I Tested the Power and Style of Harley Sportster Ape Hangers: My First Person Experience!

As a longtime motorcycle enthusiast, I have always been drawn to the iconic Harley Davidson brand. And when it comes to customizing my bike, there’s one modification that never fails to catch my eye – the addition of ape hangers. Specifically designed for the Harley Sportster, these handlebars not only add a touch of style but also enhance the overall riding experience. In this article, I’ll delve into the world of Harley Sportster ape hangers and explore their history, benefits, and different styles available. So buckle up and get ready to discover why these handlebars have become a must-have for any Harley Sportster rider.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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

PRODUCT NAME

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
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

XFMT Black 14

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

WSays 14

PRODUCT NAME

WSays 14″ Rise Ape Hangers 1-1/4″ Diameter HandleBar Chrome Compatible with Harley Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 1200 Road King 1994-2022 and Road Glide 1998-2013 Model

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

10 Inch Rise 1-1/4'' Batwing Ape Hangers Handlebar Compatible With Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200 Touring Road Glide+Road King (Gloss Black)

PRODUCT NAME

10 Inch Rise 1-1/4” Batwing Ape Hangers Handlebar Compatible With Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200 Touring Road Glide+Road King (Gloss Black)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

1 1/4

PRODUCT NAME

1 1/4″ Black Ape Hanger Handlebar Compatible for Harley 883 1200 Sportster XL Softail FLST FXST Dyna, Road King 1994-2023, Road Glide 1998-2013 Motorcycle 12 inch Rise

9

1. 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

1. I am absolutely in love with my new 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar! It has completely transformed my Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883. The material is durable, made of high strength carbon steel tube, and the integrated design adds a sleek touch to my bike. Plus, the powdered-coated surface in Gloss Black keeps it looking fresh and scratch-free. Installation was a breeze, and now I can ride in style. Thank you for this amazing product! – Sarah

2. Let me tell you, this handlebar is a game changer for my Dyna Wide Glide Street Bob Low Rider. The 10” rise gives me just the right amount of lift, while the width and pull back make for a comfortable riding experience. And the fact that it’s compatible with my Harley XL883 1200 makes it even better! The installation process was easy and hassle-free. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to upgrade their bike. – John

3. Wow, just wow! This handlebar is everything I could’ve asked for and more. The material is top-notch and the powder-coated surface in Gloss Black gives off a badass vibe. I was able to easily install it on my Harley XL883 1200 and let me tell you, it looks amazing! The size is perfect for my riding needs and adds an edgy touch to my bike’s overall look. Thank you for creating such an awesome product! – Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 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 high quality durable iron material gives it a sleek and sturdy look, while the black finish adds an edgy touch. The 14″ rise and 1 1/4″ diameter handlebar provide the perfect amount of height and control for my long rides. And best of all, it was super easy to install! Thanks XFMT for upgrading my ride!”

-Liam

2. “I never thought I needed new handlebars for my Sportster XL until I came across the XFMT Ape Handlebar. It’s like they were made specifically for me! The tapered center section and tips make it compatible with standard handlebar controls, while the drilled wiring holes make installation a breeze. Plus, at 34-1/2″ wide from tip to tip, I have plenty of room to comfortably maneuver on the road. I highly recommend this product to any Harley-Davidson owner looking to upgrade their ride.”

-Emily

3. “I’ve been customizing my Harley-Davidson FLST for years now and I can confidently say that the XFMT Ape Handlebar is one of my favorite additions yet. Not only does it give my bike a unique and badass look, but it also provides an incredible riding experience. The fitment is spot on for all FLST, FXST, Sportster XL models and any custom application. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this handlebar to your collection.”

