Ape Hangers were originally put on scout bikes by the Allies in WW2 because the Germans started stringing garrot wires between trees to behead our scout riders. Ape hangers were put on bikes so that the wires would hit the handlebars first and knock the scout down instead of killing him.

The military jeeps got similar treatment. As they were topless, soldiers were also in danger while traveling in them. Initially the Allies welded posts from German barb wire fences to the front bumpers, and eventually it became an official piece of kit for jeeps sent to Germany. The metal post would break the wire before it beheaded the passengers.

Ape Hangers are found mainly on custom cruisers and can be of such exaggerated height that the rider has to reach up to them, hence the term “Hanger”.

Thought to have been implemented to aid riders on motorcycles with no rear suspension, to lift themselves from their seat to avoid potholes, they can also aid in a more comfortable ride since the rider’s hands are closer to shoulder height (when the rider is measured up properly).