Handlebar

Why Your Handlebar Is One of the Most Important Parts on Your Bike

The handlebar is your primary point of contact with your motorcycle. It channels every steering input, absorbs vibration from the road or trail, and plays a critical role in rider ergonomics. Whether you're charging through a motocross track, cruising down the highway on a Harley-Davidson, or commuting across town, the right handlebar can transform your riding experience — and the wrong one can cause fatigue, discomfort, or compromised control.

Handlebars vary significantly across motorcycle disciplines. Key dimensions — rise (height), width, sweep (pullback), and clamping diameter — determine your riding position and how the bike responds to your inputs. Off-road and motocross riders typically favor oversized aluminum bars for their lighter weight and vibration-dampening properties, while cruiser and touring enthusiasts often seek larger-diameter steel bars styled as ape hangers, T-bars, or sweepers that project a commanding custom look. Understanding these specs before you buy makes all the difference.

What to Consider When Shopping for Handlebars

• Clamp diameter: Most standard bars measure 7/8 inch, while oversized bars run 1-1/8 inch. Cruiser-style bars often come in 1 inch or 1-1/4 inch diameters.
• Rise and sweep: Height and pullback affect your reach and posture. Taller riders or those seeking a more upright position will want more rise and sweep.
• Material: Aluminum bars are lighter and absorb vibration well — ideal for off-road use. Steel bars offer added durability and are common on cruisers and touring bikes.
• Finish: Chrome, gloss black, matte black, and raw aluminum are all popular choices depending on your bike's style.
• Compatibility: Always verify that cables, brake lines, and wiring are long enough for the new bar height. A handlebar upgrade may require extended cable or brake line kits.

Top Handlebar Brands

When it comes to motocross and off-road handlebars, no name carries more weight than Renthal. Renthal has been the benchmark in the sport since 1969 — the brand's legacy is built on decades of championship-winning performance. Their lineup spans multiple platforms including the iconic Fatbar, Twinwall, and 7/8-inch bars, all engineered from their exclusive 7010 T6 aluminum alloy for an optimal balance of strength, weight savings, and vibration dampening. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and KTM have all fitted Renthal handlebars as OEM equipment on performance off-road models, a testament to their race-proven quality.

For cruiser and Harley-Davidson enthusiasts looking to add bold custom style, Burly is a go-to brand. Founded by two brothers with a passion for all things custom, Burly has earned a devoted following for handlebars that are rugged, bold, and built to perform — from narrow ape hangers to wide T-bars designed specifically for Harley Sportster, Dyna, Softail, and Touring platforms.

Khrome Werks brings American-made craftsmanship to the cruiser handlebar segment. Their bars are tailored to Harley-Davidson riders and are available in a wide range of styles — from sweepers and heritage bends to fat ape hangers — in both polished chrome and gloss black finishes, with many models featuring diamond knurling to prevent slippage in OEM risers.

LA Choppers specializes in custom handlebar solutions that blend West Coast chopper aesthetics with practical fitment for popular V-twin platforms, making them a solid choice for riders building a distinctive custom look without sacrificing function. Rounding out the category, Emgo offers an accessible range of handlebars suited for standard and universal fitment applications — a practical option when you need a reliable replacement or budget-friendly upgrade.