Mini Ape Handlebars TEST RIDE!

[@Kevin97587]

Ive bought two motorcycles without a test ride, just by sitting on it at the dealer and what u said is spot on. How u sit on a motorcycle in the dealership is completely different than riding it in the real world, and how u sit will even be different after one or two hours when u get fatigue. The only proper way to know how a bike fits you is a proper test ride, ive learned this expensive lesson the hard way.

[@seltunkoko]

Gotto beat this guy😅 still has those teen spirit. I hope you found love with the new handlebar ❤

[@BikesILike]

I did! Thanks Seltun :)

[@ianreeves444]

Great video! Just picked up my Chief Dark Horse last night. I am considering either the 5" rise or the mini apes. Wondering how tall you are? I am 6' and loved the handlebars on the Indian Springfield Dark Horse. Your mini apes look fantastic so I was wondering your height to gauge what I need (also have the forward controls added).

[@BikesILike]

Hey congrats Ian, enjoy your new ride! I'm 6'1".

[@ZiggyMcBoi]

Love the videos man, much love from America. I think you’ve really convinced me to take some test rides, I’ve been anguishing over getting the new street bob or a chief dark horse and now I’m gonna test ride both before I do.

[@BikesILike]

Cheers Ziggy! Definitely do that, I'm a fan of the Street Bob too!

[@gaz-gemw5801]

Hi Paul, I think that screen size looks absolutely correct with those bars, have a great day.😊😊😊😊😊🇬🇧👍🏻

[@BikesILike]

Cheers Gaz, you have a great day too!

[@stephengrainger7586]

Steve from England Paul what size mini apes on bike thanks 👍

[@oneononehiggo7921]

Awesome ,it's not what others say it's how you feel the smile is still there then your set 👍👍

[@BikesILike]

For sure Higgo.

[@robnme100]

Another great video, bike looks great. What is that add on you saddleman seat surface? Thx

[@BikesILike]

Cheers! That was a foam pad I made up to make the stock seat more comfortable for longer rides. My new Saddlemen replaced this setup.

[@Carcyclechronicles]

Hey Paul, i do the same when buying bike gear. I try and sit on either my bike or a comparable one. The bars look quite good, well done on the video and audio setup by the way, what are you using for that?

[@BikesILike]

Thanks! For video I use a GoPro Hero9. For audio I use a deity lav mic connecting to an Olympus LS-P4 recorder and if I want to record exhaust note while I'm riding I use another recorder, the Zoom H1N.

[@Carcyclechronicles]

@@BikesILike nice, got a pro setup there. No wonder there's very little interference.

Hey, how tall are the bars actually?

[@SM-sc2zl]

Just out of interest, how is the exhaust on your leg? What is the heat like? I’m contemplating the Darkhorse or the Bobber version, yet to test ride but just sitting on both with my feet on the ground, my leg is very close to the exhaust.

[@BikesILike]

Depends on your height. If you're shorter your leg will be closer to the exhaust, if you're taller your leg sits out further from the exhaust. In my case, my leg sits out away from the exhaust and I'm yet to feel any heat at all. But all my riding has been done in winter and now coming into spring. The real test will be summer, but so far so good!

[@BikesILike]

I'm 6'1" by the way.

[@twowheeledturtle]

Thank you for this review! I am getting this exact bike and color in about 2 weeks and was on the fence about getting the mini apes over the drag bars. I think that would be the way to go for comfort since I am only 5'7". I am really enjoying your content, thank you again!

[@FrankBtc530]

Thanks Paul great video! Do you know, to install this mini ape is it necessary to change the wires for the brake and clutch?

[@BikesILike]

Cheers Frank. Yes, you'll need the Long Handlebar Install Kit which comes with extended clutch cable, wiring harness and brake line. This kit www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/shop/accessories/handlebars/2885101/

[@FrankBtc530]

@@BikesILike Tank You Very Much!

[@FrankBtc530]

@@BikesILike Tank You Very Much!

[@ricogs]

Man I really like those new handlebars. Can't afford one of these myself but it's pretty much my dream bike so I really love your videos. Keep them coming, thank you!

[@BikesILike]

Will do! Thanks Rico.

[@1luiluilui]

What camera do you use?.

[@BikesILike]

GoPro Hero9

[@paden501]

Hey Paul. Great Video. I've got the Chief bobber (which has the mid-rise bars. Not quite as high as the mini-apes but similar riding position), and I have similar problems with the back of the stock seat hitting my lumbar in all the wrong places. It really gets to hurting my lower back and tailbone after a couple of hours on the road. My brother-in law also has the same bike (a Chief Bobber) and he went with the Indian Syndicate seat that comes stock on a sport-Chief. After riding his bike for a few hours, my experience with it is that the Syndicate seat provides a much better back support similar to what your described as wanting out of something like the saddleman step-up. The advantage of the Syndicate seat (at least here in the US) over the Saddleman seat is that it's much less expensive. I believe that Indian sells the Syndicate for something like $250US through a dealership or on the Indian website. I'm very likely going to pick one up this winter. You might want to look into that option as well.

