Ape hangers on a Nomad

[Jared]

The recent humorous thread on Ape hangers made be think a bit about apes on Nomad. If you have anything, but stock handlebars on your bike, post a picture and let us all know your impressions.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I don't have a picture and you will never see me with anything like that on my Nomad. I have too much pride in my Nomad to make it look stupid. Heck it would probably buck me off if I even tried.

[Kawhead]

Be nice Gene, you mean ol' ba$t@rd. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif There's a guy on here named Pablo, if I got his screen name right, who has 12" Apes on his Nomad. I priced it a couple years ago and came up with around $450.00 I believe. That stuff is for the rich folks. So you godda want it bad!

[ringadingh]

Unless they are unreasonably high bars they really don't look that bad from the ones I have seen. It all depends on the look you are after.

[oldbikers]

Gene opinions are like a$$ holes every one has one as far as the apes go I have 13" on my Nomad and I love them.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Mike my pocketbook don't want anything that bad these days.

Jim that is what I have heard.

[Jared]

I think the Nomad could look great with some custom bars! Obviously you wouldn't want to go crazy with 24" in bars or something like that. Extremes don't look good on any bike! But some clean 12 or 14" or even some low wide beach bars would look nice. It would be cool to see some more individuality to these bikes.

[Jared]

Here's a Nomad with Drag bars. Not quite my cup of tea, but unique non the less. You see a lot of guys with apes or beach bars on 1600 classics.

[ve3hzz]

Here's a Nomad with Drag bars. Not quite my cup of tea, but unique non the less. You see a lot of guys with apes or beach bars on 1600 classics.

That's a cool looking bike Jared, and I see it has that intake you posted before. Now that you see it on the bike I can see it shouldn't be in the way of your knee or leg.
As you say some mini ape bars can look good. Some that are larger would look out of place IMO.

Scott

[psychocycle]

It's all about comfort. Lots of guys swear by their apes for comfort.

[jandreu]

Jarad, you get a new bike yet? I see you posting looking for a lot of different ideas.

Just wondering... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[kpmhspirit]

I had them on my Shadow:

http://home.insightbb.com/~kpmh.005/Z-Ape-Hangers-Headwinds-Pics/IMG_2174.JPG

and loved them. Just below shoulder height is about right. Control is not a problem and on long rides I find them very comfortable.

I also put some on my Nomad:

http://home.insightbb.com/~kpmh.002/N-Fairing-Pics/DSCN3643.JPG

http://home.insightbb.com/~kpmh.002/N-Fairing-Pics/DSCN3637.JPG

I tried the stock bars a few months ago and lasted about 10 miles and my hands were numb. Turned around, went home and put the apes back on. I'm a firm convert but that's my opinion.

Pete

[Jared]

Jarad, you get a new bike yet? I see you posting looking for a lot of different ideas.

Just wondering... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

I have put money down on one and will be picking it up on Monday. I'll post pics and information about it when I finally get it in my garage.

[sas]

Gene, I'm with you. I've ridden a Nomad with the apes, 6" or 8", don't remember which, but the "arms in the air, way up there" didn't do anything to add to my comfort or counter steering ability. Price had nothing to do with my decision. Bottom line, they're not comfortable for *me*. To each his own, though.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

You are right Frank. I have arthritis in both shoulders and elbows. Arms feel better resting down on something rather than being held up in the air.

[minst7877]

I also put some on my Nomad:

Pete


Pete where did you get your bars, size? What did you need to do with the cables for them to work?

DC

[Jared]

Jarad, you get a new bike yet? I see you posting looking for a lot of different ideas.

Just wondering... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

Here is a cool, custom looking Nomad. Never seen anyone put spoked rims on a Nomad. Looks AWESOME!

[ringadingh]

That wheel also looks like its at least a 19" wheel if not bigger.
it does look different for sure.

[Jared]

That wheel also looks like its at least a 19" wheel if not bigger.
it does look different for sure.

It's a 21". The bike also looks like it has been lowered.

