positioning of new ape hangers.

[johndeeredr]

good morning. having a set of wild1 12.5 inch ape hangers installed on my 2011 tri glide on Monday. how far should I set the bars back if I measure from the were there touching the inner faring about 4 inchces above were they make the 90 degree turn from the risers? im 5.10 and have short arms. need a starting point to tell the dealer. I can always move them later but would like to get some opinions were they can be the most benefit for comfort and steering. thanks from central California!

 

[jc1300]

good morning. having a set of wild1 12.5 inch ape hangers installed on my 2011 tri glide on Monday. how far should I set the bars back if I measure from the were there touching the inner faring about 4 inchces above were they make the 90 degree turn from the risers? im 5.10 and have short arms. need a starting point to tell the dealer. I can always move them later but would like to get some opinions were they can be the most benefit for comfort and steering. thanks from central California!

"I can always move them later".....Is a bit more complicated. On the 2015 the entire top of the fairing has to be taken off to get to those bolts. A good idea regarding where the bars should be for most Trike riders is close enough to make it easier to go to full lock without leaning over the tank. jmo

 

[Dirtydan]

I have always found that it's best for the person who will be riding the bike to actually sit on the bike for bar position.

 

[jc1300]

I have always found that it's best for the person who will be riding the bike to actually sit on the bike for bar position.

+1

 

[Bruce]

I have always found that it's best for the person who will be riding the bike to actually sit on the bike for bar position.

+ 2

 

[BinIdaho]

+3

 

[Fearless]

What he said!

+4 If at all possible be there when they have it apart and install the new one's. Bar position is so personnel "Kind of like having the best man take the bride on the honey moon not a good Idea" ya kno? :Shrug:good luck wish you the best fearless

 

[tbear]

2+2 sweepers

Can you tell me why you picked the "wide sweepers" over the "narrow" sweepers? i am 5'6" with short arms and thought that the narrow bars would be better because of my size. You are 5'10". but with short arms also. Would the height be the reason or am i missing something here.?:Shrug:

 

[johndeeredr]

I had the wide sweepers on my roadglide and just like the way they feel. I feel by having them wide , gives my arms more turning force since now I have to turn the front wheel rather than counter steering in a turn. im thinking I can always set them closer to me if I need too. on a 2011, it pretty simple. remove the key switch, remove lower fairing below the radio, 2 screws. and you can get to the lower clamp allen head screws with a ball joint allen wrench. loosen them, move bars and tighten. also stock handle bars were just to low and hand position was uncomfortable in a tight turn even with the bars has far forward has they can go.

 

[Fearless]

Different angle on grips

I chose them for the lesser grip angle, narrow ones are I believe very close to OEM. The wide 2+2 Sweepers have worked out really great for me, they really helped relieve the pain in my wrists and shoulders Handle bar fit is a individual thing. ThumbUp ride safely fearless 5'8" short arms

Here are a few Pics. of old shiney

 

[DK Custom Products]

This is the way that has always worked for me to get the most comfortable handlebar position-

• Sit on your trike
• Put your feet on the pegs/floorboards
• Close your eyes
• Put your hands out to where it is most comfortable to hold them
• Open your eyes...where ever your hands are, that is where you want the handlebar grips to be.

Any other way is just hit and miss.

Kevin

 

[johndeeredr]

very nice!

- - - Updated - - -

nice looking trike! you mentioned that you lifted the tank. what was the benefit other than looking pretty sharp.were to I get a kit to do this?

 

[DK Custom Products]

very nice!

- - - Updated - - -

nice looking trike! you mentioned that you lifted the tank. what was the benefit other than looking pretty sharp.were to I get a kit to do this?

Tanks lifts push more air over the engine for cooling. Less air comes over the top of the tank, and for some this reduces buffeting. It also makes it easier to clean the rocker covers.

You can see more pics and info on a Tank Lift Kit at this LINK

Kevin

 

[Fearless]

Tank lift stopped Glasses dance

For me it stopped my glasses dancing on my face till about 80 mph, also cools motor better forcing air across it. So it is a win win for ole shiney and myself. Plus it does look really good easier to clean rocker covers.ThumbUp ride safely fearless

 

[jc1300]

This is the way that has always worked for me to get the most comfortable handlebar position-

• Sit on your trike
  
• Put your feet on the pegs/floorboards
  
• Close your eyes
  
• Put your hands out to where it is most comfortable to hold them
  
• Open your eyes...where ever your hands are, that is where you want the handlebar grips to be.
  

Any other way is just hit and miss.

Kevin

I usually can't find a thing wrong with Kevin's suggestions....But I have to assume that most trike riders have come over from two wheels. What was very comfortable for my handlebar position on all my past bikes, is now not comfortable on the trike. It's not that they can't be comfortable but they become less functional if put in the same position as our past experience dictates. As now we need to "Manhandle" the bike more than ever before, in my opinion, the bars need to be closer to our body. This means what used to be a comfortable distance does not work as the need to not have to lean forward to turn the trike. It took me maybe an hour to get used to the closer fit, but 10 seconds to appreciate much easier turning by having them in that position. And again, just my opinion...jc

 

[screwball]

WERE IT ME..... I'd make arrangements to be there BEFORE they button up the job. Otherwise your bars will be where the mechanic likes them. Local dealers will gladly 'adjust the position' for $80 an hour, and you are looking at a couple of hours taking the front end apart and putting it back together again.

good luck

 

[bronxbill]

when I had my bars changed, I had them call me before they closed up the fairing so that I could sit on the trike and adjust the bars to my liking before they locked them down. Just a thought.

 

[johndeeredr]

well had the bars installed and picked up my ride at the dealership. I have to say that was the best money I ever spent to improve comfort. still pretty new to this whole trike riding thing, but already notice how much improved the steering is. cant wait for this rain to stop in California for a while so I can get some real riding time in before my trip to lake Tahoe in june. thanks for everybodys input and pics!

 

[Fearless]

Wild one's or Wide sweepers?

Did I miss something did you do the Apes or wide sweepers just curious. Please post a Picture when you have time. ride safely fearless

 

[BinIdaho]

when I had my bars changed, I had them call me before they closed up the fairing so that I could sit on the trike and adjust the bars to my liking before they locked them down. Just a thought.

Same here Bill.....when I had new bars put on my Tri-Glide! And, as Kevin suggested above, went thru the same process. I am very happy with the new bars....sitting up straight instead of hunched over the tank and putting stress on my upper/lower back.

 

[johndeeredr]

I had the wild1 12.5 bagger apes installed. much like the wide sweepers.

 

[Fearless]

Cool!

I had the wild1 12.5 bagger apes installed. much like the wide sweepers.

They look great!ThumbUpride safely fearless