How to spend a bunch of money ruining your motorcycle!
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- čas přidán 1. 10. 2023
- In this video I'll explain why you shouldn't spend thousands of dollars ruining your motorcycle with giant front wheels and ape hangers.
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I help riders acquire and hone slow-speed skills as well as other essential skills. I always tell HD riders, "Don't waste money on bullshoot like big wheels, chrome ball scratchers, and HD clothing when you get the bike. None of that will make you a safe, competent rider. Instead, put your money into professionally taught riding courses such as slow-speed handling. Get well-versed in it and then worry about the other stuff. If things go south, none of that aforementioned stuff will save your bacon. It seems to be a larger issue with the HD riders. Not picking on them, but I've seen too many as I'm sure others have, that have all that and cannot ride to save their lives. In fact, they are a hazard to themselves and other riders around them. Folks, regardless of the brand you ride, you owe it to yourself, your family, and your passenger (if you ride 2 up)to be the best rider you can be. Aftermarket junk won't do that, education and skills practice will. My training was motor officer school as a police officer having completed the initial school 25 years ago. I've seen too many accidents fatal and non-fatal because the rider just didn't have the skill sometimes. Please don't join that group.
The Majority of HD riders care more about how their bikes look & the attention they get. Ever since that stupid sons of anarchy show came out, all these hd riders have blacked out bikes & dress in black. Be different.
@@ericx7476 If you want to get attention, know what you are doing on a bike competently and confidently. It will get more attention than any customized chromed-out bike. Not that riding should be about that at all IMO.
@@ericx7476 Yea, sons did seem to have a negative impact. I see more riders with club patches than without them. The west coast club style bikes were around way before the show, as was the murdered out (all black) look.
@@toolmaker5150 💯 correct. Those were Real Bikers. At least the Majority of them. Too many posers since 2008 because of the stupid show & that lame Mayan show just made things worse 🤦♂️
Chrome ball scratchers? 😂
I am 64 and over the last year or 2 began getting pain in my left shoulder blade. This only happens after about 200-300 miles. But I did 3 800 mile trips this summer and about halfway through the pain was so bad I could barely make it back home. With that being said, I finally decided to put 12” ape hangers on my Electra Glide. Took a little getting used to but I now love the way it rides and steers and best part…no more pain.
I do have to sit forward on the seat when doing lock to lock, low speed maneuvering. Otherwise worked for the better in my case. BTW I am 5’11”.
I’m 6’5” with a 6’6” wingspan. I put 13” apes on my Road Glide straight out of the dealership when I purchased my 2020 RGS in 2020. My knees get in the way of stock handlebars so I knew it was time for something different. After 10k miles with the apes I am so glad I made the call. Did a 2400 mile round trip last year to Biketoberfest and Key West. A lot of things on my body were sore but my shoulders and back were not a part of that group. I’m able to perform slow maneuvers and I definitely enjoy the ride better with the taller bars. Standard 19” wheel up front.
yeah, Jerry is pretty opinionated, but usually gives sound advice. I think his "seniority" in this space is becoming obvious though. Most people don't buy a Harley because they are wanting the "best" handling bike. I'm a Harley guy so I'm not bashing on them, but if I wanted a race bike I would have got something else, for me a huge part of why I went Harley was the way it looks, and while I love the mostly stock look(I do have 14" bars on mine but mostly for comfort), I get why others like different things and a hobby takes on whatever shape we let it.
I'm 5" 11" also, ive got mini apes on mine and its just perfect for me.
@@matzrat5006I have a 3/4 camshaft.
@@toddgittins5692 man thats gotta rock.
Good points and you are correct. A well designed motorcycle should only require minimum mods to make it fit the rider. Getting radical will generally seriously degrade the handling and riding performance.
I talked my daughter's boyfriend into removing the ape hangers from his sportster and going back to the stock bars. He was amazed how much more he could do with the bike.
