What's with all the Ape Hangers? - Page 2

NickGEG · 09-23-2012, 12:44 AM

Originally Posted by Suzuki Stevo

My '79 GS750L came with some kinda mild rise Buck-O-Bars on it, they were comfortable enough, but I replaced them with the "Tiller" type bars that came on the GS750E, big improvement when cornering.

Is that ELO's 'Don't bring me down' playing in the background?

Good times indeed.

Texasl · 09-23-2012, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by Suzuki Stevo

My '79 GS750L came with some kinda mild rise Buck-O-Bars on it, they were comfortable enough, but I replaced them with the "Tiller" type bars that came on the GS750E, big improvement when cornering.

The idea of ape hangers or pull backs never was one of performance handling. From day one it was to promote an image of custom or cool. Here is a copy of the sales brochure for your trusty steed, and you will note the emphasis on cool, not performance.

As a general overview, the people who like the style are not looking to toss their motorcycle through a technical set of mutant malaria germ twists, Neither are they looking to turn the trip to Denver into a 36 hour "Iron Butt" ride. The culture tends more towards 250-300 mile days on sweeping roads, not dragging knees or long distance endurance riding.

BTW: That picture just screams "Dude, do you have/want a dime bag."

Suzuki Stevo · 09-23-2012, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by NickGEG

Is that ELO's 'Don't bring me down' playing in the background?

Good times indeed.

My Sharona by The Knack was popular, but of course we would all get drunk... "da da, da da, dunt dumb, da da, dunt dumb da da, da da, dunt dumb, My Sker-rote-um!

Yes...Good Times Indeed

UhOh · 09-23-2012, 07:25 AM

The riders with ape hangers are probably just showing off their religious side.
Last year we found God's MotorCycle Searching for God's MotorCycle.

Indeed, his bike had ape hangers; photographs don't lie.

taken from that thread...
"And then, success, revealed to us in its splendor, was - God's MotorCycle - yes, we found it! We found it!
In a small oasis in the desert, protected from heathens - but it's there, we found it."

Suzuki Stevo · 09-23-2012, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by Texasl

The idea of ape hangers or pull backs never was one of performance handling. From day one it was to promote an image of custom or cool. Here is a copy of the sales brochure for your trusty steed, and you will note the emphasis on cool, not performance.

As a general overview, the people who like the style are not looking to toss their motorcycle through a technical set of mutant malaria germ twists, Neither are they looking to turn the trip to Denver into a 36 hour "Iron Butt" ride. The culture tends more towards 250-300 mile days on sweeping roads, not dragging knees or long distance endurance riding.

BTW: That picture just screams "Dude, do you have/want a dime bag."

Of course it was all about the look, the "L" was one of Suzuki's first attempts at marketing a Harley Wanna-Be, I ended up adding a Kerker 4 into 1, Shoei FM-2 fairing along with the previously mentioned tiller bars. It was sissy bar with the King/Queen seat in the back, kinda sporty in the front. The worst thing about the bike was the limited capacity of the 3.4 gallon "peanut" tank, again, all about the look...apparently I thought it looked cool enough to buy. I have that brochure here somewhere in the archives

bryawn · 09-24-2012, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by Desvio

What would be even funnier is if you asked one of them the very same question.

What I'd like to do is challenge an ape-dude to a pink slip duel through some twisties...

xpertss · 09-24-2012, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by Jims08Z06

One must look cool when performance and handling cannot be obtained...AJ

Fixed

Reckincrue · 09-24-2012, 01:27 PM

I have apes on my Shovel. Actually very comfortable.

As far as a trend goes, its been around a while there must be something to it.

For long rides on a cruiser a mid-ape is my choice. For performance riding and around town puts I use drag bars.


09-23-2012, 07:25 AM	#24
UhOh Superbiker Joined: Apr 2006 From: Tri-Cities, WA I Ride: Hither, Thither and Yon ... mostly day rides	The riders with ape hangers are probably just showing off their religious side. Last year we found God's MotorCycle Searching for God's MotorCycle. Indeed, his bike had ape hangers; photographs don't lie. taken from that thread... "And then, success, revealed to us in its splendor, was - God's MotorCycle - yes, we found it! We found it! In a small oasis in the desert, protected from heathens - but it's there, we found it." __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by UhOh; 09-23-2012 at 07:28 AM..


09-24-2012, 01:27 PM	#28
Reckincrue Licensed Joined: Feb 2012 From: Selah, WA I Ride: 2008 Ninja ZX14, 1977 Harley Superglide, Pro Street Chopper, 2006 Yamaha YZF R1	I have apes on my Shovel. Actually very comfortable. As far as a trend goes, its been around a while there must be something to it. For long rides on a cruiser a mid-ape is my choice. For performance riding and around town puts I use drag bars. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode