Handlebars High (from 30 cm)

Sit Low, Reach High

At 30 cm handlebar height and above, you enter the domain of the "no-more-armpit-sweat" crowd—or so they say. But is that really the case? If the rider is perched on a slim seat above a horseshoe oil tank in a rigid frame, then yes. But for bikes with a more continuous tank-seat line—like a Sportster, Dyna, or Electra Glide, where the seat is generally higher and less below the level of the upper triple clamp—handlebars starting at 30 cm might just be the perfect fit, depending on your build. Why? Because they offer absolute maneuverability. In short: anything goes, nothing’s mandatory.

To help you find your ideal handlebar—even at heights over 30 cm—Bates, Burly, Fehling, and V-Team offer a top-tier selection in various heights, widths, and finishes.

A Fly in the Ointment: Are Ape Hangers Dangerous?

No. When designed in compliance with all applicable handlebar testing regulations, models like the Bates Long Beach and handlebars from V-Team and Fehling come with valid certification. That should be proof enough to settle the debate.

However, riders with high handlebars should be aware that the longer lever arm subjects the bars to greater forces during hard braking and acceleration compared to, say, a touring handlebar. The weak point here is often the clamping in the risers or the risers themselves. Anyone choosing and installing such handlebars bears responsibility for this "critical point." Unfortunately, high handlebars still occasionally attract unwanted attention from authorities in Europe, the USA, and Australia, leading to fines or even revoked operating permits.