Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums banner
Cancel

Ape Bars??? Am I Missing Something?

Jump to Latest Follow
Status
Not open for further replies.
1 - 20 of 138 Posts
C

· Vegas Vulcan
Joined
·
1,161 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I can't imagine for the life of me the reason for installing these. Is there some practical reason I am overlooking? They just seem a little ridiculous and I can't see riding with them for a length of time with the blood running out of my arms.
​
 
J

· Registered
Joined
·
23,403 Posts
#3 ·
If they are sized properly, they are quite comfortable and increase your ciculation, preventing sore or numb hands. Having the handgrips at about heart level is optimal for best comfort and circulation, which is also why some states mandate the highest level a set of bars can be.

We've all seen pics of rediculously high bars that will undoubtedly find their way here, but unless you've held them, you won't quite know.
 
N

· Novice Tank Roller
Joined
·
15,810 Posts
#4 ·
I have the stock bars on mine but with risers. If I rotate the bars forward to gain more altitude with them, my fingers start to tingle in a short time. I've found that lower is the best option for me. Maybe my heart just isn't strong enough! :O
 
S

· 900 Customer
Joined
·
901 Posts
#5 ·
I've heard that smaller apes are pretty comfy, and some bikes look ok with them (the Harley Street Bob comes to mind), but overall I don't like the look. They just look very dated IMO.
 
Save Share
N

· Novice Tank Roller
Joined
·
15,810 Posts
#8 ·
CycleDude said:
And that is one of my favorite parts of motorcycling.... The individuality. It would suck if we all had the same bike with the same colors, etc. We can make our rides as individual as ourselves.
Click to expand...
I think all our bikes should be Kawi green!!!!!! :D
 
O

· lock up your daughters
Joined
·
1,114 Posts
#13 ·
I just installed these on my V2K classic. Extremely comfortable. I am awaiting my backrest, but with the heel rest, back rest, and apes I'll be comfy.

They look huge in the picture, but are not nearly as big in person. I used to not like the apes, but I rode a bike with these bars (it was blvd) it was so much more comfortable to have my arms up, shoulders like, back loves it. Of course Im a tad bit bigger than most. The grips sit right around my shoulder hieght as were the guy who had the blvd was only 5' 8" or so maybe taller, maybe shorter, but for him they were above his shoulders a bit.

Its all an individual thing though, as said above its the cool part everyone does their own thing. I've ridden through bugs, rain, and just about everything else, but I still have no desire to put a windshield on my toy.

So no your not missing anything, apes just aren't for you. Im not a ford guy, lotta people are, there just not for me.


THE BIKE BELOW DOES NOT BELONG TO ME, IT WAS ADDED FOR REFERENCE THE HANDLE BARS ONLY. THE BIKE BELONGS TO SCOTT FROM BARON CUSTOM ACC.
 
C

· Vegas Vulcan
Joined
·
1,161 Posts
Discussion Starter · #14 ·
ratfink said:
practical reason no...badass reason yes....if you have to ask...forget it...
Click to expand...
Ah...cause it's badass. I see now. Like when I was 16 and I jacked up the rear end of my 69 Chevelle. Yes, I was badass but unaware that I was prematurely wearing my front end by throwing all the weight forward and creating ill handling effects. Badass..... yeah!

So just because I'm curious without loving them right away I should just forget them..... I'm not worthy.... come on. I enjoy custom work too...and am in the middle of doing some custom work on my 1600. But many states outlaw ape hangers over a certain height and I am wondering why. If I have to sacrifice handling and safety to be badass no thanks.
 
C

· Vegas Vulcan
Joined
·
1,161 Posts
Discussion Starter · #15 ·
Occitiger said:
I just installed these on my V2K classic. Extremely comfortable. I am awaiting my backrest, but with the heel rest, back rest, and apes I'll be comfy.

They look huge in the picture, but are not nearly as big in person. I used to not like the apes, but I rode a bike with these bars (it was blvd) it was so much more comfortable to have my arms up, shoulders like, back loves it. Of course Im a tad bit bigger than most. The grips sit right around my shoulder hieght as were the guy who had the blvd was only 5' 8" or so maybe taller, maybe shorter, but for him they were above his shoulders a bit.

Its all an individual thing though, as said above its the cool part everyone does their own thing. I've ridden through bugs, rain, and just about everything else, but I still have no desire to put a windshield on my toy.

So no your not missing anything, apes just aren't for you. Im not a ford guy, lotta people are, there just not for me.
Click to expand...
I can't really say that they are not for me since I have never tried them. They just look strange and out of sync with the machine. Have you noticed an improvement or decrease in the quality of handling?

BTW: Nice looking flames and custom fender work. Is that the original fender reworked or did you replace it with a custom piece?
 
M

· Registered
Joined
·
36 Posts
#18 ·
Im 5"10 and have 12" apes on my 800 Classic and they are much more comfortable.....the OE bars were to low for me and gave me lower back aches on long rides....I have no issues with circulation in my arms or hands due to the bar height....plus IMO they look cool :cool:

The apes and forward controls let me ride longer between stops.....If you havent ridden a bike with apes...dont knock it until you try it!

I understand that not everyone thinks they are cool looking but....Im not trying to please everyone.....just me :-D

Im actually rebuilding the bike as a bobber over the winter I'll take some pics and post before and after shots.


MaXx
 
G

· Doc, I need a road trip!
Joined
·
1,398 Posts
#20 ·
I was skeptical at first....

Two of my buddy's have apes on them, (both Harleys) and I thought they looked uncomfortable and impractable, until I sat on them :confused: I couldn't believe how comfortable they felt! I am contimplating getting some for my 1500. I think I will be looking for some 13" ones and not the 16"er's.
 
Save Share
1 - 20 of 138 Posts
Status
Not open for further replies.
About this Discussion
137 Replies
39 Participants
Last post:
D-Day
Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums
A forum community dedicated to Kawasaki Motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, off-road, touring, street bikes, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Kawasaki Cruisers Main Lobby Kawasaki Streetbikes/Sportbikes Vintage Motorcyle Info The Mechanics Corner
Top