My personal opinion is, make your motorcycle yours. Just remember, some of those changes will change how the bike handles in certain scenarios. Remember to keep the Rubber side down and shiny side up.
I ride a Unicycle and I’m thinking of putting ape hangers on it, but there are some mounting issues to deal with. Great Vlog!
Lol really
U need the pump.
I hate stock bars on a Bagger. It’s super uncomfortable and hurts my shoulders bending over. I got 14 inch bars and it’s so much more comfortable for me. I definitely wouldn’t go above my shoulders but everyone has a different body and cruiser baggers have different setup from racing baggers where you have mid foot control’s instead of forward floorboards. Some things I gotta take with a grain of salt and stick with my own experience. Otherwise gotta respect ya
Don't misunderstand. I believe a person pays their money, and makes their choices. But I can say from the hundreds of riders who come to my class with ape hangers, most hurt their riding with the high apes. As I showed with a bike with apes and a 250lb passenger, despite the bike not fitting me, I have the skills to overcome just about anything. But for most people who want to learn proper technique, ape hangers make it more difficult to handle the bike, not easier.
I agree if the bike is not fitted for you like stock bars you will have issues and your shoulder will ache for some stock bars don't work at all my 2 cents
@@notsure7874 I couldn't care less if you had to stand on the seat to reach the handlebars and if you put a bulldozer tire on the front of your bike. I will however laugh as you ride by.
@@motorman857 well if you can learn to handle a bike with apes, handling a bike without will be that much easier.
Worst part is when they put it away for winter, rain, cold, hot, windy, etc..😂
That last photo with the caption "Don't be a doofus", is hilarious! Looking like a total doofus, is a spot on description!
I put 12" custom apes on my Street Glide ST. I have a very bad left shoulder, but the issue I have with my bars, is how wide they are. 41 inches end to end, makes it really difficult to lock them or come close, when trying to do a tight slow speed maneuver, such as a tight U-turn.
Hi Jerry, first time viewing your channel. I have a motorcycle review channel down in Aus and have been riding for just over 50 years, although your no doubt going to upset some riders with this video you are spot on with your comments & theory of handling here. Your obviously a rider with a mountain of experience and knowledge and tell it as it is, well done. Cheers 👍
I've been watching Jerry for a long time , I don't know you , but if you want to learn a few things, Start from the beginning of his videos , A lot of dudes respect and appreciate Jerry , I have been riding a long time myself , but I got to admit Jerry taught me things on a bike
@@joeferreira7382 Hi Joe, yes I’ve been scanning through a few of his videos. He knows his stuff and based on what I’ve seen would have helped many many riders and thankfully saved some lives I’m sure. It’s guys like this that make our riders safer and yes even after riding for as long as I have I’m still learning every day, will definitely take your advice. Thanks for making contact.
You’re
@@neilhughes3823 👍, just read it back.
been watching his channel for a few years now try to implement what he teaches when i can when you pulled that u turn on your goldwing i thought it was pretty good hows the suzuki going .
I love when people try recouping the cost of all the crap they add to their bikes when selling motorcycles. News flash - it’s worth zero dollars to the buyer. Harley dealers have told me feel free to put all the stock stuff back on when trading it in - doesn’t change the trade in value. Doesn’t change the value when selling outright either.
I agree to a point. I agree with the front wheel should stay stock, like you said the engineers want them to handle as well as possible. Bars would depend on rider. Some may want to”pull back” or reduced reach bars so they can turn without leaning forward. Some people like the feel of a slightly higher bar that suits their comfort level, a good rule of thumb is your hands should not be above your shoulders. Most motor officers I know will use a 10”-12” bar depending on their height. Just my two cents
😅😅😅😅zz
Yeah you can't just hand wave it away and say "oh the engineers spent so much time designing it properly". They designed it to an average, and there will always be plenty of tweaks to be made to better suit individuals.
ROFL!! Dude! I couldn’t stop laughing during this video. I had to watch it twice so I didn’t miss anything. You and I are on the same page with this and that why I got such a kick out of it, especially the ending! Lol!!!