[@BikesILike]

Very interesting! Thanks for the heads up.

[@timfinning]

Looks great mate, they definitely suit the bike. You'll find they're comfortable even on longer ride's. You sound pleased with them which is good. 👍 Stay safe.

[@BikesILike]

Very happy! Cheers Tim.

[@andyedmond248]

G'day Paul. Glad to hear that the new bars are a good fit for you. Seat swap out next, and then the worlds your oyster, so to speak. We both know that all future modifications/add ons, are totally neccessary, because us bike riders will always want that little bit more to personalise our machines. Great to see you out riding brother, and that reminds me that I have to take the Kwaka out for a run tomorrow. Only managed to put 300km's on the girl so bloody far! Cheers from up North brother.

[@BikesILike]

Cheers Andy, and definitely get that bike out! :)

[@vtwindad1549]

I test road the bobber darkhorse and was very impressed with the bars on it (they looked similar) the seat however was nothing to be excited about 😅

[@JEMMTB1]

Great work Paul, well done with done with fitting them, great vid.

[@BikesILike]

Cheers Jeremy!

[@davec5237]

Enjoyed the ride along. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@BikesILike]

Cheers Dave!

[@timfinning]

The Saddlemen seat is the way to go mine supports my lower back perfectly and hold's you in when getting on the power 🤙

[@BikesILike]

Plus it's cheaper! :) I think the Saddlemen's firming as a favourite.

[@farracuda]

Hi Paul, If it is more comfortable for you then it is a worthwhile upgrade, both the seat look good.

[@BikesILike]

Totally agree Farracuda.

[@tedsalmon2533]

FYI in the past I owned a Harley Dyna twin cam and I swapped out the standard seat for the Saddlemen's step up seat and it proved remarkably comfortable for me over 8000 miles. It was a great upgrade.

[@BikesILike]

Thanks for the seat feedback Ted!

[@HeyPhilbie]

Whole new look for us too! 👍👍

[@BikesILike]

It is different Phil!

[@davidcoleman4941]

You😮 Bikie

[@BikesILike]

@@davidcoleman4941 Lol, not yet!

[@bansheesfather3778]

Looks awesome man, love it!

[@BikesILike]

Cheers!

[@Scout4x]

Mini ape steering bars... LOVE IT!

[@aaarcs8895]

G'day Paul, the bars look great and if they work for you then that's all that matters. On a side note, is your petrol cap spinning around while riding or is it just an optical illusion?

[@BikesILike]

Probably is spinning. It's the lockable accessory cap and once it's locked it spins freely.

[@serbanlucian419]

How is that windshield?

[@BikesILike]

Yeah good. In the more upright position with the mini apes it keeps the wind pressure off my torso from my chest down.

[@DJPTEXAS]

Look at Le Pera seats also.... well made ,great company.

[@BikesILike]

I did look at Le Pera but it appears as though they only make seats for Harley's?

[@DJPTEXAS]

Oh OK! Didn't realize that ! @@BikesILike

[@guyfuller1369]

Don’t mind the look of the low screen, now that I see it from the seat. Glad the new bars are working for you. Cheers!

[@BikesILike]

Thanks Guy! I'm so glad I took the plunge.

[@impoppa9647]

looks great!!

[@BikesILike]

Cheers Poppa!

[@williaminnes7574]

I have to say you look much more comfortable riding now than with the stock drag bars … As you said in this vid, the CDH is a great handling bike to start with, but you have to make adjustments to suit your own personal taste, reach and comfort level. I’m about to install 2” tall x 1.5” pullback risers on mine (with the stock 4” riser and ride command module …), so I should have no lines or wiring to extend … and I may swap out the bars for the ‘Barcraft’ Western Bars … Glad you like your new set up. I long ride will probably be more relaxing now … 👍🏽

[@BikesILike]

Awesome! Let me know how the install goes William. Particularly interested in the Barcraft Western bars.

[@Rambiker2023chief]

Dealer quoted me $1100 ($US) for these

[@BikesILike]

That would be for the bars, extended cables, extended clutch and brake lines and installation?

[@Rambiker2023chief]

@@BikesILike yes

[@BikesILike]

@@Rambiker2023chief I'd expect to pay around $1,400 AUD for that work. It's not an easy job and is quite time consuming. It took me around 10 hours to install them myself.