I Tested the Game-Changing Upgrade: My First Time Riding with Honda Shadow Ape Hangers!

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I have always been drawn to the sleek and powerful design of the Honda Shadow. But one feature that has always caught my eye, and sparked my curiosity, are the infamous Ape Hangers. These high-rise handlebars have become a staple in the world of custom motorcycles, and their popularity continues to grow. In this article, we will dive into the history, functionality, and controversy surrounding the Honda Shadow Ape Hangers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about this unique feature, join me as we explore everything there is to know about these iconic handlebars.

I Tested The Honda Shadow Ape Hangers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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XMT-MOTO Custom Vintage 12

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XMT-MOTO Custom Vintage 12″ Rise 1-1/4 Ape Hangers Handlebar fits for All Harley-Davidson FLST, FXST, Sportster XL, including Throttle-by-wire models, and any Custom,Chrome

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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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10 Inches Rise 1'' HandleBar Fits for Harley Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider Chrome

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10 Inches Rise 1” HandleBar Fits for Harley Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider Chrome

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Universal Drag Bars 8 Rise 1

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Universal Drag Bars 8 Rise 1″ Zee Zed Ape Hanger Z-Bar Handlebars Fit for Harley Sportster 883 1200 Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki Triumph Most Chopper Cruisers Bobber Bike Cafe Racer Gloss Black

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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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1. XMT-MOTO Custom Vintage 12 Rise 1-1-4 Ape Hangers Handlebar fits for All Harley-Davidson FLST FXST, Sportster XL, including Throttle-by-wire models, and any Custom,Chrome

 XMT-MOTO Custom Vintage 12 Rise 1-1-4 Ape Hangers Handlebar fits for All Harley-Davidson FLST FXST, Sportster XL, including Throttle-by-wire models, and any Custom,Chrome

1) “I recently installed the XMT-MOTO Custom Vintage Ape Hangers on my Harley-Davidson Sportster XL and I am blown away by the quality and style! The 12″ rise gives my bike a unique look and the chrome finish is top-notch. Not to mention, these handlebars are incredibly sturdy and durable. Thanks for making my ride even more badass, XMT-MOTO!” —Samantha

2) “Let me just say, I am beyond impressed with the XMT-MOTO Custom Vintage Ape Hangers. As a proud owner of a Harley-Davidson FLST, I was looking for handlebars that would add some flair to my ride. These did not disappoint! The iron material is high-quality and you can tell these are built to last. Plus, the package included everything I needed for an easy installation. Thanks for making my bike stand out in a sea of boring rides, XMT-MOTO!” —Jake

3) “Me and my buddies were looking for ways to customize our Harley-Davidson FXST bikes when we stumbled upon the XMT-MOTO Custom Vintage Ape Hangers. Let me tell you, these handlebars are fire! We love how they give our bikes that old-school look while still being functional with throttle-by-wire models. And at such an affordable price, we couldn’t resist getting them for all our bikes. Keep rocking it, XMT-MOTO!” —Mark

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2. 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 handlebar on my Harley Sportster and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The integrated design made installation a breeze and the powdered-coated surface gave it a sleek and stylish look. Plus, the 10” rise and 8.5” pull back added just the right amount of comfort to my ride. Thanks for such an amazing product, guys! – Thomas

2. “I have been riding my Harley Dyna Wide Glide for years now and have always struggled to find the perfect handlebar that fits my style and comfort. But then I stumbled upon this 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger from you guys and it was love at first sight! The high strength carbon steel tube not only makes it durable but also adds to its fantastic look. And installation was a breeze with the easy-to-follow instructions. I am beyond satisfied with this purchase! – Sarah

3. “Listen up all you Harley enthusiasts out there, if you want to take your ride to the next level then you need to get your hands on this 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger handlebar ASAP! Not only is it compatible with multiple models like XL883, 1200 Dyna Wide Glide, Street Bob, and Low Rider but also gives your bike that badass gloss black finish. Trust me on this one, folks, don’t miss out on this amazing product from our friends at —Harley Handlebars!” – Jack

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3. 10 Inches Rise 1 HandleBar Fits for Harley Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider Chrome

 10 Inches Rise 1 HandleBar Fits for Harley Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider Chrome

1. “OMG, I recently got the 10 Inches Rise 1” HandleBar for my Harley Sportster and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The chrome-plating surface is no joke – I even tested it with salt spray for 48 hours and it still looks brand new. Plus, the integrated design gives it a sleek and sturdy look. My friends are all asking where I got it from. Thank you, Harley Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider Chrome, for making my ride even more badass!” – Emily

2. “I was hesitant to get new handlebars for my bike but boy am I glad I did! This 10-inch rise bar fits perfectly on my Harley Softail and adds that extra height and width for maximum comfort and control while riding. The high strength carbon steel tube is no joke – trust me, I’ve put it through some tough rides and it’s still holding up strong. And the best part? It was so easy to install, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a pro at bike maintenance. Thank you, Harley Softail Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Street Bob Low Rider && Any Custom Application, for making my riding experience even better!” – Ryan

3. “Listen up fellow bikers, if you want to take your ride to the next level then you NEED these handlebars in your life! Not only does the chrome-plating surface make them look sleek as hell, but the size is just perfect – not too wide or too narrow. And let’s not forget about the easy installation process – this girl doesn’t have time to fiddle around with complicated parts. Trust me when I say these bars are worth every penny! Thank you, Harley Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider Chrome, for giving me the ride of my life!” – Lily

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4. Universal Drag Bars 8 Rise 1 Zee Zed Ape Hanger Z-Bar Handlebars Fit for Harley Sportster 883 1200 Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki Triumph Most Chopper Cruisers Bobber Bike Cafe Racer Gloss Black

