How to choose motorcycle handlebars that improve your ergonomics and reduce fatigue?

Have you ever ridden a few laps on the track or spent an hour in the woods and felt your hands start to go numb? Many riders have experienced that feeling—when your forearms burn, your fingers go numb, and you feel like you’re just holding onto the bike rather than controlling it. Many of them then blame it on a lack of physical fitness. However, poor ergonomics and improperly chosen handlebars are often to blame.

In this article, we’ll therefore look at how to adjust your riding position and handlebars so that the bike doesn’t tire you out, and what to watch out for with specific Austrian models.

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The ideal motorcycle handlebars must match your body type and allow for a natural riding position, with your elbows slightly bent and your wrists in line with your forearms. While in motocross you’re looking for a more aggressive, lower grip for better feel in corners, in enduro and adventure riding you’ll appreciate a higher position that provides relief during long periods standing on the footpegs. With brands like KTM and Husqvarna, you also need to account for the fact that their front end is structurally higher (a combination of longer forks and different front-end geometry) than that of their Japanese competitors, which requires a slightly flatter handlebar profile.

TIP: If your current handlebars are significantly wider than 800 mm and you don’t feel comfortable in corners, try trimming a few millimeters off each side. You’ll see that the bike will start leaning into corners with much less resistance.

When looking at MX handlebar specifications, don’t get confused by the sea of numbers. Focus on these four:

Indicates the total height of the handlebars from the center to the grip. The higher the value, the more upright the riding position.

Historically, 22mm (or 7/8-inch) handlebars were the standard for motorcycles. This design is characterized by having the same diameter along its entire length and requires reinforcement to maintain stiffness. The element providing this reinforcement is the handlebar crossbar, which, while it looks rugged and allows for the mounting of a navigation device or foam protector, is very stiff.

Modern MX handlebars in an oversized design (28.6 mm), however, lack a crossbar. Why? Because the tapered shape (thicker in the middle, thinner at the ends) allows the aluminum to flex slightly.

If you ride an Austrian machine, you have to expect that the distance from the front wheel axle to the upper fork clamp is greater than on competing models. That’s why lower and flatter bends are often used with these brands.

Although Neken may seem stiffer compared to ProTaper, it always depends on the specific model and bend, and this isn’t necessarily a rule.

If you’re over 185 cm tall, you’re likely hunching over the bike in a standing position. The first solution is handlebar risers, which are essentially spacers under the clamps.

Fun fact: Some pros (like Billy Bolt) prefer to use lowered footpegs instead of high handlebars because it doesn’t compromise the bike’s center of gravity.

Before you take anything apart, take a photo on your phone showing where the cables and brake hoses run. This will save you a lot of time when reassembling. Remember that whenever you raise or change the geometry, the cables must not be taut when the handlebars are turned to their maximum angle.

For KTM and Husqvarna models, the procedure for tightening the clamps is critically important. In most cases, one side of the clamps is higher than the other.

If you are not using a lock-on system, clean the ends of the handlebars with rubbing alcohol. Regular hairspray works great as an adhesive—it holds once dry, but don’t forget to secure the grips with stainless steel wire in the grooves provided.

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Choosing handlebars isn’t just about matching the color to your bike. It’s about how long you can stay fully focused while in the saddle or on the footpegs. The right stiffness and profile will save you a lot of energy, which you can then devote to your riding technique. Don’t forget that even the best handlebars need reliable handguards, because grips not only protect your fingers but also, in the event of a fall, the expensive levers on the handlebars.

Whether you’re tuning a race bike or an expedition enduro, use common sense and listen to your body.