In addition to the clutch, brakes and battery, one of the most important features when it comes to the functionality of any motorcycle is the handlebars. Motorcycle handlebars are not only essential for steering but also house many of the controls needed for the stability and balance of the vehicle. In addition, they need to be positioned in such a way as to provide comfort for the rider while also complementing the aesthetics of the motorcycle. There are many different motorcycle handlebar types out there, and choosing the right one can greatly transform your riding experience. To help you pick the right motorcycle handlebars for your vehicle, we have provided this guide.

How to Measure Motorcycle Handlebars

Whether you are planning on changing handlebars on a motorcycle or simply want to replace your existing motorcycle handlebars, knowing how to measure motorcycle handlebars is important. Here are the steps you should take when measuring your motorcycle handlebars.

1. Gather Your Resources

To properly measure your motorcycle handlebars, you need to have the right tools in place. Some basic tools, such as a tape measure, ruler and level, should be included in your measuring kit. Calipers are also a vital measurement tool to have, particularly ones with a digital readout for greater accuracy. If possible, include a friend or family member to help you record your measurements.

2. Understand the Four Basic Measurements

There are four main elements of motorcycle handlebars that you need to measure to get the full measurement of your handlebars, which include: Diameter: The thickness of the motorcycle handlebars. Width: The distance from the end of one handle to the end of the other. Height (Rise): The distance from the lowest point of the handlebars to the highest. Pullback: The distance from the ends of the handlebars to the centre.

By measuring each of these elements, you will be able to understand better what types of motorcycle handlebars you need.

3. Measure the Diameter

The first thing you need to determine is the thickness of your motorcycle handlebars. This is commonly measured in inches. 7/8 motorcycle handlebars (22 mm) are the most common variety out there, although 1-inch motorcycle handlebars (25.4 mm) are also popular. To measure the diameter, either wrap your measuring tape around the handle or use callipers across the end of the tubing to get an accurate reading.

4. Measure the Width

The next element to measure is the width of the motorcycle handlebars, as this affects the manoeuvrability of the motorcycle, as well as the rider's overall comfort. As a general rule, it is best to choose handlebars that match the width of your shoulders for a comfortable ride. To measure the width, place your tape measure on the end of one of the handles, then extend it out to the end of the other handle. Common widths can range from 24 to 36 inches.

5. Measure the Height

Also known as measuring the rise, measuring the height of motorcycle handlebars is about measuring from the highest point on the bars to the lowest point on the frame. Height is important in determining the posture of the rider. To measure the height, place a ruler, level or stick over the highest tips of the handlebars, then use a tape measure to determine the length from the base of the handlebars to the top. The most common heights range from 2 to 12 inches.

6. Measure the Pullback

Measuring the pullback of motorcycle handlebars involves determining the distance from the handlebars' most frontward point to its most rear point. This is done by using a tape measure to find the distance from the centre of the base to the tips of the handlebars. This can vary between 2 and 9 inches, depending on the height of the rider and is important for the comfort of the wrist while riding.

7. Record Your Measurements

For each measurement you take, note it down somewhere on either paper or an electronic device. If possible, get a friend or family member to record the measurements for you while you're taking the measurements. Once recorded, you can use this information to determine what sort of motorcycle handlebars you need for your bike.

How to Change Motorcycle Handlebars

Now that you know how to measure motorcycle handlebars, you can use this information to replace your existing handlebars with the size of your choice. Fortunately, changing motorcycle handlebars doesn't have to be a difficult process. Here are the steps to take when changing your motorcycle handlebars.

1. Purchase New Handlebars

With your measurements in hand, find a reputable dealer that sells different types of motorcycle handlebars. The first size to look at is the diameter, with 7/8-inch motorcycle handlebars and 1-inch motorcycle handlebars being the most common. Afterwards, check the height, width and pullback to find the right handlebars for your needs.

2. Remove the Grips

Once you have the right motorcycle handlebars for your bike, you will need to begin the process of removing the old ones. First, loosen the grips on the handlebars. If the grips don't come off easily, consult the manufacturer as to what the best way is to remove them. Once the grips are removed, put them to one side and continue with the next step.

