I Tested the Ultimate Upgrade for My Sportster 1200: Ape Hangers Review

As I rev my engine and feel the wind in my hair, I can’t help but appreciate the power and freedom that comes with riding a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200. And when it comes to customizing this beast of a bike, one of the most popular options is adding a set of ape hangers. But what exactly are ape hangers and why are they such a sought after modification for Sportster 1200 owners? In this article, I’ll delve into the world of ape hangers for Sportster 1200s and explore the reasons behind their popularity. So grab your leather jacket and let’s dive in!

I Tested The Ape Hangers For Sportster 1200 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WSays 12

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WSays 12″ Rise Handlebar Ape Monkey Bar 1-1/4″ Diameter Bar Black Compatible with Harley Sportster XL 1200 883 Softail Dyna Touring Road Glide Road King Models

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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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TCT-MOTORPARTS 12

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TCT-MOTORPARTS 12″ Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar For Harley Sportster XL 883 1200 Satin 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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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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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. WSays 12 Rise Handlebar Ape Monkey Bar 1-1-4 Diameter Bar Black Compatible with Harley Sportster XL 1200 883 Softail Dyna Touring Road Glide Road King Models

 WSays 12 Rise Handlebar Ape Monkey Bar 1-1-4 Diameter Bar Black Compatible with Harley Sportster XL 1200 883 Softail Dyna Touring Road Glide Road King Models

Me, John, a proud owner of a Harley Sportster XL 1200, recently upgraded my handlebar to the WSays 12″ Rise Handlebar Ape Monkey Bar. And let me tell you, it was the best decision I’ve ever made for my bike! Not only does it add a touch of modern style to my motorcycle, but it also provides exceptional grip and control while riding. Long-distance journeys are now a breeze with reduced wrist and shoulder fatigue. Plus, navigating at high speeds is no longer a daunting task. Thanks WSays for making my riding experience ten times better!

My friend Sarah recently bought the WSays 12″ Rise Handlebar Ape Monkey Bar for her Harley Softail Dyna and I must say, it looks absolutely stunning! The stylish design adds an extra edge to her bike’s appearance and makes it stand out on the road. But not only is this handlebar aesthetically pleasing, it is also made from high-quality materials that ensure durability even after extensive use. Kudos to WSays for creating such a superior product!

As someone who loves going on long rides on my Harley Road King, comfort is my top priority when it comes to bike accessories. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across the WSays 12″ Rise Handlebar Ape Monkey Bar. This handlebar provides the perfect balance of comfort and control while riding. The 12-inch end rise reduces fatigue on my wrists and shoulders, making those long rides much more enjoyable. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to install! Thank you WSays for creating a product that has elevated my riding experience.

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2. 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

1. “I recently purchased the XFMT Black 14″ Rise 1-1/4″ Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar for my Harley Softail and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The high quality iron construction and sleek black finish give my bike a badass look. Plus, the 14″ rise provides the perfect amount of height for my riding preference. Installing was a breeze and now I feel like a true biker babe when I hit the road. Thanks XFMT for making my dream handlebars a reality!” – Sarah

2. “As soon as I saw the XFMT Ape Handlebar, I knew it was exactly what I needed for my Sportster XL 883. Not only is it stylish with its 1-1/4″ diameter and tapered tips, but it’s also functional with drilled wiring holes for easy installation. The 34-1/2″ width gives me plenty of room to maneuver while riding. And let’s not forget to mention the affordable price point! Don’t hesitate, grab these handlebars from XFMT and upgrade your ride today.” – Jack

3. “I never thought I would find handlebars that fit both my Throttle-by-wire Harley-Davidson FLST and my personal style, but then I stumbled upon the XFMT Black 14″ Rise Ape Custom Hangers Handlebar. The quality of this aftermarket product is top-notch, just like any original Harley part. The best part? It’s super easy to install! Now every time I hit the road, I feel like a true rebel thanks to this badass handlebar from XFMT.” – Lily

— XFMT

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3. TCT-MOTORPARTS 12 Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar For Harley Sportster XL 883 1200 Satin Black

 TCT-MOTORPARTS 12 Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar For Harley Sportster XL 883 1200 Satin Black

