Though they may seem small in the scheme of things, there’s no doubting the outsized impact a pair of handlebars can have on the look and feel of a motorcycle. From easy-riding ape-hangers to the flat bars of classic flat-track racers, anyone building a bike—or customizing their current ride—eventually is faced with a decision: What kind of motorcycle handlebars are best for me?
Luckily, we’ve created this motorcycle handlebar guide to help you meet that decision head-on. Dig into the details of the different types of motorcycle handlebars below and find helpful tips on how to select the right bar for your bike.
With so many Harley-Davidson motorcycle handlebar styles to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Kick-start your search for the perfect handlebars with the breakdown below.
Virtually every bike features a different stock handlebar type. On Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, just about every model has its own distinct handlebar that’s selected to complement the style or use of the bike. While many riders might find this stock shape an ideal fit and style for their bike of choice, others may desire a different look.
Of course, choosing a bar for your bike is about much more than just style. At the end of the day, when choosing a set of handlebars, you need to land on a pair that you can ride comfortably for long periods. You need to not only look right but feel right, too.
Where the bar positions your hands, wrists, and arms directly affects how you will feel when riding your motorcycle. To get a better sense of the right position for your body, take note of the three factors at work on any set of handlebars:
These three measurements will determine your ability to reach the bike’s hand controls and, ultimately, your overall feeling of comfort and control. However, these measurements are not necessarily the end-all, be-all when it comes to fit. Many bars can be mounted using various handlebar risers that affect the final positioning. True to their names, straight and tall risers will increase the height of the bar, while pullback risers will bring the bar closer to the rider.
Just as every rider possesses a unique style, they also come to their bike with a unique height, reach, upper body length, and riding preferences that will dictate their relationship to a bike’s controls.
Luckily, given the sheer number of Harley handlebar styles available today, along with components like risers that offer greater customizability, each rider should be able to find a set of bars that’s right for them—without compromising on either comfort or style.
This guide to motorcycle handlebar types is a great start, but in the end, there’s really no substitute for trying things out in person. Use the info above to get informed and explore your options, then find your local Harley-Davidson® dealer to discover the handlebars that suit the way you want to ride. If you’re shopping for handlebars without the help of an in-store expert, be sure to use Harley-Davidson® bars and to check our handlebar fitment guide to ensure a proper fit and a comfortable ride. Soon enough, you’ll be ready for the open road.
$0 Down and as Low as 3.99% APR
*Financing Offer available only on select, untitled 2022 and 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Adventure Touring, Trike, CVO™, Softail® and Custom motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank and is subject to credit approval. Touring models Road King® Special and Electra Glide® Highway King are excluded. Harley-Davidson® Anniversary and Icons Motorcycle Collection are excluded. Not all applicants will qualify as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) will vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. Financing offer is available only for up to a 60-month term. For example, a 2023 Street Glide® Special motorcycle in Bright Billiard Blue/Billiard Gray with Chrome Finish and an MSRP of $29,499, no down payment and amount financed of $29,499, 60-month repayment term, and 3.99% APR results in monthly payments of $543.14. In this example, customer is responsible for applicable taxes, title, licensing fees and any other fees or charges at the time of sale. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. Customer must take delivery by October 31, 2024. This Financing Offer is valid during the period of August 27, 2024, to October 31, 2024. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at anytime. See your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.
CUSTOMIZATION CREDIT
**Up to $2,000 incentive valid for in-dealership purchase of Genuine Harley-Davidson® Parts & Accessories and/or Apparel & Licensed merchandise in connection with the purchase of select Grand American Touring, Trike and Softail motorcycles valid at participating Harley-Davidson® dealerships within the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii. Offer valid toward the purchase of select new, untitled 2022 or 2023 Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring, Trike and Softail motorcycles available and in stock at participating H-D® dealers between August 27, 2024 and October 31, 2024. Offer may not be available in all states. Touring models Road King® Special, Road Glide®, Street Glide® and Electra Glide® Highway King are excluded. Harley-Davidson® Anniversary, CVO™, Icons Motorcycle Collection and Police Duty Motorcycles are excluded. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. Offer is subject to change at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Dealer participation may vary. Additional restrictions apply, see your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.
Financing Offer available only on new 2024 Street Bob® 114 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. 4.35% APR offer is available only to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for a 48-month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2024 Street Bob® 114 motorcycle in Billiard Gray with an MSRP of $16,999, 10% down payment and amount financed of $15,299.10, 48-month repayment term, and 4.35% APR results in 47 monthly payments of $188.72 and a 48th balloon payment of $8,514.41. In this example, customer is responsible for applicable taxes, title, licensing fees and any other fees or charges at the time of sale. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. This Financing Offer is valid during the period of January 2, 2025 - March 31, 2025. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at anytime.
Handlebar height is regulated in many locations. Check local laws to ensure your motorcycle meets applicable regulations.