[jandreu]

The wire wheel does look good. I like the look of the larger thinner front rim. Lace it up with some twisted stainless steel spokes and that looks bad a** to me. Wonder what the affect would be with the backrest and a windscreen?

[kpmhspirit]

Pete where did you get your bars, size? What did you need to do with the cables for them to work?

DC

The attached files shows a better picture of the bars without the fairing. Also there is a list of the brake, clutch and throttle lines I bought from Phat Performance.

The only issue I have is with the front brake lines. The stock splitter block bolts to a bracket under the lower triple tree. The PP/Galfer line does not have a splitter the same configuration but I just zip tie it to the stock bracket.. not a big deal. The other issue is that the line going from the splitter to the right brake is about 2" too short. The left one is fine. When I put the bike on the lift, I have to remember to cut off the zip tie or the right line gets very tight. I kept meaning to let Galfer know but never got around to it. If I did it again, with these bars, I would get the front brake line from the lever to the splitter another 1" longer. When on the lift the whole line is just right with no slack.

One other thing I ran into when I installed the apes on my Shadow was that the grip section was not long enough to accommodate the Kury Iso grips and reservoir and mirrors mounts. The grips on bars from DK are plenty long. Something to keep in mind when you look at bars. Any 1" bar should work but make sure the center width at the riser clamps is wide enough.

Overall I really like the setup with the Phat II risers and the 13" bars but if I had to do it over, I would probably go with 11 or 12" bars or use the stock risers. I tried the stock risers but they wouldn't work with the fairing the way I have it set up. The 13" are as high as I feel comfortable but would recommend an 1" or so lower. I'm 6'-1" with a 32" inseam, if that helps.

Pete

[kpmhspirit]

Forgot the attachments.

Pete

[oldbikers]

Pete where did you get your bars, size? What did you need to do with the cables for them to work?

DC

The attached files shows a better picture of the bars without the fairing. Also there is a list of the brake, clutch and throttle lines I bought from Phat Performance.

The only issue I have is with the front brake lines. The stock splitter block bolts to a bracket under the lower triple tree. The PP/Galfer line does not have a splitter the same configuration but I just zip tie it to the stock bracket.. not a big deal. The other issue is that the line going from the splitter to the right brake is about 2" too short. The left one is fine. When I put the bike on the lift, I have to remember to cut off the zip tie or the right line gets very tight. I kept meaning to let Galfer know but never got around to it. If I did it again, with these bars, I would get the front brake line from the lever to the splitter another 1" longer. When on the lift the whole line is just right with no slack.

One other thing I ran into when I installed the apes on my Shadow was that the grip section was not long enough to accommodate the Kury Iso grips and reservoir and mirrors mounts. The grips on bars from DK are plenty long. Something to keep in mind when you look at bars. Any 1" bar should work but make sure the center width at the riser clamps is wide enough.

Overall I really like the setup with the Phat II risers and the 13" bars but if I had to do it over, I would probably go with 11 or 12" bars or use the stock risers. I tried the stock risers but they wouldn't work with the fairing the way I have it set up. The 13" are as high as I feel comfortable but would recommend an 1" or so lower. I'm 6'-1" with a 32" inseam, if that helps.

Pete


There is the difference between mine and yours I used the 13" apes with the standard mounts which makes mine about the same height as the standard bars with the 4" risers. Also I have 1 1/4" bars I like the looks of the bigger bars.

[kpmhspirit]

There is the difference between mine and yours I used the 13" apes with the standard mounts which makes mine about the same height as the standard bars with the 4" risers. Also I have 1 1/4" bars I like the looks of the bigger bars.

Here's a link to another setup similar to mine. His bars were a little pricey for me, though. I'm surprised that the 13" with stock risers ended up the same height as the 4" with standard bars. From your sig pic, though, it sure looks like it, if is shows the 13" bar setup. Which bars did you install? I can see where they bigger bars would look pretty good.

http://nomad.eurekaboy.com/apehangers.htm

Pete

[Jared]

The attached files shows a better picture of the bars without the fairing. Also there is a list of the brake, clutch and throttle lines I bought from Phat Performance.

