Best Ape Hangers for Road Glide: Reviews, Buying Glide and FAQs 2023

Modifying bike handlebars have increasingly become very popular and for good reason. With the right handlebar on your bike, you can enjoy increased comfort which in turn makes going on longer rides very enjoyable. A motorcycle or bike with a good handlebar also helps improve your posture in the long run.

As a result, it is not so surprising that handlebars come in different shapes, sizes, and whatnot. All of these different features ensure you get to choose one that fits your riding style and taste the best. One popular type of handlebar is the ape hanger handlebar.

Ape hanger handlebars generally improve your posture, thereby making long rides comfortable. These handlebars also offer an aesthetic appeal to your bike. But, as with every product that comes with different specifications, choosing the right ape hanger for your motorcycle/bike can be a bit of a hassle. To make your decision-making process faster, we have compiled a review list of some of the best ape handers for road glides on the market in 2023. We also prepared a buying guide in case you reach a crossroad choosing from our review list.

Top Ape Hangers for Road Glide 2023 by Editors

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  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  XKMT- Harley H-D 16" APE Hanger Bars 1-1/4" Handlebars Black Compatible with Harley Road...
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  WSays Black 12" Rise Ape Hangers Handlebar 1-1/4" Diameter Bar Compatible with Harley...
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation OEMB-2015-12 C Chrome 12" Bagger Monkey Bars Handlebar (for...
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  HongK- Harley H-D 14" APE Hanger Bars 1-1/4" Handlebars Black Compatible with Harley Road...
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  16" MERCENARY BARS HANDLEBARS FOR HARLEY ROAD GLIDES, DYNA, SPORTSTER, SOFTAIL
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• Bestseller No. 6
  
  HTTMT- 14" Black Ape Fat Hanger 1.5" Handlebar Compatible with 15-20 Road Glide FLTRX...
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• Bestseller No. 7
  
  Dominator Industries 1 1/4" Chrome 12" Meathook Monkey Bar Ape Hangers Handlebars...
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• Bestseller No. 8
  
  13” X 1 1/4” 2015-2021 Road Glide Road 6 Customs Naked Handlebars-gloss black
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• Bestseller No. 9
  
  Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation OEMB125-14 B Black 14" Bagger Monkey Bars Handlebar (for...
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• Bestseller No. 10
  
  XKMT- Harley H-D 16" APE Hanger Bars 1-1/4" Handlebars For Harley Touring 96-13 Road...
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• Bestseller No. 11
  
  Pre Wired Dominator Industries 1 1/4 Inch Road Glide Meathook Monkey Ape Hanger...
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• Bestseller No. 12
  
  Dominator Industries 1 1/4" PRE-WIRED 12" Chrome Meat hook Monkey Bar Ape Hangers...
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• Bestseller No. 13
  
  Dominator Industries 1 1/4" PRE-WIRED 12" Meathook Monkey Bar Ape Hangers Handlebars for...
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• Bestseller No. 14
  
  Dominator Industries 1 1/4 inch Meathook Monkey Ape Hanger Handlebar, 14 inch Rise, Gloss...
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• Bestseller No. 15
  
  Dominator Industries 1 1/4 Inch Meathook Monkey Bagger Ape Hanger Handlebar, 13 Inch...
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• Bestseller No. 16
  
  APE HANGER HANDLEBARS, WIDE, FAT 1-1/2" MONSTER BARS FOR HARLEY MODELS (Black, 12")
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• Bestseller No. 17
  
  Dominator Industries 12" Meathook Monkey Bars Ape Hangers Compatible With 2015-2021...
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• Bestseller No. 18
  
  13” X 1 1/4” 2015-2021 Road Glide Road 6 Customs Standard Apes-gloss black
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• Bestseller No. 19
  
  16" MENACING BARS CUSTOM APE HANGER HANDLEBARS 4 HARLEY ROAD GLIDES
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• Bestseller No. 20
  
  Bagger Brothers HD-HB-20-CH Chrome 1.25"x12" Ape Hanger Handlebar with ETC. fits...
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Top 6 Best Ape Hangers for Road Glide Review 2023

1. 13" x 1 ¼" 2015-2023 Road Glide Road 6 Customs Standard Apes (Gloss Black) - Link

Right off the bat, we have these highly customizable ape hangers by Road 6. Available only in gloss black, they offer an aesthetically pleasing addition to your bike. These ape hangers have a 13-inch rise and come with a 1.25-inch width.

