Advice: Fitting the right handlebars

Fitting a new set of handlebars to your motorcycle can be a very educational experience.

Personally, I’m not comfortable leaning forward when riding long distances and, as I nudge closer to obtaining a senior’s card, easing the strain on my back, shoulders, arms and wrists really puts the joy back into riding.

For the most part, stock handlebars are a compromise, designed to suit a large spectrum of riders in various sizes and shapes while preserving a conservative look, The problem with the one-size-fits-all is that some people have longer torsos while others have longer arms or vice versa. It’s not uncommon to hear people complaining about a dulling pain or numbness in the arms and hands after short rides with stock bars.

Measurements galore
There are a few measurements required which make up the overall dimensions for a handlebar. The ‘Rise’ is the overall height of the handlebar, so from the bottom to the top. The pull back is measured from the front of the bar to the rear of the handlebar grip.

The best way to measure this is to slide a table or bench up against a wall to give a 90-degree angle. Then sit the bars on the table – just as they’d be mounted on the bike – and hold the front of the bar up against the wall. Now measure straight back to the furthest point of the bar to get the pullback measurement.

If your handlebars are mounted in separate risers, it pays to include the measurement of the riser in the overall handlebar dimensions.

Measuring for comfort
The easiest way to find a comfortable handlebar is to take a few personal measurements. If you’re doing it at home in most cases you’ll need the assistance of a couple of mates, one to hold the bike upright and another to take a few measurements.

With the bike in the upright position, hold your hands out to simulate your preferred riding position down the road. It’s important to pay attention to the body’s position, including your back, shoulders, arms and wrists. When you’re comfortable with your position, remain still holding your arms in the simulated riding position and get your mate to take some measurements.

A carpenter’s square is an ideal tool for these measurements. Measure from the top of the triple tree vertically up to the height of the hands to get the rise. Then measure from the centre of the top of the triple tree back to the hands to get the pullback measurement.

Finally, measure how far apart the hands are to get the handlebar width.

What about cables?
When you extend the height of bars, you’ll probably need to ascertain whether you’ll require a longer throttle cable, clutch cable and internal wiring kit – items you cannot forget when you’re adding up your budget.

Fat Boy Lo gets a new look
I recently fitted 12-inch (305mm) Bandit Bars Mega Ape handlebars to my Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo and, at 32 inches (812mm) wide, they’re at a comfortable width to ensure positive responsive control.

They are significantly more comfortable than the bars they replace and allow for precise bike control even through some of the tightest turns my home state of Tasmania can dish up. On the endurance side, the riding position is far more relaxing on my back, shoulders and wrists.

Another positive aspect is the mirrors are located up higher, allowing clearer vision – another aspect to look at when you’re in the market for new bars.

The new Bandit Bars have certainly given my Fat Boy Lo a new lease of life; it’s almost as good as getting a new bike. Almost!