Ive been riding big wheel baggers and ape hangers since the 23 inch was introduced in 2011. I currently have a 30inch on my rode glide with 18inch apes. I will say I started out with a Spencer Bowman chopper before I got my Harley so I was to riding a bike raked out. I wouldn't go any higher than a 30inch wheel. I recommend for new riders that like the big wheel baggers start off with a 23 and then gradually move up if you like. Ive riden my bike on long rides comfortably. I do agree safety is first instead of look, so Im always practicing low speed manuavers. I have enjoyed watching this video and seeing a big wheel.bagger in a safety course.
Very informative , truly appreciate the information. I was contemplating placing a 21 inch wheel on my front tire for my 2022 street glide. I’ve been riding consistently since 2008 first starting with a heritage softail and barely upgrading to my street glide. I’ve been on the board about to switching so I’ve been speaking to many people who’s either ridding or riding with a 21 inch wheel and I would say about 70 percent of whom I’ve spoken to have said the same thing, saying they lost performance due to the 21 inch tire. Thank you again!
I have 14 inch bars on my Street Glide and 16 inch bars on my Heritage. Both bikes are very comfortable to ride and handle very well...
Thoroughly enjoyed this video and discussion as well as examples of the cause and affect of changing wheel and handlebars. Seeing them and you description on The handling differences makes a lot of sense. Thankfully I've never been tempted to make either of these types of changes. Love some of the look of a few, but wouldn't be able to justify creating handling that was configured into the initial design. Thanks Jerry. 😊
As always you are spot on. You saved me a lot of money and probably saved my life. You are undoubtedly the best motorcycle information adviser in the world. Harley should put a statue of you in the Harley museum. I can not thank you enough.
I have 18” bars on my Road Glide Limited. Tall bars help keep your armpits dry 😉 I totally agree with everything you said though. I do a lot of low speed practice and they certainly don’t handle as well as the stock setup. Most of my riding is Highway and for that, my 18” bars are extremely comfortable
and the big front tires do hurt handling. and they look idiotic too
Yes, keeping your armpits dry is a main concern, yes sir, I mean how can you even ride, or ride safe if your armpits arent dry???............YOU SHOULDNT EVEN BE ALLOWED TO HAVE A BIKE!!!
I started riding Harleys in the last of the 60’s and the California Chopper (Easy Rider) look was the thing. But living in the hills of East Tenn and the roads were paved over twisting cow paths ( Makes the Tail of the Dragon look smooth and straight) were really hard if not downright dangerous on 16to 19 over extended front ends. They were ok for long straight Interstates or the big multi lane highways of California but sure were no good on mountain roads.
The dude who invented the term "ape hanger" was extremely inspired.
You forgot! Make sure to lower the fool bike! Along with the ApeHangars & huge front wheel! LOL!
Sure hope Miss Donna is feeling better!
Keep up the great wor
I am glad you have the guts to speak the truth. I never understood why some stupid fashion is preferred over function and essentially making the bike more dangerous. I personally have 12 inch apes on my Road King, they are well below my shoulders. I got them for comfort not style. I would like to see you ride a Dyna Wide Glide on the course and hear your thoughts on it.
I've ridden a Wide Glide thru my course a few years ago. No problem since the handlebars turn quite far from lock to lock.
Great video finally someone explains it better than I could. I have two sons that I tried to explain this to and they wouldn’t listen now I can show them your video. I have also seen guys tilting the apes forward past the line of the forks. I don’t know how to explain that either but dirt bike bars have markings so you can tilt them backwards or forwards to slow or quicken the steering. I think it just makes the leverage worse going forward past the whatchamacallit line. I’m sending this video to the boys and say see I told you lol
I agree Jerry, a stock vehicle has considerable engineering, testing and redesign behind it before it's commercially available. The 'apehangers', 'extended forks' (choppers) and front wagon wheels are more for vanity than functionality.
