How to spend a bunch of money ruining your motorcycle!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- In this video I'll explain why you shouldn't spend thousands of dollars ruining your motorcycle with giant front wheels and ape hangers.
www.ridelikeap...
www.motorcycle...
www.tabperform...
/ ride.like.a.pro.inc
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 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? 😂
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.
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 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..😂
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.
@@matzrat5006I have a 3/4 camshaft.
Join the club. I am 60 and a dirtbike crash in the 70s is now punishing me today.
same with me. 12 inch apes on the road glide. makes it more comfortable and easier to handle
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.
The other waste of money is lowering your bike. Speaking from experience.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
I just don't get ape hangers
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.
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!!!
Why would anyone want their HD to look like a cheap toy Big Wheel trike? My hands and wrists fall asleep easily enough with the stock bars!
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 built a chopper back in 1971, suffered riding it for 3 seasons, then went back to stock and never looked back.
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.
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.
Mild 12" mini apes on mine..had to so I was comfortable...I'm a short guy and my shoulders and back couldn't handle the hunched over feeling...that and a "reach seat" improves my comfort immensely. But the giant front wheel..never
Anything above the shoulder for me is uncomfortable and starts obstructing my visibility. Not a fan of that for me, personally. I don't like big wheels at all. If you can rock em safely, knock yourself out. I'll tap out at 16" apes that come back a bit so I can sit back more comfortably on longer rides.
Only time I like big wheels are when they're on an offroad bike like a dualsport, adv and dirt bike
Those have a specific reason for having the tire that size and are built around it, something like a cruiser makes it look like an oversized kids toy
Shoulder height is key. Anything taller than that makes it harder for blood flow to reach your fingers.
I have 14's on my streetglide and they are perfect for my height and let me lean back in the seat a bit.
Spot on Jerry. Ape hangers are usually for looks. I've ridden both and you give up control with an oversize front wheel and ape hangers. Also having a fairing doesn't make a lot of sense when your arms and hands are 2 inches or more above it?
I've always said " Ape hangers are for knuckle draggers"
Thanks for this video, I just rode a 1000 miles in a few days and my shoulders were burning, I wondered if I should go to 10" bars vs. Stock on my street glide to see if that would help? Sitting on a SG with 10" bars seemed more of a neutral position and maybe would have more leverage?
i have 10s on my limited. theyre still behind the fairing but up some from stock and ive still got good control. on a 14 harley theyll fit with no other mods.
I am nowhere near the skill level of Jerry. But, I too was suffering from shoulder pain/burn started about 300 miles into a trip. I debated for a long time about 10” bars for my Electra Glide. At the last minute decided to go with 12”. Took just a short time to get used to, but love the feel and nearly no more pain. Age 64, 5’11” the 12” nearly puts my arm level with the shoulders.
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 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!
If you're 5'5" like Jerry, stock bars are fine. Most of us about 6' need new bars, especially with the garbage stock bars they put on the Road glides.
I'm 5'7'' but Identify as 6'2'' and the stock bars work fine for me as well as the 5000 or so motor officers in the U.S.. As I showed in the video, the best of the best riders of all sizes, don't put apes on their bikes.
@@motorman857for a long time the police bikes got the taller heritage style bars, hate to disagree, but theyre an ape.
@@1hdoilfielddad244 The police bikes have the taller bars for over 25 years. There are 2 reasons for this. 1st, because the police seat sits 4 to 6 inches above the frame, 2nd, the higher bars allow for more adjustment forward or backward. You can call them mini apes.
@@motorman857 it also says that whats standard on those bikes isnt the best that they can offer. i have 10" mini apes on my limited and have the same posture you do. stock bars had me reaching for the grips and killing my back.
Maybe with the big front wheel it will go through a pothole much easier. I don't know. Great video sir thank you for sharing
Hi love your vids......i have a KZ1000ltd (UK version of your kawasaki 1000 police)..apart from the paint its standard........my other you would hate a Vmax with a 280 rear wheel..etc.......
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.
Great video and as always very informative and interesting thank you
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.
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.
People don't care about function....it's form! People just 'follow the crowd'.
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'm 6'8" the stock bars go into my knees practically. I've got 14" bars and they are great for me.
