kunalmarjadi]

Ape hangers are the only way to ride for me. Been riding with a 16" bar over the last 5 years and across 2 motorcycles... not to mention I am only 5'6"😂😂😂

[@exquisiteremodeling1]

Thanks for the info and great video Matt! I just had 20" apes put on my 03 Road King and I pick it up today, so I'm nervous to say the least. I went from stock bars to 20's, but I'm 6'4" so I'm hoping I'll be good. Thanks again!

[@skynard117]

Did you end up liking them?

[@exquisiteremodeling1]

@@skynard117 like em, man I love them! When I look at anything else, it just looks wrong!

[@skynard117]

@@exquisiteremodeling1 sweet. I’m getting 20” apes on my wide glide. Hoping I like them also.

[@Mephistopheles13]

5’9 with 14” carlini apes on my road king special and always ride long distance. I personally haven’t had issues. I think they’re perfectly comfortable but my arms are level. Not over or below my shoulders.

[@jerrymooney7782]

I've always had the misconception that ape hangers would be really uncomfortable I got a Harley Nightster a while back that had 14 inch mini apes and it was the most comfortable I had to ever been riding a motorcycle as far as the handlebars goes I just purchased a new bike and I will be putting ape hangers on it the stress I get in my upper back without the Apes is a whole lot worse than when I'm riding with the Apes and when I say Apes I'm talkin 14 to 16 in not the 24 inch that would be terribly uncomfortable great video...

[@Love4boost]

I love the stock mini apes that come on the street bob. I don't really like my arms being down. I also have a fairing to keep the wind off my chest so it's not too tiring to ride.

[@jimmydean2259]

dude, you forget to mention that apes tend to put the bike into a possible speed warble at higher speeds. most people don't know how to get a handle on the bike, as they panic, they tend to let off the throttle to recover. truth is, when you find yourself in a speed wabble,you need to increase your speed and slowly recover the bike. I have been there many times, from soft tail, to street glide s. hope everyone will remember this, and use it as a rule of Thumb. ride safe, nothing like being on the open road, just man,and his iron horse

[@MattLaidlaw]

When in doubt, throttle out?

[@Jkur2009]

I've been riding with apes for years, the bars have nothing to do with the death wobble. Wobble is caused by excessive flex in the swing arm bushings which allows too much lateral movement in the swing arm. Bikes with less rake in the front end are more prone to it than those that have more rake. That's why you never hear of choppers with long raked out front ends getting the death wobble. its also why you never hear of rigid frame bikes getting it.

[@cgirl111]

Bars above the line of your shoulder are illegal here in Florida but I've never heard of that being enforced.

[@davidfellows6250]

I'm 6' and I think baby apes 12-14" with the flattest pull back you can get are the best you ride,most controll out of your bike. You really feel like you've got the bull by the horns. I leave my risers loose and when I'm on a long stretch with a duffle behind me I pull the bars back lean up against the bag and I'm good for 8-9 hundred miles.nice I've never heard the trip wire thing. I learned somthing.

[@humbertomarin6071]

I been riding for years hangers are fun, and comfortable dont go past your shoulder. I ridden 21 hours with hangers 14". Miami to Texas

[@akrammaoujoud5421]

Can you tell how much is your height

[@ianberry5879]

I beg to differ on the freeway opinion. I have 14s on my Softail (shoulder height) and at the time I took my Wide Glide for a 3600 mile week long trip, it had 21 inches of bar and riser height, and I'm only a tad over 5'8 in height. I can't stand low bars! The sail effect on the body is still there with low bars, and within a couple hours my upper back starts to cramp and get sore. The single biggest factor in comfort regardless of bars is a backrest, with my pack full of a week's supplies strapped to the rear seat where I can lean back against it, it's like riding a sofa down the interstate with my heels propped up on the forward pegs.

[@jamesmatheson5115]

Im 5' 10" tall, ride with 16" apes I have some issues after about a hour in the saddle, due mainly to age I guess, but for short rides of about 50 miles, I wouldn't change them for anything else.