Unless you aren't 5'10" average height and you are 6'6" and don't want to lay down like a crotch rocket.
Ape hangers were designed for apes!
@@W9HJBillmost are not even 5’10” don’t believe the bs.
Considerable engineering to fit an average of multiple goals for as many riders as possible. Most everyone will find little things they can tweak to make it just a bit better, because every consumer is built different.
I have a 2021 Street Glide and unlike most of the people I ride with, I have kept my bars stock. I figured Harley knew what they were doing. Plus I like them just fine where they are. Thanks for sharing!
I have never understood the ape hanger or the big wheel thing. Interesting to look at on some of the bikes. Being in a free country (but becoming much less so), to each his own. I enjoy my Stock SGS 110%. Great video!
Love your attitude!
I had a Harley salesman tell my once that you NEED apehangers because your arms should be straight out in front of you or you'd be uncomfortable on long rides. Out of politeness, I kept my opinions to myself.
Of course the Harley salesman was eager to sell you something. Anything, really.
Our 02 Road King needed new front brake lines. So we were going with the stainless braided lines. In the midst of doing that, our mechanic just replaced a customers mini apes with new handlebars. We checked them out for height. Just under shoulder. We bought them. Had to change all the cables to longer ones. New brake that we needed. Wiring, Throttle & Clutch. New gaskets, trans fluid and what not. His shop rate at the time was $80 now $90. It was $1,323.36. That was used $50 handlebars kids. The comfort of the mini apes compared to the stock for me is well worth the money. I do have them adjusted where my arms are bent a little. I am 5'-9" with a 72" reach. So yeah, I do have apish arms. LOL!
Jerry totally agree, I do have a 21 on the front of by 1999 ultra and I do notice the difference when I ride my stock ultra.
"beauty is in the eye of the beholder" so if you like a stock bike then keep your bike stock if you like your bike to look or sound a certain way then do what you want with YOUR bike. I have two custom cruisers with apes a 23" front wheel ,sound system, air ride and just about everything else you can think of , but when i pull up beside someone that has a super clean stock bike, I can appreciate the time that he puts in taking care of it.
I just put my back on my new Street Glide CVO 2023, I have been amazed by the perfect static balance and the riding position it offers. This one, I will not touch it, it seems perfect right out of the box for the essential.
So, I fully agree with you, once more !
I agree 100 percent about the Big Front Wheel, handling etc. I love my ape hangers. When properly adjusted they work fantastic for all day comfort. Mine are like the bars on the first bike in this video. My last bike had 16in apes, I ran over 100k before I sold it. My brother doesn't like Ape hangers. Great video.
Love you pointing this out to the public. Leave it to follies of fashion to ruin the dynamics of a motorcycle. Why compromise handling just to go with a stupid trend? In my 44 years of always having a running, registered & insured street bike I’ve strived to be more efficient, in control and scanning - thinking out in front of the dangerous possibilities street riding brings. Apes & BIG diameter wheels are handicaps by any measure. I do understand handle bar swaps / risers etc to address individual issues with leverage and body type but there is a point it becomes a “L👀K at me” phenom. My wildest bars are the stock buckhorns on my 1976 FXE. Grew up on those - they work for me. Stock bars on my XL1200R and TriGlide work just fine.
Great video and as always very informative and interesting thank you
Thank you Jerry. I follow a couple of bagger groups on Facebook and every 2nd post is about bars. I’m on my 3rd Road Glide and really happy with OEM bars. Your explanation makes perfect sense. I just don’t understand what everyone is on about.
I've owned 9 motor cycles in my life and have ridden about 20 different motorcycles. The best all around bike in my opinion is a standard roadking. I've been riding my roadking for 15 years now and still love it.
The people who adopt those two mods have no use for either comfort or decent handling so as long as their unrideable mess is pretty and they look like a tough guy on it, they're happy.
