ape hangers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, colloquial, subcultural (motorcycling/biking).
Quick answer
What does “ape hangers” mean?
A style of tall, upright handlebars on a motorcycle or bicycle, designed so the rider's hands are positioned at or above shoulder level.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of tall, upright handlebars on a motorcycle or bicycle, designed so the rider's hands are positioned at or above shoulder level.
More broadly, can refer to any extremely tall or unconventional handlebar design on a two-wheeled vehicle, often associated with a specific, relaxed riding posture. Used metonymically to refer to the style of motorcycle or the rider's aesthetic preferences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from and is almost exclusively used in American English and its associated subcultures. It is understood but far less common in British English, where descriptive phrases like 'high handlebars' might be used.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong connotations of American motorcycle culture (e.g., Harley-Davidson, choppers, 1960s-70s style). In the UK, it may sound like an imported Americanism.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general corpora. Almost entirely confined to discussions about motorcycles, custom bikes, or subcultural style. Significantly more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “ape hangers” in a Sentence
[bike/motorcycle] has/rides with/fitted with ape hangersHe installed/chose/swapped to ape hangers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ape hangers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to ape-hanger his old Triumph, much to the purists' horror.
American English
- He's planning to ape-hanger his Harley this winter.
adjective
British English
- The bike had a distinct ape-hanger look.
American English
- It's a classic ape-hanger chopper.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in niche retail (motorcycle parts) or manufacturing marketing.
Academic
Extremely rare. Potentially in cultural studies papers on subcultures or design history.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used only among motorcycle enthusiasts or in descriptive contexts.
Technical
Used in motorcycle mechanics, customization forums, and parts catalogues as a specific category of handlebar.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ape hangers”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ape hangers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ape hangers”
- Using singular 'ape hanger'.
- Misspelling as 'ape hangers' (two words).
- Using it to describe any type of motorcycle handlebar.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The name comes from the riding posture, where the rider's arms are extended high and forward, resembling an ape hanging from a branch.
No. Some countries and US states have laws limiting handlebar height for safety reasons, often measured by how far the rider's hands are above their shoulders.
They are primarily a style and comfort choice for a specific riding posture (very upright or reclined), not a performance feature. Some riders find them more comfortable for long, straight rides.
They are most commonly associated with custom motorcycles, especially choppers and some styles of cruisers, rather than sport bikes or standard motorcycles.
A style of tall, upright handlebars on a motorcycle or bicycle, designed so the rider's hands are positioned at or above shoulder level.
Ape hangers is usually informal, colloquial, subcultural (motorcycling/biking). in register.
Ape hangers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeɪp ˌhæŋ.əz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈeɪp ˌhæŋ.ɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an APE hanging from a tree branch, arms high above its head. 'Ape hangers' are handlebars so high your arms are in a similar position.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE RIDER IS AN APE (hanging from a high bar). THE VEHICLE/MACHINE IS AN ENVIRONMENT FOR THE RIDER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the term 'ape hangers'?