Ape Hangers

[Cinco9]

  Never see ape hangers on a valkyrie...Can anyone tell me the Pros & Cons of having Ape hangers on a Valkyrie ?

[Tfrank59]

Here's a con though it's just my opinion, they're ugly

[John Schmidt]

The Valk isn't the lightest bike around to pull off the sidestand. With the apes you don't have the leverage some riders need to do that. Personally, I agree with Tfrank....the appearance takes away from the looks of the Valk. It's a bike with a fat profile and figure, they just don't look good on them. With a Harley or similar, certain models look great with apes if the bike has a smaller/narrower profile. Plus, many don't have the weight you have to pull up off the sidestand. Again....JMO. 

[gordonv]

I believe I also read that if you hands are above your should in some states/counties, you can be ticketed. I think I read this about Sturges, where riders leave their bars loose so they can pull them down when they see a LEO.

Reasoning is, that you do not have the power/control when your hands are above your shoulders.

And they are UGLY! But then, we are all different. 

[Tfrank59]

In Washington state where I live the law is 17 inches above the seat maximum handlebar height.  I see a lot of bikes with apes but never yet a valkyrie.

[Cinco9]

 Would a taller riser effect the handling in any way ? In agreeing with John that is a very fat tire up front, probably the reason for wide bars.

[Jess from VA]

Many (most) of us get risers taller than stock (even short guys).  But 4-6 inch risers (over the 3 1/8" stock risers), not foot tall risers.  The usual 4-6" taller risers have no adverse effects, or we wouldn't be using them.  Over the years, many have reported shoulder pain or discomfort from the stock risers  (and I believe that can be said for a wide variety of stock risers on cruiser bikes of all makes). 

The really tall ape hangers are a poor choice, on any bike (IMHO).  Mini apes on the other hand may be fine, esp for a taller rider.  I don't see mini apes being conducive to best competent riding in mountain twisties, but if you live in the flat lands they may be OK.

[Leathel]

I put 10" mini apes on and its so much easier/ Natural to corner with counter steering, I would like to put 12" on now but then it will be too tight for the clutch and brake hoses as they sit ATM but I may still go there when finances permit, These are fatter 1 1/4" bars with solid risers

The factory bars had me feeling I was pushing a wheel barrow

[Tfrank59]

Those ain't bad at all.  Not near as high as the mini apes I've seen on other bikes.  Still, I like my wheel barrow

[phideux]

I didn't think I would like them, but I borrowed a couple bars from friends to try and my buddy let me try on a pair of 14" apes he had. Liked the way they felt and got a set. I've never been an Ape guy before. They are right about shoulder high on me and my hands just rest naturally on the grips. I needed to mount them play with the forward/back on them until I found that sweet spot. Now I absolutely love the way the bike feels and handles. Plus I think they look great on mine.
On mine all the cables, wires and brake lines are long enough, the only one that is tight is the choke cable, but it's not so tight that it doesn't work.


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[Fazer]

I've seen several Harley's with very high ape hangers.  Have to say it looks very odd to have them with a fairing.  I can go witrh extended risers for comfort, but ape hangers--no way.

[Roidfingers]

Put these drag bars on mine. Believe 8 inch rise and 6 inch pull back. Absolutely love the way they feel. Makes cornering so much better.