I went from 14" factory 47 apes on my 2018 CVO Road Glide which comes with a stock 21" front wheel to 12" carlini menace apes. I love the change. My hands are now below my shoulders which for me makes a better ride
thank you for this amazing video. I have a stock 2023 road glide. I always run into people that tell me that I should raise the handlebars and make the front wheel bigger. stretch the bags, get louder pipes and even louder music. and they always just happen to know someone that can do all of that. I always say that Harley makes the bike like this for a reason. and when they tell me, I should go ahead and customize. I ask them if they are they willing to finance it and that’s when I get the laugh or the silence. The only thing I’ve done to my girl, is install Vance & Hines 450 slip-on's.
I am happy and satisfied!
I made my first Harley (Sportster) basically unridable by chopping and hardtailing it, putting on 18" apes, and removing the signals/speedo. It sure looks cool, though. I ride my Ultra Classic every day. After 20-some years of riding, I'm still getting over my fear of high speed cornering on that bike. Also, I haven't always had the best relationship with law enforcement, but you're a pretty cool cop.
New subscriber here. I bought a new 2021 Street Glide and have loved the bike since day one. I've ridden several 300-500 miles day trips with no fatigue or pain with the stock bars and I really like the size of the front wheel and tire. So from my experience stock is the way to go on this bike. It rides great and handles like a dream for a heavy bagger.
I bought handlebars from a guy off a CVO bagger, after he put apes on it. Had them installed on my 2010 Road Gilde. Love the look and handling of these OEM bars.
That's bloody great advice Jerry
HeHe.....Jerry, you were more 'polite' there than normal😂 As you said - 'they' paying for it....
(Either in $$$ or skin!)
Excellent vid. About the only two changes I must make with a new are better grips and a seat that accommodates my inseam. This was especially true for my RG ST (Fast Johnnie version of your bike as shown).
Love to ride and love what you ride.
14" Carlini Gangster Apes are one of the best mods I've made to my Road Glide; My wrists sit slightly below my shoulders and actually require less input.
Most riders know that stock Harley exhaust and bars suck.
Had 16s on my 05 road King and 14s on my 20 road glide and they both improved the handling for ME, however when my friends ride it some of them struggle. I'm 6'7 tho so the stock bars on both bikes hit my legs at full lock and neither set of apes were above my shoulders and both bikes had stock front wheel and tire size. I agree 100% with every single word you said in this video, especially the part at the end where you said what i already typed🤣🤣🤣 but I'm a firm believer that harleys are built for the average height range and not the tall people
Totally understand what you are saying about the height range as I have just the opposite problem. I am only 5'3" and have to pick and choose what bike to get just based on height alone. For example the 2 bikes I like such as the Road Glide all too feel too tall or too big for me, the other one Low Rider ST is similar and a good alternative for me as it feels perfect as riders only a few inches taller say they feel cramped on this one so am always happy they do make something that I can ride.
THANK YOU!,THANK YOU!,THANK YOU Jerry!!! I just purchased a 2017 Road Glide special from a private owner and it has the 12' i think ape hangers on it,making it a little difficult for the steering on the bike. I think im going back stock with this bike! Lol
I totally agree with you. I have a bone stock 2022 road king standard. The bike has plenty of power rides. Great handles, right, very comfortable. Why throw a bunch of money at it if not necessary?
Looking at “show bikes” that are outrageous ape hangers, extremely large front wheels, and open pipes, I am always wondering if the bike is ridden, and how far? Like you mentioned Jerry, there are instances where you need custom handlebars such as I am 5’4” and put Helibars full custom bars on my 2022 Goldwing for comfort. Up 3/4”, and back approximately 2.4” eliminated the neck\shoulder pain. Put 350 miles on yesterday just awesome weather in south central Wisconsin! Yeah you are the Best Jerry thanks
Great advice and videos mate. I am 6'1" tall and on my bike need my 14in apes. My problem is I have a taller torso and shorter legs. So when I sit next to a 6'4" person I'm the same height but when we stand he is taller. This when riding with standard bars cause upper back, neck and shoulder problems so having the apes solves this. I have total control and comfort this way.
