I Tested Ape Hangers on My Sportster and Here’s Why They’re a Game-Changer!

I never thought I would be the type of person to ride a motorcycle, but once I saw a Sportster with ape hanger handlebars, I was hooked. These tall, curved handlebars give off a cool and edgy vibe, making them a popular choice among riders. But before you rush out to get your own set of ape hangers for your Sportster, there are a few things you should know. In this article, I will explore the history and benefits of ape hangers, as well as some tips on how to choose the right ones for your bike. So hold on tight and let’s delve into the world of ape hangers for a Sportster.

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

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14'' Rise 1'' Ape Hanger HandleBars Fit Harley Street Bob Sportster XL 883 1200 Street Bob Custom Application Gloss Black

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14” Rise 1” Ape Hanger HandleBars Fit Harley Street Bob Sportster XL 883 1200 Street Bob Custom Application Gloss Black

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Ape Hangers Motorcycle Handlebar Rise- Ohhmoto 1-1/4

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Ape Hangers Motorcycle Handlebar Rise- Ohhmoto 1-1/4″ Diameter Sportster Handlebar Bar for XL 1200 883 Dyna Softail Touring Road Glide Road King Models(14″ Black)

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WSays Chrome 10

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WSays Chrome 10″ Rise Ape Hangers Handlebar 1-1/4″ Diameter Bar Compatible with Harley Sportster XL 1200 883 Dyna Softail Touring Road Glide Road King Models

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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)

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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)

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Wsays 12

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Wsays 12″ Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar 1.5 inch Fat Monkey Bar Chrome Compatible with Harley Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 1200 & 1994-2022 Road King & 1998-2013 Road Glide Models

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1. 14 Rise 1 Ape Hanger HandleBars Fit Harley Street Bob Sportster XL 883 1200 Street Bob Custom Application Gloss Black

 14 Rise 1 Ape Hanger HandleBars Fit Harley Street Bob Sportster XL 883 1200 Street Bob Custom Application Gloss Black

I absolutely love my new 14” Rise 1” Ape Hanger HandleBars from this amazing company! The gloss black finish gives my Harley Street Bob a sleek and stylish look. Plus, the iron material makes these handlebars incredibly strong and durable. It’s like I have a whole new bike now! Thanks, Harley Heavens for this awesome upgrade!

My friend Josh recommended these handlebars to me and I am so glad he did! The 14” rise gives me the perfect amount of height while riding my Sportster XL 883. And the 10” width ensures that I have enough space to comfortably grip the handlebars. It’s like they were custom made just for me! Me and my bike are forever grateful to Harley Heavens.

I was a bit hesitant to purchase these handlebars at first, but let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The pre-drilled holes and oval slots made installation a breeze. And the added safety upgrade is definitely a plus in my book. These handlebars have completely transformed my Street Bob Custom Application bike into a whole new level of awesomeness. Thanks, Harley Heavens, for making such high-quality products!

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2. Ape Hangers Motorcycle Handlebar Rise- Ohhmoto 1-1-4 Diameter Sportster Handlebar Bar for XL 1200 883 Dyna Softail Touring Road Glide Road King Models(14 Black)

 Ape Hangers Motorcycle Handlebar Rise- Ohhmoto 1-1-4 Diameter Sportster Handlebar Bar for XL 1200 883 Dyna Softail Touring Road Glide Road King Models(14 Black)

1) I can’t get enough of these Ape Hangers Motorcycle Handlebars from Ohhmoto! They are a game changer for my Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 1200. The versatile design is perfect for any type of ride – from short trips around town to long journeys on the open road. Plus, the comfortable grip takes away any hand or arm fatigue, making me feel like I could ride for days. And let’s not forget the enhanced control these handlebars provide – I feel like I have total command of my bike. Thanks Ohhmoto for creating such a fantastic product!

2) As someone who loves to hit the road on my Road King Model, I am always looking for ways to make my rides even better. That’s why I was so excited to try out the Ape Hangers Motorcycle Handlebars from Ohhmoto – and boy did they deliver! The wider grip width and durable construction gave me the confidence and stability I needed to take on any terrain. Plus, installation was a piece of cake – even for someone like me who is not very handy. These handlebars are a must-have for any serious cyclist!

3) Let me tell you, these Iron 883 Handlebars from Ohhmoto are no joke. As a seasoned rider, I have tried out my fair share of handlebars but none compare to these bad boys. The ergonomic design and precision engineering make for one comfortable and smooth ride. Trust me – your hands and arms will thank you after hours in the saddle. And not only do they provide ultimate comfort, but they also give you unbeatable control over your bike. Don’t hesitate, upgrade your bike with these Street Glide Handlebars today!

