A motorcycle handlebar is a tubular component of a motorcycle's steering mechanism. Handlebars provide a mounting place for controls such as brake, throttle, clutch, horn, light switches and rear view mirrors; and they help to support part of the rider's weight. Even when a handlebar is a single piece it is usually referred to in the plural as handlebars.
Construction
Handlebars are made from round-section metal tubing, typically aluminium alloys or chrome plated steel but also of carbon fibre and titanium, shaped to the desired contour. Holes may be drilled for the internal routing of control cables such as brake, throttle, and clutch. Risers hold the handlebars above their mounting position on the upper triple clamp or the top of the fork, and may be integrated into the bar itself or separate items. Each handlebar end may contain bar-end weights to damp vibration by isolating the bar's resonant frequency from that of the engine. Electrically heated grips may be fitted to provide warmth for the rider in cold weather.
Sizes
There are several size parameters that describe most motorcycle handlebars: Width from grip to grip may vary from a single tiller to . May rise above triple clamp up to or more, called ape hangers when very high, or may drop a few inches below, called clubman bars. Pullback, the distance grips are behind their mounting location, may vary from . Diameters vary; commonly , though oversized bars of may reduce to at the grips so standard controls may be mounted.