PRODUCT GUIDE
The Harley-Davidson Guide to Motorcycle Handlebar Types
February 20, 2023
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.
MOTORCYCLE HANDLEBAR TYPES & STYLES
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.
Ape and Tallboy Handlebars
An especially tall and wide handlebar option, ape and Tallboy bars deliver a classic “fists-in-the-wind” look, giving the appearance that the rider is hanging from the grips. But this motorcycle handlebar type isn’t purely about looks. Particularly for taller and long-armed riders, ape and Tallboy handlebars can offer a more comfortable fit while riding. However, because handlebar height is regulated in many areas, be sure to check local laws before opting for a tall handlebar style.
Tracker Bars
Taking their name from the flat-track race bikes that inspire their design, tracker handlebars are typically wider and taller than stock bars, making them suitable for riders with longer arms or those who prefer a more aggressive riding posture. Their increased size also offers riders a little more leverage.
Drag Bars
Drag bars are narrow, wide, and flat, with little to no rise between bars and bike. Their low profile typically lends itself to an aggressive riding position, with a straight elbow and a neutral hand and wrist position. Much like tracker bars, this is a motorcycle handlebar type that offers riders a high degree of leverage. Curved and straight risers can be used to minimize stretch to the controls and maximize comfort.
Fused and Chizeled Handlebars (Z Bars)
Compared with the minimalist drag bar, Z bars, also known as Fused and Chizeled bars, typically feature an edgy, eye-catching look that’s a great match for a classic chopper or cruiser. While they all share a unique angular cut and wide handle, Z bars come in a variety of heights. At their tallest, they can closely resemble ape and Tallboy handlebars, much like our own Fused Handlebar and Chizeled Bar. When on the shorter end of the spectrum, they offer a hand position that’s similar to tracker bars. Of course, be sure to check local laws to ensure your handlebars of choice are allowed.
Beach Bars
Take it easy with the laid-back and relaxed position offered by a pair of beach handlebars. This distinct type of handlebar is flat and quite wide, spreading your arms and giving you room to breathe. While this retro-style handlebar can be quite comfortable for cruising, it can actually be a little too wide for some riders. To ensure that a pair of beach bars is the right fit, make sure you can reach the controls when the handlebar is fully turned.
Reach Bars
For shorter riders or those who prefer an upright, relaxed riding position, reach handlebars offer an ideal alternative. With their additional pullback, they’re designed to bring the controls closer to the rider for optimized elbow and wrist position and increased comfort
How to Choose Between Motorcycle Handlebar Styles
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.
Handlebar Measurements: Rise, Pullback, and Width
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:
- Rise: The distance from the body of the bike to the top of the bar
- Width: The measurement of the handlebars’ total width, taken from the widest point, where grips are installed
- Pullback: The distance forward or back from the top of the bar to the tip of the handle
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.
Making Your Final Choice: Comfort, Style, or Both?
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.
-
Recommended 91 octane (95 RON) or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
-
Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
-
Standard and optional fuel systems may vary by country.
-
See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.
-
Estimated from fuel economy tests on a sample motorcycle from the corresponding family conducted by Harley-Davidson under ideal laboratory conditions. Not all motorcycle models undergo fuel economy testing. Fuel economy and mileage may vary among motorcycle models within a family. Your mileage may vary depending on your personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition and vehicle configuration and other conditions. Break-in mileage may vary.
-
Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices for base models. Options such as color are available at additional cost. Prices exclude tax, title, licensing, registration fees, destination charges, surcharges (attributable to raw materials costs in the product supply chain), added accessories, and additional dealer charges, if any, and are subject to change. Harley-Davidson reimburses dealers for performing manufacturer-specified pre-delivery inspection and setup tasks. Dealer prices may vary.
-
Measurement reflects 180 lb. (81.7 kg) operator weight.
-
North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren.
-
Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.
-
Financing Offer available only on new Harley‑Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. 5.79% APR offer is available on new Harley‑Davidson® motorcycles to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for up to a 60 month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2023 Road Glide® Limited motorcycle in Vivid Black with an MSRP of $29,399, no down payment and amount financed of $29,399, 60 month repayment term, and 5.79% APR results in monthly payments of $565.50. 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. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. See your Harley‑Davidson® Dealership for details.
-
Financing Offer available for Used Harley‑Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. 7.19% APR offer is available on Used Harley‑Davidson® motorcycles to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for up to a 60 month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2015 Softail® Deluxe model in Vivid Black with a sale price of $17,845, no down payment and amount financed of $17,845, 60 month repayment term, and 7.19% APR results in monthly payments of $354.95 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. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. See your Harley‑Davidson® Dealership for details.
-
1. The customer (“Purchaser”) must purchase a new or used model year 2013 or newer Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle available and in stock a participating U.S. H-D dealer ("Eligible Motorcycle") between February 1, 2019 and August 31, 2019 ("Sales Period").
