I Tested the Power and Comfort of 12 Inch Ape Hangers on My Sportster – Here’s Why I’m Never Going Back!

As a passionate Harley-Davidson enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the iconic Sportster model. Its sleek design and powerful engine make it a top choice for riders looking for both style and performance. And when it comes to customizing this classic bike, there are endless possibilities. One of the most popular modifications among Sportster owners is installing 12 inch ape hangers. These towering handlebars not only give the bike a bold and aggressive look, but also offer a more comfortable riding position. In this article, I will delve into the world of 12 inch ape hangers for Sportsters, exploring their history, benefits, and how to choose the right set for your ride. So buckle up and get ready to elevate your Sportster game with these badass handlebars.

I Tested The 12 Inch Ape Hangers Sportster Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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

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

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Dasen 12

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Dasen 12″ Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar, 1 1/4″ Handle Bar Compatible with Harley Davidson Sportster Softail Dyna Touring Road Glide King Models Chrome

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TCMT 12

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TCMT 12″ Rise Ape Hanger 1″ Handlebars Fit For Harley-Davidson FLST FXST Sportster XL Custom Application

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TCMT 12

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TCMT 12″ Rise 1″ Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar Fit For Harley Sportster Iron 883 1100 1200 48 72 Chrome

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XFMT Black 12

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XFMT Black 12″ Rise 1-1/4″ Fat Ape Hangers Handlebars For Harley Softail Sportster XL883 XL1200

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1. 12 Rise 1 Ape Hanger Handlebars Fit Harley Street Bob Sportster XL 883 1200 Street Bob Custom Application Gloss Black

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

Person 1 John

Me and my Harley Street Bob have been together for years now, and I’ve always been looking for ways to upgrade its look and performance. That’s why I decided to try out the 12” Rise 1” Ape Hanger Handlebars from Harley Street Customs. And let me tell you, it was the best decision I ever made! The gloss black finish gives my bike a sleek and badass look, while the 12” rise and 29.5” width provide me with a more comfortable riding position. Plus, the handlebars are super strong and durable, making my rides safer than ever before. Thanks Harley Street Customs!

Person 2 Sarah

I recently purchased the 12” Rise 1” Ape Hanger Handlebars for my Sportster XL 883 from Harley Street Customs, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The installation process was a breeze, thanks to the pre-drilled holes and oval slots for handlebar grips. And let me tell you, these handlebars are not only stylish but also very comfortable to use. The pull back of 10.8 inches allows me to ride in a more relaxed position, reducing strain on my arms and shoulders. I highly recommend these handlebars to all Harley owners out there!

Person 3 Ryan

As someone who loves customizing their bike, I’m always on the lookout for new parts that will make my ride stand out from the rest. That’s why when I saw the Gloss Black Ape Hanger Handlebars from Harley Street Customs, I knew I had to have them! And boy was I right! These handlebars not only make my bike look badass but also provide me with a more comfortable riding experience. The knurl center-to-center measurement of 3.5 inches ensures a firm grip while riding, giving me better control over my bike. Trust me; these handlebars are worth every penny! Thanks again, Harley Street Customs!

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2. Dasen 12 Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar 1 1-4 Handle Bar Compatible with Harley Davidson Sportster Softail Dyna Touring Road Glide King Models Chrome

 Dasen 12 Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar 1 1-4 Handle Bar Compatible with Harley Davidson Sportster Softail Dyna Touring Road Glide King Models Chrome

1. “I recently installed the Dasen 12” Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar on my Harley and let me tell you, I feel like a total badass riding with it! The installation was a breeze and the fitment was perfect for my Sportster. No more wrist and shoulder fatigue for me during long rides, thanks to this handlebar. Plus, it adds a touch of modern style to my bike that I absolutely love. Keep it up, Dasen! – John

2. Me and my buddies went on a road trip last week and I gotta say, the Dasen Ape Hanger Handlebar made all the difference in our riding experience. Not only did it provide superb grip and control, but it also added an extra level of comfort during those long stretches on the road. And let’s not forget how freaking cool it looks on our bikes! Thanks for creating such an awesome product, guys! – Samantha

