How to Make the Most Out of Motorbike Handlebars

Most motorcycles offer little in the way of riding position adjustment. One relatively quick and easy way for a rider to tailor the comfort, feel and dynamics of their bike is to change the handlebars. 

Moving hand and arm position by even a small amount, can turn a pain-inducing nightmare into hour after hour of uninterrupted riding enjoyment. 

Changing handlebars can also dramatically affect the dynamics of a bike, for example: slowing down or sharpening the steering; placing the rider in a more prone position, for improved aerodynamics; or enabling the rider to stand up more easily, when riding off-road. 

Popular Types of Motorbike Handlebars

Motorbike handlebars come in a myriad of styles, sizes and shapes. As a general rule, each type is suited to a particular genre of bike and style of riding. Here are six of the more popular styles: 

Ape Hangers

Commonly found on choppers and custom bikes, this type of handlebar is set high bringing the hand at or above shoulder height. Ape hangers encourage a more laid back and relaxed riding position and style, and are often associated with brands like Harley-Davidson.

Motorbike Beach Bars

Similar to ape hangers in style and feel, beach bars are characterised by a long pullback and width, creating a laid back, comfortable riding position. Unlike ape hangers they usually drop the hands well below the shoulders. 

Motorbike Clip-ons

As their name suggests, clip-ons mount directly to the machine's front fork legs - usually just below the top yoke or triple tree. Clip-ons bring the hands as far forward and down as possible, setting the rider in an often extremely prone, racing position. Narrow and directly attached to forks, they make the steering respond to even minute inputs. 

Motorbike Clubmans Bars

Also known as Ace Bars, because they were popular with cafe racers in the Fifties and Sixties. These are a single piece that create a forward-leaning body position, similar to clip-ons.

Motorbike Drag Bars

Straight and often narrow, drag bars encourage a rider to lean forward in a more prone position, improving aerodynamics. Their narrow width also gives the rider better control for sudden changes of direction. 

Motorbike Motocross Bars

Wider than standard bars, these are designed to give the rider more leverage and control at low speeds, over challenging terrain. They usually feature a cross-brace, to provide extra stability and are popular on enduro and adventure sport bikes too.

What to Consider when Changing Handlebars

If you are considering changing your bike’s handlebars, it's important to know the three key terms - ‘rise’, ‘pullback’ and ‘width’ - and how they will affect body positioning and handling characteristics. 

• Rise describes the height of the bars from the mount. A low rise would naturally create a low riding position, whilst a high rise would encourage a straighter back;

• Pullback is the difference between the bar mount to the tip of the grip. For example, a relatively straight bar would have very little pullback. The amount of pullback a bar has is going to have a big impact on the riding position; a greater pullback will encourage a much more laid-back position;

• Width is the more obvious characteristic, and simply refers to the total width of the bar, from grip to grip. As a rule, wider handlebars slow down steering, while ones with a short width speed it up. 

Motorbike Handlebar Grips

As well as the bar itself, the grip is something all riders should consider when customising or changing their handlebars.

The chosen grip will directly impact the overall comfort of the ride, so you want to invest in something that works for you.

We have a wide selection of motorbike handlebar grips that come in a range of materials, shapes and with specific features to suit riding styles and conditions; from added cushioning to improve comfort and reduce vibration transfer, to increased durability and grip for demanding activities like motocross.

Custom Length Motorcycle Cables and Hoses

If you do choose to replace or move your existing handlers, you may well require new cables or hoses. Brake and clutch controls are mounted onto the bars so the respective cables or hoses may need to be longer or shorter than the existing ones. 

Our Universal Cable Kits are a quick and easy solution for this. Should you require something a little more specialist, we also offer a fully bespoke cable build service, to build to your exact specifications and requirements. 

Similarly, our custom line builder allows quick and easy creation of bespoke hydraulic lines,  using our proven Powerhose Plus brake line system.