Motorcycle handlebar

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BSA with Clubman bars by the Ace Cafe BSA riders at 2007 Ace Cafe reunion.jpg
BSA with Clubman bars by the Ace Café

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. [1] [2]

Contents

Construction

One-piece handlebar mounted on the triple clamp. Motorcycle handlebar.JPG
One-piece handlebar mounted on the triple clamp.

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 [3] 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. [4] Electrically heated grips may be fitted to provide warmth for the rider in cold weather. [5]

Sizes

There are several size parameters that describe most motorcycle handlebars:

Types of handlebars

Yamaha TRX clip-on 'bars mounted above the yoke with non-adjustable angle, but fork tubes may be raised or lowered TRX clip-ons.jpg
Yamaha TRX clip-on 'bars mounted above the yoke with non-adjustable angle, but fork tubes may be raised or lowered
A non-adjustable handlebar riser that is integral to the upper triple clamp Clip on.JPG
A non-adjustable handlebar riser that is integral to the upper triple clamp
"Ape-hanger" handlebars 24 inch rise ape hanger motorcycle handlebars.jpg
"Ape-hanger" handlebars
Jota bars on a Laverda motorcycle Jota bars.jpg
Jota bars on a Laverda motorcycle

Handlebars come in a variety of types designed for particular types of riding:

See also

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References

  1. "handlebar". Oxford English Dictionary (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. 1989.
  2. "Handlebar". Dictionary.com Unabridged (Online). n.d. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  3. The fork-tubes are held in place by an upper and lower "triple clamp" (or "yoke" in the UK). The whole assembly is called a "triple tree".
  4. "Importance of Motorcycle Handlebar End Weights » BikesMedia.in". www.bikesmedia.in.
  5. "Top 5 heated motorcycle grips". www.motorcyclenews.com.
  6. "SDLRC - Codified Law 32-20-3". sdlegislature.gov.
  7. The Motor Cycle, 17 July 1952, p.23 (supplement ix) Classified advertising: RACING MOTOR CYCLES. "1950 Norton 350, double knocker, clip-on fork bars, 19in wheels, Grand Prix carb, engine 100%, machine in immaculate condition, ready to race; £300.—John Surtees, Junr., 2, Palace Green, Addington, Surrey. Springpark 3363". Accessed February 26, 2018
  8. "MK 5 Café Racer".
  9. Brissette, Pete (April 23, 2008). "2008 Hayabusa vs. ZX-14R Shootout". Motorcycle.com. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  10. "2008 Buell Firebolt Review". Motorcyclist. March 19, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  11. Canet, Don (August 28, 2007). "First Ride: 2008 Buell 1125R". Cycle World . Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  12. Adams, Adams (March 17, 2014). "Five Sport-Touring Upgrades for the Suzuki Hayabusa". Sport Rider. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  13. Duke, Kevin (November 17, 2004). "2004 Buell XB12R Firebolt". Motorcycle USA. Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  14. The Motor Cycle, 4 October 1962, p.31 Pride and Clarke advert "This week's special offer Thruxton style 78 – 29/6, P&P 2/6". Accessed September 27, 2020
  15. The Motor Cycle, 22 March 1962, p.4 Halfords advert "Handlebar bends. Club Ace dropped pattern Junior size 15/6, Club Ace Senior pattern 17/6. Prices correct at time of going to press 16 March 1962". Accessed January 21, 2018
  16. Motorcycle Mechanics, July 1964, pp.30-31 "For getting down to it, a range of bars is available. The 'Thruxton' costs 21s., the adjustable type is 48s. 6d. and the straight clip-ons 37s. 6d.". Accessed January 21, 2018
  17. Motorcycle Mechanics, October 1969, p.13 Pride and Clarke single-page advert, Thruxton drops 78 in 29/6, postage 5/6. Accessed January 29, 2018