Ape hangers are a type of motorcycle handlebar that has become synonymous with the custom motorcycle culture, particularly among chopper enthusiasts and cruisers. These handlebars are distinguished by their high rise, often towering above the rider’s head, giving them a unique and bold appearance. While their aesthetic appeal is undeniable, the decision to install ape hangers on a motorcycle involves more than just considering the looks. Ape hangers come with both practical and aesthetic advantages, as well as drawbacks that can affect the rider’s comfort, safety, and handling.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of ape hangers in detail, examining everything from their impact on riding posture and comfort to their legal considerations and influence on bike handling. By understanding both the benefits and challenges of ape hangers, motorcycle enthusiasts can make an informed decision about whether these handlebars are the right choice for them. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking to customize your bike or a newcomer curious about the appeal of ape hangers, this article will provide you with a balanced and in-depth overview.
Pros of Ape Hangers
1. Distinctive Style and Aesthetic Appeal
The most immediate and obvious benefit of ape hangers is their striking appearance. These handlebars stand out, giving the motorcycle a bold, custom look that is synonymous with the chopper culture. Whether you’re a fan of vintage motorcycle aesthetics or modern custom builds, ape hangers contribute to a distinct style that turns heads wherever you go. The high-rise positioning gives the rider an imposing and dominant presence on the road, making them a favorite choice for those looking to create a unique, attention-grabbing bike.
The look of ape hangers adds an element of personality to the bike that’s hard to achieve with conventional handlebars. If you’re looking to make a statement with your ride, ape hangers are an easy way to enhance your motorcycle’s visual appeal and stand out from the crowd.
2. Improved Road Presence
Motorcycles with ape hangers tend to have a stronger road presence compared to bikes with standard handlebars. The tall bars elevate the rider’s position, making them more noticeable to other drivers on the road. This increased visibility can be a practical benefit, as it can reduce the chances of other vehicles failing to notice the rider, potentially improving safety in traffic.
The commanding stature of a motorcycle outfitted with ape hangers often exudes confidence, which can also contribute to the rider’s sense of authority on the road. While it’s not a guaranteed safety feature, the visibility boost can make other motorists more aware of your presence, helping to mitigate the risk of accidents.
3. Comfortable Upright Riding Position
Ape hangers can encourage a more relaxed, upright riding posture compared to conventional handlebars. The taller bars allow the rider to keep their arms raised and elbows bent, which may help reduce strain on the lower back and wrists during long rides. This more natural, upright position can be beneficial for those who enjoy cruising and long-distance riding.
For some riders, the higher handlebar position enables a more relaxed grip and a more comfortable body posture, especially when riding at lower speeds. This position can alleviate the discomfort caused by the aggressive, forward-leaning posture that some motorcycles with lower handlebars require.
4. Customization and Personalization
Ape hangers allow for a high degree of customization, making them popular among motorcycle enthusiasts who want to personalize their bike to match their tastes. These handlebars come in various heights, widths, and materials, enabling riders to choose the design that best suits their riding style and aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re building a custom chopper or simply modifying your current bike, ape hangers provide endless possibilities for creativity.
The versatility of ape hangers means they can be tailored to fit a variety of motorcycle frames and styles, from cruiser bikes to custom builds. The ability to choose from different finishes, such as chrome, black powder-coated, or brushed metal, further enhances the level of customization.
5. More Freedom of Movement
Due to their elevated design, ape hangers can provide the rider with greater freedom of movement, particularly when maneuvering the bike at slow speeds. The higher handlebars give the rider more control over their body position, allowing them to shift their weight more easily during tight turns or low-speed maneuvers.
For riders who enjoy cruising or want to feel a bit freer when handling their bike, ape hangers allow them to shift their posture without being confined to a specific riding position. This can also be beneficial for riders who wish to maintain a relaxed and comfortable body stance, especially during long rides on highways or open roads.
6. Better Visibility in Traffic
The elevated position of the handlebars offers an advantage when navigating through heavy traffic. When the rider’s arms are lifted high, they gain an elevated perspective of the road, which can improve their overall awareness of their surroundings. This heightened visibility can help riders spot obstacles, traffic lights, and other vehicles more easily.
Being able to see over the vehicles around them may allow riders with ape hangers to anticipate traffic flow and make better decisions in congested areas. The ability to gain a better view of the road can be especially useful for avoiding potential hazards in dense urban environments.
7. Increased Control at High Speeds
Although ape hangers may seem more suited for relaxed cruising, they can offer increased control at high speeds, particularly when installed correctly. The higher handlebar position provides a more stable grip, and the rider’s arms are positioned further from the body, which can help improve balance and reduce fatigue during extended rides at speed.
This greater control comes from the more natural grip and the ability to shift weight and adjust posture more freely. For riders who enjoy long-distance riding or highway cruising, ape hangers may offer a more comfortable and controlled ride.
8. Enhanced Touring and Long-Distance Comfort
Ape hangers can be an ideal choice for long-distance or touring riders who prioritize comfort. The more upright riding position reduces the strain on the rider’s wrists, shoulders, and back. For long stretches on highways or scenic routes, the relaxed posture that ape hangers encourage can prevent the rider from becoming fatigued quickly, making them ideal for those who spend hours on the road.
The elevated handlebar design also allows the rider to stretch out their arms and shift their upper body to relieve tension, further enhancing comfort during long rides.
