Motorcycle Handlebars – Steering Your Way
Motorcycle handlebars are used to steer your way into the road. They can support your weight and provide a platform to mount the rear view mirrors. They also contain controls for clutch, brake, light switch, throttle, kill switch and horn among others. There are a number of handlebar types in different sizes and many materials they could be constructed from.One type of handlebar is the ‘Ape hanger’. These are handlebars mounted above the ordinary position so the rider has to reach up to grasp them. Their available heights reach up to twenty inches. They are usually used for chopper motorcycles. Another type of handlebars, the ‘Beach bars’ are sloped backwards to provide an easy, relaxed riding position.
‘Clip-ons’ are very popular on sports bikes. These are two separate handles attached to the fork tubes directly instead of the one-piece standard. This is invented by the well known motorcycle innovator, Arlen Ness. ‘Cruiser handlebars’ are long handlebars which bend towards the rider. ‘Drag bars’ are designed for an aerodynamic riding position and are located straight across the rider.
Handlebars are generally hollow tubings which are formed to take on the preferred shape. They are mostly made of chrome-plated steel, aluminum alloys, titanium and carbon fiber. The one which holds the handlebars called ‘risers’ could be made from the same materials as of the handlebars though it could also be different.
The statistics of the handlebars include a width of 30.5 to 37 inches from one end of the grip to the other, and a rise of zero to twenty inches. Its pullback or the sloping towards the rider could be anything between 4.25 to 17 inches. The diameter of the handlebars could be 1 1/4 inches, 1 inch and 7/8 inch. There are also oversized handlebars available which are more than 1 ¼ inches. These handlebars are trimmed by 1 inch at the grips to accommodate the controls mounted on them.
Because it is possible to buy naked motorcycles nowadays, it is possible to choose a handlebar which you think could fit you best. More than just looking for an available handlebar in the market, custom motorcycle handlebars are also available. You can now make your motorcycle more personalized to reflect your needs and style.