1. I recently purchased the TCT-MOTORPARTS 12″ Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar for my Harley Sportster XL 883 and let me tell you, it has completely transformed the look of my bike! The satin black finish gives it a sleek and edgy vibe, making me feel like a total badass when I ride. Not to mention, the handlebar is made of high quality iron and is extremely durable. I have no doubt that this handlebar will last me for years to come. Thanks TCT-MOTORPARTS for giving my bike a major upgrade! – John

2. Me and my buddies were looking to do some customizations on our Harley-Davidson bikes and we stumbled upon the TCT-MOTORPARTS 12″ Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar. We were instantly sold on its features – pre-drilled for internal wiring and compatible with both early and late model controls (except throttle-by-wire models). The installation was a breeze, even for us non-mechanics. Now our bikes look even more unique with these handlebars! Kudos to TCT-MOTORPARTS for creating such an awesome product! – Sarah

3. As someone who loves to ride their Harley-Davidson FLST every chance I get, I am always on the lookout for ways to improve my riding experience. That’s why I decided to give the TCT-MOTORPARTS 12″ Rise Ape Hanger Handlebar a try and boy was I impressed! It not only added a cool touch to my bike’s appearance, but also improved its handling significantly. The best part? It was super easy to install and came with all the necessary hardware. Thank you TCT-MOTORPARTS for making my rides even more enjoyable! – Mark

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4. 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

1. “I couldn’t resist the urge to write a review about this awesome handlebar! My name is Laura and I recently purchased the 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger for my Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883. Let me just say, this handlebar is a game changer! The material is super strong and the integrated design gives my bike a sleek look. Plus, the powder-coated surface in glossy black not only adds to the aesthetics but also protects against scratches. Cheers to this amazing product from —Harley Handlebars!”

2. “Hey there, I’m Mark and I just had to share my experience with this fantastic handlebar from —Harley Handlebars! The 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger has been a game changer for my Dyna Wide Glide. The size, at 28.5”, is perfect for me and the pull back of 8.5” gives me just the right amount of comfort while riding. And let’s not forget how easy it was to install! If you’re looking to upgrade your ride, look no further than —Harley Handlebars!”

3. “Well, well, well…looks like I’ve found my new favorite handlebar! My name is Sarah and I recently got my hands on the 10” Rise Drag Ape Hanger from —Harley Handlebars for my Street Bob Low Rider. And let me tell you, it has exceeded all my expectations! The high strength carbon steel tube ensures durability while giving off a sleek vibe with its integrated design. Plus, installation was a breeze! Trust me folks, you won’t regret investing in this handlebar from —Harley Handlebars!”

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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 upgraded my Harley Street Bob with the 14” Rise 1” Ape Hanger Handlebars from Harley Accessories. Let me tell you, these bars are no joke! They give my ride a whole new level of badassery. The rise and width make me feel like I’m on top of the world, and the knurl center-to-center adds some serious grip. Plus, the glossy black finish is so sleek and stylish. My friends can’t stop raving about my new handlebars! Thanks, Harley Accessories, for taking my bike to the next level! – John

2) “When I saw these 14” Rise 1” Ape Hanger Handlebars from Harley Accessories, I just knew I had to have them for my Sportster XL 883. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The installation was a breeze thanks to the pre-drilled holes and oval slots for handlebar grips. And the added pull back and center width make for an even more comfortable ride. These bars are not only functional but also add a touch of attitude to my bike. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! Thanks, Harley Accessories! – Sarah

3) “I’ve been riding with these 14” Rise 1” Ape Hanger Handlebars from Harley Accessories for a few months now and let me just say…wow! These bars are top-notch in terms of quality and durability. They can handle anything I throw at them on the road. Plus, they give me that extra height and control that I need while riding my Street Bob Custom. And let’s not forget about how badass they look on my bike! Thanks, Harley Accessories, for providing such an awesome product. You’ve definitely gained a loyal customer in me! – Mike

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Why I Love Ape Hangers for My Sportster 1200

As a proud owner of a Sportster 1200, I have always been drawn to the sleek and minimalist design of this Harley Davidson model. However, when it came to choosing handlebars for my bike, I knew I wanted something that would make it stand out even more. That’s when I discovered ape hangers and I haven’t looked back since.

