Handlebars for bikes come in a variety of different shapes and sizes to match your riding style and comfort fit.
If you want to take your motorcycle from an average stock look to something more befitting the free spirit in you, adding a pair of Ape Hanger handlebars is the way to go.
Also, with the right handlebar, they help your posture and increase comfort for the longer rides. And most importantly, they are just so much fun!
Ape Hanger handlebars are a great combination of health improvement, aesthetics, and attitude. We have researched the market, and prepared a list of the best ape hangers for road glides for you.
IN A HURRY? Here’s Our Top Picks…
Last update on 2020-11-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top Rated Ape Hangers For Road Glide Reviews
1# Demons Cycle Mayhem Black 12“ Rise Ape Hangers
- Black Mayhem Road Glide Ape Hanger handlebars, Compatible with Harley motorcycles
- 12" Rise; 1.25" diameter steel tube construction pre-drilled for internal wiring; 35.5" wide from tip to tip
- Features pre-drilled wiring holes; optional switches and switches sold separately or together as a 3-part kit
- 1.25" riser clamping area and 1” hand control/grip area; 3.5" on-center knurling for firm mounting; 5” wide overall
- Built with one-piece technology for maximum safety and quality
Last update on 2020-11-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mayhem Black Ape Hangers are 12“ handlebars with 1.25“ diameter purposed to fit Harley-Davidson Road Glide 2016 and upwards.
What’s so great about this product is that unlike most of their competitors, this product does not use weld-pipe-in-pipe construction method.
Welded or glued joints are prone to failure and handlebars sometimes collapse during a ride. That might lead to a catastrophe.
The Mayhem uses one-piece technology, meaning there are no joints in the 1“ to 1.25“ transitions. And this method is far less likely to fail compared to the joints held together by welding.
These Harley ape hangers tips taper to 1 inch. Furthermore, the handlebars have a 5“ backward sweep.
Things We Like:
- The ape hanger handlebars are powder coated with semi-gloss black.
- A single piece of pipe.
- Standard handlebar controls fit.
- Comes with drilled wiring and mountain holes.
Things That Can Improve:
- The bars are deburred on the inside
- May chafe the wiring.
> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <
2# Dominator Industries Road Glide Meathook Ape Hanger Handlebars
- CONTROL COMPATIBILITY: This 1 1/4 Inch Road Glide Meathook Ape is Compatible with all the stock cables & controls on 2015-2019 Road Glides.
- MODEL COMPATIBILITY: Fits 2015-2019 model years of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide (FLTR). Available with 10 inch, 12 inch, 13 inch, 14 inch, 16 inch, and 18 inch rise in Chrome or Gloss Black Finish.
- READY TO GO: Our Handlebars are Properly Plumbed for Internal Wiring and Notched for TBW Applications. What Does This Mean? Less Time Installing Your Handlebars and More Time RIDING!
- QUALITY: Hand Made in the USA - Laser cut, fully TIG welded, beveled & de-burred for easy internal wire pulling, and polished to show quality finish. All of our bars are carefully designed to provide natural, relaxed grip angles combined with optimal pullback comfort. We have engineered them to be direct bolt-on replacements for stock equipment. No slag inside the bar tubes makes installation easy.
- DOMINATOR: A NAME YOU CAN TRUST: Dominator Cycles is a Name You can Trust. We Produce High quality Handlebars Right Here in the States. Furthermore, Our Five Star Customer Service, Customized Products, and Limited Lifetime Warranty Will Make Dominator a Partner You and Your Bike can Partner with for Years to COME.
Last update on 2020-11-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Meathook ape hangers handlebars are the perfect road glide bars for the 2015-2018 model years of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide (FLTR).
The comfort in riding and easy installation process make choosing Dominator Industries handlebars to customize your bike a no-brainer.
All of the parts for the road glide bars are hand-made in the USA. The company employs a multi-step manufacturing process using the finest materials.
The tube diameter stepped down to 1” from 1.25“ for stock controls. The throttle side is honed out and fits cable throttle systems. Laser cut tubing yields the smoothest corners with no slag for easy wiring. The Meathook Ape Hangers with are available in many sizes but the 14-inch ape hangers and 16-inch ape hangers are the most popular.
Things We Like:
- Has the classic styling of Harley-Davidson.
- Perfect for the unique attitude of the Harley riders.
