Ape Hangers or Drag Bars?

Ape's are great - until they break-off while you're driving.

The extra length gives you more leverage. More leverage means more stress at the bend. More stress leads to micro-fractures you cannot see, which then lead to "WTF!" just when "WTF!" is the worst thing that could happen (Murphy's Law). At a minimum, you *will* put stress on the bars every time you bring the bike off the side-stand.

I've *personally* experienced this particular event (my old chopped Harley), and witnessed two others. If you go ape, I'd recommend replacing the bars on a periodic basis. The specific time frame depends on how much you value your life, and how much your bike is worth - in no particular order!

Ape Hangers For Sportster

Sportster Ape Hangers

My choice from experience would be the 12" apes. I changed from stock handlebars to drag bars on my 2000 sporty, and the seating position was very uncomfortable. Rode it about 2 months that way, then switched to 12" apes. It was a much more relaxed position, and the larger bars made steering easier. The drag bars required more force to turn the bike. just my opinion, and my experience.

I like the apes myself, I'm 6'3" and have 14 inch apes, just the right height for me. You can put just about any length pull backs on for the drag bars. So you won't get cramped up.

drag bars with 2 inch pull back risers

Apes look great on a bike parked out in front of a bar, they look asinine when someone is actually riding the bike and they have to suck trying to corner at speed, but none of your harley friends will be cornering fast anyway.

Drag bars probably offer better cornering control but if you cared about cornering you wouldn't' be riding a harley. Drag bars don't look as good parked out in front of a bar.

Get the apes.....but 12 inch apes are kind of girlie.

Drag bars are for racing, not for comfort. What to you want to do?

I personally don't like drag bars. They are uncomfortable and force you into a forward leaning position.

I'm 6'4" and run drag bars.

Never liked apes, as my hands go numb.