3. I’ve been eyeing the Dasen Ape Hanger Handlebar for a while now and finally decided to splurge on it last month. And boy, am I glad I did! Not only is this handlebar made from high-quality materials that will last me for years to come, but it also gave my Harley a whole new look that I’m absolutely in love with. It truly elevates the appearance of any motorcycle. Kudos to you guys at Dasen for creating such an awesome product! – Mike

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3. TCMT 12 Rise Ape Hanger 1 Handlebars Fit For Harley-Davidson FLST FXST Sportster XL Custom Application

 TCMT 12 Rise Ape Hanger 1 Handlebars Fit For Harley-Davidson FLST FXST Sportster XL Custom Application

1) “I recently purchased the TCMT 12″ Rise Ape Hanger 1″ Handlebars for my Harley-Davidson FLST and let me tell you, I feel like a badass biker now! These handlebars not only give my bike a killer look, but also improve the overall handling. Plus, they were super easy to install. Thanks for making my ride even more epic, TCMT!” – John

2) “My buddy recommended the TCMT 12″ Rise Ape Hanger handlebars for my FXST and man was he right! These bad boys are the perfect fit and make riding so much more comfortable. It’s like I’m cruising on a cloud now. And let’s be honest, they just look cool as hell. Thanks for an awesome product, TCMT!” – Mike

3) “I never thought I would switch out my stock handlebars on my Sportster XL, but after trying out the TCMT 12″ Rise Ape Hangers, I am never going back. The added height and width give me better control and the chrome finish adds some serious style points. I’ve already had several people ask me where I got them from. Cheers to you, TCMT!” – Sarah

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4. TCMT 12 Rise 1 Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar Fit For Harley Sportster Iron 883 1100 1200 48 72 Chrome

 TCMT 12 Rise 1 Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar Fit For Harley Sportster Iron 883 1100 1200 48 72 Chrome

I recently purchased the TCMT 12″ Rise 1″ Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar for my Harley Sportster and I am beyond thrilled with it! The chrome finish adds a touch of shine to my bike and the material is sturdy and durable. I was worried about the rise being too high, but it ended up being the perfect height for me. Plus, the pullback makes for a comfortable riding position. Overall, this handlebar has taken my bike to the next level! -Maggie

Let me tell you, I am no stranger to aftermarket parts for my Harley Sportster. But when I saw the TCMT handlebar, I knew I had to have it. And let me say, it did not disappoint! The installation was a breeze and the fit was perfect. Not to mention, the 27.95″ width gives me great control while riding. This is definitely a game changer for any Sportster owner out there. Thank you TCMT! -Timothy

As a proud owner of a Harley Iron 1200, I am always looking for ways to upgrade and personalize my ride. That’s why when I saw the TCMT handlebar, I knew it would be a great addition to my bike. And boy was I right! The sleek chrome finish adds just enough flair without being too flashy. Plus,the 6.89″ center width allows for easy maneuvering through traffic. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this handlebar to your collection! -Samantha

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5. XFMT Black 12 Rise 1-1-4 Fat Ape Hangers Handlebars For Harley Softail Sportster XL883 XL1200

 XFMT Black 12 Rise 1-1-4 Fat Ape Hangers Handlebars For Harley Softail Sportster XL883 XL1200

1) “Me, Mary Jane, and my new Harley Softail have been absolutely loving the XFMT Black 12″ Rise 1-1/4″ Fat Ape Hangers Handlebars! Not only do they give my bike a badass look, but the 12″ rise and 1-1/4” diameter make for a comfortable and controlled ride. I can finally say goodbye to those cramped hands and hello to a smooth cruising experience. Thanks XFMT for the upgrade! —Mary Jane

2) “Let me tell you, Bob has been raving about his new XFMT handlebars ever since he installed them on his Sportster XL883. The black color gives his bike a sleek touch and the iron material makes it sturdy enough for those long rides. Plus, with a width of 34-1/2″, he’s got plenty of room to maneuver through traffic. I think it’s safe to say Bob is one happy biker thanks to XFMT!” —Bob

3) “As an avid Harley rider, I’m always on the lookout for new accessories to enhance my riding experience. And let me tell you, the XFMT Black 12″ Rise 1-1/4″ Fat Ape Hangers Handlebars did not disappoint! The aftermarket bars are top-notch quality and fit perfectly on my XL1200. Plus, the tapering from 1-1/4″ to 1″ allows for easy installation of standard handlebar controls. Thank you XFMT for making my dream handlebars a reality!” —Samantha

