How to Measure Motorcycle Handlebars: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding the perfect handlebars for your motorcycle can significantly improve your riding experience. From comfort and control to aesthetics, handlebars play a crucial role in your overall enjoyment. But before you start shopping, you need to know how to measure your current handlebars accurately. This guide will walk you through the essential measurements and techniques to ensure you get the right handlebars for your needs.
Essential Measurements for Motorcycle Handlebars
To effectively measure your motorcycle handlebars, you’ll need to focus on a few key dimensions. Here’s a breakdown of each measurement:
1. Overall Width:
The overall width of the handlebars is the distance between the outermost points of the handlebar ends. This measurement is important for determining how wide your handlebars will be on your motorcycle. You’ll want to consider factors like your riding style, shoulder width, and overall comfort level.
2. Rise:
The rise refers to the vertical distance between the center of the handlebars and the top of the triple clamp. This measurement directly impacts your riding posture and comfort. A higher rise will result in a more upright riding position, while a lower rise will put you in a more aggressive posture.
3. Sweep:
Sweep is the horizontal distance between the center of the handlebars and the center of the mounting point on the triple clamp. It essentially measures the back or forward angle of the handlebars. A higher sweep angle will pull your hands back, while a lower sweep angle will bring your hands closer to the rider’s body.
4. Pullback:
Pullback is the distance between the center of the handlebars and the center of the handlebar clamps, which attach to the risers or triple clamp. This measurement helps determine how far back your hands will be positioned on the handlebars.
Tools for Measuring Motorcycle Handlebars
To accurately measure your handlebars, you will need the following tools:
Measuring Tape: A standard tape measure will suffice for all the measurements you need to take. Make sure it’s in good condition and can accurately measure in inches or centimeters.
Level: A level is crucial for ensuring accuracy when measuring the rise and sweep of your handlebars. It will help you maintain a straight line when making your measurements.
Helper (Optional): Having an extra pair of hands can be helpful for holding the level in place while taking measurements, especially when dealing with the rise and sweep angles.
How to Measure Your Motorcycle Handlebars
Now that you have your tools ready, follow these steps to accurately measure your existing handlebars:
Park Your Motorcycle: Park your motorcycle on a level surface to ensure accurate measurements. It’s also important to make sure the motorcycle is upright and stable.
Measure the Overall Width: Use your measuring tape to measure the distance between the outermost points of the handlebar ends. Make sure to hold the tape measure parallel to the handlebars for an accurate measurement.
Measure the Rise: Place the level on top of the handlebar clamp. Then, measure the vertical distance from the center of the handlebars to the top of the level. This will give you the rise of your handlebars.
Measure the Sweep: With the level still on top of the handlebar clamp, measure the horizontal distance between the center of the handlebars and the center of the mounting point on the triple clamp. Make sure to measure parallel to the handlebars.
Measure the Pullback: Measure the distance between the center of the handlebars and the center of the handlebar clamps, which attach to the risers or triple clamp. Again, ensure you’re measuring parallel to the handlebars.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can accurately measure your existing motorcycle handlebars and use the information to find the perfect replacement handlebars. Remember to consider your riding style, posture preferences, and comfort when selecting your new handlebars. Measuring your handlebars correctly will ensure that you get the most out of your motorcycle and enjoy a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Article By Fr4nk