Custom Harleys - What Handlebars For You? - Harley Forum

Buzz Kanter · #1 03-13-2009, 10:18 PM

I have seen an increasing number of bikes with tall "ape-hanger" handlebars on the road. While I am not a fan of them a lot of folks are.

So what kind of handlebars do you run on your custom Harley and why?

MCSarge · #2 03-17-2009, 04:10 PM

Never been a fan of the apes. Maybe because my shoulders are so bad the postition isn't comfortable for me. I run the Street Slammer bars on my 06 RK Classic as it puts my hands in a forward position and it's more comfortable for me. I found with stock RK bars my thumbs would always fall asleep after a while. On my 87 FXLR project I am going with some type of drag bar also. I really like the aluminum drag bar that HD sells but it's a little pricey.

48panshovel · #3 03-17-2009, 07:58 PM

I've got 16 inch apes on my shovel that are very comfortable. My hands aren't higher than my shoulders so no loss of blood to my arms and hands. On my wife's Sportster I'm installing some 12 inch baby apes for her.

BlueBob · #4 03-18-2009, 02:05 AM

I run the stock 10" mini-apes on my FXDB. Would like to switch them out for some 12-14". Not convinced they'd be comfy, though.

jmk713 · #5 03-18-2009, 11:42 AM

Stock bars on my '02 Lowrider. Would prefer buckhorns; but don't want to spend the money to change at this point.

Majicbringer · #6 03-20-2009, 12:27 AM

I like wide, chubby drag bars. Gives the bike a more aggressive look - big up front and tapering back, and wider makes for better, easier turning. I like the bars turned down a bit, not "sport bike, looking at the axle" down, but in a very natural position.

Army_Mechanic · #7 09-29-2009, 12:39 PM

12 inch Wild 1 Chubby Apes on 4 inch risers by Choppers Inc

83XLX · #8 09-29-2009, 06:37 PM

I have the stainless steel Night Rod Special bars on my Sportster, 'cause they're "sporty".

Mr. Big · #9 09-29-2009, 08:31 PM

I installed the Klockwerks Ergo-Up bars on the Glide. Fancy word for 12" mini-apes. Really like them and the hand position fits me well. Took a little getting used to from the stock bars but I feel like a chopper guy now. No problem on long rides either. They did end up blocking the stock mirrors so I installed some HD ones on the handlebars and ended up with much better rear vision with them.

Now if I really want to get wild I could try a set of these......

unclepsycho · #10 09-29-2009, 08:32 PM

I really like the "Bendee Barz" featured on page 164 in the April 2009 issue. The article was titled, "Get Bent"
Great Product.