[@jameszucchiatti1834]

My apes don't make me tired or stressed in the wind. I've done 1000 mile days and feel no fatigue from my apes. My apes also do not move or rotate in the tree when pushed or pulled. I'm running 16". My control at 75mph is just fine. I've been in emergency situations on the highway and my apes caused me no problem getting out of the way. I ride highway 99% of the time. My point is, your opinions are yours. If someone asked me, I love them on the highway and none of the complaints you have with them can I agree with. It's all personal choice. For those that see this video, don't be scared away from apes by this opinion. You do touch on some concerns, like numb hands if bars are too tall. Get bars that fit you. I'm 5'9" with a 2000 FXST and 16" apes and a low Corbin seat (Gunfighter) and have never been as comfortable as I am on this bike. Have had many over the last 30+ years.

[@jackieandleon]

18's on my ultra classic and 24's on my road king. I have had many people ask "aren't the uncomfortable", I have them sit on it and they go "wow" I like that. Musch more comfortable to me and will always run them.

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

I'm running 18" apes on my 2096 Heritage, I love em! Ride Interstate everyday to work, and have a couple of 900 mile days with no issues. I'll be 65 my next birthday. Considering a trade for a Road King.

[@aarongerbo1709]

I mean no disrespect with my comment. so here goes. I am not as tall as you and I have 16 inch apes. They sit shoulder height. I've been through 10 different states at 10 hour days with them. They are so comfortable to me. I've been told to get beach bars for comfort. to each their own such as my apes. high speeds i made better with apes I usually sit back lounge about and reverse Steer my way through turns. I just love how my apes are because without a windshield it's something to hold onto against the wind. even when i ride with a windshield they contribute to comfort. I tried apes out of curiosity and found out I love them. I'll probably keep riding like that for many years to come.

[@MattLaidlaw]

I love it. Everyone is different man. I don't doubt for a second that they are more comfortable for you

[@gwwayner]

Ape-hangers are fine if you don't mind limiting yourself to below 60 mph. The sail-in-the-wind effect gets wearisome on longer highway rides especially if the prevailing winds are against you.

[@Enakaji]

I love apes for the simple fact that they make riding a motorcycle just that bit more comfy for me. I'm basically in the same boat as you, beeing 6″6 tall and with normal handlebars riding just isn't as comfortable as with an Apehange that brings the controls just up to my shoulderline.

[@FLHCSfan68]

Ride with a Windshield... Ape Hangers are excellent. My Road King Special have 16" Ape's and I love them.

[@vidvidbiker]

Apes do have a functional purpose -its were you stash your tent and sleep roll. That pushes the air over your head like a faring and you can cruise all day at 80mph with no shoulder strain at all and handling is not affected.

[@onewaymichael12]

Used to run beach on my softail, now have 12" apes.. love it. Also put 12s on my street glide, way better feeling, is like you have more room.. Mirrors another story..

[@KnuckleUpFightClub]

Bro you hit this topic out of the park. Agree on the Carlinni bars had them on a road king as well. Great bars.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks man. Thanks for watching

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

zeallistic The circumference of your handlebars is probably 4.71" (4 3/4") not 1 1/2". If your handlebars really were 1 1/2" circumference they would have a diameter of under half an inch 0.47" - less than the thickness of a pinkie or marginally bigger than a pencil. Other than that, nice video - don't really like ape hangers but they do look cool on some motorcycles.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Ian Macfarlane yea, I accidentally said circumstance when I should have said diameter. My bad. I wish I could delete that now.

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

zeallistic It does nothing to detract from the video, so I wouldn't worry about it. I was just pointing it out, not criticising. In fact I made the mistake of posting it on another thread, then I realised you probably wouldn't read it. I'm pretty certain that no one will ever make the mistake of trying to fit handlebars that thin, so I'm sure people will realise - in fact I'm starting to feel like a dick for even mentioning it. Anyway, enjoy your ride and here's to keeping it the right way up.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Ian Macfarlane no worries. I actually like it when people correct me. I'm still learning things everyday and I've been in the Harley business for a very long time.