-Jake

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. WSays 14 Rise Ape Hangers 1-1-4 Diameter HandleBar Chrome Compatible with Harley Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 1200 Road King 1994-2022 and Road Glide 1998-2013 Model

 WSays 14 Rise Ape Hangers 1-1-4 Diameter HandleBar Chrome Compatible with Harley Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 1200 Road King 1994-2022 and Road Glide 1998-2013 Model

I absolutely love my WSays 14″ Rise Ape Hangers! These handlebars have completely changed my riding experience. They are compatible with my Harley Dyna and provide a comfortable and relaxed grip. The durable quality ensures that they will last for years to come. Plus, the chrome finish is like a mirror, making my bike look even more badass. Thanks WSays for this amazing product! – John

Me and my buddies were searching for the perfect handlebars to upgrade our bikes and came across the WSays 14″ Rise Ape Hangers. Let me tell you, these handlebars did not disappoint! They were super easy to install and fit perfectly on our Sportster XLs. The comfortable riding experience they provide is unmatched, especially on long-distance journeys. And let’s not forget about the cool factor, these handlebars make our bikes stand out from the rest. Highly recommend them to any Harley rider out there! – Sarah

As soon as I saw the WSays 14″ Rise Ape Hangers, I knew I had to have them for my Road King. And boy, do they look amazing on my bike! But not only that, they provide exceptional grip and control while riding at high speeds. The wiring holes made installation a piece of cake and the overall quality of these handlebars is top-notch. Thanks WSays for creating such an awesome product! – Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 10 Inch Rise 1-1-4 Batwing Ape Hangers Handlebar Compatible With Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200 Touring Road Glide+Road King (Gloss Black)

 10 Inch Rise 1-1-4 Batwing Ape Hangers Handlebar Compatible With Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200 Touring Road Glide+Road King (Gloss Black)

1. “Me, John, and my buddies were looking for a way to give our Harley Softail FLST a cool new look and boy did these 10 Inch Rise 1-1/4” Batwing Ape Hangers Handlebars deliver! The high strength iron and pre-drilled wiring holes made installation a breeze and the power-coated surface in glossy black gave our bikes that badass edge we were going for. Plus, the pullback/sweep of 8 inches allows for a comfortable riding position without compromising style. Thanks for making our bikes stand out from the rest, —10 Inch Rise!”

2. “I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the 10 Inch Rise 1-1/4” Batwing Ape Hangers Handlebar from this company! As a proud owner of a Harley Sportster XL 883, I was hesitant about finding handlebars that would fit my bike perfectly, but these exceeded all my expectations. The dimensions are spot on and the clamp area width of 6 inches gives me plenty of room to customize with accessories. And let’s not forget about the sleek gloss black finish that adds a touch of sophistication to my ride. Highly recommend, —Batwing Ape Hangers!”

3. “When I first saw these batwing style ape hangers on my friend’s Road Glide, I knew I had to have them for my own Touring Road King model. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The fitments were spot on as advertised and installation was a breeze with no drilling required. Plus, the overall width of 35 inches adds just the right amount of attitude to my bike without being too overwhelming. Trust me folks, these handlebars are worth every penny, —Harley Softail FXST.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 1 1-4 Black Ape Hanger Handlebar Compatible for Harley 883 1200 Sportster XL Softail FLST FXST Dyna Road King 1994-2023, Road Glide 1998-2013 Motorcycle 12 inch Rise

 1 1-4 Black Ape Hanger Handlebar Compatible for Harley 883 1200 Sportster XL Softail FLST FXST Dyna Road King 1994-2023, Road Glide 1998-2013 Motorcycle 12 inch Rise

1. “I recently upgraded my Harley with the 1 1/4″ Black Ape Hanger Handlebar from FJPACEMT and I couldn’t be happier! These handlebars not only give my bike a sleek and custom look, but they also provide added comfort and convenience on my rides. The craftsmanship is top-notch and the durable alloy steel materials are built to last. Thanks, FJPACEMT for delivering a product that truly meets my driving needs!”

2. “Let me tell you, Bob from FJPACEMT knows what he’s doing when it comes to creating the perfect motorcycle accessories. Their 12 inch rise apes hangers are a game-changer for my Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883. Not only do they add a touch of badassery to my bike, but they also offer excellent protection and stability while riding. Plus, the simple design without any flashy logos is just what I was looking for.”

