Motorcycle question: "Ape hanger bars"?

[fanaudical]

I was passed by a small group of motorcyclists riding modified Harleys with what I've heard referred to in the past as "ape hanger bars". These handlebars put your arms out near-horizontal with your hands about the same height as your head.

Is there any functional or ergonomic benefit to these types of handlebars? (This is a serious question for the PPOT brain trust. I don't ride motorcycles and am genuinely curious.)

[Cajundaddy]

Purely style points. Like a whale tail on a 912 I suppose.

[Noah930]

Airs out the pits. Used in lieu of personal hygiene.

[trekkor]

totally practical...

[RANDY P]

ape hangers look stupid. Keep it low.

[intakexhaust]

For those who have the brain of an ape. There are restrictions and may be illegal in some states.

[aap1966]

Usually appear on bikes where the handling couldn't be any worse anyway......

[afterburn 549]

Choppers and model Ts, look good going no where...till they have to go some where, the they dont look so good.

[dennis in se pa]

They serve a purpose.....

Just ask the really cool dude riding that bike.

[Chocaholic]

As a Harley owner, it's, well embarrassing. A ridiculous fashion...even worse than ass-less chaps because of what they do to steering geometry. I just don't get it. Never will.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by trekkor

This guy looks like he's surrendering. Maybe he should.

[oldE]

I see a few of those rolling past in the summer time.
It makes the rider like a little kid sitting on his daddy's motor bike. Vroom!
(Or should I say, "Potato, potato, potato"?)

Best
Les

[javadog]

Actually, the higher the bars, the less control you have. Feel free to kill anyone riding such a bike.

JR

[asphaltgambler]

Like a lot of things in life, style over function. For me there is still some cool factor in it with the right bike and the bars not too high. Reminiscent of 60's style. But like anything there is always someone who has to take that past the 'limit' of cool into the realm of redonkulous.

[911_Dude]

Originally Posted by oldE

I see a few of those rolling past in the summer time.
It makes the rider like a little kid sitting on his daddy's motor bike. Vroom!

I have often thought that was the psychology behind ape hangers.

Not functional, look stupid, IMO.

[LakeCleElum]

Usually a required modification to get your mufflers off. Helps accomplish the same goal as no mufflers - "hey, look at me, I'm an idiot and know nothing about motorcycles".

Most common on those heavy, loud, under-powered American Made Tavern Bikes. Proven fact that having controls that close to the head decreases intelligence and judgement. Can assist in gaining acceptance of other tavern patrons.Tends to make the penis really small.

[VincentVega]

I saw a woman on a bike with the bars above her head yesterday. I've never ridden a bike setup like that but it scared me. Different ridding style for sure but I cant imagine having much control or being able to make an evasive manual, I'll stick to my Duc.

[johnco]

Tends to make the penis really small.

always find it amusing how concerned you guys are about the size of another guy's penis and can estimate the size just by what he drives

[sammyg2]

My older brother has ape hangers and drag pipes on his "turn gasoline into noise" machine.
We've both agreed never to mention either at family functions, at the insistance of others.

Did I mention he's a full time insurance guy in addition to being and a part time bad-boy biker?

[Jeff Higgins]

Sonny Barger claims to have invented them in the '50's when he stole the legs off the family's cheap kitchen table.