Ape Hangers on A Valkyrie

[doniholcomb]

I am thinking about putting Ape Hangers on My Valkyrie Tourer, are there any thoghts?

[ThreeAces97]

In my opinion DON'T DO IT!    I rode an "aped" Valkyrie last fall for 15 miles and my lower back and shoulders were never comfortable.   I personally like the riding position that my Kuryaken Highway pegs give me and trying to put my feet forward while my arms are fully extended at an upward angle really stressed my lower back.     Steering inputs from that height were different and somewhat awkward.     I believe some bikes are set up for the ape hangar transition, but I don't believe the Valk is one of them.
A Honda Dealership in NE Ohio has a used Standard ('99) in the show room that has the Ape Hangar's on it.   Also comes with 20" leather tassles hanging from the grip ends.

[asfltdncr]

I don't believe ape hangers are not good on any bike except for a Schwinn.

[fudgie]

I've seen some mini apes that look good. If your tall and long armed then give them a shot. Check local laws where you ride and travel. Most cannot have hands above your shoulders. Unless you loosen the handelbar clamp enough to pull them down when you see the cops. 

Last year at Sturgis was 'ape hanger week.' They ticketed alot for apes. Talked to one guy who had a broken leg from a horse riding accident, he got pulled over for his hangers by a cop on a bicycle!  Rumor was SD ABATE was tracking these tickets.

[Strider]

Cajun Cycles bike had hangers and it was a sharp looking machine - IMHO.  Saw it once in person but never rode it.....

[R J]

Have you ever rode a bike with Apes?

If not, do not start out trying to learn on the Phat Lady, she is too heavy to maneuver with them without experience.........

If you are doing it for show and tell, and only going to ride short distances, be my guest and go for it.

[JimL]

I guess the question as to whether Ape Hangers look good is a subjective one.  I am one of those that don't like the looks of them on any bike....and certainly not on a Valkyrie.  From an ergonomic standpoint, IMHO they make even less sense since I can't imagine that they would be very comfortable after more than 50 miles....and I would think they they would adversely affect the handling of the bike.

However, that is just my opinion...if that look does it for you and the ergonomic issues I mentioned aren't a factor....then you owe it to yourself to go ahead and do it.

[Big IV]

I've seen some mini apes that look good. If your tall and long armed then give them a shot. Check local laws where you ride and travel. Most cannot have hands above your shoulders. Unless you loosen the handelbar clamp enough to pull them down when you see the cops. 

Last year at Sturgis was 'ape hanger week.' They ticketed alot for apes. Talked to one guy who had a broken leg from a horse riding accident, he got pulled over for his hangers by a cop on a bicycle!  Rumor was SD ABATE was tracking these tickets.

You could also just stand up when you see the cops coming and get your shoulders above the apes...

Apes aren't my thing so I wouldn't do it. However, that is a personal opinion (for which you asked). It's your bike, do your own thing!

I rode a CB750 with higher bars that weren't quite mini-apes and it was a fun ride. I just don't go to high. Again...personal choices.

[Momz]

Putting Ape Hangers on a Valk, would be like installing a Car Tire on the rear.
 Do it only if you want to die a FLAMING DEATH!

[9Ball]

Putting Ape Hangers on a Valk, would be like installing a Car Tire on the rear.
 Do it only if you want to die a FLAMING DEATH!

trouble maker...

[czuch]

I gotta go with the dont do it camp.
They throw the whole gyronomics off and unless you have massive upper body strength, you'll end up tragic. I had a pair on a spor$&^#&  when I was in my 20's and even though it was a light bike and I was cool, they came off after 3 days. Clip-ons same, same.

[big turkey]

Why

[G-Man]

I am thinking about putting Ape Hangers on My Valkyrie Tourer, are there any thoghts?

I'm 6'4" with most of my height above my waist.  I ride with mini apes now (9" rise) with 4" risers (I think the stock riser is 2"),  They were great until I changed my seat to the Ultimate King Boy.  Now that I am another inch or so back, I think I might go with 11" bars.  The bars I like have a lot less pullback as well, so ithey are like Apes and drags combined.  I have great control and better visibility from the mirrors as well.

[BF]

Can you put up a few pics of your set-up G-man?

[G-Man]

I went with black powdercoated bars to make the Valkyrie even FASTER!

Front view in the wind with 9" rise


Side view in the wind


Another side view in the wind


Just Plain Beautiful!!!!!!

[Farther]

Looks plenty good to me!

[JimL]

G-Man I have to admit after seeing the side view of your bike with those ape hangers...they appear to be a good fit for you because of your height.  

[G-Man]

G-Man I have to admit after seeing the side view of your bike with those ape hangers...they appear to be a good fit for you because of your height.  

I was getting neck and shoulder pain from the stock bars being too low for me.  The mini apes really did help, even if Detn8er thinks I stole them off of my kids bike.   

With this setup, I didn't have to re-route or  re-wire anything.  The reduced pullback made up for the increased rise.  But if I do go to the 11" bars, I'm gonna have to either re-route or get longer cables, hoses, and lengthen wires.  Not a job I'm looking forward to, but a good winter project to keep me off the couch some evenings.   

Every bike I've owned needed "adjustments" to fit me.  They don't build motorcycles for tall people.  Never getting rid of the Valkyrie, but the Yamaha Roadliner was an OK fit for me.  The seat and floorboards felt good, but I'd still have to elevate my arms with higher bars.

[doniholcomb]

G man,

Can you give me some information on your tail lights, where did you get them?

[Capt. Morgan]

My opinion. A friend has the tall one's on his H.D. I took it for a ride and didn't like them. I felt that if a panic stop was needed they would either break at the riser or would bend forward. I did not feel safe with them.

[john]

Ape Hangers on a Valkyrie  ....