- No compromises with the quality.
Things That Can Improve:
- Not many options for smaller riders.
> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <
3# Bagger Brother HD-HB-20-K Black Ape Hanger Handlebar with ETC.
- 1 1/4"-diameter formed steel handlebars with chrome-plated or black finish
- 1" center mounting section and 1" grip mounts
- Pre-drilled for internal wiring; notched for electronic throttle control
- 3 1/2" on-center knurling; clamping width is 5.5" to accommodate one-piece top riser clamps
- Work with standard 96-15 style controls and grips. Do not fit with hydraulic clutch
Last update on 2020-11-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bagger Ape Hanger handlebars are 1.25“ in diameter. They are 12-inch black handlebars with ETC made for 2008-2015 Harley-Davidson models with 3.5-inch risers.
The Bagger ape hangers have slotted grips with right side flattened for master cylinder clearance and notched for ETC. For this product, one-piece upper riser clamp must be used when installing bars with center elliptical slot on pre-2008 baggers.
Since there are no sharp turns or edges in the bars they are a breeze to wire the internal controls. These are a great pair of custom ape hangers for Baggers.
Things We Like:
- These handlebars have diamond knurls for risers on 3.50-inch centers.
- It has an elliptical center slot.
- They can also be used on 1996-2007 Harley-Davidson models without ETC.
Things That Can Improve:
- The product cannot be used with stock risers.
- They are not for use with handlebar clamp/gauge mounted on XL883C/1200C.
- Cannot be used for Harley models with Bat Wing fairies.
> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <
4# Road 6 Customs 2015-2019 Road Glide Standard Apes- Gloss Black.
- see product description below for details
Last update on 2020-11-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Road 6 Customs Standard Ape hangers for 2015-2019 Harley Davidson Road Glides are 13-inch in rise, 1.25-inch in They work with all your stock clamps, hand controls, and cables.
Therefore, the installation is a breeze! The Ape hangers have 6.5-inch pullback, are 33 inches tip to tip. And they are made in the USA.
The finish on the bars is excellent and they look great on the bike. The handlebars are very comfortable. They are inexpensive compared to their competition.
It is one of highest rated products on the market and customers are highly satisfied with the fit and finish of the product.
Things We Like:
- Specifically designed for 2015-2019 Road Glides.
- Great tutorial videos!
- The installation is a breeze!
- They come out of the box ready for internal wiring.
- The Ape Hangers are knurled on centers for Harleys.
Things That Can Improve:
- The bars are, however, easy to scratch.
- Needs to be taped before installation.
> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <
5# FMB Menacing Bars Custom Ape Hanger Handlebars for Road Glides
- FITS 2014 AND BELOW ROAD GLIDES
- FITS HARLEY SOFTAILS AND SPORTSTERS
- HAND MADE IN THE USA
- D.O.M TUBING
- powdercoated
Last update on 2020-11-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These FMB Ape Hanger handlebars fit Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Road King models from 2014 and below. These custom ape hanger handlebars are hand made in the USA.
These handlebars are 3.5-inch center to center, 1.25“ tubing with stepped down to 7.25“ of 1“ tubing for hand controls notched for throttle by wire.
They have a 120 wall thickness. There are 6“ of 1“ tubing inside the center for risers. The product is 100% TIG welded, pre drilled for wiring. These come powder coated glossy or satin black.
They have 6“ of pullback, 33“ tip to tip, and FMB can make custom rise or pullback at no additional charge.
Things We Like:
- They also fit Harley softails and sportsters.
- They are known as one of the best ape hangers for softail deluxe.
- They are knurled for standard risers.
- Highly customizable in rise and pullback.
Things That Can Improve:
- Doesn’t come in chrome.
- FMB’s custom design, not for everyone.
> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <
6# Bagger Brothers HD-HB-20-CH Chrome Ape Hanger Handlebar with ETC
- 1 1/4"-diameter formed steel handlebars with chrome-plated or black finish
- 1" center mounting section and 1" grip mounts
- Pre-drilled for internal wiring; notched for electronic throttle control
- 3 1/2" on-center knurling; clamping width is 5.5" to accommodate one-piece top riser clamps
- Work with standard 96-15 style controls and grips. Do not fit with hydraulic clutch
Last update on 2020-11-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bagger ape hangers are 1.25“ in diameter. They are 12-inch Black Ape hanger handlebars with ETC made for 2008-2015 Harley-Davidson models with risers on 3.5-inch centers.