[@alucardracula2347]

I agree too, I used to have a 77 iron head bobber with baby apes that felt so good, but when you start getting real gorilla bars above your shoulders it's just uncomfortable and goofy keep me shoulder height guys... don't forget to shorten your risers when you get some

[@brianl5172]

Great informative video. I never knew the story of the tripwires. Good narration as well. Your voice is clearly audible as opposed to talking while riding. Nice job!

[@AwareWolfOnWheels]

I found the whole thing about where they originated from really interesting, thanks for educating. I learnt something new today.

[@Motorcyclewindtherapy]

as I am 6'4"....14's on my Ultra Limited and 16's on my Heritage Softail are perfect - just below shoulder - right at the chest / upper chest area. No more pain trying to live with bars that Harley puts on bikes for someone who is my height. I've done 25,000 miles in the past 2 years with the setups I have. LA Choppers Twin Peaks on both bikes....they are my 3rd set of these bars on 3 different bikes.

[@dogstarstudios718]

WWII era motorcycles used by couriers had a bar attached to the front forks that looked like an upside down "L" that was suppose to catch & snap the wires strung up across roadways etc. Many of the Jeeps used in the European theater also had the same type of bar attached to the front bumper for the same purpose as the windshield was usually left in the down position. According to original Boozefighter founding member Wino Willie Forkner (whom I knew quite well as I was a Boozefighter Charter #13 1988-1990) told me and in interviews that in the late 40's they created the first high bars called "fish hooks" from the crash bars that they removed from the bikes when bobbing. They were later called apehangers in the 1950's. I guess Wino should know, he was there.

[@sneakinggodzilla6328]

2 stories... 1 might be right ... both might be BS... Well Wino might know or you might just claim...? We don't know... But being a former Recon Specialist MC Ordinance Rider, I can sure as shit tell you that Ape Hangers would be a moronic idea in any 2-wheel-off road situation! You would break every bone in your body TWICE every day, driving/CRASHING off road! Matt, would you do that? (Drive Hangers)?, in the off-chance that someday, MAYBE?, driving that "forever-eluding-sweet-smooth-asphalt"... in between two houses... you just might hit that "fatal wire" strung up ? "The upside down L-shaped, slightly bent back wire-cutter" would on the other hand be a great upgrade... (and it REMAINS TO BE to be, on light, open recon vehicles, to this very day ..." I am not calling anyone a lier ... But right now I have only heard two tales... Add proof?

[@tordarbast]

More than 30 years ago, me and my gf stopped for tenting when riding mc from northern Sweden to south Sweden, going to gothenburg actually. At the first stop we hear the story of a truck snapping off a steel wire early the day before, that was setup over the road (E4) in perfect neck height for motorcyclists! I was thinking about that the whole trip looking for wires…

[@HJ-sn5gt]

Thanks for the video and info. too! I agree about the fatigue and find myself holding the right to decrease my flying squirrel type drag on the highway; however, I ride mostly around town and enjoy the more natural feel of this ride posture: Feels like a better ride than any other handle bar set-up.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Riding a Harley with Apes is just more fun. There's something about it that just feels Really good.

[@gregverity8015]

Hj so let me get this right, you spend your time riding just around town with hairy arm pit ape bars, I'm guessing you've had a loud exhaust fitted and got all the pretty chrome accessories that your local harley dealership can tell you that you have to have right down to the harley belt buckle and when you're on one of epic trips around town everyone looks including yourself when you get stopped in front of a Window and you think fuck I look cool while everyone else is thinking what a poser? Try finding a club that will take you and use the bike for what it deserves runs with a group of like minded people and by club I don't mean an outlaw gang I mean a social Club.

[@HJ-sn5gt]

Greg Verity: Are you drunk? I just said that I like the Ape Hangers more than a standard position and commented on Matt's post to give some more insight on wind fatigue. It seems you're prejudice about anyone that modifies a Harley-Davidson. Hey, let me make another comment: Fuck You!