The only issue I have is with the front brake lines. The stock splitter block bolts to a bracket under the lower triple tree. The PP/Galfer line does not have a splitter the same configuration but I just zip tie it to the stock bracket.. not a big deal. The other issue is that the line going from the splitter to the right brake is about 2" too short. The left one is fine. When I put the bike on the lift, I have to remember to cut off the zip tie or the right line gets very tight. I kept meaning to let Galfer know but never got around to it. If I did it again, with these bars, I would get the front brake line from the lever to the splitter another 1" longer. When on the lift the whole line is just right with no slack.

One other thing I ran into when I installed the apes on my Shadow was that the grip section was not long enough to accommodate the Kury Iso grips and reservoir and mirrors mounts. The grips on bars from DK are plenty long. Something to keep in mind when you look at bars. Any 1" bar should work but make sure the center width at the riser clamps is wide enough.

Overall I really like the setup with the Phat II risers and the 13" bars but if I had to do it over, I would probably go with 11 or 12" bars or use the stock risers. I tried the stock risers but they wouldn't work with the fairing the way I have it set up. The 13" are as high as I feel comfortable but would recommend an 1" or so lower. I'm 6'-1" with a 32" inseam, if that helps.

Pete


There is the difference between mine and yours I used the 13" apes with the standard mounts which makes mine about the same height as the standard bars with the 4" risers. Also I have 1 1/4" bars I like the looks of the bigger bars.

Did you have to replace any of you cables? How tight are they?

[kpmhspirit]

Did you have to replace any of you cables? How tight are they?[/quote]

Yes, the cables are longer. My next post includes the list of lines I ordered. About 6" longer than stock. Throttle cables and clutch are plenty long but the brake line could have been longer. See my post.

Pete

[oldbikers]

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm125/oldbikers/Nomad/apes2.jpgI bought mine on E-Bay they fit great the only thing I did was move the front brake line behind the triple tree instead of in front of it. If you think about it the stock bars have an 8" rise and if you add 4" risers you have 12" which is real close and then I leaned my back so they are about the same as the stock bars with risers I had to use them when I added the faring because the risers would not clear the marine cover for my radio.

[elvis]

Ape hangers are cool and in fact, comfortable, too (for me. I rode Street Bobs with 13" bars).

Having said that I really like the stock set up.

[kpmhspirit]

I had to use them when I added the faring because the risers would not clear the marine cover for my radio.

Yup, had the same problem on mine with the fairing. Edit... just saw your picture on the other thread. I misunderstood. I see what you mean now. I had the opposite problem, actually. I couldn't get the fairing to sit right with the stock risers for some reason But I keep my bars a lot more vertical which is where the problem came from I think.

For those that are curious and considering higher risers, the attached picture shows the difference between the Phat II's and the stock risers.

Pete

[thomsen]

I guess i'll throw myself into the debate. I just finished installing 13" chubbies on my 1500 Nomad -00 and I love 'em! The stock bars look good, but I'm really into the customized look.

[jlreeves]

Here is a pic I found of a guy with 16" bars on a 1600 Vulcan Classic (http://personal.linkline.com/rlockyer/vulcan/apes/apestretch.jpg). Keep in mind this guy says he is 6'-4".

[Jared]

I guess i'll throw myself into the debate. I just finished installing 13" chubbies on my 1500 Nomad -00 and I love 'em! The stock bars look good, but I'm really into the customized look.

Hey Thomsen, welcome to the forum!

Those apes look about perfect for the Nomad. :tup::tup:

[thomsen]

Thanx a lot Jared! By the way your bike looks really nice with the fairing!

[Nubbs]

kpmhspirit,

Not sure if it is just my internet or what but I do not see teh parts list you spoke of for your setup. Any chance you could repost or pm me with the list?/ thanks!!

