Motorcycle Handlebar

Clip-on Handlebars
Most modern sport bikes feature this variety of handlebars. Positioned low, and meant to make the rider lean forward, these bars are generally mounted directly onto the motorcycle’s front forks. They’re a two piece setup and can be adjusted for getting them closer or further away from the rider. Some motorcycles also use faux clip-on bars, which look like a true clip on, but cannot be adjusted.

Motocross Handlebars
As the name suggests, these handlebars are generally used on dirt bikes, though they’re sometimes used on other varieties of motorcycles as well. For motocross, riders prefer their handlebars to be as straight as possible, and that’s the hallmark of this bar variety. Even if there’s a curve in the middle of these bars, it’s often supported by a straight cross brace for additional rigidity.

Tracker Handlebar
Like the motocross handlebar, the Tracker too is quite flat. Named after the handlebars used for flat track racing, these handlebars generally allow you to use your stock wiring and cables, which makes their installation very easy. They also tend to fit well across a variety of motorcycles

Drag Handlebars
Drag bars are again straight handlebars and are said to have their origins in London. Also termed as cafe racer bars, these handlebars make the rider lean forward, reducing wind resistance and improving acceleration to some extent. Used originally on drag bikes, these handlebars are also commonly used on choppers, bobbers, and cruisers. Being straight, they are easy to install, and allow you to use the bike’s stock wiring. Drag handlebars have variants which are termed as zero drag, low drag and high drag. The latter two are raised incrementally as compared to the zero drag bars.

Z-bar
As the name suggests, the Z-bars have angles which look like opposing Zs at either end of the inner rise of the handlebar. These handlebars have a very angular look to them with a low inner rise. The Z-bars aren’t too wide or tall and are well suited for narrow choppers or custom bikes which aren’t too wide. Apart from being relatively narrow, these handlebars are also relatively straight and don’t pull back towards the rider.

Frisco Handlebar
Frisco bars are somewhat similar to the Zed handlebars in their overall shape and their rise. They don’t however have an angular shape at the top of the inner rise. These bars have a softer, more rounded curve between the top vertical and horizontal sections of the handlebars.

Moustache Handlebar
As the name suggests, this variety of handlebars looks like a twirled moustache if you face the motorcycle from its headlamp. The bend goes away from the clamp and pulls back in a curved manner for a classy look. Moustache bars are lower and narrower than most stock handlebars, and this does away with the need to change or extend the stock cables and wires.

Keystone Handlebar
In terms of shape, the Keystone handlebars look somewhat similar to the z-bar. The shape of the handlebar in this case too makes opposing Zs at both ends. However, the top portion of the handlebar here is angled inward for a slightly more aggressive, a tad bit more imposing stance. While the Z-bar is straight on top, this one angles in, and that’s what makes it look rather nice on shorter bikes.