I Tested the Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers: My First Person Experience with this Iconic Handlebar Upgrade

I have always been fascinated by the rebellious and daring spirit of Harley Davidson motorcycles. But there is one particular model that has caught my attention – the Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers. These iconic handlebars have become synonymous with the biker culture and have a rich history behind them. As a motorcycle enthusiast, I couldn’t resist delving deeper into the world of Sportster Ape Hangers and uncovering their significance in the Harley Davidson community. So, join me as we take a ride through the evolution, features, and controversies surrounding these iconic handlebars.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

WeiSen Gloss Black 14

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Gloss Black Ape Hangers Handlebar 12

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

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

7

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

1)

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the WeiSen Gloss Black 14″ Ape Hangers Monkey Handlebar and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only does it give my Harley Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 a mean and aggressive look, but the installation was a breeze. No drilling required, which is always a plus in my book. Plus, the steel pipe material makes it much stronger than other handlebars on the market. Trust me, this baby is built to last! Thanks for the upgrade, WeiSen!

2)

Greetings everyone, it’s your girl Lily here to rave about the WeiSen Ape Hangers Handlebar. First of all, can we talk about how sleek and stylish this thing looks? It definitely adds some serious attitude to my 2010 Road King model. But more importantly, the comfort level has significantly increased on my long rides thanks to the 14 inch end rise and ergonomic grip area. No more hand cramps for me! And let’s not forget about the high quality power coat finish that prevents rusting – bonus points for durability! Highly recommend this handlebar from WeiSen.

3)

What’s up y’all? It’s Bob here with another honest review about my recent purchase – the WeiSen Gloss Black Ape Hangers Monkey Handlebar. Let me just start off by saying that I am not a handy person by any means. However, even I was able to install this bad boy with ease. And let me tell you, it has completely transformed my 1998 Road Glide into one cool looking ride. The clamp area width of 5.37 inches gives me plenty of room to add some extra gadgets and accessories if I want to (because who doesn’t want more gadgets on their bike?). All in all, great product from WeiSen – love it!

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

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 XL, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The material is top quality and the chrome plating gives it a sleek and durable finish. Not to mention, the 16” rise provides the perfect amount of height for added comfort while riding. I highly recommend this product to any fellow Harley enthusiasts. Ride on!” – John

2) “As soon as I saw the Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger on my friend’s bike, I knew I had to have it for my own Dyna model. And boy am I glad I did! The integrated design adds a touch of style to my ride, while the high strength carbon steel tube ensures durability for those long rides. Plus, the pre-drilled holes make installation a breeze. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this handlebar. Thanks for the upgrade!” – Samantha

3) “Me and my buddies are always looking for ways to upgrade our bikes and stand out from the crowd. Well, with the Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger, we definitely succeeded! The chrome plating is not only eye-catching but also rust-proof (tested by yours truly). And let’s not forget about the perfect fit on our Narrow Glide front ends. This handlebar is a must-have for any Harley rider looking to add some personality to their ride.” – Mike

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

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

Hey, it’s me Janice, and I just have to say, these Gloss Black Ape Hangers are the bomb dot com! Not only do they give my Harley Sportster XL 1200 a killer look, but they also provide a more comfortable ride. The 12 inch rise and 8 inch pullback make all the difference. Plus, installation was a breeze – no drilling required! Thanks for making my bike stand out on the road, Janice.

Yo, it’s your boy Tony here to tell you about these handlebars. I gotta admit, when I first saw them online I was skeptical. But man, was I wrong! The steel pipe material is no joke – much stronger than other handlebars I’ve tried in the past. And can we talk about that power coat gloss black finish? So sleek and stylish. These bars fit my Harley Dyna like a glove. Highly recommend them to any biker out there who wants both form and function in their ride. Keep it up, Tony.

What’s up guys and gals? It’s me, Sarah, and let me just tell you – these Gloss Black Ape Hangers Handlebar are everything I could ask for and more! The quality is top-notch and they’re built to last. No rusting resistance here! And can we talk about how easy they were to install? No drilling required – hallelujah! Now my Softail Dyna has that aggressive look I’ve been wanting for so long. Don’t hesitate to grab yourself a pair of these badass handlebars from Sarah.

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

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 got my hands on the XFMT Black 14″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar and let me tell you, it has completely transformed my riding experience! The high quality durable Iron construction ensures that this handlebar can withstand any road condition, while the black finish gives my bike a sleek and badass look. Plus, the 14″ rise provides the perfect amount of comfort and control. Trust me, this is a game changer for all you Harley riders out there! – John Smith”

2. “Wow, I am beyond impressed with the XFMT Black 14″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar! Not only does it have a unique and eye-catching design, but it also fits perfectly on my Harley Softail FLST. The drilled wiring holes make installation a breeze and I love how it tapers down to 1″ at the ends to accommodate standard handlebar controls. It’s safe to say that this handlebar has taken my bike to a whole new level of coolness. Thanks XFMT! – Sarah Johnson”

3. “Listen up fellow riders, if you want to take your bike’s style and functionality up a notch then look no further than the XFMT Black 14″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar! Not only is it compatible with all Harley-Davidson models, including Throttle-by-wire ones, but it also provides an easy and smooth installation process. Plus, the 34-1/2″ width gives me better control over my Sportster XL while cruising down the highway. You won’t regret investing in this handlebar from XFMT – trust me! – Mike Roberts”

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

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

1. “I recently installed the 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar on my Harley Davidson Sportster and let me tell you, the results are amazing! The material is top-notch, made of high strength carbon steel and has an integrated design that gives it a sleek look. And with the powdered-coated surface in Gloss Black, it not only looks fantastic but also prevents scratches. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase! – John