3. Loosen the Controls

After the grips have been taken off, the next parts to loosen are the controls. To do this, you will need tools like a screwdriver or socket. Use the screwdriver to loosen the throttle clamp and the socket to loosen the brake housing. Remember that you only need to loosen the parts, not remove them, so don't remove the bolts.

4. Remove the Bar Clamps

Next, you need to remove the clamp or clamps holding the motorcycle handlebars in place. Check what sort of bolts or heads are holding the clamps in place, and make sure you have the right tools to remove them. Once removed, lay the clamps to one side.

5. Swap the Controls

Remove the controls from the old handlebars and move them to the new one. If there are any cables in the way, simply slide the entire control unit to one side, as far as the cabling will allow. Next, slide the old handlebars off on the other side before sliding the new handlebars into the control unit on the other side.

6. Clamp the New Bars

Once the new handlebars are in place, place the clamps over them, but do not tighten the bolts. Make sure the bar is properly centred first before securing it in place. Some bars may already have marks to help you line up your clamps more easily. Otherwise, use your measurements to help you centre and secure your new bars.

7. Adjust the Grips and Controls

Test out the new motorcycle handlebars and see how they feel. Make any adjustments you feel are necessary before securing the clamps in place. Place the grips back on the handlebars and secure them in place. Secure the controls, then stand back and admire your handiwork.

Types of Motorcycle Handlebars

There are many different motorcycle handlebars out there. While all of them serve the basic function of helping you control your motorcycle, they all offer something different in terms of feel and aesthetics. To help you choose the right handlebars for your motorcycle, here is our guide to the types of motorcycle handlebars.

Ape Handlebars

Perhaps the most iconic of motorcycle handlebars, these have a long and high profile with the handles pushed back at an angle. This often causes the rider to grip them in a simian-looking way, hence the name. While they are incredibly stylish, they offer little in terms of comfort or manoeuvrability. Mini ape handlebars are a variation of this design with a smaller height.

Drag Handlebars

Also known as café racer handlebars, these bars have a near-straight design, with no height, making them easy to install. Their design forces the rider to lean forward, offering better wind resistance and overall control. Drag handlebars on motorcycles have long been used on drag bikes, hence the name, but can now be found on motorcycles of all kinds.

Z-Bars

Z-bar motorcycle handlebars are similar in design to drag handlebars, except that they have opposing z-shaped features within the inner frame. They don't have a lot of width or height, so they are a good choice for smaller motorcycles. In addition, they don't retract inwards, like drag handlebars, so the rider isn't forced to lean in.

Motocross Handlebars

As the name suggests, these types of motorcycle handlebars are commonly used with dirt bikes and other sports bikes. They have a similar design to drag handlebars but with a slightly higher profile and less forward tilting required. They also have cross-bracing for extra stability.

Tracker Handlebars

Like motocross and drag handlebars on motorcycles, tracker handlebars are a nearly flat design, named after the type of handlebars used in dirt track racing. They can be used with a wide variety of motorcycle designs and are easy to swap due to their flat profile.

Clip-On Handlebars

Clip-on handles on motorcycles are a common feature on many modern sports motorcycles. As the name suggests, they clip on at the front of the bike and can be removed at any time. Like drag handlebars, they are positioned low on the motorcycle to encourage the rider to tilt forward. Because they come as single handles, they can be adjusted separately to suit each individual rider.

Frisco Handlebars

Like ape handlebars, these are a classic design for many motorcycles, with a similar design and height to z-bars but without the angular inner frame. The upper parts of the frame have a smoother curvature overall, and the pullback offers a more upright sitting position for the rider.

Keystone Handlebars

Similar to z-bars, these handlebars have opposing angular shapes in the inner frame. However, while z-bar motorcycle handlebars have a straight, flat upper frame, keystone handlebars are curved inwards, which makes them a great choice for smaller bikes.

