Choosing the right Harley handlebars is key customizing your bike to match your riding style and personal comfort preferences. Handlebars influence everything from your posture and control to the overall look and feel of your Harley-Davidson. Whether you are after a classic chopper look or a sporty, aggressive stance, the right handlebars can transform your riding experience and help you achieve the style you want.
Mototeks offers a wide variety of Harley handlebars that cater to all types of riders, from those looking for comfort on long-distance tours to those who prefer an aggressive city ride. With quality options like Monster Ape Bars, Monster Bagger Bars, and the Monster Ape Bars (Wide), Mototeks makes sure that you find the perfect match for your Harley’s setup. Let us dive into the best Harley handlebars available and explore how each option can enhance your ride.
The Importance of Selecting the Right Harley Handlebars
Comfort
Handlebars influence your riding posture, which directly affects the strain on your back, shoulders, and wrists. Different handlebars place your arms at various heights and angles, impacting comfort during rides of all lengths. Touring riders, for instance, typically prefer higher or wider bars that allow for a more relaxed, upright posture.
This positioning reduces fatigue, especially during long rides, and helps prevent soreness in areas that would otherwise bear extra strain. Meanwhile, riders who prefer short, intense city rides might lean towards compact bars for a sportier posture that still delivers wrist support.
Control
The handlebars you choose can have a significant impact on your bike’s handling and steering. Wider handlebars, like beach bars or certain ape hangers, provide better leverage, making it easier to control your Harley at high speeds and on winding roads. This added stability is ideal for highway cruising and for bikes with heavier setups.
Narrower, low-profile handlebars, such as drag bars or T-bars, support quick and sharp maneuvers, giving you more precise control when navigating tight spaces or city streets. For riders who value agility, narrow bars create a direct connection between you and the bike, offering responsive handling that is hard to beat.
Style
Handlebars are a defining visual element of your Harley. They play a major role in shaping your bike’s personality and can give it a bold, classic, or modern look depending on your preference. Tall ape hangers are iconic in the Harley world, bringing that unmistakable chopper silhouette, while sleek drag bars project a low-profile, aggressive appearance that is perfect for those who favor a streamlined aesthetic.
Custom handlebar styles, like Z-bars or buckhorn bars, allow riders to express their individuality and make their Harley truly unique, balancing both function and visual appeal.
In essence, handlebars are one of the most customizable and impactful parts of your Harley, giving a balance of comfort, control, and style. By choosing the right set, you are making sure that every aspect of your riding experience is tailored to your needs and personal preferences, enhancing both the practical and aesthetic qualities of your bike.
Types of Harley Handlebars: Find Your Fit
Ape Hangers: Classic and Laid-Back
Ape hangers are a staple in Harley-Davidson culture, known for their towering height and distinctive chopper look. These handlebars rise well above the rider’s shoulders, creating a laid-back, relaxed posture ideal for long cruises. Ape hangers are available in a range of heights, from moderate to extreme, allowing riders to choose the best fit for their body size and riding comfort.
The high-rise position can reduce lower back strain, making ape hangers a popular choice among cruiser and touring riders. However, taller ape hangers can limit maneuverability in tight spaces, making them better suited for open-road riding rather than city commuting. Models like the Monster Ape Bars bring an ideal balance between height and control, presenting a classic look without sacrificing handling precision.
Mini Ape Hangers: A Balanced Alternative
For riders who want the style of ape hangers without the extreme height, mini ape hangers is a balanced solution. These typically feature an 8-12 inch rise, allowing for a comfortable, upright posture that is easy to manage even in urban environments. Mini ape hangers maintain the classic chopper look but deliver more maneuverability, making them suitable for city and highway riding alike.
Mini ape hangers, such as the Monster Ape Bars (Wide), fit well with various Harley models, including the Sportster and Street Glide. They are particularly popular among riders who seek a classic aesthetic while maintaining the ability to navigate through tight spaces and crowded city streets.
Drag Bars: Low and Aggressive
Drag bars are perfect for riders who prefer a low, forward-leaning stance. They are narrow and flat, presenting an aggressive riding position that is great for quick acceleration and responsive steering. Drag bars are a favorite among Harley riders who enjoy street racing or prefer the sporty café racer aesthetic.
While drag bars enhance performance and agility, they may not be the best choice for long-distance touring due to the pressure they place on the wrists and lower back. Riders who enjoy city rides and shorter trips will appreciate the streamlined design and improved aerodynamics of drag bars. Pairing them with supportive seat setups can help alleviate some of the pressure during longer rides, guaranteeing a comfortable yet sporty experience.
Beach Bars: Wide and Comfortable
Beach bars feature a wide, sweeping design that gives a relaxed and natural arm position. These handlebars are perfect for those who enjoy cruising, giving an easy-to-reach grip that allows for a comfortable and upright riding posture. Beach bars are typically installed on Harley models with wider frames, such as the Heritage Softail or Road King, offering an ideal setup for touring riders.
The design of beach bars allows for smooth handling and stability, making them suitable for both city and highway rides. They provide a balanced look that combines vintage style with modern comfort. For riders who prioritize long-distance comfort without compromising on style, beach bars are an excellent option.
Z-Bars: Sharp and Stylish
Z-bars are an edgy, contemporary choice for riders who want a custom, standout look for their Harley. With their angular, zigzag shape, Z-bars deliver a compact, aggressive feel that works well for narrow-frame bikes and bobbers. They bring a balance between aesthetics and control, making them ideal for riders who navigate through city streets or short distances.