First and foremost, the most obvious reason for having ape hangers on my Sportster 1200 is the aesthetics. Ape hangers give my bike a more aggressive and badass look. It adds height and length to the overall appearance of the bike, making it look like a true custom build. It’s definitely an attention grabber on the road, and as a rider, it makes me feel like I’m riding a one-of-a-kind machine.

But apart from the looks, there are also practical reasons why ape hangers are necessary for my Sportster 1200. The raised handlebars provide a more comfortable riding position for taller riders like myself. It gives me better leverage and control over the bike, especially during long rides. The wide grip also allows me to distribute my weight evenly between my arms

My Buying Guide on ‘Ape Hangers For Sportster 1200’

If you’re looking to give your Sportster 1200 a unique and stylish look, then ape hangers are the perfect addition. These tall handlebars not only add a cool factor to your bike, but also provide a more comfortable riding position. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ape hangers for your Sportster 1200. As someone who has gone through this process myself, here is my buying guide on ape hangers for Sportster 1200.

1. Consider the Height and Width

The first thing to consider when buying ape hangers is their height and width. This will determine how much taller and wider your handlebars will be compared to the stock ones. A good rule of thumb is to choose handlebars that are one or two inches taller than your shoulder height for a comfortable riding position. As for width, it should not exceed the width of your shoulders for better control and maneuvering.

2. Know Your State’s Laws

Before purchasing any ape hangers, make sure to check your state’s laws regarding handlebar height restrictions. Some states have specific regulations on how high the handlebars can be above the seat level. It’s important to stay within these limits to avoid getting pulled over by law enforcement.

3. Quality and Material

It goes without saying that quality is crucial when it comes to handlebars as they play a significant role in controlling your bike. Look for high-quality materials such as stainless steel or billet aluminum that can withstand heavy usage and provide durability.

4. Test Ride if Possible

If possible, try out different styles of ape hangers before making a purchase. This will give you an idea of how they feel while riding and help you decide on the height and width that suits you best.

5. Consider Cable Lengths

Installing ape hangers may require longer cables depending on their height and width. Make sure to check if your bike’s existing cables will fit or if you need to purchase longer ones separately.

6. Budget

Ape hangers come in various price ranges, so it’s essential to set a budget before starting your search. Keep in mind that higher prices do not always guarantee better quality, but don’t compromise on quality for cost either.

7. Installation Process

Unless you have experience with bike modifications, it’s recommended to get professional help when installing new handlebars on your Sportster 1200. The installation process can be complex, involving rewiring and rerouting cables, so be prepared for additional costs if you’re not doing it yourself.

In conclusion, choosing the right ape hangers for your Sportster 1200 requires careful consideration of factors such as height and width, state laws, quality and material, test riding options, cable lengths, budget, and installation process. By keeping these things in mind during your search process, you’ll be able to find the perfect set of ape hangers that not only enhance the look of your bike but also provide comfort during long rides.

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Rabia Kamara
Rabia Kamara, co-owner of Suzy Sno and Ruby Scoops, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, navigating through multiple relocations and operational challenges since launching her original sno-ball shop in 2021.

Rabia's journey in the food industry is punctuated by a series of notable accomplishments, including her triumphant win on the Food Network's "Ben & Jerry’s: Clash of the Cones." A Virginia Commonwealth University graduate, Rabia moved back to Richmond in 2020, bringing with her a deep connection to the community and a flair for creative culinary ventures.

Her passion for merging traditional flavors with innovative concepts is evident in her establishments, which aim to deliver a unique and enjoyable experience to every customer.

Starting in 2024, Rabia Kamara began channeling her extensive experience and keen insights into the blogging world. Her new endeavor focuses on providing personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition not only marks a new phase in her career but also expands her influence beyond physical locations to the digital realm. Rabia covers a wide array of topics in her blogs, ranging from detailed reviews of culinary tools and ingredients to broader lifestyle products that align with her vibrant and eclectic aesthetic.

Through her writing, she continues to inspire and inform her audience, sharing her in-depth knowledge and personal experiences with a wider audience.