H-Bars

Also known as rabbit ears, these handlebars are high and rectangular in design. They have a connecting cross-section in the lower part of the frame that gives the design its distinctive H design, while the sloping upper portion of the frame resembles rabbit ears. This design is perfect for bikes with narrow clamp areas.

Window Handlebars

The top part of this design is similar to drag handlebars in that it is almost straight and flat. What makes this design distinctive are the risers underneath the frame, which join together to create a rectangular window design.

How Wide Are Motorcycle Handlebars?

As mentioned earlier, motorcycle handlebars can come in different widths, depending on the type of bar used and the size of the bike. Choosing the right width for your bars is important for both your own comfort and the manoeuvrability of the bike. Depending on the type of bike you are using, these are some of the most common widths for handlebars.

Street Bikes

Standard bikes, like street bikes, are all-rounders, so they need a width that sits average compared to other types of bikes. For these types of bikes, the standard width is between 28 and 32 inches. This offers a good trade-off between the superior control of smaller sports bikes and the comfort of larger motorcycles.

Choppers and Cruisers

Large motorcycles, such as choppers and cruisers, are often built for long-distance travel and comfort. As such, their handlebars are typically designed to accommodate good posture and ergonomic design. These handlebars often have a width between 32 and 36 inches to allow for a more comfortable ride on the road.

Sports Bikes

Because they are built for agility, many sports bikes have a smaller handlebar width compared to other types of bikes. The most common sizes for sports bikes are between 25 and 28 inches. This allows for better control, not only on the track but also in terms of aerodynamics when going over hills and slopes.

Dirt Bikes

Although similar to sports bikes, dirt bikes are designed for use in rough terrain, like dirt tracks and mountain terrain. As such, they need handlebars that allow for greater control on uneven surfaces. These handlebars are often sized between 30 and 32 inches to ensure the rider has as much control as possible, no matter the terrain.

What is Pullback on Motorcycle Handlebars

Pullback refers to the distance that the handlebars curve back towards the rider from their central position. It determines the position of the wrist, as well as the posture of the rider. In addition to comfort, pullback also helps determine how much control the rider has over their vehicle. The greater the pullback, the more relaxed the position, while less pullback forces the rider forward, which can be better for bikes like sports and dirt bikes that need a higher amount of control. Check our guide on measuring handlebars to determine the right amount of pullback for your motorcycle.

Are Motorcycle Handlebars Universal?

Motorcycle handlebars are not universal, and you will need to check which bars will fit your motorcycle before you make your purchase. This is where taking careful measurements beforehand comes in handy. These are some of the factors that can affect what handlebars you can use.

Bike Model: Different types of bikes will have different specifications as to what handlebars can be used. For example, a chopper will not be able to fit a handlebar designed for a sports bike.

Clamp Size: Common clamp sizes range between 7/8 inch and 1-inch sizes, although this can vary. Always measure the diameter first before installing your handlebars.

Design: Sometimes, the design of the handlebars may not fit the bike or may not be suitable for the rider. Measure the pullback and height to see if it is suitable for your purposes.

Wiring: In some cases, the motorcycle's wiring and cables will need adjustments before a new handlebar can be put in place. Check that all controls can be fitted with the new handlebars before attempting an installation.

Closing Tips

Choosing the right motorcycle handlebars for your bike is important for several reasons. They help ensure you have greater control over your motorcycle, from offering enhanced steering to better manoeuvrability in different environments. They are also important in improving the overall posture and comfort of the rider, as well as helping to decrease strain and tension in the wrists, arms and shoulders. Keep these tips in mind when choosing your next motorcycle handlebars :

- Measure the diameter, width, height (rise) and pullback of your existing handlebars before purchasing new ones.

- Make sure the design and size of the handlebars you choose can not only fit your motorcycle but are suitable for your needs as a rider.

- Remember not to grip your handlebars too tightly, and keep your fingers and thumbs over the controls, ready to use if needed.

Want to know more about motorcycles? Then check out our ultimate guides to motorcycle batteries and motorcycle brake pads. Ride safe with two wheels down!