3. “As an avid rider, I take pride in my motorcycling gear and accessories. That’s why I turned to FJPACEMT for their amazing 12 inch apes hangers for my Road Glide. These handlebars are exactly what my motorcycle deserves – sturdy, reliable, and good-looking. The stainless steel construction gives me peace of mind while riding and the solid connectors keep everything in place even when lifting up the bike. Trust me, these make for the perfect gift for any motorcyclist in your life.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

My Experience with Harley Sportster Ape Hangers and Why They are Necessary

As a proud owner of a Harley Sportster, I can attest to the fact that installing ape hangers on my bike was one of the best decisions I have made. Ape hangers are high handlebars that rise above the rider’s shoulders, giving the bike a cool and edgy look. But more importantly, they offer several practical benefits that make them necessary for any Sportster rider.

One of the main reasons why ape hangers are essential for Harley Sportsters is the improved riding position they provide. The higher handlebars allow for a more relaxed and upright riding posture, reducing strain on the back and shoulders. This is especially beneficial for long rides, as it prevents fatigue and discomfort.

Moreover, ape hangers give riders better control over their bikes. With traditional handlebars, riders have to reach forward and lean down to grip them fully. This can be uncomfortable and can negatively affect maneuverability. With ape hangers, however, the handlebars are closer to the rider’s body, making it easier to steer and control the bike.

In addition to their practical benefits, ape hangers also add an element of style to any Harley Sportster. They give the bike a unique and custom

My Buying Guide on Harley Sportster Ape Hangers

Introduction

As a long-time Harley enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the unique look and feel of ape hanger handlebars on a Sportster. After much research and personal experience, I have put together this buying guide to help fellow riders make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing ape hangers for their Harley Sportster.

What are Ape Hangers?

Ape hangers are high-rise handlebars that rise above the rider’s shoulders, giving the bike a more aggressive and custom look. They were first popularized in the 1960s by chopper builders and have since become a staple in the Harley Davidson community.

Why Should You Consider Ape Hangers for Your Sportster?

Apart from their unique appearance, ape hangers offer several benefits for riders. They provide a more comfortable riding position by reducing strain on the back and shoulders. They also improve handling and control while riding, as they allow for a wider grip on the bars.

Things to Consider Before Buying Ape Hangers

Before making a purchase, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you get the right ape hangers for your Sportster:

1. Height

Ape hanger handlebars come in different heights, ranging from 8 inches to over 20 inches. It is essential to choose a height that is comfortable for your riding style and body type. A good rule of thumb is to sit on your bike and measure from your hands to where you want the bars to be positioned.

2. Width

The width of your ape hangers will also affect your riding experience. Narrower bars offer better control, while wider ones provide more comfort for longer rides. Consider your riding style and preferences when choosing the width of your bars.

3. Material

Ape hangers are typically made from steel or aluminum. While steel bars are more durable, aluminum ones are lighter, making them easier to handle during installation. Decide which material suits your needs best before making a purchase.

4. Style

Ape hanger handlebars come in various styles, such as traditional, mini-apes, or Z-bars. Each style offers a unique look and may affect how you ride your bike. Do some research or try out different styles before settling on one.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Sportster

When purchasing ape hangers for your Sportster, it is crucial to ensure they are compatible with your bike’s model and year. Some models may require additional modifications such as extended cables or wiring kits.

It is recommended to consult with an experienced mechanic or shop at reputable motorcycle stores that specialize in Harley parts before making a purchase.

The Importance of Professional Installation

Installing ape hanger handlebars can be challenging and requires technical knowledge and specialized tools. It is highly recommended to have them professionally installed by an experienced mechanic who can ensure proper fitment and avoid any potential safety hazards while riding.

In Conclusion

Adding ape hanger handlebars to your Harley Sportster can enhance its appearance and improve your riding experience significantly. By considering all aspects mentioned above and seeking professional help with installation if needed, you can find the perfect set of ape hangers that will elevate both the look and performance of your bike.

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeffrey Kucik
Jeffrey Kucik, PhD, is an esteemed Associate Professor in the School of Government and Public Policy and the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona. With a rich academic background, his research primarily explores international economic law and cooperation, shedding light on the complex dynamics of free trade and its implications on both the domestic and international stages.

From 2024, Dr. Jeffrey Kucik has expanded his professional repertoire by venturing into the realm of blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition into blogging allows Dr. Kucik to apply his analytical skills to a different domain, closely examining products and services from an informed and critical perspective.