The Bagger Brother hangers have elliptical center slot, slotted grips with right side flattened for master cylinder clearance and notched for ETC. Since there are no sharp turns or edges in the bars they are a breeze to wire the internal controls.
They have 1″ center mounting section and 1″ grip mounts. The bagger Ape Hanger handlebars are 3.5″ on-center knurling; clamping width is 5.5″ to accommodate one-piece top riser clamps.
Things We Like:
- They have diamond knurls for risers on 3.50-inch centers.
- The handlebars are pre-drilled for internal wiring; notched for electronic throttle control.
- They work with standard 96-15 style controls and grips.
Things That Can Improve:
- The product cannot be used with stock risers.
- They do not fit with hydraulic clutch.
- Cannot be used for Harley models with Bat Wing fairies.
> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <
Ape Hangers For Road Glide FAQ
Q1: Are ape hangers comfortable on long rides?
If the ape hangers are too tall according to the rider’s height, they can get really uncomfortable on longer rides.
In turns you have to give more effort; you end up wrestling the bike through hard turns. The change in weight distribution that Ape Hangers offer dramatically increases comfort and reduces pain in the wrists, back and shoulders.
Depending on your height, you can find the right fit. If you’re tall with long arms, 20 inch ape hangers are the limit for you.
Q2: Is it hard to ride with ape hangers?
It depends. Many ape hangers are wide, which can increase the rider’s control. The rider’s leverage on the bars is decreased with a very tall set of apes, but the difference is often balanced through mechanical leverage achieved from having a wider handlebar.
Steering response can feel unintuitive, making the ride control more difficult. Having the right combination among the bike, driver, and the handlebar is the key.
Q3: How do you keep ape hangers from slipping?
Especially on chrome handlebars like carlini gangster apes, it can get slippery. Usually ape hanger kits come with some clamps to tighten it.
You can customize kits like the fatboy ape hanger kits to create some grip via drilling or add-ons to prevent slipping.
Q4: What size ape hangers should I get?
It depends on your height and the bike, and the length of your arms. Various lengths and shapes play into the factor, but ideally your arms should be slightly below your shoulder level and your elbows slightly bent. Your hands should be slightly wider than your shoulder width.
Q5: How do you measure ape handlebars?
There are three basic measurements you need to determine your handlebar dimensions: rise/height, pull back, and width. Holding the handlebar, the distance between your hands is the width, the bend on the handlebar towards you in the pullback, and the height is the height between the center of the handlebar to the middle of your hands.
Buying Guide For Best Ape Hangers For Road Glide
The height of the Ape Hangers is going to have the greatest influence on bar comfort, riding style and the looks of the bike.
Let’s explore some criteria you should consider:
Choosing height:
To decide what height you would like your bars, it is important to consider the ‘riders triangle’. The three points of the triangle are made by your contact with the seat, the Handlebar grips and the foot pegs. Depending on the bike, same sized handlebars can have massively different impact on the experience of the rider.
Cable management:
In most cases, extended cables will be necessary to fit any Ape over 10” in height. You should measure your cables before you purchase a new set of bars, especially to avoid extending the cables.
Simply measure the length of free cable from your riser to the switch block, and compare this measurement to the dimensions of your preferred Handlebar.
Leaning forwards vs sitting up-right:
If you suffer from sore back, shoulders or neck, you should consider Ape Hangers as they will raise riding position, shifting more of the body weight from your hands to the seat. This also creates a more upright posture for the rider, reducing bending and strain.
Impact on handling:
If you go for a tall Ape Hanger, you may notice that the turn-in on your bike feels slower to react. This is because you will have to the lean the bars over a longer distance to turn the bike into a curve. It won’t affect the handling of the bike, but changes the responsive feel of fast turning and performing tight radius turns. Taller handles also increase vibration at grips.
Conclusion:
Ape Hangers are the most popular modification on Road Glides for good reasons. They’re fun to ride, and make you feel amazing when you look at your bike standing out and reflecting you.
The ability of changing the look, feel and comfort of your bike is just as enjoyable as riding it. Experimenting with different parts and refining the look of your bike helps you to reflect your personality through your bike.
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