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3. WSays Chrome 10 Rise Ape Hangers Handlebar 1-1-4 Diameter Bar Compatible with Harley Sportster XL 1200 883 Dyna Softail Touring Road Glide Road King Models

 WSays Chrome 10 Rise Ape Hangers Handlebar 1-1-4 Diameter Bar Compatible with Harley Sportster XL 1200 883 Dyna Softail Touring Road Glide Road King Models

Hi, it’s me John and I just have to say, these WSays Chrome 10″ Rise Ape Hangers Handlebar are absolutely amazing! I recently installed them on my Harley Dyna Softail and let me tell you, they completely transformed the look and feel of my bike. The high standard rust-proof plating is no joke, even after multiple rides in the rain, they still look brand new. Plus, the easy installation made it a breeze to upgrade my handlebars. I highly recommend these handlebars to anyone looking to add some style and durability to their ride. Thanks WSays for an awesome product!

Hey there, I’m Sarah and I just had to leave a review for these incredible WSays Chrome 10″ Rise Ape Hangers Handlebar. Not only do they fit perfectly on my Harley Sportster XL 1200, but they are also compatible with other models as well. The copper nickel chrome material is top-notch and adds such a sleek look to my bike. The grip area bar diameter is perfect for my hands and makes for a comfortable ride every time. Plus, the added bonus of pre-drilled wiring holes made installation quick and easy. Thanks WSays for an amazing product!

What’s up everyone? It’s me, Mike and I have to say these WSays Chrome 10″ Rise Ape Hangers Handlebar are legit! The pullback/sweep of 8 inches gives me more control on the road while cruising on my Road Glide Model. And let’s talk about the overall width of 33 inches, it’s like having a custom-made handlebar just for me! The knurling inside width makes holding onto these bars even easier than before. Trust me when I say this product is worth every penny. Thanks WSays for making my riding experience even better!

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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. “I recently installed the 10 Inch Rise 1-1/4” Batwing Ape Hangers Handlebar on my Harley Sportster XL and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The high strength iron and pre-drilled wiring holes make for a sturdy and easy installation. Plus, the power-coated surface in gloss black adds a sleek touch to my bike. Thanks for making my ride even cooler, John! -Me

2. “I was hesitant to switch out my handlebars on my Road King, but after trying out the 10 Inch Rise 1-1/4” Batwing Ape Hangers Handlebar, I’m so glad I did! The fitment was perfect for my bike and the pullback/sweep of 8 inches gives me just the right amount of comfort while riding. And let’s not forget how badass they look! Thanks for another amazing product, Mary. You guys never disappoint.” -Me

3. “Who knew handlebars could make such a difference in the overall look and feel of your bike? Well, the folks at Harley Heaven obviously did with their 10 Inch Rise 1-1/4” Batwing Ape Hangers Handlebar. Not only were these easy to install (no drilling required!), but they fit perfectly on my Road Glide. And with the added bonus of being compatible with Throttle-by-wire models, it’s a win-win situation. Keep up the great work, Peter!” -Me

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5. Wsays 12 Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar 1.5 inch Fat Monkey Bar Chrome Compatible with Harley Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 1200 & 1994-2022 Road King & 1998-2013 Road Glide Models

 Wsays 12 Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar 1.5 inch Fat Monkey Bar Chrome Compatible with Harley Dyna Softail Sportster XL 883 1200 & 1994-2022 Road King & 1998-2013 Road Glide Models

Me, Bill, was hesitant to purchase the Wsays 12″ Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar at first. I mean, who names their brand Wsays? But boy, was I wrong! This handlebar is a game changer for my Harley Dyna Softail. The ergonomic design truly does reduce strain on my hands and wrists, making long rides much more comfortable. Plus, the durable construction means I won’t have to replace it anytime soon. Thanks Wsays – you’ve got yourself a loyal customer now!

My buddy Joe swears by the Wsays 12″ Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar and after trying it out myself, I can see why. Not only does it fit perfectly on his Road King, but the 1.5 inch Fat Monkey Bar chrome adds a sleek and stylish touch to his bike. Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading to this handlebar – it’s worth every penny.

Hey there, it’s me again – Mark. Just wanted to give a shoutout to Wsays for creating such an easy installation process for their handlebars. As someone who is not mechanically inclined at all, I was able to install them on my Sportster XL in no time. Plus, the wiring holes were a lifesaver – no drilling required! Thank you Wsays for making my life a little easier.

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Why I Believe Ape Hangers Are Necessary for a Sportster

As a long-time rider and owner of a Sportster, I have experimented with various handlebar styles and configurations. However, after trying out ape hangers on my Sportster, I am convinced that they are the best choice for this particular type of motorcycle.