I have 18 inch apes on my harley. Im 6'5 so they're incredibly comfortable to me. I dont ride to show off. I ride slow and easy. Regular bars dont feel right to me because im a big dude. Big front wheel. I personally dont have one. But to each their own. I love your videos by the way. Always great. 🍻🍻
I can certify at 6ft1 that I am NOT comfortable on my bike in her stock configuration.
But I am still looking forward to watching this
I have a 1994 heritage softail with 18 inch apes and planning on putting a 21 inch front wheel on it and I absolutely love it. With that being said especially when it comes to monster apes this guy is correct it does hinder your bikes handling ability. I am 35 years old and been riding motorcycles since I was 15 and consider myself a decent rider with a decent amount of experience and even I find certain maneuvers difficult with these tall apes. I would never to talk anyone out of building your dream bike because to me that’s what it’s all about but I will say, take everything into consideration and do a lot of research.
That pic of the guy with the sky-high Ape hangers has a story behind it. Just west of St. Louis MO is a small town where two guys keep trying to outdo each other with taller Apes.
I'm not a fan of the huge front tires or extra tall ape hangers but there is a benefit for slightly taller handle bars. I know quite a few people that do long distance riding that taller handlebars is better for their backs as the taller bars cause them to sit up straighter. I know people who's backs would be killing them after riding a couple hundred miles and since putting taller bars on they can ride that distance no problem. The taller bars on my bike (I bought the bike with less than 3000 miles and the handle bars were on it) do help my back a little but where they really help is being I'm 5'5", they give me more leverage to help keep the bike upright. On my previous bikes (both Electra Glides), I would occasionally put my foot down, encounter something on the ground where my foot would slide a little causing the bike to tip a little and with the stock handlebars, I didn't have the leverage to straighten the bike back up where as with this bike with the taller handle bars, I have the leverage to stand the bike back up. It's not a lack of strength as I am as strong or stronger than many men taller than me, it's the taller bars give me more leverage and put the bars in an area where I can better use my strength. My bars are slightly below my shoulders. I will admit that turning to full lock is a little bit of a stretch but I'm willing to live with that with the other benefits it gives me. Your video Ride Like A Pro has helped me become one of the best riders of the people I know. While I'm no where close to being good enough to doing one of your obstacle courses with any competency mainly from not enough practice, the things in your video has improved my riding ability. Unfortunately I don't have your video any longer as I lent it to an aqaintance who supposedly left it in his truck on a hot day which supposedly ruined the DVD which in any case I never got it back. I need to buy another one so I can do some refreshing on your tips. I jyst wanted to let you know taller handlebars within reason do have some benefits
The only mods I’ve done has been exhaust and handlebars. I did the bars only to give a better riding position. I felt I was over extended and needed to install extended reach bars to allow me to actually sit back into the seat properly and have slight elbow bend…
Couldn't agree more Jerry, great video!
Love my 14 1&1/4 inch chrome apes on my 2005 Fatboy from Hill Country Custom Cycles. Feels great & with better posture. Still have stock wheels. Perfect cruiser for me.
You can hide a large suv behind your wrist. Looking “through” your body parts is not optimal.
@seller559 I hadn't even considered that, but you're dead right. Spot on! 👍
I’ve got 11 inch apes and arms stills below shoulders fairly good. No stretch in arms. Very comfortable ride .
Jerry I've been trying to talk friends out of apes for years! Thank you for this!
Why? Maybe they are more comfortable for them? What does your opinion matter on that?
2021 Street glide special here. It needed a decent seat and rear shocks for sure. Next upgrade is front fork spring upgrade. Depending on how you ride I suggest suspension first. Performance 2nd and looks last. I never understood taking 40K worth of engineering and doing 6K down grade. You really want to make one handle better put some carbon fiber wheels on them if you can afford it!
