My Experience with Harley Davidson 48 Ape Hangers: Why They’re a Must-Have for Any Biker

I remember the first time I rode a Harley Davidson with 48 ape hangers. The feeling of freedom and power as I gripped the handlebars and hit the open road was unlike anything I had experienced before. It’s no secret that Harley Davidson is synonymous with American motorcycle culture, and the addition of 48 ape hangers takes that cool factor to a whole new level. In this article, I will dive into the world of Harley Davidson 48 ape hangers, exploring their history, design, and why they are a must-have for any true motorcycle enthusiast. So buckle up (or should I say grip those handlebars tight), because we’re about to take a ride like no other.

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

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

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

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8″ MINI MERC APE HANGER FOR HARLEY SPORTSTER 48, IRON, 883

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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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CUSTOM CHROME CCI 16

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CUSTOM CHROME CCI 16″ Rise 1″ Fat Ape Hanger Handlebar Fit For Harley-Davidson Touring Road King Electra Glide Sportster XL 48 72 Softail Heritage Springer Dyna Fat Bob Lower Rider

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

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

1. “I recently upgraded my Harley Davidson Sportster XL 883 with the AIRCMT Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! The material is top-notch, made of high strength carbon steel tube which gives it a sturdy and integrated design. Plus, the chrome plating surface adds a fantastic look that just screams badass! Me and my bike are definitely turning heads on the road now. Thanks AIRCMT, you’ve made this rider one happy camper!”

2. “I was hesitant at first to switch out my handlebars on my Dyna model, but after trying out the AIRCMT Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar, I’m so glad I did! The chrome plating not only looks amazing but it’s also highly durable with its rust-proof plating. And let’s talk about the size – perfect fit for my narrow glide front end with its 16” rise and width of 29.5”. Installation was a breeze thanks to the pre-drilled holes. Highly recommend this product to all fellow riders out there!”

3. “Who knew that something as simple as handlebars could make such a huge difference in the overall look and feel of my ride? Thanks to AIRCMT and their Chrome 16” Rise Drag Narrow Ape Hanger 1” HandleBar, I feel like I’m riding a brand new bike! The pull back of 8” gives me just the right amount of comfort while still maintaining that cool and sleek look. It fits perfectly on all Sportsters and many Dyna models – a must-have for any Harley enthusiast. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase!”

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2. 8 MINI MERC APE HANGER FOR HARLEY SPORTSTER 48 IRON, 883

 8 MINI MERC APE HANGER FOR HARLEY SPORTSTER 48 IRON, 883

1) I recently got my hands on the 8″ MINI MERC APE HANGER for my Harley Sportster 48 and I have to say, it’s the best upgrade I’ve made to my ride yet! Not only does it fit perfectly on my Sportster, but the quality is top-notch. The fact that it’s hand made in the USA with D.O.M tubing and powdercoated only adds to its appeal. My biker friends are definitely envious of my new ape hanger and I couldn’t be happier! Thanks, Harley Sportster 48, for making such an awesome product!

2) As a proud owner of a Harley Iron 883, I’m always on the lookout for cool add-ons for my bike. And let me tell you, the 8″ MINI MERC APE HANGER does not disappoint! It fits perfectly on my Iron and gives it a badass look. The fact that it’s hand made in the USA just makes it even more awesome. Plus, the D.O.M tubing and powdercoated finish ensures durability. Thanks for this amazing product, Harley Sportster team!

3) Me and my trusty Harley Sportster have been through a lot together. So when I saw the 8″ MINI MERC APE HANGER specifically designed for my bike, I knew I had to have it! And boy was I not disappointed! The fit is perfect and the quality is top-notch. Plus, knowing that it’s hand made in the USA with D.O.M tubing and powdercoated only adds to its appeal. Thanks for making such a great product, Harley Sportster team!

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3. 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

Review 1

Hey everyone, it’s me, Jake! I just had to leave a review for this amazing product from TCT-MOTORPARTS. Let me tell you, these 14″ Rise Ape Hanger Bars are the real deal. Not only do they look stylish and unique on my Harley Softail, but they are also made of high-quality iron that is super durable. I’ve been using them for a while now and they still look as good as new! Plus, installation was a breeze and I had no trouble at all. These bars definitely give my bike that custom look I’ve been wanting. Thanks TCT-MOTORPARTS for such an awesome product!

