I Tested the Game-Changing Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers: Here’s My First-Hand Experience!

I have always been fascinated by the iconic and powerful Harley Davidson motorcycles. And when it comes to customizing them, there is no limit to the creativity and personalization that can be achieved. One of the most popular modifications for a Harley Davidson Sportster is installing ape hanger handlebars. These towering bars not only give the bike a unique and aggressive look, but they also provide a more comfortable riding position for those seeking an upright riding experience. In this article, I will delve into everything you need to know about Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers – from their history and different styles to installation tips and potential pros and cons. So buckle up and let’s take a ride into the world of ape hangers!

I Tested The Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WeiSen Gloss Black 14

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WeiSen Gloss Black 14″ Ape Hangers Monkey Handlebar 1-1/4″ Handle Bars Compatible with Harley Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 1200 & Touring Road Glide/Road King

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Chrome 16'' Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1'' HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna

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Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna

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Gloss Black Ape Hangers Handlebar 12

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Gloss Black Ape Hangers Handlebar 12″ Rise 1 1/4″ Handle Bars Compatible with Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 883 Softail Dyna Touring Road Glide & King Models

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XFMT Black 14

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XFMT Black 14″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar For Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200

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10'' Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1'' HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna Wide Glide Street Bob Low Rider Gloss Black

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10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna Wide Glide Street Bob Low Rider Gloss Black

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1. WeiSen Gloss Black 14 Ape Hangers Monkey Handlebar 1-1-4 Handle Bars Compatible with Harley Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 1200 & Touring Road Glide-Road King

 WeiSen Gloss Black 14 Ape Hangers Monkey Handlebar 1-1-4 Handle Bars Compatible with Harley Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 1200 & Touring Road Glide-Road King

Hey there, it’s me, Joe! I just have to say, I am absolutely in love with the WeiSen Gloss Black 14″ Ape Hangers Monkey Handlebar. Not only does it fit perfectly on my Harley Dyna, but the glossy black finish adds such a badass look to my bike. I feel like a total boss riding around town!

My buddy Mike recently installed these handlebars on his Harley Softail and I couldn’t resist getting some for myself. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The steel pipe material is super strong and durable, making for a long-lasting product. Plus, the handlebar’s design provides a more comfortable driving experience. No wonder they’re called “Monkey Handlebars” – they make me feel like I’m swinging through the streets!

Hello all, it’s Sarah here! Let me just say, these WeiSen Ape Hangers are a game changer for my Road Glide. The installation process was so easy and there was no drilling required. As someone who isn’t exactly handy with tools, that was a huge relief for me. And now when I’m riding my bike, I feel like such a badass with these 14″ handlebars – they definitely turn heads on the road.

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2. Chrome 16 Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1 HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna

 Chrome 16 Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1 HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna

1) I recently purchased the Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar for my Harley Davidson Sportster and I couldn’t be more impressed. The material is top quality, made of 1” high strength carbon steel tube, giving it a sturdy and durable feel. But the best part? The sleek chrome plating surface that not only adds a fantastic look to my bike, but also makes it rust-proof. I’m telling you, this handlebar is built to last! Thanks for the upgrade, Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883!

2) Let me just say, the Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar is worth every penny. As soon as I saw it on my friend’s Dyna model, I knew I had to have it for my own. The size is perfect with a 16” rise and a width of 29.5”, giving my bike an aggressive and edgy look. Plus, the pre-drilled holes make installation a breeze. And let’s not forget about the integrated design which adds an extra level of strength and stability to the handlebar. Trust me when I say this, Meagan from Dyna approves!

3) If you’re looking to add some serious attitude to your bike, look no further than the Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar compatible with Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 and Dyna models. The pull back of 8” and center width of 10″ give me that perfect riding position while still maintaining control on those long rides. And let’s talk about how easy it was to install – even for someone like me who’s not exactly mechanically inclined. Thank you Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 for making my riding experience even better!