I almost lost my sh t when you flashed that pic of a orangutan 🦧. Too funny 😂
You’ve brought a few really good points to your video. First of all, thanks. I always love your content. I love the looks of ape hangers, and as a bigger all around guy, I can take advantage of their purpose. However, I appreciate the fact that you tell us (the viewers) the truth: there’s a reason big companies sell high volumes of motorcycles. They have the R&D resources. They have the customization resources. They have the polls, census, etc, etc, etc. Tech has come so far, as has human experiences with trial and error. Stock is usually best for your average weekend warrior, on up to the hybrid DIYer that does his own maintenance. If you don’t do *all of the work yourself* it’s probably best to leave what isn’t broken unfixed. Thanks again, motorman!!!!!
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. Thank you . Thank you.. I've always said this is dangerous. I'm going to shove his video under the nose of some of my friends.. I've lost friends telling them the problem with oversized ape and tires. Thank you again 👍👍👍
As a 6’4” rider, I ride 16” on all my Harley’s. I do my own wrenching and set everything up to be comfortable for my height. My elbows are just a little more than 90 degrees out away from me. How you set your pullback and height should be properly measured for your stature. My slow maneuvering is easier, my counter steering is natural and second nature, my wrists and shoulders feel no pain anymore, the wrists turn from stock bars make my 57 yr old wrists go numb, just bought an 07 ultra classic and the stock bars killed my wrists riding it the 30 miles home. I don’t like the bars so high that these guys are sniffing their armpits, but a properly fit set of apes make long rides more comfortable, posture your back better. Jerry I respect and appreciate you and all your videos, I use them to teach family and friends and always recommend your videos to someone starting out, especially the way you explain counter steering.
There will be no ape hangers or Big Wheels on my 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT Trike.
I never had a "Big Wheel", I was 18 years old when they came out & I'm not reverting back to my childhood.
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
Manufacturers design bikes for optimum comfort and handling capabilities. These custom alterations detracts value from the bike. I personally think it looks ridiculous.
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!
HeHe.....Jerry, you were more 'polite' there than normal😂 As you said - 'they' paying for it....
(Either in $$$ or skin!)
I modified my '08 C50 handlebars...I added 1.5" to the risers. That's about as high as I want the grips to go. Ape hangers are about the dumbest thing to put on a bike you actually ride. Yes, they look good on a show bike but anything that affects the handling and safety of the machine should be outlawed for street use...such as the atrocity that is 'Carolina Squat'.
I kept my CVO SG factory bars because I like warm/protected hands.
How it going JERRY 🕶
Yes Putting 14 inch 16 inch or 18 inch Ape hangers , Makes a 1000% difference on a motorcycle , When you ride it it's like you have to start all over like a baby crawling and then you start walking , A lot of guys don't know this until they get all the money spent , And then they say I'm scared and I have to turn my bike like these guys do diesel trucks , But on the other hand yes , they are cool I have had them on my bikes whole life , It takes a lot of practice to operate a motorcycle with ape hangers , Even out on the highway or mountain roads it's a complete different ball game, But you can do it Take your time ,
Like that clown that you are showing on that bike , There is a clown like that in Jamaica too Absolutely ridiculous 😂😂🕶 I think the big wheels on The front of a bike that is the most ridiculous thing to do on a bike
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’ve got 11 inch apes and arms stills below shoulders fairly good. No stretch in arms. Very comfortable ride .
I had stock bars on my bike and my shoulder was always hurting, 12 inch bars cured the problem
Why mess with something that's been designed to work? I find the Street and Road Glides reach are too far for me and I'm tall with very long arms, the CVO Road Glide reach is perfect for me though.
I ride with ape hangers because they are the most comfortable for me for long distance. Like 1,000 mile day.
i have a stock 08 Road King, but i got rid of the stock bars, they sucked, they were like beach bars, i put harley Heritage bars on my King and it handles 1000 times better
Guys who would want to do something that extreme to a bike are probably not real big on logic or sensibility, caring more about posing and getting attention, so good luck trying to make a point about handling (or maximum braking with the tiny contact patch of that tall, skinny, low-profile front tire).
I have said the same thing about extended swingarms on sportbikes. If extended swingarms were such a good idea...the engineers would have made it an option from the factory.
Can you imagine you get A motorcycle with Ape Hanger handle bars. And you have to drive 2 or 3 thousand miles straight. I would not want to have that. At all.
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. 😊
If we all did what the best riders in the world did, we would all ride the same damn bike the way the corny Dyna Bros do. And that ruins the spirit of motorcycling. For what it's worth, I do also think the big front wheel is stupid though.