One of the things we love about the Road 6 Customs standard ape hanger is that it supports the use of stock clamps and cables. This makes it easy to install the handlebar, either by yourself or by hiring an expert.

These ape hangers come with a 6.5-inch pull back and are made in the USA. The glossy black finish on the handlebars means it does not look out of place on your bike. And to cap it all, these handlebars are considerably cheaper than their closest competition. Hence, it is one of the highest-rated handlebar models on the market.

Pros

• Compatible only with 2015 to 2019 Road glides.
• The gloss black finish on the bars means it looks great on any bike.
• The manufacturer, Road 6, has an online tutorial video on their official website to help you install the handlebar by yourself.
• The road 6 custom handlebar is super easy to install.
• Ready to use out of the box once installed without any need for internal wiring.
• The bars feel comfortable and give you improved handling during rides.
• Offers impressive turning leverage

Cons

• Even though the craftsmanship on these handlebars is exquisite, the bars easily scratch.
• You need to tape part of the bike before installing to prevent damaging your bike's paint job.

2. 16" Menacing Bars Custom Ape Hanger Handlebars for Harley Road Glides - Link

This powder-coated 16 inches Menacing Bar by FMB is suitable for use in 2014 and earlier models of Harley Road glide. It also fits Harley Sportster and Softail.

Made in the United States, these custom ape hangers come with 3.5 inch center to center dimensions, 1-inch tubing for hand controls. The tubes are notched so you can throttle them. This handlebar is predrilled and the bars come with 120 wall thickness. It is 100% TIG welded and comes with a powdered glossy black finish. By buying this product, the brand offers you the option to modify the rise or pullback of the handlebar without paying any additional charges.

Pros

• Specially designed to fit Harley sportsters, softails, and 2014 road glides
• The bars are highly customizable and you do not have to pay any extra charges to get the brand to do so,
• The bars are knurled

Cons

• Only comes in a glossy black finish.
• It is not compatible with most road glides since it is a custom handlebar.

3. Gloss Black Ape Hangers Handlebar 12" - Link

Available in black and chrome coating styles, this 12-inch ape hanger handlebar by DASEN is suitable for most Harley Sportster and Road glides (1998 to 2013). It also fits Road King modes from 1994 to 2023.

Made from steel pipes, this handlebar offers a much stronger addition to your bike. This guarantees superior durability and rust resistance compared to other handlebars in its price category.

The handle is easy to install and there is no drilling required while installing. It comes with an overall width of 35.5 inches and a pullback of 8 inches. It has a knurling inside width of 2.5 inches and an outside width of 4.5 inches. It ensures a comfortable driving experience while also improving the appearance of your bike.

Pros

• Offers superior durability.
• Improves driving experience and comfort.
• xxFit for most Harley road glides, softail, sportsters and Dyna models.
• Available in chrome and powder gloss black finish.

Cons

• Internal wiring of this handlebar is very difficult even though it requires no drilling

4. Demon's Cycle 16" Black Bedlam Road Glide Ape Hanger - Link

These 16 inches rise black ape hanger motorcycle handlebar by Demon's Cycle is one of our favorites for several reasons.

The first one that comes to mind is that this ape handlebar is available in multiple sizes. The benefit of this is that you can always get another size that fits your arm length instead of having to strain to use this 16 inch one.

The Demon's Cycle 16-inch black bedlam road glide ape hanger is compatible with Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It comes with a 1.25-inch diameter steel tube construction. It is 35.5 inches wide from tip to tip. This handlebar comes pre-drilled for internal wiring so you can easily install the handlebar yourself. There are also pre-drilled wiring holes to make the installation process extremely easy.

This handlebar supports the use of optional switches although they are sold separately. It also has 3.5-inch on-center knurling that ensures firm mounting of the bars. There is also a 1-inch hand grip area for proper handling during rides.

Built with one-piece technology, the Demon's Cycle 16-inch black bedlam road glide ape hanger offers maximum durability and safety for users.

Pros

• The width of this handlebar is great, which means you do not feel cramped while riding.
• Features black powder coating that is nice to look at.
• Works with stock brake line and clutch
• Pre-shaved slots for you to add the brake and master cylinder clamps
• Pre-drilled for internal wiring

Cons

• The welded angles on the handlebar are not smooth which makes pulling wires through tricky to avoid chaffed wires.

5. Dominator Industries 1 ¼ Inch Road Glide Meathook Ape Hanger Handlebar (Compatible With 2015-2019 Harley Road Glides) - Link

There aren't many brands in the handlebars and component market that offer multiple editions of the same product so that every user can get their money's worth. Mostly, users have to look for alternatives to such products from other brands in other to enjoy the same features without having to deal with some drawbacks.

