Best Motorcycle Handlebars

Find many different types of handle bars here. We list one of the largest selections around. Easily find the handlebars that best reflect you and your bikes attitude.

Motorcycle Handlebar Styles

There are more styles than most people realize. In addition to the most basic function of a motorcycle handlebar, steering, motorcycle handle bars can also serve as mounting for other motorcycle controls such as the lights, mirrors, kill switch, starter, light switch, horn, clutch, throttle, and break. In most motorcycle handlebar styles they also serve as a means of supporting the weight of the rider. Generally, styles that suit you best will be the ones that best fit your riding style. Let’s take a look at seven popular styles:

1. Ape Hangers
These are those crazy-looking-posture handlebars you see that look so uncomfortable for the rider. Actually, some riders love them. They are mostly used by chopper enthusiasts. They are generally regulated to no more than 20” higher than the seat.

2. Beach Bars
Beach bars have a backward slope to allow the rider to sit upright or even lean back.

3. Clip-On
This is a style used mainly on sport bikes with the two handles being individually attached to the center turning bar, rather than having a single handlebar construction.

4. Cruiser
These are similar to the beach bars, allowing the rider to sit upright on a cruiser bike. These are typically a little longer than beach bars.

5. Drag Bars
These are the sporty bars that have the driver leaning down against the bike for aerodynamic effect.

6. Risers
These have a mount point on the top of the fork.

7. Pullback
These handlebars point nearly back at the rider.

Dimensions

Styles can have varying tubing diameters. The most common diameters are 7/8”, 1”, and 1 1/4”. For those who want over-sized styles the tubes can also be 1 1/2” and 1 3/4”. Many over-sized handlebars have shrunken tubing at the grips so that standard grips will fit the tubing. Regardless of diameter, the width typically falls between 30” and 38”. There is no standard height from one style to the next, with extremes of 0” to 20” tall styles.

Construction

The construction of various styles is generally performed in the same manner. The handlebars start out as hollow metal tubing that is bent to the specified style’s shape. This tubing is typically made of aluminum alloys or steel with chrome plating. The sturdier handlebars are constructed of carbon fiber or titaium. Then holes are drilled for controls. The wires often run through the inside of the handle. In some cases heating elements may be placed between the tubing and the handlebars’ grips to warm the rider’s hands.