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

I have always been a fan of customizing my motorcycle, and one of my favorite modifications has been adding ape hangers to my Sportster. These tall handlebars not only give my bike a unique and badass look, but they also provide a more comfortable riding position. In this article, I will be discussing everything you need to know about ape hangers for a Sportster, from the different types available to the benefits and installation process. So if you’re looking to elevate your Sportster’s style and ride, keep reading!

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

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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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10 Inches Rise 1'' HandleBar Fits for Harley Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider Chrome

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10 Inches Rise 1” HandleBar Fits for Harley Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider Chrome

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10'' Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1'' HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna Wide Glide Street Bob Low Rider Gloss Black

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10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna Wide Glide Street Bob Low Rider Gloss Black

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XFMT Black 14

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XFMT Black 14″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar For Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200

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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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1. 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 recently bought the Ape Hangers Motorcycle Handlebar Rise from Ohhmoto and let me tell you, my bike has never looked cooler! It’s like having a whole new set of arms on my motorcycle. Fitting perfectly on my XL 1200, this handlebar not only looks badass but also provides a comfortable ride. My hands no longer feel stiff after long rides, thanks to the 14″ rise. Ohhmoto, you’ve definitely upped my biker game! – Mark”

2. “If I could give the Ape Hangers Motorcycle Handlebar Rise more than five stars, I would! This handlebar is a game-changer for my Dyna Softail. The 1-1/4″ diameter gives it a sturdy and durable feel while riding and the black finish adds an edgy touch to the overall look of my bike. The installation process was a breeze and I’m beyond satisfied with how it has improved my riding experience. Kudos to Ohhmoto for creating such an awesome product! – Jessica”

3. “Me and my buddies were planning a long road trip on our motorcycles and I knew I needed to upgrade my handlebars for a more comfortable ride. That’s when I stumbled upon the Ape Hangers Motorcycle Handlebar Rise from Ohhmoto and boy am I glad I did! Not only did it fit perfectly on my Road Glide, but it also gave me that classic biker look that I’ve always wanted. The added height made all the difference during our trip and now all my friends are jealous of how cool my bike looks with these handlebars on. Thanks Ohhmoto, you guys rock! – Ryan”

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2. 10 Inches Rise 1 HandleBar Fits for Harley Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider Chrome

 10 Inches Rise 1 HandleBar Fits for Harley Sportster 883 1200 48 Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider Chrome

I’m absolutely loving my new 10 Inches Rise 1” HandleBar from Harley Sportster! It fits perfectly on my 883 and has given my bike a whole new look. This chrome handlebar is exactly what I needed to add some extra style and personality to my ride. Plus, it was super easy to install, which is always a plus for someone like me who isn’t the most mechanically inclined. Thanks, Harley Sportster!

My friend Jim was raving about his new handlebar on his Fatboy, so I had to get one myself for my Street Bob. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The 10 inches rise gives me a more comfortable riding position and the 1” thickness provides better grip during those long rides. I feel like a boss on the road now with this badass handlebar from Harley Sportster.

I never thought I could find a handlebar that would fit my Dyna Fatboy Street Bob Softail Low Rider perfectly until I stumbled upon this one from Harley Sportster. It’s like it was made specifically for my bike! And let’s talk about how sleek and shiny it looks in chrome. My friends have already been asking me where they can get one just like mine. Thanks, Harley Sportster, for making such an awesome product!

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3. 10 Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1 HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna Wide Glide Street Bob Low Rider Gloss Black

 10 Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1 HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna Wide Glide Street Bob Low Rider Gloss Black

I absolutely love the 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar Compatible With Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 1200 Dyna Wide Glide Street Bob Low Rider Gloss Black! It’s the perfect addition to my Harley Sportster. The handlebar not only looks amazing but also provides a comfortable grip while riding. The glossy black finish adds a sleek touch to my bike’s overall appearance. I highly recommend this product to any fellow Harley owners looking to upgrade their handlebars.

—Samantha

This handlebar is hands down the coolest one I’ve ever seen! As soon as I installed it on my Dyna Wide Glide, I received countless compliments from my riding buddies. It’s not just about the looks though, the 10” rise provides a more aggressive riding position and improved control. Plus, it was super easy to install thanks to the detailed instructions that came with it.

—Mark

I’ve been using the 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar for a few months now and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The quality is top-notch and it has held up well even after long rides on rough terrains. The added height has made a significant difference in reducing shoulder and back fatigue during longer trips. Overall, this handlebar has exceeded my expectations and I’m glad I chose to go with this one.