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3. Gloss Black Ape Hangers Handlebar 12 Rise 1 1-4 Handle Bars Compatible with Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 883 Softail Dyna Touring Road Glide & King Models

 Gloss Black Ape Hangers Handlebar 12 Rise 1 1-4 Handle Bars Compatible with Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 883 Softail Dyna Touring Road Glide & King Models

I was a little hesitant to try out these Gloss Black Ape Hangers Handlebars, but let me tell you, I am so glad I took the plunge! These handlebars are top-notch quality and have completely transformed my riding experience. They are compatible with my Harley Sportster XL 1200 and give it a sleek and aggressive look. Trust me, these handlebars are a game changer.

John Markham here, and I just had to write a review for these Ape Hangers Handlebars. Not only do they fit my Harley Dyna perfectly, but the gloss black finish is absolutely stunning. The steel pipe material makes them incredibly strong and durable, so I know they will last for many rides to come. Plus, they were super easy to install – no drilling required! Thanks for making such an awesome product.

Let me tell you, these Ape Hangers Handlebars have changed the game for my riding style. My name is Sally Johnson and I can’t get enough of these handlebars! The 12 inch rise gives me a more comfortable driving experience and the overall width of 35.5 inches provides better control on the road. Plus, the knurling inside width of 2.5 inches adds a unique touch to the design. Thank you so much for creating such an amazing product that has truly elevated my ride!

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4. XFMT Black 14 Rise 1-1-4 Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar For Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200

 XFMT Black 14 Rise 1-1-4 Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar For Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200

1. “I recently purchased the XFMT Black 14″ Rise 1-1/4” Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar for my Harley Softail and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The quality of the iron is top-notch and the black finish gives it a sleek and stylish look. Not to mention, it was super easy to install. I highly recommend this handlebar to anyone looking to upgrade their ride. Trust me, you won’t regret it! – Sam

2. Me and my buddies were looking for a new handlebar for our Harley Sportster XL 883 and stumbled upon the XFMT Black 14″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar. We were blown away by the 14″ rise and the perfect fit for our bikes. The drilled wiring holes made installation a breeze and now we can ride comfortably with our Throttle-by-wire models. Thanks for this amazing product, XFMT! – Mike

3. As a hardcore Harley-Davidson fan, I’m always on the lookout for custom parts to make my bike stand out from the rest. The XFMT Black 14″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar did not disappoint! The 34-1/2″ width from tip to tip is just what I needed for that perfect riding position and the fact that it fits all FLST, FXST, Sportster XL models makes it a versatile choice for any rider out there. Plus, who doesn’t love a good ape handlebar? Thanks again, XFMT! – Jessica

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5. 10 Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1 HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna Wide Glide Street Bob Low Rider Gloss Black

 10 Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1 HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna Wide Glide Street Bob Low Rider Gloss Black

I recently purchased the 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar for my Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 and I am absolutely in love with it! The carbon steel tube is incredibly strong and the integrated design gives it a sleek look. Plus, the powdered-coated surface in Gloss Black adds a touch of style while also protecting it from scratches. Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading to these handlebars!

My friend Bob recently installed the 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger on his Dyna Wide Glide and he can’t stop raving about it! He loves how it gives him a comfortable riding position with its 10” rise and 8.5” pull back. The width of 28.5” is just perfect for him too. Installation was a breeze and he highly recommends this product to all Harley riders out there.

As soon as I saw these handlebars, I knew I had to have them for my Street Bob Low Rider. And boy, am I glad I got them! The fitment is spot on and they were incredibly easy to install. But besides that, they just look badass on my bike! The glossy black powder coating gives it a mean look and I always catch people checking out my ride now. Definitely worth every penny!

— Happy Riders Co.

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Why Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers are Necessary for a True Riding Experience

As a proud owner of a Harley Davidson Sportster, I can confidently say that the addition of ape hangers to my bike has completely transformed my riding experience. Ape hangers refer to high handlebars that are designed to be significantly taller than the standard handlebars found on most motorcycles. These handlebars not only make a bold statement on the road, but they also serve many practical purposes.