[skeeter]

1 1/4" bars look good. won't go back to stock

[tazfl]

here's a picture of my nomad with 16" apes. I later added a 3" spacer under the stock risers. The grips are shoulder height for me now with the spacer. I love it and rode from florida to sturgis with them with no problems. See if I can figure out how to attach a pic here.

[Monkeyman]

You look a bit short in the pic. Who's the guy in front of you?

[Loafer]

How many states have a law saying apes can be no taller
than the riders shoulder?

[tazfl]

You look a bit short in the pic. Who's the guy in front of you?

LOL...that fat guy? Thats my dad ...hahaha. On a serious note, that pic was taken the day of my sons first ride with me. We just got back from getting him his helmet and jacket

[Pitchinguy]

14" Chubbys on my 011 Nomad. Add the driver back rest & highway pegs & no more back problems on long days!


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b392/pitchinguy/2011-11-09170045.jpg


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b392/pitchinguy/060.jpg

[Monkeyman]

Anyone know how much space is needed between the bar end and where the bar steps up in size? I never thought to measure when I added my grips. I've found (maybe) a set of apes but there's only 7 1/2" before the step up.

[glwilson]

I think the ape-hangers you guys have used look good. I am almost certain they have to be more comfortable.

Gerry... Illinois has some law like that but apparently they don't enforce it much.

[rustyford]

Here's the ones I added to my '01. They are 12" bars for HD springers. All cables worked except the front brake line. I ordered a Glafer brand braided stainless kit from www.motorcycleparts2u.com (http://www.motorcycleparts2u.com) for $100 to my door.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/rustyford1/Newest%20Ride/381866_2277639703956_1337656557_1844428_2104269930 _n.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/rustyford1/Newest%20Ride/378841_2277641824009_1337656557_1844429_2102088461 _n.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/rustyford1/Newest%20Ride/100_0522.jpg

I'll get better pics once I get everything lines out and hooked up. These were crappy cell phone pics.

[Pitchinguy]

Anyone know how much space is needed between the bar end and where the bar steps up in size? I never thought to measure when I added my grips. I've found (maybe) a set of apes but there's only 7 1/2" before the step up.



I think you should be fine with 7 1/2". My Chubby's were right at 7 1/2" & they were about 1 1/4" short of touching the bottom of the grips. My Kury Iso's came with about a 1" spacer for the left grip for that situation. An 8 1/2" section would have been ideal but the 7 1/2" worked fine.

[Monkeyman]

Thanks. I found a set of 14" Demon Cycles El Diablos in black that I wouldn't mind having. Best price so far is about $150 and I'd like to see something less than $400 total including any longer cables, wires, etc. If 7 1/2" works, then I'm in. :D

[Pitchinguy]

If ya have any doubt when ya put it together you could always weld some 1" tubing extensions on the ends of your bars since they would be inside the grips anyway. I think you'll be good to go though. Mine worked fine w/o any extensions.

[tazfl]

Anyone know how much space is needed between the bar end and where the bar steps up in size? I never thought to measure when I added my grips. I've found (maybe) a set of apes but there's only 7 1/2" before the step up.

7 1/2" sounds about right, should be fine. The bar won't go all the way to the end of your grip but you'll have plenty of bar inside the grip...no worries.

[Danlamettry]

Hey everyone, I know this is an old (dead) thread, but I thought I'd throw in my two cents as I just installed some apes on my 99 nomad 1500. I just bolted up a set of 18" bars I bought on amazon for around $50, and by rerouting the throttle cables back behind the bars, and to the other side of the tank, same with the clutch cable (which wraps all the way around the back side and underneath the bike) and pulling out the 6-8" of extra electrical wiring hiding in the headlight already connected to the grips, the only line I had to have made was the top half of the brake, which cost $30 at the parts store.

[Ridefree]

Nicely done !! :tup: Putting 13" apes on mine . I finally got everything I need to complete the job and I have at least three more months before I can ride.