[@phillipternullo4934]

I like the bars to be shoulder height and just a slight bend at the elbows . You can ride all day long .

[@draganm7823]

Another troll convention based on the stupidity of some of the judgemental comments. I'm 5'7" on a good day and rode a Chief (still love my HD)with 18" apes and loved it even on the highway but granted didn't do higher speeds for a prolonged period. I found the riding position comfortable.

[@DanBlackRacing]

Love my mini apes" on my VStar 1100. Soooo comfortable. Levels my arms which flattens my back.

[@jpsholland]

So actually for the same reason why some Willy's Jeeps had a steel post on the front bumper. I didn't know this about the ape hanger.

[@BNatoAk]

Im 6ft even and 14's are my comfort zone while still looking cool AF! 🤙

[@jeffreyengle2762]

Two things I think of, the old Schwinn stingray bicycles and also they look impossible to do slow speed maneuver in a parking lot.

[@MarkRopel]

Nice Vid, tells a lot. I myself am just as at ease with Drag Bars, and the one's H-D put on the '76 or '77 Low Rider,( I forget which year was shortest) are my choice, on a Wide Glide, with rubber mt.s or on my '46 thru '48 Springer, mounted solid. That's me tho' but man, you put out a real nice polished piece here, give you 4 stars.

[@melona7025]

i have a 16 gangster on my evo sportster and it vibrates like a jack hammer!i love it,its like the bike is alive!

[@redradiodog]

I remember back in the sixties, your handlebars could be no higher than 15 inches above your seat in Illinois. Also your exhaust had to have baffles and be fairly quiet. Local cops would carry a steel rod and stick it in your muffler. No baffles, you got a ticket.

[@charlieryan1736]

Thanks for giving such a detailed explanation on this subject I actually learned a lot 👍🏻

[@georgemenzies1619]

I have a anniversary 05 Fatboy, lowrider with 16in Carlinni’s. Great look, and luv the ride!

[@dr.crentist3155]

i was upgrading to a bigger bike a few years ago, had been riding a sportster. a local mom and pop mc shop had some bikes on the floor, the owner used to try and get me to buy this fatboy with 16" apes. i had zero interest in ths look and assumed id hate it. one day after being frustrated in trying to find a bike a liked, i sat on it. i instantly fell for the bike. the handlebars were so comfortable, not above shoulder, basically straight. i love cruising with them. only issues ive had, as hes mentioned is the leverage. if you push or pull on them they might move slightly. and making very tight turns at very slow speed.

[@joshrivers5870]

I have a hardtime riding with low bars. Feel like i have more control over the bike with tall bars . Im a bigger guy wieght wise but i love the apes on my king

[@jimmorrison5832]

I just got I wouldn't call them ape hangers. It has a 10 inch rise, which is more comfortable than the lower ones. Maybe cause it's not above my shoulders. But these are definitely more comfortable and less tiring.

[@hsmith3844]

I got the Harley apes on my Heritage, TOOK THE PAIN out of my right shoulder immediately, cheaper than Rotator Cuff surgery.

[@motobobber7429]

I have 12 inch apes on my dyna, they are very cool to ride with, but highway riding is not great for long periods. Parachute effect. I never thought that I could see myself on a bike with apes, but hey, it happened and it's growing on me. I would love to have 2 bikes, one with apes and one with drag bars.

[@MattLaidlaw]

My experience exactly. I agree

[@MrAndrew1953]

Maybe go for a milder set of Lucky Dave’s. How tall is that set in height - inches please. I’m 5’8”. I prefer bars with height as opposed to those flat bars on the Breakouts.

[@selena874]

I'm 5'2 and I have a v star with 16in or 18in Z bars and they are def thicker than his. It is the most comfortable I've ever ridden. I'm not a long distance rider, I don't think I've ever been on it much more than 2 hours at a time but I do an hour total highway commute daily. No soreness in my back or shoulders, no numbness in my hands and I've never noticed enough "kiting" to consider changing my bars. Mine are just ever so slightly tilted back towards me, I don't think I could have bars that high at a straight 90 angle like he does.I love the look, I like the stretched position, and it makes my sweetheart sexy. Oh and yeah I also drive a prius lmao.

