Harley-Davidson Ape Hangers

Ape hangers are tall handlebars that raise the grips to shoulder height or above, so your arms reach up and out. On a Harley-Davidson they change the whole riding stance: hands high, shoulders back, chest open. Rise is measured from the centre of the clamp (where the bar clamps into the risers) to the centre of the grip, and anything from roughly 10 inches up is generally called an ape hanger. Shorter versions, 6 to 9 inches, are usually called mini apes.

Three numbers matter. Rise: vertical distance from the centre of the clamp to the centre of the grip. Width: total end-to-end width of the bar. Pullback: how far the grips sit back towards the rider from the clamp area. You also need the mount (clamp) diameter, 1 inch (25.4 mm) or 1.25 inch (32 mm) on Harley-Davidson, and the bar diameter of the main tube, which we build in 1.25 inch (32 mm), 1.5 inch (38 mm), 1.66 inch (42 mm) or 2 inch (50.8 mm) depending on the model. The grip section itself is always 1 inch (25.4 mm) so stock grips and controls fit. We build every bar to those numbers, so if you have measured your current bars you can hand us the spec directly.

Up to around 12 to 14 inches of rise most riders find apes very comfortable on longer runs: your back straightens up and your weight comes off your wrists. Above that it becomes a stance choice more than an ergonomic one, and arm fatigue depends on how much pullback you run. More pullback brings the grips back towards you and keeps your elbows bent, which is why we let you set rise and pullback independently rather than selling a single fixed shape.

In many places, yes, within limits: how high you can go and what paperwork you need depend on where your bike is registered. Many US states cap handlebar height, commonly at the rider's shoulder height or a set distance above the seat. In Europe fixed height limits are rare: the rules are about control, so the bars must be securely fixed, let you steer from lock to lock and keep every control within easy reach. Some countries, Germany for example, also require a parts certificate or an individual inspection, which our bars don't have yet. Because every bar is made to your measurements, you can choose a rise that suits your local rules. Checking them before you order is your responsibility as the buyer, so tell us the rise you need and we'll build to it.

Usually yes, once you go beyond a few inches over stock. As a rough guide, add roughly the difference in rise plus the change in pullback to your existing cable, wiring and brake-line lengths, then add a little slack for full lock-to-lock steering. Tell us your bike model and year and the rise you are after and we will tell you what to expect. Whether we drill the bar for internal wiring depends on the clutch type you choose when you order.

Every bar is made to order for a specific model and year, so fitment is set when you order rather than being a one-size-fits-all part. Pick your bike in the garage selector and the range filters to what fits. Bike not listed? You can still order: our workshop checks the fit before we build, quotes any extra work first, and refunds you in full if we can't make it fit. Or send us a sketch or your measurements and we'll build to them. All parts carry our fit guarantee.