9. Durable and Sturdy
Ape hangers are often made from durable materials like steel or aluminum, ensuring they can withstand the wear and tear of long rides and harsh weather conditions. These handlebars are designed to be sturdy and reliable, providing a solid grip for the rider while maintaining the structural integrity of the motorcycle.
The durability of ape hangers makes them an excellent choice for riders who value strength and reliability in their bike components. With proper maintenance, these handlebars can last for many years, ensuring a long lifespan for your bike’s customization.
10. Easier to Modify for Taller Riders
For taller riders, regular handlebars can sometimes feel too low, creating discomfort or limited mobility. Ape hangers offer a simple solution, providing a more suitable height for those who need extra space to avoid hunching or straining their arms. Taller riders can easily find ape hangers that match their specific height requirements, ensuring a more comfortable and ergonomic ride.
The increased height of the handlebars allows taller riders to keep their arms comfortably bent without needing to lean forward excessively, making them a popular choice for those seeking comfort on long journeys.
Cons of Ape Hangers
1. Reduced Handling and Maneuverability
While ape hangers may provide a comfortable riding position for some, they can also negatively affect the bike’s handling, especially at lower speeds. The high handlebars can make the bike feel less responsive during tight turns or quick maneuvers, as the rider’s control over the bike is less direct compared to bikes with traditional handlebars.
This can be a particular concern in situations like navigating through traffic or performing sharp cornering, where precise and immediate handling is essential. The higher position of the bars requires more body movement, which can make sudden adjustments more difficult and less fluid.
2. Increased Risk of Arm Fatigue
Although the upright riding position offered by ape hangers may reduce strain on the lower back, it can increase arm fatigue during long rides. Holding the arms up at such a height for extended periods can lead to tired shoulders and aching biceps, especially for riders who are not accustomed to this position.
This can be exacerbated on long-distance rides or during hot weather, as maintaining the elevated arm position can become uncomfortable over time. Riders may find that they need to take more frequent breaks to rest their arms and avoid discomfort.
3. Limited Control at Low Speeds
At low speeds, ape hangers can sometimes reduce the rider’s ability to maintain complete control of the bike. The high handlebars create a greater distance between the rider’s hands and the rest of the body, making it harder to engage in subtle adjustments or handle the bike smoothly during slow maneuvers.
This can be particularly challenging in tight spaces, such as parking lots or narrow streets, where riders need to make precise movements. The less direct control over the bike’s steering can be a significant disadvantage in these situations.
4. Increased Risk of Injury in a Crash
In the unfortunate event of an accident, ape hangers can pose a greater risk of injury compared to standard handlebars. Because of their elevated position, riders may be more prone to injury from being thrown over the handlebars or from impact with the handlebars themselves. In a crash, the elevated bars could cause the rider to lose balance more easily, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries.
Additionally, the height of the bars can make it more difficult to escape the bike quickly, as the rider’s arms are positioned in a more awkward angle. This could potentially hinder the rider’s ability to react in emergency situations.
5. Legal and Safety Regulations
In some regions, the height of ape hangers may be subject to legal restrictions. Certain laws mandate that handlebars must not exceed a specific height in relation to the rider’s seat. If your ape hangers exceed these limits, you may be required to modify or replace them to comply with local laws.
These legal restrictions can be an inconvenience for riders who live in areas with strict regulations on motorcycle modifications. Additionally, police may pull over riders with ape hangers if they suspect that the handlebars violate local safety standards, leading to potential fines or penalties.
6. Increased Wind Resistance
Higher handlebars can create more wind resistance, particularly at high speeds. The increased height of ape hangers may catch more air, affecting the overall aerodynamics of the bike. For riders who frequently travel at high speeds, this can result in additional strain on the bike’s engine and reduced fuel efficiency.
The wind resistance may also cause the rider to feel a greater force pushing them backward, making it more difficult to maintain stability, especially during gusty weather conditions.
7. Expensive Customization
While ape hangers are a popular choice for customizing motorcycles, they can come at a higher cost compared to other handlebars. In addition to the price of the bars themselves, installing ape hangers often requires modifications to cables, brake lines, and wiring, which can significantly increase the overall cost of the project.
For riders on a budget, the added expense of customizing a bike with ape hangers may not be worth the benefit, especially when considering the potential trade-offs in handling and comfort.
8. Not Suitable for Every Rider
Ape hangers are not universally suited to all riders. Their high position may feel uncomfortable or impractical for shorter riders, who may find that their arms cannot reach the handlebars without straining. For riders with shorter arms, ape hangers may feel too high, causing them to have to stretch uncomfortably to maintain control.
Riders of different body types or heights may struggle to find the right balance with ape hangers, and for some, the discomfort may outweigh the aesthetic or comfort benefits.
Conclusion
Ape hangers are an iconic feature in the world of custom motorcycles, offering a distinctive style and a unique riding experience. They provide advantages such as improved road presence, an upright and comfortable riding position, and increased customization options. However, they also come with challenges, including reduced maneuverability, arm fatigue, and potential legal restrictions.
Ultimately, whether ape hangers are the right choice depends on the rider’s priorities, riding style, and preferences. For those who value comfort and aesthetics, they can be an excellent addition to a custom motorcycle, but they may not be the best fit for every rider or riding condition. When considering ape hangers, it’s important to weigh both the pros and cons to make the best decision for your personal needs and preferences.