How to Measure Motorcycle Handlebars

January 14, 2020 0
Motorcycle handlebars are one of the main things in the bike which affects a lot of things while riding. Handlebar affects the riding posture, the seating position, the handling of the bike, and many more. Many of us like making our handlebar standing out from the stock one, and replacing it with a custom one. Today, we will talk about how to measure motorcycle handlebar.

There are countless ways to measure a handlebar, as different companies and different handlebar manufacturers use different angles and measures to size the handles. Also, there is the issue of the handlebar types.

How to Measure Motorcycle Handlebars
There are several types of motorcycle handlebars, especially handlebars for Harley. There are pullback handlebars, T-bars, broomstick handlebars, etc. To measure motorcycle handlebars for different types you need to stick with the basics here and use the basic measurements.

The pullback handlebar is one of the most used types of handlebars all around the world. Harley pullback bars consist of many varieties, and let’s learn how to measure stock Harley handlebar dimensions. To get a brief idea about the measurements of any bar, measure the key points of the bar.

Pullback motorcycle handlebars usually have 5 key measuring points - the overall width, the center width, the height, the end rise, and the pullback length.

These points are the complete measurements of the handlebar, there are also a lot more to measure like the handlebar thickness, the knurl width and height, the bend angles, and many more. But, to get a brief idea about any pull back handlebar, you need to measure and learn about these key measurements.

Measuring a handlebar is a complicated thing, and doing this alone is hard. The advice is, have an extra pair of hands who can help with the holding or measuring. Then, begin the real work.

The easiest way to measure pull back handlebars is by placing them against a wall or anything at an 80-degree angle. Make them stand on the tabletop or something, make the angle like the way you want it on your bike, and do the measuring. The overall width is measured by the distance from one bar end to the other bar end. The second count is the center width, which is the distance from one bend to the other bend in the centerpiece of the bar.

The height is the measurement from the tabletop or surface to the highest peak of the handlebar. And, the end rise is the length from the end of the handlebar to the surface.

The most confusing measurements among these 5 key points are the pullback length. The pullback length is often mismeasured mainly because it is so difficult to measure, and many people don’t get the right idea about how much they want to lean or move forward while riding or where they would like their hands to be. This is a confusing thing but the rider should be very careful while measuring this, and always check for the exact measurements.

These 5 key measurements will help to give a brief idea about the handlebar and how big, high or wide it should be, and also the leaning angle. This will help people use custom or aftermarket Harley touring pullback handlebars on their motorcycles.

Another question that may arise is, how to measure motorcycle handlebars for when the handlebar is set on the bike? Measuring stock Harley handlebar dimensions are easier than all these, as the handlebar doesn’t need to be put on and also against the surface, and the pullback length can easily be measured.

The process is very similar but easier as you don’t need anyone else to hold down the bar for you.

This method was described for pullback handles mostly. The same style of measurements and key points are applicable for shovelhead handlebars, and similar categories.

For broomstick handle bars, measuring is the easiest. All you have to do is measure the overall length from bar to bar end and the length between the knurls. The knurls width is really important for the broomsticks handlebar. You have to use a handlebar knurling tool for measuring and also doing any kind of work on the knurls.

The thickness of the handlebars doesn’t vary much from models to models, as all comes in the standard of 1 inch Harley handlebars. But, sometimes there are exceptions, and you must keep this in mind when swapping your old classic handlebars for new ones.

When you are going to buy a new handlebar for your bike, many shops or websites list their products with an accurate size based on the products. Sometimes they even offer stock bar measures like stock Sportster handlebar dimensions, 2015 street glide handlebars measurements, etc. You can even find a scooter bar size chart in some of the websites, and these measurements come handy when you are swapping.

By now, you must have a brief idea about how to measure motorcycle handlebar. When you do swap your bike’s handlebar, make sure to go for the one which suits best with your riding style, and which is most comfortable.

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