That said, this 1 1/4 inch road glide meathook ape hanger handlebar from Dominator Industries is available in different models. There are some Dominator industries 1 ¼ inch road glide ape hangers with over 13-inch rise. However, for this review, we will only consider the brand's Gloss black 13-inch rise ape hanger.

This ape hanger is compatible with all road glides from 2015 to 2019.

NOTE: In case you are wondering, Dominator industries also has a model if you have a 2020 to 2023 road glide. And it comes with all the same specifications on the 2015 to 2019 model.

This handlebar is ready to go thanks to its pre-drilled bars for internal wiring. It is also notched to allow TBW applications. The result is you get to easily install this handlebar without having to drill or carry out extensive modifications.

Made in the USA, this ape hanger is laser cut and fully TIG Welded. It is also de-burred and beveled so you don't have to worry about chaffing your wires while running wires through it. it also comes with a polished black glossy finish which is aesthetically pleasing.

The bars come with stock width. With this, you can expect natural and relaxed angles for your arms for maximum comfort and enhanced handling. There is no slag in the bar tubes and the tubes support direct bolt-on replacements.

To cap it all, the brand offers a lifetime warranty on this product. You also get access to the company's efficient customer service.

Pros

• Specially designed for 2015 to 2019 models of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide
• There is no compromise in the quality even for the price.
• Easy to install without extreme modifications.
• Available in different models for every user.
• Lifetime warranty.
• Pre-drilled for internal wiring.

Cons

• Even though the bars are deburred, it is still slightly difficult to run wires through them.

6. Pre-Wired Dominator Industries 14 Inch Rise; Ape Hanger (Compatible With 2015-2023 Harley Road Glides) - Link

The Pre-Wired Dominator Industries 14-inch rise meathook monkey Ape hanger handlebar is available in a number of models. For this review, we considered the chrome version that is compatible with the 2015 to 2023 models of the Harley Road Glides. This model also has a glossy black version with the same specifications. There are also other models of this product that have varying rise heights (size).

Like all handlebars from Dominator industries, this model is compatible with all stock cables and controls. It has an incredibly short installation process thanks to its notched tubes and properly plumbed bars. This also means you can easily wire the handlebar without worrying about damaging the wire lines.

This pre-drilled Dominator Industries 14-inch handlebar does not have slags and is engineered to support direct bolt-on replacements if you have stock equipment.

The handlebar comes with the usually limited lifetime warranty all products from Dominator Industries have. This warranty also gives you access to the company's five-star customer service in case of inquiries, complaints, etc.

Pros

• The pull wire that connects to the throttle works well out of the box.
• Ready to use out of the box thanks to it is predrilled tubes for internal wiring
• De-burred and beveled tubes mean you do not have to worry about chaffing your wires.
• Available in multiple sizes. The bar is only available in Chrome and Glossy Black finishes.
• The bars are angled back to provide your hands more comfort without sacrificing any efficiency in the control and handling.

Cons

• For a handlebar that is marketed as predrilled, the bars are not pre-drilled to hold the control pins in place. Instead, they are only pre-drilled to make internal wiring easy. The implication is you have to drill the bar yourself if you are installing the handlebar yourself.

This greatly increases the installation time.

• Although the manufacturers include a directions manual to help you install the product, it is not very helpful. This is because it assumes you have already had a lot of technical knowledge installing parts on your bike. You might have to check YouTube to get proper instructions.
• Depending on the bike you have, you might have to purchase and install a new clutch.

Best Ape Hangers for Road Glide Buying Guide

Buying the right ape hanger handlebar for you goes beyond reading about the best ones on the market. Yes, the product you want to buy needs to meet your budget. However, there are certain important things you need to consider before buying your ape hanger.

Quality and Durability

The durability of any ape hanger model you buy depends on the quality of materials used in making it. This makes it one of the most important things to consider before buying an ape hanger handlebar.

When it comes to durability, handlebars are made from steel, an alloy of steel or iron is very recommended. Such handlebars tend to last for extended periods. They are also very sturdy which makes them safe to use for road or street glides.

Hence, before buying a handlebar, find out the material the bar is made from. That way, you get your money's worth, at least in terms of durability.

Price

The next thing you need to consider is the price of the handlebar and your budget. For the most part, you want to buy a handlebar that offers enough quality without you exceeding your budget for it.