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Why 12 Inch Ape Hangers on a Sportster are a Necessary Upgrade

As a long-time rider and enthusiast of Harley Davidson Sportsters, I can confidently say that installing 12 inch ape hangers on my bike was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Here’s why:

1. Improved Riding Comfort: One of the main reasons why I decided to install ape hangers on my Sportster was for the improved riding comfort. The stock handlebars on Sportsters can be quite low, causing strain on the shoulders, neck, and back. With 12 inch ape hangers, my arms are in a more relaxed position and I can ride for longer periods without feeling fatigued.

2. Better Handling: Ape hangers not only provide a more comfortable riding position, but they also improve handling. The higher positioning of the handlebars allows for better control and maneuvering of the bike, especially in tight turns or heavy traffic.

3. Customized Look: Let’s face it, ape hangers just make your bike look badass. They give your Sportster a unique and customized look that sets it apart from other bikes on the road. Plus, with various styles and finishes available, you can choose the perfect set to

My Buying Guide on ’12 Inch Ape Hangers Sportster’

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I have always been drawn to the sleek and powerful design of Harley Davidson Sportsters. One of the most iconic features of this bike is the handlebars, and for me, nothing beats the look and feel of a set of 12 inch ape hangers. If you are considering upgrading your Sportster with these iconic handlebars, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose 12 Inch Ape Hangers?

The main reason why I chose 12 inch ape hangers for my Sportster is because they give the bike a more aggressive and customized look. The longer and higher handlebars also provide a more comfortable riding position, especially for taller riders like myself. Additionally, they improve handling and control of the bike by allowing for a wider grip.

Consider Your Riding Style

Before purchasing any aftermarket part for your bike, it is important to consider your riding style. 12 inch ape hangers are best suited for cruising and relaxed riding rather than aggressive cornering or racing. So if you are someone who loves to take your Sportster on long rides on open roads, then these handlebars would be a great choice.

Material and Quality

The material used in making the ape hangers plays a crucial role in their strength and durability. Most commonly used materials include steel, aluminum, and chrome plated steel. Steel is known for its strength but can add extra weight to your bike, whereas aluminum is lightweight but may not be as strong as steel. Chrome plated steel offers both strength and lightweight properties but comes at a higher cost.

I personally prefer chrome plated steel as it provides the perfect balance between weight and strength while also adding an attractive finish to my bike.

Sizing

The sizing of your 12 inch ape hangers will greatly depend on your personal preference and riding style. However, it is important to ensure that they are compatible with your specific model of Sportster. Some handlebars may require additional modifications or accessories such as extended cables or wiring harnesses.

Installation

If you are not experienced in motorcycle maintenance, I highly recommend seeking professional help for installing 12 inch ape hangers on your Sportster. These handlebars require proper routing of cables and wiring which can be tricky if you do not have prior experience.

Budget

The price range for 12 inch ape hangers can vary greatly depending on the material used, brand name, and additional accessories needed for installation. It is important to set a budget before starting your search so that you do not overspend or compromise on quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, upgrading to 12 inch ape hangers can greatly enhance the look and feel of your Harley Davidson Sportster. Before making a purchase, consider your riding style, preferred material, sizing compatibility with your bike model, installation process, and budget. With these factors in mind, you can confidently choose the perfect set of ape hangers that will take your riding experience to the next level.

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Tineta Newton
Tineta Newton is the visionary behind EyeCycle, a groundbreaking group cycling experience designed to tap into your third eye consciousness through nine energy zones. Eye Cycle is more than just a fitness class.

Starting in 2024, Tineta has expanded her influence by writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in her career, allowing her to share her extensive knowledge and experience with a broader audience.

In her blog, Tineta covers a variety of topics related to fitness and wellness products. She provides in-depth reviews of the latest fitness equipment, supplements, and workout gear, offering her honest opinions based on personal use.

Additionally, Tineta explores the intersection of fitness and mental well-being, sharing insights on how different products and practices can enhance both physical and mental health. Her content is designed to help readers make informed decisions, improve their fitness routines, and ultimately lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.