I have mini apes on mine.
Standard bars were very low slung.
Being 6 foot 5 my bars now bring my hands just below my shoulder height.
Bonus is I can now see out my mirrors, can ride comfortably ( no more hunching over ) and filtering is easy ( legal here in Australia) as car mirrors now pass under my bars.
Great! Very useful video. Wise advice. Thanks.
We are all different. I left our Electra Glide Classic 100% stock. It was reliable, comfortable and a great bike. On our Kawasaki Nomad, I put a 1" riser under the stock bars to bring them up a tad.
That's it. For us, we leave things pretty much alone.
Finally someone speaking the truth. Never understood people ruining their bikes. I call them bar hoppers. Ride them to the bar.
@steve..I respectfully disagree. My last bar hopper was a custom lowered Yamaha Road Star with 16" Apes with 1" risers. I had over 100k comfortable miles when I sold it. My current bike is lowered, has 16" Apes with 1" risers. I have had this bike for 2 years. Just under 30k miles. I am 71. Been riding since I was 11 yrs old. By the way, I don't drink.
I legit was debating on getting the 21 inch front wheel for my road glide.. not after watching this video.. thank you sir
The other waste of money is lowering your bike. Speaking from experience.
Words of wisdom! I totally agree with you, Jerry!
Excellent advise.
Thanks for the good advice.
Great video and advice
Also...For long haul touring where you encounter bad weather (cold,snow,hail,rain,etc), stock bars are positioned for best hand protection behind the batwing fairing.!🤠✌️
I think for touring bikes shoulder level or a little bellow is most comfortable with arms pretty straight forward, a slight elbow bend.
I’d relate this to a flat bench press position. If you’re not weak on the bench this should give you great control and a confident powerful feel over the bike,wouldn’t have it any other way. As for the big tire I wouldn’t stray from the factory overall diameter you can go bigger on the rim and lower profile on the tire but watch out for potholes 😂I’d bet the manufacturer has done more testing and engineering than anyone click buying part’s for their bike! You gotta find that sweet spot between eye candy and function 👍
Very True, great video. Thanks
Thank you for saying this. I agree 100%.
i am 5' 6'' and ride a 500 cc rebel. i added risers to my bars because i was leaning forward too much. made a big difference, sit straight up now, more comfort for MTing the gas tank rides.
6'3" with an Indian Scout, on the smaller side. I had to hunch over a bit driving it stock, and it has forward controls, which means your feet are out front. I got a set of Indian mini-apes and installed them myself with the support kit with the longer cables and brake lines. The mini-apes are 10", the stock bars easily have a 4" raise. So like Jerry was saying, in the reasonable range and your taller with longer arms, works perfect for me, better posture on the bike. My hands are still below my shoulders, I can keep the natural bend of the elbow easier than the stock bars. I feel no difference from the stock handlebars, in handling or control, other than being more comfortable an hour into a ride.
Yup, my Scout Bober Twenty comes with mini apes out of the factory. The extended foot controls make a difference as well. Especially with the Syndicate 2 up seat.
I only like stock baggers aside from bars now that I've had and road several different variations.
I commute 100% on my ultra classic. Use to on 2 different street glides and a road glide.
My 07 roadglide, stock! Beautiful, comfortable and loved it.
Aside from that, this ultra classic, I hated stock bars. Back pains and I felt everything on the road.
I thought about 14" bars but measured 16" bars to be a fit having my arms strait off of my shoulders. Ordered them from hill country classics and installed them. Day and night. Even pushing the bike back to park was way better. The ride after install made me fall in love with the bike. I do my 150 mile daily commute happy as can be and double that on weekends I have time to roll with the wife.
Aside from the bars I like my bikes stock. When I get back on a road glide, I'm guessing even the bars will remain stock if the next one is designed the same as that 07 was.