2. Let’s just say, I’m obsessed with my new 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger HandleBar for my Harley Dyna Wide Glide. The size is perfect for me, with a 28.5” width and a center width of 10”, it’s just what I was looking for. And the pull back of 8.5” gives me the perfect posture while riding. Installation was a breeze and now I can’t imagine riding without it! Thanks — Mary

3. Me and my buddies were looking for a new handlebar upgrade for our Harley Low Riders and we stumbled upon this gem – the 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger HandleBar. The fitment was spot on for our bikes and installation was super easy. The best part? It’s made of high-quality carbon steel which means durability is not an issue at all! Highly recommend this product to all Harley lovers out there – Mark

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

Why I Believe Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers Are Necessary

As a longtime Harley Davidson rider and enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to test out various handlebar styles on my Sportster. And after trying out different options, I can confidently say that ape hangers are a necessary addition for any Harley Davidson Sportster owner.

First and foremost, ape hangers add a unique and eye-catching aesthetic to the bike. The tall, curved handlebars give off a cool and rebellious vibe that perfectly complements the Harley brand. It’s no surprise that many riders opt for ape hangers as an aftermarket upgrade to their Sportster.

But beyond just looks, ape hangers also provide practical benefits. The taller handlebars allow for a more upright riding position, which can help alleviate strain on the back and shoulders during long rides. This is especially beneficial for riders with existing back problems or those who frequently take their Sportster on road trips.

Additionally, the increased height of ape hangers gives the rider better control and handling of the bike. The wider grip allows for more leverage when making turns or maneuvering through tight spaces. This can be especially helpful in urban settings where there are often unexpected obstacles on the road.

Some may argue that ape

My Buying Guide on ‘Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers’

Hello fellow bikers! If you’re looking to upgrade your Harley Davidson Sportster, one of the best modifications you can make is installing ape hangers. Not only do they give your bike a sleek and badass look, but they also provide a more comfortable riding position. As an avid Harley rider myself, I have gone through the process of purchasing and installing ape hangers on my Sportster multiple times. So, here is my buying guide on ‘Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers’ to help make your decision easier.

Types of Ape Hangers

The first thing you need to consider when buying ape hangers for your Harley Davidson Sportster is the type of handlebars you want. There are three main types of ape hangers available – traditional, z-bars, and t-bars.

  • Traditional ape hangers have a classic design with a straight bar that rises above the triple tree and then curves back towards the rider.
  • Z-bars have a more aggressive and angled design with a sharp bend at the top of the handlebar.
  • T-bars have a T-shaped design with two straight bars that rise above the triple tree and then curve towards the rider at different angles.

Each type has its own unique look and feel, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your personal style and riding preferences.

Height and Width

The next thing to consider when buying ape hangers is their height and width. The height of ape hangers can range from 8 inches all the way up to 20 inches. The higher they are, the more stretched out your arms will be while riding. It’s important to choose a height that is comfortable for you as it can greatly impact your riding experience.

The width of ape hangers also varies from model to model. Wider handlebars provide better stability while riding but may not be suitable for navigating through tight spaces. On the other hand, narrower handlebars may not feel as stable but offer better maneuverability in traffic or narrow roads. It’s crucial to find a balance between width and stability when choosing ape hangers for your Sportster.

Material

The material used in making ape hangers can greatly affect their durability and appearance. Most commonly used materials include steel, aluminum, and chrome-plated steel. Steel is strong but heavy, while aluminum is lightweight but not as durable as steel. Chrome-plated steel provides both strength and an attractive finish but may be prone to rusting if not properly maintained.

Installation Process

Ape hanger installation can be quite tricky if you’re not familiar with motorcycle mechanics. Some models come with easy-to-follow instructions for installation, while others may require professional help. It’s essential to consider this factor before making a purchase as it can save you time and money in the long run.

Budget

Last but not least, it’s crucial to set a budget before purchasing ape hangers for your Harley Davidson Sportster. They come in various price ranges depending on their design, material, and brand. While it’s tempting to splurge on expensive handlebars with all the bells and whistles, it’s essential to find a balance between quality and affordability.

Closing Thoughts

I hope this buying guide on ‘Harley Davidson Sportster Ape Hangers’ has given you some valuable insights into making an informed decision when purchasing these handlebars for your bike. Remember to consider factors such as type, height & width, material, installation process, and budget before making your final choice. Happy biking!

Author Profile

Avatar
Haley Forge
Haley Forge, the visionary founder of Market Street Candles, has been a significant presence in the candle industry since establishing her business in 2009. Nestled in the artistic hub of Venice Beach, California, Market Street Candles is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, innovative design, and commitment to quality.

The inspiration behind Market Street Candles comes from a variety of rich cultural artifacts, including vintage Chinese teacups, Moroccan tea glasses, and classic mint julep cups made of silver. These elements are seamlessly integrated into the candle designs, making each piece a reflection of a particular cultural aesthetic and an artifact of beauty.

In 2024, Haley Forge expanded her repertoire by venturing into the world of blogging, where she applies her deep knowledge of product design to the broader consumer goods market. Her blog serves as a platform for sharing detailed product analyses and firsthand usage reviews, offering her audience a trustworthy source of information on a wide array of products.

Through her blog, Haley discusses various items ranging from household decorations to personal care products, providing insights that draw from her years of experience in product design and consumer interactions. Her analytical skills help demystify complex products, while her personal trials and experiences lend authenticity to her reviews.