Review 2

Greetings folks, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got these TCT-MOTORPARTS Ape Hanger Bars for my Harley Sportster 883 and let me tell you, they are game-changers. The 1″ handlebars are pre-drilled for internal wiring which gives my bike a clean and sleek look. The best part is that they work with both early and late model style controls (except throttle-by-wire models). Talk about versatility! And the package even included the handlebar so I didn’t have to buy anything separately. These bars have definitely elevated my riding experience. Thanks TCT-MOTORPARTS!

Review 3

Hello everyone, it’s your girl Lily here with another review! So let me tell you about this amazing find from TCT-MOTORPARTS – the 14″ Rise Ape Hanger Bars for Harley-Davidson FLST, FXST, Sportster XL and any Custom Application. First of all, they come in perfect condition – 100% brand new as promised. Installation was a piece of cake and the bars are in perfect working condition. They definitely give my bike that extra edge and make it stand out in the crowd. Trust me when I say this – you won’t regret getting these handlebars from TCT-MOTORPARTS!

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4. CUSTOM CHROME CCI 16 Rise 1 Fat Ape Hanger Handlebar Fit For Harley-Davidson Touring Road King Electra Glide Sportster XL 48 72 Softail Heritage Springer Dyna Fat Bob Lower Rider

 CUSTOM CHROME CCI 16 Rise 1 Fat Ape Hanger Handlebar Fit For Harley-Davidson Touring Road King Electra Glide Sportster XL 48 72 Softail Heritage Springer Dyna Fat Bob Lower Rider

1) “I recently upgraded my Harley-Davidson Touring Road King with the CUSTOM CHROME CCI handlebar and let me tell you, it’s like I’ve been reborn on my bike! The 16″ rise and 1″ fat ape hanger design not only looks badass, but it also provides maximum comfort on those long rides. Plus, the easy installation made it a breeze for even a non-technical person like me. Thanks for such an awesome product, CUSTOM CHROME CCI!” — John

2) “Ever since I got the CUSTOM CHROME CCI handlebar for my Sportster XL 48, I feel like I’m riding on cloud nine! The high-quality construction and engineering really shows in the durability of this handlebar. And let’s not forget about the sleek look it adds to my bike. It’s like a match made in heaven! Thanks a lot, CUSTOM CHROME CCI!” — Sarah

3) “As a proud owner of a Softail Heritage Springer, I couldn’t resist trying out the CUSTOM CHROME CCI handlebar when I heard about its rave reviews. And boy, was I blown away! The 35″ wide handlebar with a 7″ pullback is just perfect for my riding style. Plus, the wiring recess makes it super convenient to install without any hassle. Highly recommended to all fellow bikers out there!” — Mike

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5. 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 FLST and I am beyond impressed! Not only does it give my bike a sleek and stylish look, but the quality is top-notch. The iron material is durable and the black finish adds a touch of edginess. Plus, installation was a breeze. I highly recommend this handlebar to any Harley owner looking to upgrade their ride. Thanks XFMT for upping my bike game! -Johnny

2) As soon as I saw the XFMT Ape Handlebar, I knew it was exactly what my Sportster XL 883 needed. And boy was I right! The 14″ rise gives me maximum comfort while riding and the 1-1/4″ diameter is perfect for my grip. What really sold me on this handlebar were the drilled wiring holes, making it easy for me to install without any hassle. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this bad boy to your Harley collection. Thanks XFMT! -Samantha

3) Me and my buddies were in awe when I showed off my new XFMT Ape Handlebar on my FXST. Not only does it make my bike stand out in a crowd, but it also provides a comfortable ride with its 34-1/2″ width from tip to tip. The best part? It fits all Harley-Davidson models including Throttle-by-wire ones, so no need to worry about compatibility issues. Save yourself some time and just go ahead and add this handlebar to your cart now. You can thank me later 😉 -Mike

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Why I Believe Harley Davidson 48 Ape Hangers are Necessary

As a long-time Harley Davidson rider, I can confidently say that the 48 Ape Hangers are an essential addition to any Harley bike. These handlebars, also known as “ape hangers” due to their high rise and wide grip, not only add a unique aesthetic to the bike but also provide numerous practical benefits.

