Just as people love to customize their car, bikers really enjoy the option of creating a motorcycle that has a look, the feel and the comfort they are searching to find. Not everyone finds the stock look of the Sportster ideal, particularly when it comes to handlebars.
To help those new to bikes to choose a good match in ape hangers for a Sportster, here are some practical and important tips to consider before making a purchase.
Know Your Budget
It can be easy to get caught up in looking at ape hangers for a Sportster and go from a small investment in your bike to a significant cost. Either option is fine, but by starting out with a budget in mind, you can focus in on bars that fit your desired spending amount.
Remember, custom bars are not the same as a kit. Unless you have experience in wiring and working on bikes, the cost of professional installation may be money well spent.
Know The Size
Different ape hangers for a Sportster will come in different heights, widths and, of course, in style. When sitting on the bike, consider the position where your arms are comfortable, and your back remains perpendicular to the seat. You do not want to lean forward or back, to comfortably rest your hands on the grips.
Most people will find the 12 to 16-inch height range of ape hangers to be comfortable for short and long-distance riding. However, the higher the arms are in the air, the more it can cause lower back or shoulder pain or numbness in the arms with long distance riding. This is a personal factor, just take the time to check out the options.
Check the Manufacturer’s Reputation
Always take the time to learn about the manufacturer of the custom ape hangers. Look for their name on reviews, give them a call and ask questions and, most importantly, look for a company with years in the industry for quality manufacturing and handlebar designs.