Which handlebars?

[MRSOUND]

So I used the search feature for 250r handlebars and there are 15 pages of threads which I found most were referencing 83 -86 and most were pretty old. So I refined the search to within the last year hoping to get some more recent input with newer technology. Didn't get much out of them either. I need more of an understanding of handlebar terminology. CR high, Cr low, atv bend, etc etc etc. What does these terms reference? They will be for my 82 250R build. At this point it will purely be a "refresh" build for mainly trail riding. I can't see myself racing at this point. Not looking to drop half a paycheck on them either. Just want functional without something that's gonna bend when I hit a bump. Reading through the threads I realize alot of it is personal preference, but still thought I would ask some opinions. I like the looks of these but are they a decent purchase/bar? Someone please "steer" me in the right direction!:wondering
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fly-Racing-Blue-Handlebars-w-Barpad-ATV-4-Wheeler-Honda-Yamaha-Suzuki-Kawasaki-/201020556388?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1982|Model%3AATC250R&hash=item2ecdc24464&vxp=mtr

[El Camexican]

Someone please "steer" me in the right direction!
Good one!:lol:

The basic dimensions that you can change up on bars is the width, height and pull-back, or bend angle which is the amount that the bars are pulled back from 180 degrees (straight) This can be measured in inches back from straight, or degrees 10, 12 etc. I don’t know anything about “ATV” bars, but I think they are higher than typical handle bars and may be wider where they mount to the triple clamps.

That said I have no idea what bars will fit your trike, or what rise, width or pull-back angle you’ll find most comfortable. That all comes down to what feel best to your hands, arms and back. There are also off-set clamps and risers available to fine tune the bars if you’re so inclined. Some stuff is common sense i.e. if you ride a lot in tight woods you don’t want 32” wide bars and if you're 6’-4” I doubt that your back would appreciate low rise bars.

I hear what you are saying about not wanting to break the bank, but I can attest to the tapered bars making a big difference to a long ride rough ride compared to the old ridged 7/8” bars with the cross bar, especially if you are into standing when you ride, but if you sit most or the time I doubt you’ll notice a difference. As I age my aches and pains are taking longer and longer to go away after a ride and I’m finding myself reallocating funds that used to go to go-faster engines parts into suspension mods and creature comforts.

[JasonB]

El Camexican has the right info! I run a set of Renthal bars on my 310 and like them, honestly most atv bars are fine price is going to be a big factor. I just ordered a set of the Fasst Flexx bars last weekend which are pricey but supposed to be great for killing vibration and arm pump. Not really something most bikes need though. Those Fly bars look like they would do just fine, dont break the bank over bars if the price is right and they look fine.

[MRSOUND]

Thanks guys. Guess I will try the Fly. (hey that rhymed):lol: Atleast if I don't like them I'm not out a boat load. Guess I'll go trail by fire and see what "I" like and fits my riding style. That bar pad will have to go though! :D

[blue27]

I can fix the cross bar bad for you, I will make up a decal to cover it, done it on mine. Unless you want to buy another pad, that's fine,lol.

[rray62]

we used the renthal dirt bike vintage desert bend on our builds, and I love them!!!!

[Louis Mielke]

I run pro taper fat bars, trx bend. Really love them, have them on my 500 and my 450

[El Camexican]

I just ordered a set of the Fasst Flexx bars last weekend which are pricey but supposed to be great for killing vibration and arm pump. Not really something most bikes need though.
I just installed a set of those on my endure bike, you ain’t kidding about them being pricy! Picked up a set of threaded inserts and tap, Cycra bash bars and the matching BRP pivots at the same time. It adds up fast.

[MRSOUND]

So I looked up some of the bars you guys are suggesting.
I don 't have $400 for a fasst flexx purchase that's for sure.
Renthal - starting at $80....Doable.
Pro Taper fat bars starting at $70 again doable.
What are the advantages of a cross bar versus no cross bar? I know it more rigid with the cross bar but any other advantages/disadvantages?
Louis - with the stock lower part of the handlebar clamp/riser being molded into the upper tree will fat bars even work for my application?:wondering
Bruce - I will take you up on that if I go with the fly bars:beer

[MRSOUND]

So define the "taper" for me. What part of the bars are considered tapered to give them the strength or bending resistance?

[Larry T Moore]

I got a set of el cheapo MOOSE carbon bar handlebars for my 86 200x in atv bend..i ragged them for over 5 years...they been flipped, pole vaulted and everything else..this last summer i sanded them down..repainted them and put them on my 85 250sx....i got my 24 bux worth!!

[JasonB]

ya i for sure wasnt suggesting you buy the flexx bars, just throwing them out there because i just bought a set last weekend. My renthals have served me very well on both the 500 and the 310 bikes in 2013. honestly any of the brands you listed will do what you need, no reason to overspend. i had a set of Fly bars on my 84 300R and they worked great!

[MRSOUND]

Thanks for the explanation El! That definitely sheds some light on it for me. Atleast I now have an understanding. That being said I don't know if I want go through the whole adapter setup at this point either since the lower half of my clamps are forged right into the upper tree. Sounds like something I may do in the future though.
Jason were they the same as the ones I had posted? Carbon steel? Or something different?

