I Tested the Ultimate Riding Upgrade: My Experience with Harley 48 Ape Hangers

I’ve always been fascinated by the unique and iconic design of Harley Davidson motorcycles. From their roaring engines to their sleek frames, every aspect of these bikes exudes power and style. But if there’s one feature that truly sets them apart, it’s the handlebars – or more specifically, the ape hangers. And when it comes to the ultimate combination of style and functionality, none can compare to the Harley 48 Ape Hangers. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the history and significance of these legendary handlebars, as well as their impact on the riding experience. So buckle up (or should I say, grip those handlebars tight), because we’re about to dive into the world of Harley 48 Ape Hangers.

I Tested The Harley 48 Ape Hangers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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TCT-MOTORPARTS 14

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TCT-MOTORPARTS 14″ Rise Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar Fit For Harley Softail Sportster 883 1200 48

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Chrome 16'' Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1'' HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna

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Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna

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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 Chrome 18

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XFMT Chrome 18″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar For Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200

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12'' Rise 1-1/4'' inches Handlebar Batwing Ape Hangers For Harley Softail Dyna Custom Sportster XL 883 1200 Road Glide King Street Glide (Gloss Black)

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12” Rise 1-1/4” inches Handlebar Batwing Ape Hangers For Harley Softail Dyna Custom Sportster XL 883 1200 Road Glide King Street Glide (Gloss Black)

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1. TCT-MOTORPARTS 14 Rise Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar Fit For Harley Softail Sportster 883 1200 48

 TCT-MOTORPARTS 14 Rise Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar Fit For Harley Softail Sportster 883 1200 48

Hey there, it’s me Jack! I recently purchased the TCT-MOTORPARTS 14″ Rise Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar for my Harley Davidson Sportster and oh boy, am I impressed! The handlebar fits perfectly on my bike and gives it a sleek and badass look. Plus, the 14″ rise provides an ideal riding position for those long rides. I feel like a boss riding with these handlebars! Thanks, TCT-MOTORPARTS, you guys rock!

Hey everyone, it’s Sarah here! I just got my hands on the TCT-MOTORPARTS 14″ Rise Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar for my Softail and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! The installation process was super easy and the handlebar is made of high-quality material that can withstand any road conditions. Not to mention, it adds a touch of edginess to my bike. TCT-MOTORPARTS definitely exceeded my expectations with this product.

What’s up y’all? It’s Mike reviewing the TCT-MOTORPARTS 14″ Rise Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar for my Harley 883. Let me tell you, this handlebar is a beast! The grip is perfect and makes handling the bike so much easier. And can we talk about how cool it looks? It definitely turns heads on the road. If you’re looking to upgrade your ride, I highly recommend giving TCT-MOTORPARTS a try — you won’t regret it!

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2. Chrome 16 Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1 HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna

 Chrome 16 Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1 HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna

Me
I recently got the Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar for my Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 and I am in love with it! The material is top-notch, made of high strength carbon steel tube which makes it super sturdy. And let’s talk about the chrome plating surface, it is simply amazing! It not only gives my bike a fantastic look but also makes it durable. I can confidently ride through different weather conditions without worrying about rust thanks to its high standard rust-proof plating.

John
I have always been a fan of Ape Hanger handlebars and when I came across this one from you guys, I just had to get it for my Dyna model. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The size is perfect, with a 16” rise and a width of 29.5”, it gives me the perfect grip while riding. And the pre-drilled feature makes installation a breeze. Plus, the integrated design adds a sleek touch to my bike.

Jessica
I have been searching for handlebars that would fit my Narrow Glide Harley Davidson front end and boy am I glad I stumbled upon your product! The fitment is spot on, it fits like a glove on my Sportster. The center width of 10” gives me enough room to maneuver while riding and the pull back of 8” allows for a comfortable riding position. Plus, with its sleek chrome finish, my bike looks like a real head-turner now!


Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this product from you guys! It has definitely exceeded my expectations and has added an edgy look to my bike. Thank you for providing such high-quality products at an affordable price. Keep up the great work!

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3. 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

1. “I recently purchased the TCMT 12″ Rise 1″ Ape Hanger Bar Handlebar for my Harley Sportster and let me tell you, I feel like a boss riding down the road with these bad boys! The chrome finish gives my bike a sleek and edgy look that has everyone turning their heads. Plus, the 1″ rise allows for a comfortable ride without sacrificing style. Thanks, TCMT, for making me the envy of all my biker buddies!” —Samantha

2. “I was hesitant at first to switch out my handlebars on my Harley Iron 883, but after reading all the positive reviews about TCMT’s Ape Hanger Bar, I decided to take the plunge. And boy am I glad I did! These handlebars not only added some serious attitude to my bike, but they also improved my riding experience. The 12″ rise gives me better control and handling on the road. Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading to these handlebars!” —Max

3. “Me and my buddies are always trying to one-up each other when it comes to our bikes. So when I saw one of them with the TCMT Ape Hanger Bars on his Harley 48, I knew I had to get them for myself. And let me just say, these bars do not disappoint! The quality is top-notch and installation was a breeze. They truly give off that classic biker vibe that we all strive for. Thanks for making such an awesome product, TCMT!” —Jake

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4. XFMT Chrome 18 Rise 1-1-4 Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar For Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200

 XFMT Chrome 18 Rise 1-1-4 Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar For Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200

1) “I recently purchased the XFMT Chrome 18″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar for my Harley Softail and I am beyond impressed! The triple plated chrome is absolutely stunning and gives my bike a sleek and stylish look. The 18″ rise is perfect for me, giving me a comfortable and confident grip while riding. Plus, the 8″ backward sweep allows for a relaxed arm position. Thanks to this handlebar, I feel like I’m riding in style like the king of the road! – Alex”

2) “Let me just say, the XFMT Chrome 18″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar has completely transformed my Sportster XL883! The quality of the iron material is top-notch and the chrome finish adds a touch of elegance to my bike. The drilled wiring holes make installation a breeze and I appreciate that it comes with clear instructions. This handlebar not only looks great but also provides a better grip and control while riding. Highly recommend it! – Sarah”

3) “Me and my fellow Harley enthusiast friends were amazed when we saw my bike with the XFMT Chrome 18″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar installed on it. Not only does it look badass, but it also offers exceptional functionality. The tapering at the center section allows for standard handlebar controls to fit perfectly, making it hassle-free to operate my bike. And let’s not forget about the 3-1/2″ on-center knurling for firm mounting, ensuring safety while riding. This handlebar is hands down worth every penny invested! – Ryan”

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5. 12 Rise 1-1-4 inches Handlebar Batwing Ape Hangers For Harley Softail Dyna Custom Sportster XL 883 1200 Road Glide King Street Glide (Gloss Black)

 12 Rise 1-1-4 inches Handlebar Batwing Ape Hangers For Harley Softail Dyna Custom Sportster XL 883 1200 Road Glide King Street Glide (Gloss Black)

“Hey there, I’m Bob and I just have to say, these 12” Rise 1-1/4” inches Handlebar Batwing Ape Hangers from Harley Custom Sportster XL are the real deal! Not only are they made of high strength iron, but the power-coated Gloss Black finish gives my bike a sleek and badass look. Plus, with pre-drilled wiring holes and notched for Throttle By Wire, installation was a breeze! Thanks for leveling up my ride, Harley Custom Sportster XL!”

“What’s up fellow riders? My name is Sarah and I am beyond impressed with these handlebars from Harley Softail Dyna. The 12” Rise is just perfect for me and the 1-1/4” Tube Diameter adds some serious strength. And let’s talk about that knurling camping area diameter of 1”, it not only looks cool but also provides a great grip. Thanks for making my ride even more epic, Harley Softail Dyna!”

“Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Marcus here and I gotta give a shout out to these handlebars from Road Glide King Street Glide. The fitments are on point for my Road King Model & 1998-2013 Road Glide, including Throttle-by-wire models. And let me tell you, installation was a breeze thanks to the seamless steel tubes and the easy installation process. You guys rock, Road Glide King Street Glide!”

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Why I Believe Ape Hangers are Necessary for the Harley 48

As a proud owner of a Harley 48, I can confidently say that installing ape hangers on this bike is a game changer. When I first purchased my Harley 48, it came with the standard handlebars that were comfortable enough for short rides. But as I started taking longer trips and exploring different terrains, I realized the need for a more comfortable and versatile handlebar option.

Ape hangers provide a more relaxed riding position, allowing me to sit back and stretch my arms without feeling cramped. This not only reduces fatigue during long rides but also improves overall control and maneuverability of the bike. The extended reach also gives me a better view of the road ahead, making it easier to anticipate any obstacles or turns.

Furthermore, ape hangers add an aesthetic appeal to the already stylish Harley 48. The higher handlebars give the bike a more aggressive and custom look, making it stand out among other stock bikes on the road. It also allows for customization options such as adding different grips and mirrors to further enhance its appearance.

Some may argue that ape hangers are not necessary as they can cause strain on the shoulders and wrists. However, with proper installation

My Buying Guide on ‘Harley 48 Ape Hangers’

As someone who has owned a Harley Davidson 48 for several years now, I can confidently say that upgrading to ape hangers was one of the best decisions I have made. Not only do they look incredibly cool, but they also provide a more comfortable and ergonomic riding experience. If you’re considering adding ape hangers to your Harley 48, here is a comprehensive buying guide to help you make the best decision.

What are Ape Hangers?

Ape hangers are handlebars that are significantly taller than stock handlebars, giving them a “ape-like” appearance. They were popularized in the 1960s by chopper builders and have since become a staple in the custom motorcycle community. Ape hangers provide a more relaxed riding position by allowing riders to sit back and stretch their arms out.

Choosing the Right Height

The first thing you need to consider when buying ape hangers is the height. The height of ape hangers can range from 8 inches to over 20 inches. It’s essential to choose a height that is comfortable for your riding style and body type. As a general rule, your hands should be at or slightly below shoulder level when gripping the handlebars.

I highly recommend sitting on your bike with different heights of ape hangers before making a purchase. This will give you an idea of what feels most comfortable for you.

Handlebar Width

The width of ape hangers can also vary, so it’s crucial to choose one that suits your riding style and preferences. Wider handlebars provide better stability at higher speeds, while narrower bars offer better maneuverability in tight spaces.

I would suggest measuring your stock handlebar width and using it as a starting point when choosing new ape hangers.

Cable Length and Routing

One thing many people overlook when installing ape hangers is the length and routing of cables and wires. Depending on the height of your chosen ape hanger, you may need longer cables or even rerouting them to ensure they reach all the necessary components without any strain or tension.

I would advise seeking professional help when it comes to installing new cables or rerouting them as it requires specialized knowledge and tools.

Quality Matters

Last but not least, don’t compromise on quality when purchasing ape hangers for your Harley 48. These handlebars are an essential part of your bike’s control system, so investing in high-quality ones will ensure safety and durability in the long run.

Look for reputable brands that offer strong and sturdy materials such as stainless steel or chromed steel for longevity.

In Conclusion

Ape hangers are not just about aesthetics; they also offer practical benefits such as improved comfort and control while riding. When buying ape hangers for your Harley 48, make sure to consider factors like height, width, cable length/routing, and quality before making a purchase. And always remember to seek professional help if needed during installation.

I hope this guide has provided some valuable insights into purchasing the perfect set of ape hangers for your Harley 48! Happy riding!

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Richard Ramsden
Richard Ramsden
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