2. Purchaser who purchases an Eligible Motorcycle during the Sales Period has the option to trade-in the Eligible Motorcycle at its original purchase price towards the purchase of a new, unregistered, model year 2017, 2018, 2019 or 2020 Harley-Davidson Touring, Trike, Softail, Dyna, Sportster, Street or Special 3. Edition/Shrine Big Twin motorcycle (“Eligible Trade-Up Motorcycle”). Offer is limited to one claim per eligible VIN. Excludes Police Models.
The trade-in must occur no later than August 31, 2020 (“Trade-Up Period”).
4. Customers must redeem the offer at the same H-D dealership where the Eligible Motorcycle purchase originated. Certain exceptions apply for customers who move during the Trade-Up period. See participating H-D dealer for details.
5. The owner must have the original bill of sale and title in the original owner’s name as valid proof of purchase of the qualifying new motorcycle at time of trade-in to qualify for this offer.
6. Original purchase price does not include taxes, title, registration, license fees, state fees, parts and accessories, dealer set-up/prep/freight charges, ancillary products (e.g., Extended Service Plans, GAP, wheel and tire coverage, etc…) and other dealer add-ons, regardless of the amount actually paid.
7. The offer only applies to Eligible Motorcycles submitted for trade-in on a new, unregistered Eligible Trade-Up Motorcycle of greater value and not the same model. Offer is limited to one claim per eligible VIN. Offer is limited to one claim per customer.
8. The Purchaser is responsible for the difference between the trade-in value of the Eligible Motorcycle and the purchase price of the Eligible Trade-Up Motorcycle.
9. Trade-in must be a vehicle in good condition and good working order. Tires, suspension, engine, and transmission must all be within factory specifications and are subject to inspection by the participating H-D dealer. Vehicle exterior cannot reflect neglect or abuse. The participating H-D dealer will make the sole determination regarding whether the trade-in is in good working condition and good working order.
10. The purchaser is responsible for all costs of operating and maintaining the Eligible Motorcycle prior to trade-in.
11. This offer may not be combined with any other promotions, offers or discounts without the express permission of Harley-Davidson. However, qualified customers can use Harley-Davidson Financial Services special financing promotions in conjunction with the Freedom Promise. The Freedom Promise trade-in benefit will not be considered as part of the rider’s down payment.
12. This offer is not transferable except to the original owner’s spouse or to the original owner’s legally recognized domestic partner, provided such person lives in the same household and has the same permanent address as the original owner. The H-D dealer may require documentation to substantiate this relationship before extending the offer to the spouse or domestic partner.
13. Eligible Trade-Up Motorcycles must be taken from dealer stock and are not available on future motorcycle orders, deliveries or deposits outside the Trade-Up Period. Certain models of motorcycles may not be available at some participating dealers.
14. Valid only at participating U.S. H-D dealerships. Offer not valid in Hawaii. Non-transferrable. Cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. Offer not valid on motorcycles purchased and/or delivered outside the Sales Period or outside the U.S. Harley-Davidson and/or H-D dealer are not responsible for lost or stolen proof of purchase documentation. Offer is subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited. -
Financing Offer available from participating dealers only on select new 2022 Harley-Davidson® Grand American and Adventure Touring motorcycles (trikes and CVO models excluded) financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. 3.99% APR offer is available on select 2022 new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for up to a 60 month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2022 Road Glide® motorcycle in Vivid Black with an MSRP of $21,430, no down payment and amount financed of $21,430, 60 month repayment term, and 3.99% APR results in monthly payments of $394.57. 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. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. See your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.
-
N/A
-
N/A
-
Financing Offer available only on new Harley‑Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. 5.99% APR offer is available only to high credit tier customers who have completed a Riding Academy, Skilled Riders, MSF or other state accredited course within 180 days of application date and only for up to a 60 month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2023 Heritage Classic 114 in Vivid Black with an MSRP of $21,199, 10% down payment and amount financed of $19,079.10, 60 month repayment term, and 5.99% APR results in monthly payments of $368.76. 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. 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.
-
Financing Offer available only on used Harley‑Davidson motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. 6.69% APR offer is available only to high credit tier customers who have completed a Riding Academy, Skilled Riders, MSF or other state accredited course within 180 days of application date and only for up to a 60 month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2019 Harley-Davidson Street® 750 model in Vivid Black with sale price of $7,599, 10% down payment and amount financed of $6,839.10, 60 month repayment term, and 6.69% APR results in monthly payments of $134.42. 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. 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.
-
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.
-
Financing offer available only to Active United States Military personnel and only on Harley‑Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. No Money Down offer is available only to well-qualified credit tier applicants. 8.49% APR offer is available only to the highest credit tier applicants and only for up to 60 months term. The APR and down payment may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2023 Softail® Standard motorcycle in Vivid Black with an MSRP of $14,399, no down payment and amount financed of $14,399, 60 month repayment term and 8.49% APR results in monthly payments of $295.35. 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. Other terms, conditions and limitations may apply. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. See your Harley‑Davidson® Dealership for details. Active Military includes: United States Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves.