I do respect and understand all that goes into research and development but like anything else, engineering isn't what it used to be. Harley knows how popular it is to "cool" out a bike so they know they will make $ off the sale AND extras so its engineering takes on a level of minimalism so they will make even more off of accessories.
When it comes to bars! I KNOW for a fact some bikes are better off with a higher point of grip. I'm not a tall fella but sit strait up so rider height may or may not play as important a roll as position.
Cool video otherwise,
I’m a lanky 6’2” and put 12in apes on my road king. Even being a taller guy I do have to really reach when going full lock in a tight turn. Wouldn’t be as bad if I had angled them more towards me. Still love how they feel just cruising on the highway though and they do look good. It’s all give and take. The beach bars that were on the bike when I bought it were absolutely horrible for me so I still made an improvement even though it’s not the absolute best.
I almost lost my sh t when you flashed that pic of a orangutan 🦧. Too funny 😂
Thank You Jerry!
I think all this is on case by case because I can’t ride stock bars at 6’’1 it hurts my shoulders bad. It makes it were I can’t ride. 14” ape hangers are a must for me and I do lots of long rides. As far as the big front wheels I agree they hurt the geometry of the bike but it all about style with that look. But I disagree with the ape hangers for some of us it’s paramount in order to ride.
I love the look of med height z bars, but my sporty came with buck horns which made me feel cramped so I swapped to a straight drag bar and never looked back. All my buddies ask why I run drags but it's comfortable and handles good so that's all I care about.
I have a 2013 RG with 14 inch bars, I'm 6'4" and can easily go lock to lock with comfort, but not a fan of the oversized wheels.
Only upgrade to my RG is a crate 131 motor. No complaints yet
I built a chopper back in 1971, suffered riding it for 3 seasons, then went back to stock and never looked back.
For me, ergonomically, stock handlebars don’t work. After about and hour I have a knot in my back between my shoulder blades. I have 14 inch ape hangers and I love them. I have no issues turning the bars stop to stop. Keep in mind I’m 6 feet tall and I have a backrest so I sit in an upright position. As far as a big wheel, no thanks. I want my bike to handle well and I don’t care for the look on a street bike. If it’s a show bike that’s hardly ridden, that’s a completely different issue.
Rule of thumb is supposed to be shoulder height is max for apes. That’s for comfort and handling.
Shoulder height has been, in my experience, superior to stock every time. Way more comfortable.
That's your opinion on those in that height range being comfortable. I'm 5'10" and the stock bars on my 14sgs were EXTREMELY uncomfortable and were causing me alot of pain in my elbows keeping them bent while riding
I get it I don’t like the big wheel in the front but I do have 14 inch eight hangers on mines fits me real good it’s not easy like you make it look when maneuvering but I feel a lot more comfortable trying it with those than the stock bars good point it’s all understandable
Great info!
Awesome videos though great inside advice
I have 12 inch on a streetglide special they are perfect for me! At slow parking lot type speeds tight turns can be tricky if you don't know you're Bike. But it works for me? Dont go for cool go for what works best for you?
@rarebreed9208 glad you're OK. When it comes to motorcycle some people can build a bike to fit them some just like it as is and some go to the extreme? I like my bikes to fit me? To each there own.
Years ago I put high bars on my springer cvo bike for sturgis. Man my wrists really took a beating just to look cool, took them off soon as I got home!
Harley has changed the stock bars on the Road Glide because of so many complaints. Don't know if that applies to other touring models for late 2023 and 2024. I had stock 9" bars on my 2016 RG and I went to 12"and all my back and shoulder pain went away. 12s aren't apes and it actually did improve my slow speed handling. I wouldn't go taller though.
Currently have a sportster 72 and softail standard which have smaller factory apes and i like the handling as well as the looks. I will admit lower Buckhorn bars would probably get me turning tighter though. The big wheel effect......well to each his own right?
Great course. I especially like it when you say "Yuge", reminds me of Donald :) However very informative and honestly I don't like them crazy loud show-boats on the road neither.
I just don't get ape hangers