Replacement handlebar options for ATCs

[keister]

This winter's project is refurbishing a very abused ATC 250ES Big Red with a fellow trike Enthusiast.
Among other things, the handlebars are probably bent beyond repair.

We are wondering if anyone has ever found a reasonably similar handlebar replacement. We thought maybe the old 1980s Foreman would be close.
Maybe a modern handlebar like a Recon 250...... or Rincon....... or some other TRX that is still available?
Has anyone found a suitable replacement?

Seems like all the aftermarket bars they sell now have crossbars, which is clearly not compatible with the dash pad on a Big Red.

By extension, I also have Pro-Tapers on a couple of my 250R / 350X's which I would love to replace with ATC style bars (no cross bar). Could anyone could point me in the right direction for replacement ATC style handlebars? OEM no longer seems to exist.

[Shep1970]

I don't know how you feel about EMGO bars but i bought a atv/trx style bar from them with no cross bar and no issues so far and they had the welded in bung for the bar ends. Maybe worth taking a look to see what they have to offer-

shep

[atctim]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13381888861...QAAOSw9ONhAV6e

These look really good actually. Buy a set - and review them for this thread!

[86T3]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13381888861...QAAOSw9ONhAV6e

These look really good actually. Buy a set - and review them for this thread!

Sometimes there's a man, well, he's the man for his time and place.

[psujeepguy]

I have a set of handle bars with a cross bar on my Big Red. It does clear but also looks a bit odd.

[jasong_10]

I went with the Pro Taper SE's as the crossbar can be removed.

[keister]

I ordered a couple sets from eBay last week. I will report back how they fit / look / feel.

I went with the Pro Taper SE's as the crossbar can be removed.

I thought about doing this. A lot of my trikes currently have Pro Tapers. I just think that the crossbar might actually be a structural member.
Like if I remove the crossbar and have that hard hit at the bottom of a dune or come up short on a jump, could they just snap off from the force.
Maybe not, but it definitely is in the back of my mind.

[jasong_10]

I ordered a couple sets from eBay last week. I will report back how they fit / look / feel.


I thought about doing this. A lot of my trikes currently have Pro Tapers. I just think that the crossbar might actually be a structural member.
Like if I remove the crossbar and have that hard hit at the bottom of a dune or come up short on a jump, could they just snap off from the force.
Maybe not, but it definitely is in the back of my mind.

I'm sure it does serve a structural purpose so I understand your concern. I will most likely never jump my X so it wasn't a issue in my case.

[ATC King]

For anyone who didn't know, ProTaper has a selectable crossbar...bar.

https://www.protaper.com/product/38/fuzion-handlebars

It allows the rider to disengage the crossbar for more flex. It is a 1 1/8" bar though.

"The Fuzion Handlebar is a new concept in high-performance control systems. Its revolutionary flex locking design allows riders to choose between a stiffer, more controlled handlebar feel and a softer, more shock-absorbing one, depending on terrain conditions. Switching between the “Locked” and “Unlocked” settings takes only seconds. The handlebar itself utilizes ProTaper’s exclusive 2000 series T6 aluminum alloy with a computer-profiled 5 mm-thick wall design for the ultimate in lightweight strength."


OEM steel bars with bar end weights smooth things out, but they bend easily. Getting some adapters and using modern 1 1/8" is an upgrade and besides some exceptions, they don't use a crossbar.

[keister]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13381888861...QAAOSw9ONhAV6e

These look really good actually. Buy a set - and review them for this thread!

I bought these and they look pretty good. The bottom flat section where they clamp in are a bit narrower than the liquid R and 350X.
They may be the same dimensions as the early 250Rs.
Not sure when I will have a chance to bolt these up, but they look like they will fit and look just fine (or at least close enough).

I also bought another set of bars ...........(is it really a set, seems like one single handlebar) .........
I think they came of a ATC200_ or maybe 200M.
They are roughly the same width and close to the same bend. It may be the solution to my friend in search of straight bars for his '85 250ES.

[keister]

For anyone who didn't know, ProTaper has a selectable crossbar...bar.

https://www.protaper.com/product/38/fuzion-handlebars

It allows the rider to disengage the crossbar for more flex. It is a 1 1/8" bar though.

"The Fuzion Handlebar is a new concept in high-performance control systems. Its revolutionary flex locking design allows riders to choose between a stiffer, more controlled handlebar feel and a softer, more shock-absorbing one, depending on terrain conditions. Switching between the “Locked” and “Unlocked” settings takes only seconds. The handlebar itself utilizes ProTaper’s exclusive 2000 series T6 aluminum alloy with a computer-profiled 5 mm-thick wall design for the ultimate in lightweight strength."


OEM steel bars with bar end weights smooth things out, but they bend easily. Getting some adapters and using modern 1 1/8" is an upgrade and besides some exceptions, they don't use a crossbar.

That is all good info, thank you very much.
Unfortunately, I am going for a very specific period correct look.
Black high bend looking as close to stock as possible.
In this case, aesthetics is a very important factor - moreso than performance in this case.
One of these days I will reveal why that is.

[ATC King]

I get trying to retain an OE style.

Since those black bars listed in this tread don't have...threaded ends, it'd be nice to finish them with some bolt in bar ends.

Something like these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/18379547071...4AAOSw3bBcyku5


Bar end caps/weights really help finish out the OE look.