Slipping Ape Hangers

[prs]

I had this same problem with my 16" apes. I tried the emery cloth and it worked until it got wet. Then it dissolved and I was in real trouble with very loose bars. I took a small hose clamp and cut off the screw/gear part and wrapped the band around the bar with the "sharp" side toward the bar. Then, I tightened it up real tight but not enough to strip anything. It seems ok but I think I will take a dremel and roughen up the bar where the band goes to make sure it works.

[evilspringer]

Originally Posted by seamonkeyman

I cut a beer can up into strips. Wrap them between the bar and clamp then tension. No slipping whatsoever.

First time the bars slipped I was a fair ways from home and had to ride bike back with loose bars. Not a wise move....

Good Luck

A couple of years ago when I was in NY city, my riser clamp broke on the way back to Ohio. I have 18" apes. Rode 9 hrs. Totally sucked. Left NY about 7 pm. by the time I was about an hour in jersey, the top clamp broke. Couldn't find squat open after 8 pm on Sunday night. Wish I knew about the emery cloth back then. Might have helped at least on the good riser.

[rpiston]

that sounds pretty un-fun.

some good notes for me here, getting ready to put my bike back up and ride 16" apes. I might go to 18 at some point, we'll see.

[Dyna_Willie]

I am trying to understand, are you wrapping the bars in emory cloth?

[Dyna_Willie]

Rough side against the risers, or the bars?

[37heritage]

I thought it was only my apes that slipped. I always carry the right size allen so thanks for the tips.

[sofia91]

Here's what I did on my wife's trike. Position the bars on the angle you want them and hold it in place with one of the riser clamps. Remove the other riser clamp and drill a hole through the handlebars and into the other riser's body about 3/8" or so. Be sure to position it so it comes out in the meat of the riser. Remove the bars and hammer the correct size roll pin into the hole in the riser so that it sticks up about 1/4". Widen the hole in the bottom of the bar by one bit size and slip it over the roll pin. Do the same on the other riser and you're set to go with no slip ever.

[tat2dancer]

OldScoots,

I've had my fair share of problems with Apes on my Springer when I started ridien Apes years ago. Now I'm on a street glide. I hate it. Got an 09 Springer on order and 16's are going on her. Sorry, to answer your quest for help, I always found a small wrap of Steel wool around the bars for each riser, Put enough of a wrap, and wide enough to fill the gap, then tighten the bars down as best you can. Don't be shy about wrapping a little more on if you need. Should work longer and better than just putting a center punch in it. This has always solved my problems with my Apes. Hope this helps you out.

[tat2dancer]

OldScoots, No idea whats up with this site, but I tried sending you a message about your problem. I'm an Ape rider. Have been most of my life. Have an 09 on order thats gettin 16's. Use some steel wool. Wrap the bars for each riser. The same width, and don't be shy with the steel wool. Just keep it neat, then tighten them doen real good. Worked for me on my first Springer with Apes. Allot better than a center punch. Just my opinion. Some bars slip, some don't, but the steel wool will work. Hope this helps, and hope this gets posted for ya.

[fatboydon24]

did you replace the stock rubber bushings with the polyurethane ones.I did and fixed all my problems.the bars werent loose where they bolted in, they had tons of play where the riser mounted.the bushings took out all play, but i notice just a tick more of vibe.to me, it was a good trade.

[prs]

I may have this problem fixed. My earlier solution did not work for very long. What I did this time is drill small holes (3/32) in the bar and put a few small screws and then filed the heads down so they are like fake knurles. I tighened everything so the screw heads bit into the clamp. It seems ok for now. I guess there is something to those apes where the risers are welded on.

[uid100]

Had Wild1s' apes on my '03 softail and never had a problem. the bars were knurled and the clamp was new when I installed them (stock risers, stock bushings). The original post is old, but I would want to know if the gap in the clamp was adequate... simple solution, take the top clamp(s) to a grinder (flat) and work it down a bit. Also, I like the aluminum beer can strip shim idea best. The aluminum is the right dimension, and soft and pliable enough to hold tight. Also the dissimilarity of the metals may cause the aluminum to corrode (after time) but shouldn't loosen, steel wool will have a tendency to rust and stain and damage everything around it, at least that's my guess.

I also like the aluminum shim idea for the nostalgia factor (I first read it in the classic Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance).

Just picked up my '09 SG and the new apes are already on order. I guess I'll have to pick up a six-pack for the install.