Don’t worry, the douche bags with big wheel baggers don’t ride anyway. So the way the bike handles really don’t matter. They have trailers
I like apes but nothing so drastic that it effects my ability to ride properly. I’m
Also not a fan of the big front tires. Unfortunately there are still many people riding that drag their feet, duck walk the bike etc. lots don’t know any better !
the new generation. when you tell them something looks stupid, sick, or bad they thing it means good. Looks like a cartoon joke to me.
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?
Amen amen amen I always told people I deal handlebar height is center of gravity of your body but nowadays we have two kinds of motorcyclist we have riders or profilers what are you
I really like choppers but at 62 i know what im getting into, more laid back cruising these days anyway.
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 don't care about winning races or perfect handling. I drive a big rig and I can tell you that turning radius, acceleration, and smoothness are all overrated ;)
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.
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.
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.
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!
I do believe that Each to their own, but I could never understand the ape hanger thing, I don't see the benefit considering the risk in an emergency situation or the look
Putting 800 miles a day you want your hands parallel with your shoulders but the big front wheel is stupid
Hey motorman another gem of wisdom ,i have never understood why you would put those sort of bars on a bike how do you control it ,i watched sturgis and daytona and you see bikes with those giant front wheels to me it looks stupid same as the gsxrs with the extended swing arm what is that all about ? i suppose of you dont ride anywhere but the bike shows and trailer it there and back your not really going to do any high speed or manouvering i suppose its ok and you know if they cant get it round a corner they can alwaay duck walk it 😂
I would never put that crap on my bike. That's the ghetto thug look.
I just got my Bike back from from my accident and he put 14 inch ape hangers on it had to take it back for the 10 inch that were on there. To hard to turn.
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.
Never understood why someone with a fairing on their bike would raise their hands up into the wind with ape hangers. Moreover, lessen their control over the bike.
Big wheel baggers are such a joke and usually come with a rider who has his landing gear out up until 20mph
I hate those bars, stupid looking. Illegal in many states.
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 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 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.
My 2000 model FXDWG has (Factory 11" mini-apes). I wouldn't want to go taller.
On my StreetGlide, I think I could go with taller bars but, 12"-14" max.
Jerry, are Police bike handlebars different than the stock (OEM) bars?
Police bars have about 1.5 inches more pull back.
@@motorman857 - After watching Cops compete in a "Police Rodeo" locally, I want Police bars on my 2012 StreetGlide.
Stock Streetglide i think is 8". I have 14" and it puts the full grip about 2" above the faring.
It is very comfortable for me, and i can still easily go full lock left/right, but everyone is different. I would suggest resting your fists on the top of the faring for a while and see it is comfortable before doing anything.
@@jakestrickler8655 - What I noticed on my bike is that If I go taller bars, it puts my hands where I can't see my mirrors.
To get my hands above my Mirrors may be too tall, or I'll have to change my mirrors.
I'm with you all of the way. I agree that people can do what they want with their bikes, it's keeps dealers in business. I have to laugh though all of the riders with huge ass apes and the big front wheels who show up the dealer bragging about how they smoke sport bikes at the tail of the dragon. 😂. The other types of bars that I think are ridiculous are the really long pullback bars. If I'm on one of those I can't go full lock to either side as the grips are hitting me in the chest.
People have and will always modify their vehicles even if it is just to look cool
Jerry I have asked people about the fat front tires they put on Harleys. They say it doesn't affect the handling, in fact it rides better 😮. I just don't see it . Thoughts?
Fat front tires make the steering heavier and hurt road feel. Save yourself a bunch of money and don't fix what ain't broke.
Literally just saw my buddy’s scoot yesterday with a fat front tire on it. It’s a great look, but he admits he’s trading handling for aesthetic. Not sure if that’s my bag, maybe for someone else.
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.
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.
Bravo... even before I watch this video :)
Riders I know that have "ape hangers" hate them. They tell me their hands always fall asleep.
When I started riding in 1973 most street bikes came with 18-inch front wheels. As sport bikes came in the scene it decreased ti 17-inch.
The reason is that larger-diameter wheels woud generate more gyroscopic/centrifugal forces as wheel speed increases. This would make cornering and coming out of corners more difficult. In short, it affects handling.
Harley-Davidson knows more about bikes than those hundreds of clowns out there.
Also you get those show bikes with the car tire on the back, not much for turning.
I'd like to see you address another handlebar type. What are your thoughts on beach bars? I find them more comfortable than standard, but I'm 6'2" and have a pretty long wingspan.
It depends on your wingspan.😁