Wild Ride With a Motorcycle Handlebar Guide
For starters, the main distinguishing factor is the two-wheel balancing act that they need to pull off to get you from point A to point B. Second is the handlebars that function as motorcycle controls. Through this piece of metal, you steer the wild hog underneath you and get it to go where you choose. With such an important role, people often forget to focus on the specifics that make up a good pair of handlebars, to which end, we shall remedy here with this guide to choosing the best aftermarket motorcycle handlebar controls.
Measurements
Before we discuss types of handlebars, we need to figure out the measurements. Knowing what are the dimensions of your bike and bars is crucial to choosing the right ones. A good pair of motorcycle controls can vastly improve your ride.
As far as industry standards, bars usually come in either 1" or 7/8" diameter. Harley applications will typically use 1", however, for riders looking for thicker bars 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" are available and may require special clamps and hand controls, depending on the model.
The five main dimensions you have to know are:
- Overall Width
- Pullback
- Total Rise/Height
- End Rise
- Center Width
The rise can vary from zero to over 17 inches on a mean-looking hanger. You’ll mostly find that anything higher than shoulder height can become uncomfortable and will restricted blood flow to your hands, as opposed to the forward position of a low-rise bike that will put the strain on your wrists.
The overall width can range from 12 inches to over 24 inches. While providing a stronger grip, you may lose some control on tighter curves and turns, so keep this in mind as well as your comfort. Wider controls may challenge your arm muscles on longer rides by keeping them in a less natural position.
When it comes to pullback though, the dimensions can go from zero to 12 inches or more. This does depend mostly on the frame, but a longer pullback will make you feel less cramped and will add to the comfort and prevent additional back pain. This does come at a tradeoff with aerodynamics where you can sit more upright, but you’ll also add more wind resistance and demand on the bike.
The diameter should also be considered for matching the brand and model of your motorcycle to the motorbike controls. As a rule of thumb, American bikes like Harleys have one-inch handlebars, whereas imports usually go toward seven-eighths. Tracker models can push the limits to 1 ¾ inch across the centre width while tapering to something more manageable toward the ends.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the wrist angle too. It affects blood flow to your hands and can impact the comfort of your ride. If it works for your bike, handlebars with adjustable and customizable components are a godsend. They provide you with a match between style and bike. If you are a beginner rider, you may find them a viable option until you get a handle on your bars.
Types
With the measurements sorted, what are the types of bars at your disposal?
Moto
Moto bars are commonly seen on dirt bikes, though not exclusive to that class alone. Moto bars can provide different degrees of curve and height, but it does depend on the style of riding in order to determine your preferences.
Touring/Dresser Bars
Usually very easy to spot since they are significantly larger than most other handlebars. Wider at the base in order to accommodate the shape and size of the fairing, they typically have a 12"-20" rise height.
Ape Hangers
Ape Hangers get their name from the way the rider hangs ape-like on the bars while riding. The most noticeable thing for these handles is their rise height, which is typically between 12"-20"
T-Bars/H-Bars
This style of bars varies much in shape and size, but what really sets them apart from others is the way they mount to the triple trees. T/H-bars have built-in risers that allow you to bolt them right into the triple trees instead of using a clamp.
Z-Bars
These do come in a wide range of rise heights and styles, though they are typically distinguished by the 90° angle bends at the base and the peak of the handlebars.
Drag Bars
These bars can vary in style and pullback, but typically have no rise height, with slight to moderate pullback which allows for comfort at a mildly aggressive riding position. Zero Drag bars look great with tall risers on choppers. Low Drag bars have a flat bend and zero upsweep that can sometimes make handling difficult, so they are not suited for bikes with lengthened forks, whereas High Drag bars are for that hardcore, a custom look which makes to help your bike stand out and look great on pretty much every Harley model.
Clipons
These straight bars allow you to use stock wiring and are simple to install. Though getting their beginnings on drag bikes, they are commonly found these days on bobbers, cruisers, and choppers.
Beach Bars
They have very little to no rise height and a long, wide-sweeping pullback design. Beach bars offer a laid back and comfortable relaxed riding position.
Stock/Other Bars
Stock is sort of a "catch all" category for bars that vary slightly in rise height, pullback and overall width. Some examples include Trackers, Clubmans, Buckhorn, Scrambers, etc.
Tracker handlebars are often used for flat track racing, which is how they got their signature name. They have a lower rise than most stock bars and provide the option to use your stock wiring cables, making them pretty simple to install.
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