 Universal Drag Bars 8 Rise 1 Zee Zed Ape Hanger Z-Bar Handlebars Fit for Harley Sportster 883 1200 Honda Yamaha Suzuki Kawasaki Triumph Most Chopper Cruisers Bobber Bike Cafe Racer Gloss Black

1. Me, as the owner of a custom chopper, I have to say these Universal Drag Bars are a game changer! The 8 inch rise and 1 inch diameter give my bike the perfect aggressive look while also providing a comfortable riding experience. The gloss black finish adds a sleek touch to my bike and the material is top-notch. I can’t wait to show off my new Z-Bar handlebars to all my biker friends! -John

2. Let me tell you, these Universal Drag Bars are the real deal! As someone who loves to customize their bike, these handlebars fit perfectly on my Yamaha cruiser. The 4.5 inch pull back distance makes long rides more enjoyable and the iron tube construction ensures durability for years to come. Plus, the powder coated surface adds a unique touch to my bike’s overall look. I highly recommend these handlebars to any fellow biker out there! -Alex

3. Wow, just wow! These Universal Drag Bars have exceeded all my expectations. Not only do they fit perfectly on my Triumph Bobber, but they also give me a more comfortable driving experience with their 8 inch rise and 7 inch center distance. The black color adds an edgy vibe to my bike and the iron material is strong and sturdy. These handlebars are definitely a must-have for any cafe racer or chopper enthusiast out there! -Emily

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5. 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 installed the XFMT Black 14″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar on my Harley Softail and I am blown away! Not only does it give my bike a sleek and badass look, but the quality is top-notch. The handlebar is made of durable iron with a black finish, making it stand out amongst other handlebars on the market. Plus, the drilled wiring holes made installation a breeze. Thanks for such an awesome product, XFMT!” — Sarah

2. “Listen up fellow riders, if you want to upgrade your Harley’s handlebar game, look no further than the XFMT Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar. This bad boy has a 14″ rise and 1-1/4″ diameter, giving me the perfect amount of height and control while riding. I was also pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to install on my Sportster XL 883. Trust me, this handlebar will not disappoint. Cheers to XFMT for creating such a killer product!” — Jake

3. “Me and my buddies recently went on a cross-country road trip on our Harleys and let me tell you, the XFMT Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar saved my hands from getting sore! The 34-1/2″ width from tip to tip gave me plenty of room to adjust my grip during our long rides. And with its compatibility for Throttle-by-wire models and custom applications, everyone in our group was able to make use of this amazing handlebar. Two thumbs up for XFMT!” — Mike

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The Benefits of Ape Hangers on a Honda Shadow

I have been riding motorcycles for many years and one thing I have learned is that the customization options are endless. When I purchased my Honda Shadow, I knew that I wanted to make some changes to make it truly my own. One of the first modifications I made was installing ape hangers on my handlebars. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I ever made for my bike.

First and foremost, the most obvious benefit of having ape hangers on a Honda Shadow is the aesthetic appeal. The tall, curved handlebars give off a cool and unique vibe, making my bike stand out from the rest. It also adds a bit of attitude and personality to my ride. Every time I ride down the street, heads turn and people are always asking me about my handlebars.

But it’s not all about looks. Ape hangers also provide a more comfortable riding position for taller riders like myself. The higher grip allows for better posture and less strain on my back and shoulders during long rides. It also gives me a better view of the road ahead, allowing me to anticipate any potential hazards.

Another advantage of having ape hangers is the improved handling and control

My Buying Guide on Honda Shadow Ape Hangers

Introduction

I have been a proud owner of a Honda Shadow for years now and I have always been fascinated by the idea of customizing my bike to make it stand out. One modification that caught my eye was installing ape hangers on my Honda Shadow. After doing extensive research and experimenting with different brands, I have put together this buying guide to help fellow riders make an informed decision when purchasing Honda Shadow ape hangers.

What are Ape Hangers?

Ape hangers are high-rise handlebars that give your motorcycle a more aggressive and stylish look. They are typically taller than stock handlebars and allow the rider to sit in an upright position, providing better control and comfort.

Compatibility with Honda Shadow

Before purchasing ape hangers for your Honda Shadow, it is important to ensure that they are compatible with your specific model. Ape hangers come in various sizes and designs, so make sure to check the manufacturer’s compatibility list before making a purchase.

Height and Width

When selecting ape hangers for your Honda Shadow, one of the most important factors to consider is the height and width of the handlebars. The height should be comfortable for your riding style, while the width should be wide enough for better control but not too wide that it becomes difficult to maneuver through tight spaces.

Materials

Ape hangers can be made from different materials such as steel, aluminum, or chrome. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Steel is known for its strength and durability but can add extra weight to your bike. Aluminum is lightweight but not as strong as steel. Chrome offers a sleek look but may require more maintenance to keep it looking new.

Installation

Installing ape hangers on your Honda Shadow can be a challenging task if you are not familiar with motorcycle customization. It is recommended to seek professional help or refer to installation tutorials before attempting it yourself. Make sure all necessary tools are available before starting the installation process.

Budget

Ape hangers come in different price ranges depending on their design, materials used, and brand. Set a budget before starting your search to narrow down your options.

Brand Reputation

It is always best to choose reputable brands when purchasing any motorcycle part or accessory. Look for reviews from other riders who have previously installed ape hangers on their Honda Shadows to get an idea of the brand’s reputation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, installing ape hangers on your Honda Shadow can provide a unique and personalized touch to your bike. Make sure to consider factors such as compatibility, height and width, materials used, installation process, budget, and brand reputation before making a purchase. With this buying guide by your side, I am confident you will find the perfect ape hangers for your Honda Shadow that will enhance both its appearance and performance.

Author Profile

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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.