I'll admit I went with 12.5" monkey bars mostly for looks and fit. Looks is personal taste, and needs no further comment.

As for fit, I have a pretty shabby back, and having my arms up at shoulder level is more comfortable, for me, on longer rides. With the stock bars I get cramped in my lower back.
Hands are exposed to the wind - a pro in the summer, a con in the winter
BUT - The truth is I was amazed at the improvement in handling, which I didn't expect, but which is actually consistent with the physics of counter-steering. The angle of leverage is greater, so on slow or sharp turns - or quick swerves - you have more force on the handlebar. I imagine true ape hangers, where you're reaching up above the shoulder line, might incur some other physics, and it becomes "pull steering" instead of push steering.
Please excuse my next question due to niavete,
What is the purpose of those?
I realize how stupid that question may be, considering all the other stupid stuff we put on our bikes.
after all it is a bagger
looks?
fit?
handling?
To my eye it looks like it puts your hands in direct weather (no bat wing protection) and not sure it is better for handling,
so that leaves looks and Fit