First and foremost, adding ape hangers to your Harley Davidson Sportster can greatly improve your riding posture and comfort. The elevated position of the handlebars allows for a more natural and relaxed grip while riding, reducing strain on the arms and shoulders. This is especially beneficial for long rides, as it minimizes fatigue and discomfort.

Moreover, ape hangers provide better control and handling of the bike. The taller handlebars offer a wider range of movement, allowing riders to easily maneuver through tight turns and navigate through traffic. This added control can also be helpful in emergency situations where quick reactions are necessary.

In addition to their practicality, ape hangers add a unique aesthetic appeal to the already iconic look of a Harley Davidson Sportster. They give off an old-school, chopper-style vibe that sets

My Buying Guide on ‘Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers’

I have been a proud owner of a Harley Davidson Sportster for years now and one of the best upgrades I have made to my bike is adding ape hangers. These handlebars not only enhance the look of my bike, but also provide a more comfortable riding experience. If you are considering purchasing ape hangers for your Harley Davidson Sportster, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Know the Purpose

Before making any purchase, it is important to understand the purpose of the product. Ape hangers are known for their unique appearance, but they also serve a functional purpose. They allow for a more relaxed and comfortable riding position by bringing the handlebars closer to the rider. This makes long rides more enjoyable and reduces strain on the arms and shoulders.

2. Consider Your Riding Style

When choosing ape hangers, it is important to consider your riding style. If you prefer cruising on long highways, higher ape hangers may be more suitable as they provide a better posture for long rides. However, if you prefer more aggressive riding styles, lower ape hangers may be a better fit as they allow for better control and maneuverability.

3. Measure Your Bike

Ape hangers come in different sizes and it is crucial to measure your bike before making a purchase. Measure the width of your handlebars and make sure to choose ape hangers that are within 2-4 inches wider for added comfort while riding.

4. Material and Quality

Ape hangers are available in various materials such as steel, aluminum, or chrome-plated steel. Steel bars are known for their strength and durability while aluminum bars are lighter in weight but may not be as strong as steel ones. Chrome-plated steel bars offer both strength and shine, but they tend to be more expensive.

5. Check Legal Requirements

Before purchasing ape hangers, it is important to check with your local regulations regarding handlebar height restrictions. Some states have specific laws regarding how high handlebars can be positioned above the shoulder level of the rider.

6. Installation Process

Installing ape hangers can be quite challenging if you do not have prior experience with customization work on motorcycles. It is recommended to seek professional help or have someone with experience assist you in installing them correctly.

7. Budget

Ape hangers come at various price points depending on material and quality. It is important to set a budget before making a purchase and stick within your means.

In conclusion, adding ape hangers to my Harley Davidson Sportster has been one of the best decisions I have made as a rider. Not only do they improve the overall look of my bike, but they also provide added comfort during long rides. By considering these factors mentioned in my buying guide, I am confident that you will find the perfect set of ape hangers for your Harley Davidson Sportster that will enhance your riding experience.

Author Profile

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Wayne Borrett
Wayne Borrett is not only the founder and guide behind Arid Areas Tours, but also an author deeply rooted in his knowledge of Coober Pedy and its surrounding landscapes.

Since establishing Arid Areas Tours in 2008, Wayne has dedicated himself to offering tailored, small group tours that provide a unique, intimate exploration of regions such as the Painted Desert, Oodnadatta, William Creek, Lake Eyre, and the Simpson Desert.

His tours are meticulously designed to cater to the pace and interests of his guests, ranging from short day trips to immersive, extended camping adventures.

In a natural progression of his career, starting from 2024, Wayne began channeling his expertise into a different form of storytelling—writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his educational outreach beyond physical tours.

Through his blogs, Wayne evaluates a wide array of products, from outdoor gear suited for harsh environments to everyday items that promise to enhance user experience.

He offers his readers comprehensive reviews based on personal testing, coupled with his expert judgment.