I'm not trying to be snarky here, but am really trying to understand.

Over the weekend my wife, son, and I were driving to a county fair when we ended up near a guy on his Harley with massive ape hanger handlebars. The grips were just about at his maximum reach both vertically and laterally. The guy looked as if he were being crucified as he rode along.

We tried figuring out what the attraction could be. I can't imagine any conceivable advantage in terms of control, performance, or comfort. My wife eventually decided it must be some sort of "style thing, like riding with your feet splayed way out in front of you" but we still couldn't see why anyone would want bars like that in a real-world riding situation.

I know there are current and former Harley folks on the board. If anyone could help me understand the appeal of these bars it would be appreciated.

It saves a lot of $$$ on deodorant if you just keep those things aired out.



-SORRY ...I know you were trying to be serious and all...   

your a looser and you woudlnt understand. Ape hangers are for the cool kids, and the cool kids rule.



seriously, i dont know. do you ever wonder what they think of us?

"man their bars are so low, how can they ride like that?"

to give the front end a longer, stretched-out appearance?

they would like to remember their "previous life" ..... 

Oh come on....

They are so bad ass. I ordered some for my Monster.

Cant wait to get them

Just don't forget to show us the pics ROBsS4R 

Obviously they serve an important purpose. Suzuki wouldn't be offering them as an option on their 2009 GSX-R line, otherwise.

                Perhaps, Vertical Hang Gliding?

I think that it [must be] about the thrill of having very little control of a very torquey, heavy cycle. Doesn't hanging on in fear for dear life sound like fun? ...especially if you raise the ante with *no protective gear*.. a mild requisite for the 'ape hanger' crew...

I think I'd be terrified at about 15-20 mph...


I always think about the guys' visibility when they're trying to look through a turn, they'd get an eye full of tatoo'd arm instead of a read on the road..

It is like putting a bone through your nose, wearing your pants around your ankles, or getting a tribal tattoo.  It says "I want to be different.  Just like everyone else."  Rebel without a clue pretty much sums it up.

Quote from: SUPER DUKE! on July 27, 2008, 10:09:01 PM
It saves a lot of $$$ on deodorant if you just keep those things aired out.

I think that's the most convincing one I've heard thus far.

Quote from: He Man on July 27, 2008, 10:10:00 PM
your a looser and you woudlnt understand.

That's what everyone keeps telling me, so it must be true.

Quote from: ROBsS4R on July 28, 2008, 12:02:10 AM
They are so bad ass. I ordered some for my Monster.

Aren't the "City" bars on my 620 the Monster equivalent of ape hangers?

Well I thought they were cool when I was 14.....

Ya know though all bike groupings probably have similar things.

Ex. I was getting the Monster inspected at the local Harley shop. The Harley wrenches usually are interested in my Ducks. The one mechanic was talking with me and mentioned the open clutch cover. He said, " I guess it helps keep the clutch cool." I said, "Ah, it's for looks." He chuckled.

OK so a better case might be able to be made for an open clutch cover vs ape hangers...But, I think you see my point.

BTW I think ape hangers are silly/stupid. To each his own.

Quote from: ROBsS4R on July 28, 2008, 12:02:10 AM
Oh come on....

They are so bad ass. I ordered some for my Monster.

Cant wait to get them

you beat me to posting that picture, but not this one!

REAL Apes don't need them - only posers