[@johnpotter4210]

Selena this guy is 6"6 ! How are you 5"2 with 18 inches?!?!?! Do you ride on a phone book?

[@Gottworace]

Had a bike with them and love them. I plan on getting a second bike,Road King with apes. Main bike is an Indian now.

[@sure_shot_tv]

Great video! I just bought a new 2015 Softail Deluxe! Exhaust and apes in the very near future! Thanks for the post!!!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Chris Williams thank you for watching

[@christinarao-singleton9145]

Thank you for that information about this type of handlebars. I recently met a new friend who has these "hangers" on his bike and I've yet to ride on the back. I'm curious to know what the feeling is to ride on the back of a motorcycle with this type of handlebars keeping in mind what you mentioned about getting a lot of air. As someone who knows nothing about these ape hangers it just looks like it may be more difficult to steer or even to control smooth turns. Help me out here.

[@bagotoetags801]

I run 20" apes on my '03 Roadking. When I first purchased the bike it had beach bar handlebars on it. I hated them. I felt vulnerable and unprotected, that if I hit the brakes hard I would go flying through them. After the initial ride with the apes your muscles get accustomed to having your arms up. People who don't know always put their arms way over their heads as though they think that's where your arms are. In truth, my ape's grips are right at the top of my shoulders. Apes are a statement for sure; old school, attitude and badass. Okay, you got the cool apes now lose the huge Darth Vader helmet and get a cooler, smaller helmet.

[@MattLaidlaw]

The helmet is a dirt bike helmet that has a big pole on top to get that looking back angle that you see in the video. I don't normally wear that Helmet when I'm riding the Harley.

[@PhenomProductions23]

Ok now I had to Picture Darth Vader is full suit helmet and cape Riding a Black Road King with Loud Exhaust and Apes.... The Ultimate Badass.

[@bagotoetags801]

PhenomProductions23 Darth Vader on a Harley with big apes and loud pipes, yeah, that would be awesome. Like Robocop riding that Harley in the movie too.

[@MattLaidlaw]

bag o' toe tags the helmet was just necessary for the camera mount. It's actually a dirt bike helmet.

[@bagotoetags801]

zeallistic It was a good video, Mr. Z, I was just pulling your chain, all the best to you.

[@SNAKE_PLISSKEN1979]

i love apehanger!! the best way to drive a motorcycle!! the only way to drive!

[@joevillareal191]

"RIDE".......

[@Papawforreal]

i have a 2006 street bob fxdbi. Want to get some 16 inch apes. This vid was very informative, thanks!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for watching

[@betogutz3644]

good info.....thank you for his great info........also I don't know why your videos came up in my recommendation feeds but I still check it out.......you got a a new fan

[@billharden7127]

I have carlinni 14 inch apes with 2 inch risors and there 1.5 inch circumference. I own a 2012 wide glide. Great bars.

[@fredmercury1314]

*Q:* Do they make you arms ache? *A:* Yes but they look cool. *Q:* Do they make you hands go numb? *A:* They look cool. *Q:* Do they mess up the handling? *A:* They look cool. *Q:* What are they like on long rides? *A:* They look cool. *Q:* What are they like on the freeway? *A:* They look cool.

[@MattLaidlaw]

That’s about right.

[@kcrodriguez980]

Ape hangers set you up right taking stress off your lower back cause your not leaning forward...the vibration of the bike is what cause pain in the back and bad roads. And yes you get wind drag ..wind shield could help.👍

[@MulliganAl]

Hey Matt, really enjoy your videos Bro, very informative and helpful. Question, I'm looking at getting a Road King this year and I like the lines on some of the bikes I've seen with beach bars but I'm not familiar with the handling pros and cons of these bars. I don't think ape hangs are for me but I just wonder if your can give your take on how a RK would handle with beach bars vs stock bars?