Welcome to the forum !!!! :cheers::cheers::cheers:

[skullbagger]

I loved my apes I had on my nomad, 1 1/4 wild ones 12 1/2 in tall perched on 4 inch risers they were very comfortable adds a little more leverage in the curves too

[Ridefree]

I'm starting the install tomorrow . Ape's , new grips and internal wiring. I have to remove the break lines and clutch line and take them in so I can get the braided lines done. I took a friends road glide out for a spin and I really liked the apes for comfort and I also like the way it looks on a bike. Every year my ride gets closer to being the way I want it.

Can't wait until spring to try them out !!!!! 3 more months ............>:

[skullbagger]

I had the same year model as you an 01
never an issue thats what keeps me coming back on my 4th kawasaki
keep an eye on the wiring harness between the seat and tank underneath
under that plate on the frame you cant see the harness real well but it will rub the top of the rear cylinder and cause a short
dont ask me how I know

[Ridefree]

I know what you mean. When I got the bike I noticed it had pretty much rubbed right through. I splurged and replaced the whole thing and wrapped an extra layer of heat tubing ( tape ) over that area for peace of mind.

[skullbagger]

I know what you mean. When I got the bike I noticed it had pretty much rubbed right through. I splurged and replaced the whole thing and wrapped an extra layer of heat tubing ( tape ) over that area for peace of mind.
Sounds like your a cautious person and your smart for that
Good eye man

[Ridefree]

Appreciate the complement !! The guy who taught me to ride ( 30 year vet ) told me once " If you don't trust what you ride , don"t ride ! " . I have done tons of work on this bike and still have a huge list of things to do. " One thing at a time " my wife says !

I do most of my work and upgrades throughout the winter so I don't go nuts waiting for spring !!! :D :crazy:

[skullbagger]

I added some pics to my album if your interested after my apes were installed

[MET-RICK]

Those bars look great, nice work. Real good looking ride you got there skullbagger.

[Ridefree]

I love the look of those bars. It definitely gives your bike some "attitude" . Hope mine turns out just as nice.

[skullbagger]

That bike turned out killer wish I had kept it, but I wanted the vaquero
That was also my very 1st paint job too
I got tons of compliments it was originally the maroon color with some gray doors, your bike will turn out cool as well . During these winter months. You can take your time . Weather I'm riding or wrenching it's all part of it.
Enjoy it have fun, make those Harley guys drool

[rocnrol]

Hey everyone, I know this is an old (dead) thread, but I thought I'd throw in my two cents as I just installed some apes on my 99 nomad 1500. I just bolted up a set of 18" bars I bought on amazon for around $50, and by rerouting the throttle cables back behind the bars, and to the other side of the tank, same with the clutch cable (which wraps all the way around the back side and underneath the bike) and pulling out the 6-8" of extra electrical wiring hiding in the headlight already connected to the grips, the only line I had to have made was the top half of the brake, which cost $30 at the parts store.

Awesome looking bike!!:tup:

[makarov9]

Flanders beach bars on my 2000 Nomad, but I might end up switching them out for some 10" rise T-bars

[makarov9]

I had 16" apes on my Vulcan 900 and I loved them around town, but for me they were uncomfortable on highway rides

[Bud2rat]

Flanders beach bars on my 2000 Nomad, but I might end up switching them out for some 10" rise T-bars

Love the paint job Makarov. I have 13" apes on mine and I absolute love them. Now if I could fine to right ones for my Voyager.

[skullbagger]

very nice, well planned theme , hard to find vulcan guys that want to take it all the way.
I likey

[recumbentbob]

Now if I could fine to right ones for my Voyager.

I think these would look good on a Voyager.

http://shop.vicbaggers.com/products/victory-steel-frame-handlebars

[Thom]

Flanders beach bars on my 2000 Nomad, but I might end up switching them out for some 10" rise T-bars

Very sweet ride., Reminds me of my 1996 Classic 1500 I had beach bars on them. 37" tip to tip.