[MRSOUND]

This is what you would need
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Universal-Oversized-Fat-Bar-Handlebar-Adapter-Conversion-7-8-to-1-1-8-/360806727682?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5401c1c002&vxp=mtr
I didn't realize it was that simple for the adapters. According to their description it adds 3/4" rise to the handle bar. That don't seem like much in the scheme of things to make much of a difference. I would hope that any control wires, cables, and brake-lines would have enough slack to adapt to the extra 3/4" height? So is there a good better best or don't buy "this" brand when it comes to the riser adapters? Sorry for my ignorance on the subject and all the questions. I'm just trying to make as much of an educated purchase as possible. I appreciate all the feedback from everyone so far!

[JasonB]

Man i cant remember what bars i went with specifically with those Fly's, pretty sure it was the cheapest i could find at the time lol.

[Tri-Z 250]

I tend to stand in tight woods and trails so the risers help as I'm over 6'. Your lower back may thank you for it. Also a set of bark busters with plastic shields are a great add on. They actually save the bars from bending in a tip over plus save the levers. If you clip a large branch rub a tree or get roosted by a rock you won't break a finger. I never ran them for years and tweaked many bars and levers. Since I've had them I can honestly say they are worth every penny.

[MRSOUND]

Didn't think about that but I may do just that. I do have them on my SX as they came on it when I bought it. Being my first 2 stroke I'm sure it's not a matter of if as it is when I'll be saying oops!

[JasonB]

ya man i have dumped my bike personally real hard twice and my brother in law spilled it hard a month ago and bent one of my 'super strong Baja ITP wheels' but those renthals are still straight lol

[barnett468]

Thanks guys. Guess I will try the Fly. (hey that rhymed):lol: Atleast if I don't like them I'm not out a boat load. Guess I'll go trail by fire and see what "I" like and fits my riding style. That bar pad will have to go though! :DHello MRSOUND;

I would not buy any bars unless I knew the dimensions.

You might have a different opinion of the bar pad if your face/helmet ever slams into it or the bike flings you off and lands upside down on you with the bars across your back, lol.

You can "guestimate" the the bend you might like by sitting and standing on the bike while its not running if you are not currently able to ride it.

For me, small changes make a big difference.

Tons of bars in the link below. Once the page opens, click on “expand” on the right side of the bar brand and it gives you all the dimensions.

Unfortunately, one critical dimension they do not give is the degree/angle of the bars, but I think the info supplied is the most you are going to get these days.

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/Handlebar-Measurements


I think this place might carry stock bends.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1061249/d/renthal-motorcycle

[barnett468]

If you do not want a cross brace on the bars check out the Flanders link and the tapered bar links below. Renthal used to make solid aluminum bars with no cross brace. Contact them directly for info if interested.

http://www.flandersco.com/Products.html



Ok, I forgot about this. Guess I’m not smarter than a 5th grader. Simply go the bar mfg’s site, lol.

All the dimensions are given. Once you click in the links below you will see 7 small gray boxes at the top of the page. Click on the “spec” box for a breakdown of the dimension codes.

mx bars

http://www.renthal.com/shop/mx-products/handlebars/se-handlebars/mx-se-handlebars


atv bars

http://www.renthal.com/shop/mx-products/handlebars/se-handlebars/atv-se-handlebars


1 1/8” to 7/8” braceless tapered bars

http://www.renthal.com/shop/mx-products/handlebars/fatbar


1 1/8” bars

http://www.renthal.com/shop/mx-products/handlebars/twinwall


home page

http://www.renthal.com/shop/

[poohbee1]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-NOS-Answer-Yamaha-TRI-Z-TRI-Z-Handlebars-Carbon-Steel-Bars-Black-AHRMA-MX-/360860007171?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5404eebb03&vxp=mtr I posted a link to some old tri- z bars.In one of the pictures it has the dimensions of the old answer bars that were used back in the day. Its got triz ,tecate and atv=Honda bends they used long ago that you can compare to new ones.

[MRSOUND]

I know the Answer bar were the s4!t back in the day but how do they compare to the tapered bars of today?
Thanks for the links Barnett....been checking out the manf. websites. Lots to choose from.
Trying to figure out my personal form fit and function within a budget. Unfortunately I already have this one tore down. So sitting on it and saying I can this much higher with x amount of bend isnt an option at this point. Gonna have to throw the dice and hope I'm close.

[poohbee1]

I know the Answer bar were the s4!t back in the day but how do they compare to the tapered bars of today?
Thanks for the links Barnett....been checking out the manf. websites. Lots to choose from.
Trying to figure out my personal form fit and function within a budget. Unfortunately I already have this one tore down. So sitting on it and saying I can this much higher with x amount of bend isnt an option at this point. Gonna have to throw the dice and hope I'm close.

Im sure the newer ones are 10 times stronger and that's what I would use . I just thought you might want to see the dimensions of the old ones for comparison.

[MRSOUND]

Hey that's cool thanks!..... I think I've talked myself beyond the Fly bars with a little input from everyone. :DJust trying to decide between Pro Taper or Renthal Fat Bars. Went from $36 to over a bill till I get the bars, adapter, pad, and grips. Not complaining......this is why I asked. I appreciate everyone's input. It's what I love about this site.:beer