However, Z-bars can be less comfortable for long rides due to their compact grip, which may not come with as much stability as other types. For custom builds and riders who want a bold statement piece that complements a minimalist bike setup, Z-bars are a stylish and practical choice.
T-Bars: Performance and Comfort
T-bars combine the features of drag bars and risers, providing a sporty, functional look while coming with an ergonomic riding position. They offer a medium-rise design that keeps the rider’s arms at a comfortable angle, making them suitable for both aggressive city riding and longer journeys. T-bars are often chosen by performance-minded riders who want improved control without sacrificing comfort.
Riders of Harley models like the Dyna and Sportster particularly benefit from T-bars, as they enhance the bike’s handling and responsiveness. Adjustable T-bar options also allow for fine-tuning, giving riders the flexibility to achieve a more upright or forward-leaning position based on their preferences and riding needs.
Buckhorn Bars: Retro Comfort
Buckhorn bars bring a retro flair to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, reminiscent of the classic chopper styles of the ’70s and ’80s. These have a swooping design that gives an upright and comfortable riding position, similar to ape hangers but with more of a curved, inward shape. Buckhorn bars are ideal for riders who enjoy long, leisurely cruises and want a vintage touch.
The inward design of buckhorn bars creates a relaxed arm position, reducing shoulder and back fatigue. These handlebars are particularly suited for vintage models and are a great choice for riders who enjoy a retro look without compromising comfort during extended rides.
Clubman Bars: Café Racer Attitude
Clubman bars are an essential for riders aiming for the café racer style. These low-profile handlebars position the rider in a forward-leaning stance, perfect for high-speed, spirited riding. Clubman bars are compact and narrow, offering a streamlined look that is ideal for Harley models customized into café racers or aggressive street bikes.
While they add a distinct aesthetic, Clubman bars place pressure on the rider’s wrists and back, making them better suited for shorter rides. However, for riders who want precision handling and a vintage sportbike feel, these handlebars provide the look and performance needed to enjoy twisty roads and urban commutes.
Tracker Bars: Versatile and Stable
Tracker bars are wide, flat handlebars designed to deliver excellent control and stability across various terrains. These handlebars are suitable for riders who explore different environments, from highways to off-road trails. Tracker bars keep the rider’s arms in a natural position, bringing comfort and reducing fatigue during longer rides.
The wide setup of tracker bars is compatible with agile Harley models like the Sportster, where precise control is needed. Their versatility makes them a solid choice for riders who want a balance between performance and comfort, guaranteeing stability on both rough and smooth surfaces.
Clip-On Handlebars: Precision and Control
Clip-on handlebars, often seen on café racers and sportbikes, provide a modern, aggressive riding position. These handlebars are attached directly to the forks, allowing for precise adjustment and customization. Clip-ons place the rider in a forward-leaning stance, enhancing control and delivering a streamlined, performance-oriented setup.
While clip-ons are great for riders who enjoy fast-paced city riding or sporty maneuvers, they are not ideal for long-distance touring due to the pressure placed on the wrists and back. Riders focused on short, adrenaline-fueled rides will appreciate the precision and agility that clip-on handlebars offer.
Keystone Bars: Rugged and Minimalist
Keystone bars are known for their rugged, minimalist design, making them a popular choice for riders who want a custom, old-school look with a hint of modern flair. These handlebars feature sharp angles, creating a distinctive, geometric shape that stands out, especially on bobbers and stripped-down builds. Keystone bars typically have a low rise and moderate width, giving a compact grip that enhances maneuverability in tight spaces.
Riders who prefer shorter city rides will appreciate the keystone bars' practicality, as their low stance supports a semi-upright posture, reducing strain on the back while keeping the hands close to the body. The unique look of keystone bars pairs well with vintage and custom Harley builds, adding an unmistakable edge to your bike’s appearance. However, because of their low profile, they may not bring the same comfort for long rides as higher-rise handlebars.
Mayhem Bars: Bold and Versatile
Mayhem bars are a versatile and bold handlebar option, giving a unique combination of width and height that works well on larger Harley models like the Road King and Road Glide. With a design that falls somewhere between ape hangers and T-bars, mayhem bars allow for a semi-upright riding posture, giving the rider a comfortable reach that is ideal for both city and highway riding.
These handlebars are often chosen for their ergonomic benefits, as they provide a natural arm position that reduces shoulder and back fatigue. Additionally, mayhem bars add a bold, custom look to your bike without the extreme height of full ape hangers, making them a versatile option that suits various riding styles. Their wide grip also contributes to improved control, making them a solid choice for riders who want a unique, eye-catching style with added stability.
Tailoring Your Harley Handlebars to Your Ride
Selecting the right Harley handlebars is key to creating a custom ride that matches your style, comfort, and performance needs. Handlebars not only affect your posture and control but also bring a unique aesthetic to your Harley. For those who love the classic chopper look, tall options like Monster Ape Bars deliver a laid-back, comfortable stance ideal for open roads. If performance and precision are your focus, lower, aggressive styles like T-bars or drag bars offer control suited for city riding and fast maneuvers.
Mototeks offers a range of handlebars that cater to every Harley model and riding style. Whether you need added comfort, like the upright posture of beach bars, or a bold look with Monster Bagger Bars, choosing the right handlebars is key to enhancing both style and functionality.
With high-quality handlebars tailored to your ride, you are investing in an improved Harley experience—making sure every journey is comfortable, stylish, and uniquely yours. So, take the time to find your perfect handlebars and transform each ride into a memorable adventure, no matter where the road takes you.