*Financing Offer available only on New 2024 Low Rider® S Harley-Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. 4.88% APR offer is available only to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for a 48-month term. The APR may vary based on the applicants past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2024 Low Rider® S in Billiard Gray with an MSRP of $19,999, 10% down payment and amount financed of $17,999.10, 48-month repayment term, and 4.88% APR results in 47 monthly payments of $228.95 and a 48th balloon payment of $9,991.13. In this example, customer is responsible for applicable taxes, title, licensing fees and any other fees or charges at the time of sale. APR is calculated according to the simple interest method. Not valid in conjunction with other offers. This Financing Offer is valid during the period of April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time.
**Customers who choose the return option will need to pay the balance of the loan, which will vary depending on when the bike is returned, along with a return fee of up to $395 and any costs to repair excess wear and tear.
Participating dealerships:
Black Hills Harley-Davidson, Sturgis Harley-Davidson, Deadwood Harley-Davidson, Hill City Harley-Davidson, and Badlands Harley-Davidson
Terms & Conditions
This offer is valid on net purchases with your H-D™ Visa® card, August 1-10, 2025 (promotion period), at the following dealerships in the Sturgis region: Black Hills Harley-Davidson, Sturgis Harley-Davidson, Deadwood Harley-Davidson, Hill City Harley-Davidson, and Badlands Harley-Davidson. No minimum purchase requirement. Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns. Net purchases made during the promotion period will be awarded bonus points per dollar spent; H-D™ H.O.G.™ Elite Visa Signature® cardmembers will receive 10 points per $1 spent on purchases with their card and H-D™ Visa Signature® cardmembers will receive 6 points per $1 spent on purchases with their card. The additional points will be credited to your account 6–8 weeks after the promotion period. Your account must remain open and be in good standing (not past due or overlimit) to qualify. If you have any questions, call Cardmember Service at 1-800-699-2281.
The creditor and issuer of the Harley-Davidson® Visa® card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.
To receive the H-D Hero Touring Customer Cash Offer, provide your H-D Hero Offer code at time of H-D® motorcycle purchase to your authorized Harley-Davidson® dealership. Available to redeem at participating dealers only. Harley-Davidson and/or dealer are not responsible for lost or stolen offer codes. Make sure to review the below terms and conditions, and steps on how to receive your code:
$1,000 incentive valid towards the purchase price of select new, untitled Street Glide® or Road Glide® motorcycles or $1,500 incentive valid towards the purchase price of select new, untitled Street Glide® Ultra motorcycles available and in stock at participating H-D® dealers in the continental U.S. including Hawaii and Alaska. At participating dealers only. Eligible customers must visit either H-D.com/Military or H-D.com/Police and validate through the ID.me button to receive H-D Hero code. This promotional offer is valid for the named party only and is non-transferable. Offer valid on purchases made on and between July 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025. Offer cannot be used towards the down payment on a motorcycle. Limit one offer per eligible customer and per eligible motorcycle purchase. Offer not valid on previous purchases or future motorcycle orders after August 31, 2025. This Offer is eligible to be combined with certain specific, in-market H-D promotions, but some restrictions apply. Please see your authorized Harley-Davidson dealership to determine what offers, discounts or promotions, such as Harley-Davidson® finance offers, can be combined with this Offer. The unique ID.me H-D Hero Offer code must be presented at time of purchase to be eligible. Harley-Davidson and/or dealer are not responsible for lost or stolen offers. Offer is subject to change at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent and is non-refundable.
To receive the H-D Hero P&A Offer, provide your H-D Hero Offer code at time of purchase to your authorized Harley-Davidson® dealership. Available to redeem at participating dealers only. Harley-Davidson and/or dealer are not responsible for lost or stolen offer codes. Make sure to review the below terms and conditions, and steps on how to receive your code:
$250 incentive valid towards the purchase of Harley-Davidson® Genuine Parts and Accessories with the purchase of select new, untitled Harley-Davidson® motorcycles available and in stock at participating H-D® dealers in the continental U.S. including Hawaii and Alaska. At participating dealers only. Eligible customers must visit either H-D.com/Military, or H-D.com/Police and validate through the ID.me button to receive H-D Hero code. This promotional offer is valid for the named party only and is non-transferable. Offer valid on purchases made on and between July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025. Offer cannot be used towards the down payment on a motorcycle. Limit one offer per eligible customer and per eligible motorcycle purchase. Offer not valid on previous purchases or future motorcycle orders after December 31, 2025. This Offer is eligible to be combined with certain specific, in-market H-D promotions, but some restrictions apply. Please see your authorized Harley-Davidson dealership to determine what offers, discounts or promotions, such as Harley-Davidson® finance offers, can be combined with this Offer. The unique ID.me H-D Hero Offer code must be presented at time of purchase to be eligible. Harley-Davidson and/or dealer are not responsible for lost or stolen offers. Offer is subject to change at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent and is non-refundable.