One good way is to make a shortlist of handlebars that meet your specifications and compare their prices. Another way is to look for flash sales or discounts on the model you are trying to buy. Of course, these are often far and in between. So, your best bet would be to get one that meets your needs and that you can afford.

Ease of Installation

The ease of installing a handlebar is something easily overlooked when buying a handlebar. Being able to DIY the ape hanger handlebar on your bike is a fun experience. The DIY installation also means you get to save money that you would otherwise pay to a professional or expert to install the handlebar for you.

NOTE: Installing the unit yourself goes more than simply reading the manual or guide to get you through. You also need to have an installation kit. Without a kit, there is no other alternative other than paying an expert.

If fixing things is something you love doing, this is one to consider.

Size and Style

Size is important because it can be the difference between having a comfortable ride or one that leaves your arms and back sore and stiff. The size of an ape hanger more often than not influences the shape or style it is made in.

Due to the importance of size in an ape hanger handlebar, you need to decide how long or wide, or tall you want it. Ape hangers with wide handlers give you more control and leverage while riding your bike. Tall ape hangers on the other hand mostly only determine how your hands are positioned while riding.

NOTE: A tall ape hanger handlebar is not recommended if you have to strain to reach it since this would give you less control of your bike.

Warranty

Lastly, you should consider whether the product you want to buy has a warranty or not. This is not very important since it does not necessarily affect the durability and performance of the handlebar. However, if you are someone who loves having a warranty on any product you buy, then it can be a great deciding factor.

When a product is for its warranty, there are only a few things to look out for. For instance, how long the warranty lasts can give you an idea of how great the product is.

Having a warranty means you get to refund or repair a product without paying any extra expenses. Most of the ape hangers that have warranties have lifetime warranties.

Which Is Better? Drag Bars vs Ape Hangers

As earlier stated, there are different types of handlebars. The two most commonly used are Drag Bars and Ape Hangers. Although they are quite different in their function, they do come with certain similarities.

For one, they both offer better control of your bike while gliding. They both are adjustable so you can find the best positions and angles that best suits you.

That said, there are some significant differences between the two types of handlebars. Below is a comparison of a Drag bar vs an Ape hanger handlebar.

Ape Hanger FAQs

How Do You Pick Ape Hangers?

The general rule to keep in mind when deciding the right size of ape hanger for you is that your hands need to be spread a little bit wider than your shoulder width.

One good way will be to run a tape from the handlebar of your bike to the height that you find comfortable.

Is It Harder to Ride With Ape Hangers?

How hard or easy it is to ride with an ape hanger depends on its size and style among other things. Essentially, using ape hangers means your hands are placed higher than they would be while riding. How great or awful the handling of the bike thus depends on how much comfort and control you have over the handlebar.

Are Ape Hangers Comfortable on Long Rides?

Yes, ape hangers are great to have especially if you are tall. They allow you to stretch your arms to the proper length while also improving your overall posture.

As great as it is, ape hangers that are too tall for you can greatly reduce your overall experience while riding. This is because straining to control the bike through hard turn leads to less control and unbalanced weight distribution.

Buy on Walmart

XKMT- Harley H-D 16" APE Hanger Bars 1-1/4" Handlebars Black Compatible with Harley Road - Walmart Link

WSays Black 12" Rise Ape Hangers Handlebar 1-1/4" Diameter Bar Compatible with Harley - Walmart Link

Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation OEMB-2015-12 C Chrome 12" Bagger Monkey Bars Handlebar (for - Walmart Link

Bagger Brothers HD-HB-20-K Black 1.25"x12" Ape Hanger Handlebar with ETC. fits 1996-2016 - Walmart Link

16" MERCENARY BARS HANDLEBARS FOR HARLEY ROAD GLIDES, DYNA, SPORTSTER, SOFTAIL - Walmart Link

HTTMT- 14" Black Ape Fat Hanger 1.5" Handlebar Compatible with 15-20 Road Glide FLTRX - Walmart Link

Dominator Industries 1 1/4" Chrome 12" Meathook Monkey Bar Ape Hangers Handlebars - Walmart Link

HongK- Harley H-D 14" APE Hanger Bars 1-1/4" Handlebars Black Compatible with Harley Road - Walmart Link

13” X 1 1/4” 2015-2023 Road Glide Road 6 Customs Naked Handlebars-gloss black - Walmart Link

Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation OEMB125-14 B Black 14" Bagger Monkey Bars Handlebar (for - Walmart Link

XKMT- Harley H-D 16" APE Hanger Bars 1-1/4" Handlebars For Harley Touring 96-13 Road - Walmart Link

Pre Wired Dominator Industries 1 1/4 Inch Road Glide Meathook Monkey Ape Hanger - Walmart Link

Dominator Industries 1 1/4" PRE-WIRED 12" Chrome Meat hook Monkey Bar Ape Hangers - Walmart Link

Dominator Industries 1 1/4" PRE-WIRED 12" Meathook Monkey Bar Ape Hangers Handlebars for - Walmart Link

Dominator Industries 1 1/4 inch Meathook Monkey Ape Hanger Handlebar, 14 inch Rise, Gloss - Walmart Link

Dominator Industries 1 1/4 Inch Meathook Monkey Bagger Ape Hanger Handlebar, 13 Inch - Walmart Link

APE HANGER HANDLEBARS, WIDE, FAT 1-1/2" MONSTER BARS FOR HARLEY MODELS (Black, 12") - Walmart Link

Dominator Industries 12" Meathook Monkey Bars Ape Hangers Compatible With 2015-2023 - Walmart Link

13” X 1 1/4” 2015-2023 Road Glide Road 6 Customs Standard Apes-gloss black - Walmart Link

16" MENACING BARS CUSTOM APE HANGER HANDLEBARS 4 HARLEY ROAD GLIDES - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

XKMT- Harley H-D 16" APE Hanger Bars 1-1/4" Handlebars Black Compatible with Harley Road - eBay Link

WSays Black 12" Rise Ape Hangers Handlebar 1-1/4" Diameter Bar Compatible with Harley - eBay Link

Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation OEMB-2015-12 C Chrome 12" Bagger Monkey Bars Handlebar (for - eBay Link

Bagger Brothers HD-HB-20-K Black 1.25"x12" Ape Hanger Handlebar with ETC. fits 1996-2016 - eBay Link

16" MERCENARY BARS HANDLEBARS FOR HARLEY ROAD GLIDES, DYNA, SPORTSTER, SOFTAIL - eBay Link

HTTMT- 14" Black Ape Fat Hanger 1.5" Handlebar Compatible with 15-20 Road Glide FLTRX - eBay Link

Dominator Industries 1 1/4" Chrome 12" Meathook Monkey Bar Ape Hangers Handlebars - eBay Link

HongK- Harley H-D 14" APE Hanger Bars 1-1/4" Handlebars Black Compatible with Harley Road - eBay Link

13” X 1 1/4” 2015-2023 Road Glide Road 6 Customs Naked Handlebars-gloss black - eBay Link

Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation OEMB125-14 B Black 14" Bagger Monkey Bars Handlebar (for - eBay Link

XKMT- Harley H-D 16" APE Hanger Bars 1-1/4" Handlebars For Harley Touring 96-13 Road - eBay Link

Pre Wired Dominator Industries 1 1/4 Inch Road Glide Meathook Monkey Ape Hanger - eBay Link

Dominator Industries 1 1/4" PRE-WIRED 12" Chrome Meat hook Monkey Bar Ape Hangers - eBay Link

Dominator Industries 1 1/4" PRE-WIRED 12" Meathook Monkey Bar Ape Hangers Handlebars for - eBay Link

Dominator Industries 1 1/4 inch Meathook Monkey Ape Hanger Handlebar, 14 inch Rise, Gloss - eBay Link

Dominator Industries 1 1/4 Inch Meathook Monkey Bagger Ape Hanger Handlebar, 13 Inch - eBay Link

APE HANGER HANDLEBARS, WIDE, FAT 1-1/2" MONSTER BARS FOR HARLEY MODELS (Black, 12") - eBay Link

Dominator Industries 12" Meathook Monkey Bars Ape Hangers Compatible With 2015-2023 - eBay Link

13” X 1 1/4” 2015-2023 Road Glide Road 6 Customs Standard Apes-gloss black - eBay Link

16" MENACING BARS CUSTOM APE HANGER HANDLEBARS 4 HARLEY ROAD GLIDES - eBay Link

Conclusion for Ape Hanger Buyers

And there you have it. Ape Hangers are one of the most popular modifications people add to their bikes or motorcycle. This, more often than not, improves the riding experience and makes your bike stand out where ever you go. It can also greatly improve your posture and comfort especially if you are quite tall.

As a result of the effect these handlebars have on your bike, it is important to choose one that has the right style and size. This guide provides you with important features to look for before buying one. Our review also gives you a list of the best ape hangers for road glides to get you started!