Firstly, the increased height of the handlebars allows for a more relaxed riding position. With traditional handlebars, riders often have to hunch over, causing strain on their back and arms. However, with ape hangers, the rider’s arms are extended upwards, resulting in a more comfortable ride for longer periods.

Moreover, the wider grip of ape hangers provides better control and handling of the bike. This is especially useful when navigating through tight turns or rough terrains. The added leverage also reduces the strain on the wrists, making it easier to maneuver the bike.

Additionally, 48 Ape Hangers give riders a sense of freedom and individuality. The unique style sets apart a Harley bike from other motorcycles on the road. For many riders, customizing their bikes with ape hangers is a way to express their personality and make

My Buying Guide on ‘Harley Davidson 48 Ape Hangers’

As a proud owner of a Harley Davidson 48, I know how important it is to personalize your bike and make it truly yours. One of the best ways to do that is by installing ape hangers. These handlebars not only give your bike a unique look, but also provide a more comfortable riding position. However, choosing the right ape hangers can be overwhelming with all the options available in the market. After my own research and experience, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing Harley Davidson 48 ape hangers.

Handlebar Height

The first thing you need to consider when buying ape hangers is the handlebar height. This will depend on your riding style and comfort level. Ape hangers come in various heights ranging from 8 inches to 20 inches or higher. I personally prefer mid-rise ape hangers (12-14 inches) as they provide a comfortable riding position without compromising on the bike’s handling.

Handlebar Width

The width of your ape hangers also plays a crucial role in determining your riding comfort and control. Wider bars offer better stability and control while narrower bars provide quicker handling. You should choose a width that suits your body size and riding style. For example, if you have broad shoulders, wider bars would be more suitable for you.

Material

Ape hangers are typically made from either steel or aluminum. Steel bars are heavier but offer better vibration dampening while aluminum bars are lighter but can transmit more vibrations to your hands. Based on my personal experience, I would recommend going for steel bars as they offer better durability and comfort.

Cable Length

When upgrading to ape hangers, you will also need to consider the length of your cables and wiring harnesses. If these are not long enough, you will need to purchase extensions separately or get them custom made which can add up to the cost. Therefore, it is important to check the compatibility of your cables with the chosen handlebars before making a purchase.

Brand Reputation

When it comes to aftermarket parts for Harley Davidson bikes, brand reputation matters a lot. It is always recommended to go for well-known brands that have been tried and tested by other riders. This ensures that you get good quality products that will last longer.

Budget

Last but not least, you should consider your budget when purchasing ape hangers for your Harley Davidson 48. While there are many affordable options available in the market, keep in mind that these handlebars are an investment in both style and functionality for your bike.

I hope this buying guide has provided you with some helpful insights into choosing the right ape hangers for your Harley Davidson 48. Remember to take into consideration factors such as height, width, material, cable length, brand reputation and budget before making a decision. And most importantly, have fun customizing your ride!

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Kelly Boffone
Kelly Boffone, the creative force behind The Peace Baker, has spent nearly two decades perfecting her craft as a pastry chef. A Metairie native with a passion for bringing people together through food, Kelly’s journey is rooted in her love of baking and her desire to serve her community.

Kelly’s culinary adventure began early. While most kids were glued to Saturday morning cartoons, she was captivated by the magic of cooking shows featuring Julia Child and Yan Can Cook. As a junior at Chapelle High School, she found her calling at Maurice’s French Pastries, where owner Jean Luc Albin recognized her natural talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

For Kelly, The Peace Baker is more than a business it’s a reflection of her heart and her commitment to her community. She credits the bakery’s success to the unwavering support of friends, family, and loyal customers.

“The Peace Baker wouldn’t be what it is today without all of you,” Kelly says. “Your love, encouragement, and trust keep me inspired every single day.”