-
Financing Offer available only on new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. This 11.09% offer is available on new Harley Davidson® motorcycles to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for up to an 84-month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2023 Nightster™ motorcycle in Vivid Black with an MSRP of $13,499 a 10% down payment and amount financed of $12,149.10, 84-month repayment term, and 11.09% APR results in monthly payments of $208.60. 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. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. See your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.
-
Financing Offer available only on new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. This 11.09% offer is available on new Harley Davidson® motorcycles to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for up to an 84-month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2023 Softail® Standard motorcycle in Vivid Black with an MSRP of $14,399, a 10% down payment and amount financed of $12,959.10, 84-month repayment term, and 11.09% APR results in monthly payments of $222.51. 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. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. See your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.
-
*Financing Offer available only on new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank (ESB) and is subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify. This 12.09% offer is available on new Harley Davidson® motorcycles to high credit tier customers at ESB and only for up to an 96-month term. The APR may vary based on the applicant’s past credit performance and the term of the loan. For example, a 2023 Street Glide® Standard motorcycle in Vivid Black with an MSRP of $21,999, a 10% down payment and amount financed of $19,799.10, 96-month repayment term, and 12.09% APR results in monthly payments of $322.77. 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. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. See your Harley-Davidson® Dealership for details.
-
Prices listed are generally the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), excluding taxes, shipping, added accessories, added additional dealer charges and are subject to change without notice. Prices and selection at local dealerships may vary. All taxes are extra. STACYC reserves the right without prior notice to discontinue at any time any of the items herein or change specifications or designs without incurring any obligation to the customer. All items are subject to availability and prior sale by our dealers.
-
Riding range estimates provided following the SAE J2982 and are based on expected performance of a fully-charged battery when operated under specified conditions. Actual range will vary depending on riding habits, ambient weather and equipment conditions.
-
Financing Offer available only on new 2019 Harley-Davidson® Touring motorcycle models financed through Eaglemark Savings Bank and is subject to credit approval. 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 2019 Road Glide® Special motorcycle in Billiard Blue with an MSRP of $27,989, no down payment and amount financed of $27,989, 60 month repayment term, and 2.99% APR results in monthly payments of $502.80. 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 September 30, 2019. Other terms, conditions, and limitations may apply. Dealer participation may vary. Financing offer is subject to change or cancellation at anytime. See a Harley-Davidson® Dealer for details.
-
Free DC Fast Charging at participating H-D dealerships and 500 kw hours at Electrify America Charge Stations.
-
Potential government incentives are identified for informational purposes only. Federal tax credit may be 10% of the cost of the qualified vehicle, up to $2,500. Availability and eligibility vary, may change without notice and are beyond the control of Harley-Davidson. Eligibility and amount of credits and rebates depend on your personal situation. Please consult your tax professional and your state or federal agency for details and eligibility requirements.
-
Surcharges attributable to raw materials costs in the product supply chain
-
$75 USD / $100 CAD Voucher valid at participating U.S. & Canadian H-D Dealers towards the purchase of Genuine H-D Parts & Accessories and General Merchandise.
The private promotional offer is valid for the customer named in this offer only and is non-transferable except to the spouse, domestic partner or child living within the same household as the customer named in the offer (must be same residential address). Offer valid on purchase of Genuine H-D Parts & Accessories and General Merchandise only made on or between December 27, 2021 through March 31, 2022.
The $75 USD / $100 CAD voucher cannot be used towards the down payment on a motorcycle, must be used by March 31, 2022, can be applied to current customer orders that are on backorder but is not available on previous purchases, future motorcycle orders, or deposits outside of the Sales Period. Limit one $75 USD / $100 CAD voucher per 2021 Pan America and Pan America Special motorcycle at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships. Harley-Davidson and/or dealer are not responsible for lost or stolen offer codes. 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.
Promotion expires March 31, 2022
-
$50 USD / $50 CAD Offer Code valid at participating U.S. & Canadian H-D Dealers towards the purchase of Genuine H-D Parts & Accessories.
The private promotional offer is valid for the customer named in this offer only and is non-transferable except to the spouse, domestic partner or child living within the same household and at the same residential address as the customer named in the offer. Offer valid on the purchase of Genuine H-D Parts & Accessories and General Merchandise only made on or between August 15, 2022 through September 30, 2022 (the “Promotion Period”) at a H-D dealership.
The $50 USD / $50 CAD offer code cannot be used towards the down payment on a motorcycle, must be used by September 30, 2022, and is not available to be applied on previous purchases, future motorcycle orders, or deposits outside of the Sales Period. Limit one $50 USD / $50 CAD offer code per 2021 or 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycle purchased at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships. It is single use only. Harley-Davidson and/or dealer are not responsible for lost or stolen offer codes. Offer is subject to change by Harley-Davidson at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent and is non-refundable.
Promotion expires September 30, 2022.
DEALER: Review the P&A Offer Code landing page on H-Dnet for the promotion terms and conditions.