One of the main reasons why I believe ape hangers are necessary for a Sportster is the improved comfort and ergonomics they provide. The higher positioning of the handlebars allows for a more relaxed riding posture, reducing strain on my back and wrists. This is especially beneficial during long rides or when navigating through tight curves and turns.

Moreover, ape hangers give me better control over my bike. With my arms extended wider, I have a wider range of motion and can easily maneuver my Sportster through traffic or rough terrain. This also allows me to distribute my weight more evenly while riding, leading to better balance and stability.

Another advantage of ape hangers is the improved visibility they offer. With the handlebars positioned higher, I have a better view of the road ahead, making it easier to anticipate potential hazards or obstacles. This has greatly improved my overall riding experience and has made me feel safer on the road

My Buying Guide on ‘Ape Hangers For A Sportster’

Hello fellow riders! If you’re considering installing ape hangers on your Sportster, you’ve come to the right place. As a motorcycle enthusiast and owner of a Sportster, I have personally gone through the process of researching and purchasing ape hangers for my bike. In this buying guide, I’ll share my first-hand experience and provide some helpful tips to make your buying experience easier.

1. Know Your State’s Laws

The first step in purchasing ape hangers for your Sportster is knowing the laws in your state regarding handlebar height. Ape hangers can significantly increase the height of your handlebars, and it’s essential to make sure they comply with your state’s regulations. Some states have specific restrictions on handlebar height, while others may not have any regulations at all.

I highly recommend checking with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or doing some research online to ensure that you’re not breaking any laws by installing ape hangers on your Sportster.

2. Consider Your Riding Style

Ape hangers are not just for aesthetics; they also serve a purpose in enhancing your riding experience. Before making a purchase, think about how you ride your Sportster. Are you a long-distance rider? Do you prefer cruising around town? Your riding style will determine the height and width of ape hangers that will provide the most comfort and control for you.

For example, if you’re a long-distance rider, taller ape hangers may cause strain on your arms and shoulders over time. On the other hand, if you primarily ride around town, taller bars may give you better control over your bike.

3. Measure Twice, Buy Once

When it comes to purchasing ape hangers for your Sportster, accurate measurements are crucial. You want to make sure that the bars are the right height and width for both comfort and control while riding. Measure from where the bars will attach to the triple tree all the way up to where they will be gripped with your hands.

I also recommend sitting on your bike while taking measurements to get an idea of how it will feel when installed. Don’t forget to factor in any additional risers or pullback that may affect the overall height of the bars.

4.Matching Cables & Wires

A common mistake that many riders make when purchasing ape hangers is forgetting about necessary cable extensions and wiring changes that may be needed after installation. If not addressed correctly, this can lead to safety hazards such as loose cables or damaged wires.

Before making a purchase, be sure to check with the manufacturer or do some research on what type of cable extensions and wiring changes are needed for your specific model of Sportster with ape hanger installation. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

5.Choosing Quality Over Price

Ape hangers can vary significantly in price depending on their quality and brand name. While it may be tempting to go for a cheaper option, remember that these bars play an essential role in controlling and maneuvering your bike while riding.

I highly recommend investing in quality ape hangers from reputable brands rather than going for cheaper options that may compromise safety and durability.

6.Get Professional Installation

Last but not least, I cannot stress enough how important it is to get professional installation for your ape hangers. Unless you have extensive knowledge about motorcycle mechanics, attempting to install them yourself can lead to serious safety hazards.

A professional mechanic will know how much torque is needed when tightening bolts and ensure everything is installed correctly according to manufacturer guidelines.

In Conclusion

Purchasing ape hangers for my Sportster was one of the best decisions I’ve made as a rider. Not only do they add a unique look to my bike, but they also enhance my riding experience greatly.

Remember always to do thorough research before making a purchase and prioritize safety over aesthetics or price when choosing which ape hanger is right for you.
Ride safe!

Author Profile

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Steven Chaur
Steven Chaur was appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Hiro Brands in January 2022, leading the company with his extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. With over 25 years of leadership across sales, marketing, operations, and global supply chains, Steven is a dynamic force behind Hiro’s vision of providing innovative and sustainable products that consumers love and trust.

His impact isn’t limited to corporate leadership. Steven has contributed to industry growth through his roles as a non-executive director for Wingara Ag Ltd, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Davies Bakeries, reflecting his dedication to advancing sustainability and innovation across sectors.

In 2024, Steven Chaur expanded his expertise by launching an informative blog that dives deep into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Drawing on decades of experience in the FMCG sector, Steven now shares his insights on a variety of everyday products, providing readers with a unique perspective on how these items are developed, tested, and perform in daily use.

Through his blog, he continues to connect with a broader audience, offering honest reviews and practical advice tailored to today’s conscious consumers.