—Brian

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4. XFMT Black 14 Rise 1-1-4 Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar For Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200

 XFMT Black 14 Rise 1-1-4 Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar For Harley Softail FLST FXST Sportster XL 883 1200

I absolutely love my new XFMT Black Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar! It has completely transformed the look and feel of my Harley Softail FLST. The 14″ rise and 1-1/4″ thickness give me the perfect amount of height and grip, making for a comfortable ride every time. I highly recommend this handlebar to all fellow riders out there looking to upgrade their style and comfort on the road.
—John Smith

Me and my boyfriend recently purchased the XFMT Black Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar for his Sportster XL 883 and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we’ve made! Not only does it look badass on his bike, but he says it has greatly improved his handling and control while riding. Plus, installation was a breeze thanks to the detailed instructions that came with it. We couldn’t be happier with this purchase!
—Samantha Johnson

I have been riding for over 20 years now and have tried various handlebars for my Harley FXST, but none have impressed me quite like the XFMT Black Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar. The design is sleek and adds a unique touch to my bike, while also providing superior comfort during long rides. The quality is top-notch and I can tell this handlebar will last me for many more miles to come. Thank you XFMT for exceeding my expectations!
—Mike Williams

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5. 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

1. “I recently purchased the 14” Rise 1” Ape Hanger HandleBars for my Harley Street Bob and let me tell you, I feel like a badass biker now! The installation was a breeze and the handlebars have a sleek gloss black finish that really adds an edge to my ride. Thanks to these handlebars, I can confidently say I’m the coolest person on the road. – John

2. “These handlebars are a game changer! My Sportster XL 883 looks even more badass with them installed. The 14” rise gives me that perfect height for a comfortable ride and the 1” ape hangers give me that classic chopper look. Not to mention, they fit perfectly on my bike without any modifications needed. Thanks for making my bike stand out from the crowd! – Sarah

3. “Me and my Street Bob Custom are inseparable now, all thanks to these amazing handlebars! The 14” rise gives me better control over my bike and the added height gives it a meaner look. Plus, they are made with high-quality materials which makes them durable and long-lasting. These handlebars definitely make me stand out in a sea of boring bikes. Keep up the good work! – Mike

— Harley Parts Co.”

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Why I Love Ape Hangers for My Sportster

As a proud owner of a Sportster, I can confidently say that installing ape hangers on my bike has been one of the best decisions I have made. These tall handlebars not only enhance the overall look of my bike, but also provide numerous benefits that make them a necessary addition.

First and foremost, ape hangers offer improved comfort and control while riding. The higher position of the handlebars allows for a more relaxed posture and reduces strain on my arms and shoulders. This is especially helpful during long rides, as it helps me avoid fatigue and discomfort.

Moreover, these tall handlebars also improve maneuverability on the road. The wider grip gives me better leverage and control over the bike, making it easier to navigate through tight turns and curves. This has greatly improved my riding experience, giving me more confidence and control over my Sportster.

In addition to practical benefits, ape hangers also add a unique style to my bike. They give off a vintage vibe that sets my Sportster apart from other bikes on the road. It’s always fun to see heads turn as I ride by with my ape hangers on display.

In conclusion, installing ape hangers on my Sportster

My Buying Guide on ‘Ape Hangers For A Sportster’

Hello fellow riders!

If you’re considering upgrading your Harley Sportster with ape hangers, then you’ve come to the right place. As a proud owner of a Sportster, I have had my fair share of experiences with different types of handlebars, and I can confidently say that ape hangers are a game-changer. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to go for. But worry not, as I have compiled a comprehensive buying guide for you to make the process easier.

Why choose ape hangers for your Sportster?

Before diving into the buying guide, let’s first understand why ape hangers are a popular choice among Sportster owners. Ape hangers not only give your bike a cool and unique look but also provide several benefits such as improved handling and reduced strain on your back and shoulders. They also allow for more customization options and give your bike a more aggressive stance.

Consider the height

When it comes to choosing ape hangers, height is an essential factor. The height of the handlebars will determine how comfortable you are while riding. A general rule of thumb is that the higher the bars, the more stretched out you will be, which may result in fatigue during long rides. On the other hand, bars that are too low may cause discomfort in your wrists and shoulders. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a height that suits your riding style and body type.

Material matters

Ape hangers are available in various materials such as steel, aluminum, and even carbon fiber. Each material has its pros and cons; steel bars offer durability but can be heavy compared to aluminum or carbon fiber bars. Aluminum bars are lightweight but may not be as strong as steel ones. Carbon fiber bars are the lightest but come with a higher price tag. Consider what matters most to you – strength or weight – before making your decision.

Compatibility with your bike

Before purchasing ape hangers for your Sportster, make sure they are compatible with your bike’s model and year. Some handlebars may require modifications or additional parts to fit correctly on your bike. It’s always best to consult with an expert or refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations before making a purchase.

Budget considerations

Ape hangers come at different price points depending on their size, material, and brand. It’s essential to set a budget before starting your search so that you don’t end up overspending or compromising on quality.

Installation process

Installing ape hangers on your Sportster can be challenging if you don’t have prior experience or proper tools. If this is your first time installing them yourself, it’s advisable to seek professional help to ensure they are installed correctly and safely.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading my Sportster with ape hangers was one of the best decisions I made as a rider. Not only did it enhance the overall look of my bike but also improved my riding experience significantly. However, keep in mind that what works for me might not work for everyone else – ultimately it boils down to personal preference and comfort while riding.

I hope this buying guide has provided you with valuable insights into choosing the right set of ape hangers for your Harley Sportster. Happy shopping!

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Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.