KX Riders

General => Riding Tips & Tricks => Topic started by: KXcam22 on October 16, 2008, 04:49:07 PM

Title: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: KXcam22 on October 16, 2008, 04:49:07 PM
I am curious as to what handlebar width everyone is running and why.  What is everyones setup for MX, trails and singletrack etc.  Or do you just run whatever width came on the bike, bars etc.  In the old days I used to always cut mine to a specific width but now I don't recall what it was or if it is as important as it used to be.  Let's hear everyones setup.  Cam.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: gwcrim on October 16, 2008, 11:13:11 PM
I run whatever is on sale.  Iron Pony sells some aluminum bars for about $12 + shipping and I just bought a pair.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: Good on October 17, 2008, 01:54:12 AM
Man, that's a good question.  I know I used to cut them when I rode tracks a lot, but I cannot remember what the length was.  :| 26 pops into my head.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: hughes on October 17, 2008, 05:17:26 AM
Their's not but one kind of bars and that's 1 1/8 Pro Tapers bars. The flex is unreal and make's the front end so sweet. I cut mine down to 30" just for woods riding (tight single track) I perfer to buy the woods cut instead of cutting mine any more.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: Johnniespeed on October 17, 2008, 07:11:18 AM
 I currently use the Pro Taper SE bars with the cr bend. They call it the cr high bend. I cut three quarters inch off each end, but have never put a tape measure on it ,so I dont know the actual width. I will measure it later.  I ride wide trails, single track, but do not race.  I have no problems, even with the tightest of trails, I usually can miss most of the trees with the bars, ( my shoulders are a different story ) .
  Have a great weekend, I'm going up North riding for a couple of days.
   John
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: Albertan on November 02, 2008, 01:56:41 AM
Renthal 971 bend, stock width, with Acerbis Multiplo handguards.  I think adding handguards that plug into the bar ends do reduce vibration a bit too.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: Johnniespeed on November 05, 2008, 01:00:46 PM
The yo yo says, 30 inches.  I have Acerbis bark busters that add maybe 3/4 of an inch also.   Smashed fingers and broken levers dictate the need for bark busters,even though I havent hit any trees lately. 
 John
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: Bigtim on December 12, 2008, 03:37:00 AM
I'm 6'6', 275lbs on a 98 kx500.  I'll take all the stability I can get... full width(maybe31.5) on Pro-taper contour, CR high bend.  I might try the Pro-t KX high bend next which is about an inch taller, oh ya, i've been running Moose 50 mm riser blocks in the top clamp with no problems. I was worried how they'd hold up on crashes, Moose bark busters too.... since i do crash sometimes,, they save the grips and levers not to mention cute little pinky fingers, and probebly add 1.5 inches to overall width..  Important to mention I'm a woods rider, and still go prety wide.  I really do think i'm to big for this bike.lol.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: azdirtrider75 on January 13, 2009, 07:51:32 AM
I just replaced my 1 1/8 TAG bar with one from www.rockymountainmc.com it's their house brand (Tusk) and is called the "Chub" bar. It's 1 1/8 and the CR High Bend. So far I love the bar; it looks great (powder coated black), is real strong, and the bend is awesome. I jumped on my friends new RMZ450 (100% stock) and it didn't feel right. I recommend all to use the high bend; it forces your riding position to be more aggressive and helps when you're standing.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: kx250.1698 on May 04, 2009, 06:10:22 AM
it dosent mater 2 me aslong as it dont brake on the first fall ,but i have a pro taper on
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: martinfan30 on May 13, 2009, 04:15:30 PM
6'5" 230, FatBar Carmichael bend.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: The Flyin Hawaiian on May 13, 2009, 04:34:03 PM
28.5 with Emig/Bradshaw Renthals, + 1" with Enduro Engineering hand guards. Extremely tight single track mostly. I also use a WER steering damper for a little bit of stability and less deflection.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: PowerFiend on May 22, 2009, 05:08:33 AM
Renthal 922 Carmichael High (4.5in rise) or Protaper Pastrana FMX (4.75in rise). The FMX is 30.5 stock, and the Renthals I cut down 1/2in on either side to 30.5. I run handguards on all my bikes, which adds about 1in width.

I'm 6'1" and like the taller bars, since it makes it comfortable to stand. Sitting a lot is seems to promote bad form and less bike control. Going to try some set back pegs next to further open the cockpit, bars are already in forward clamp position.

Remember that a lot of the bar designs are designed for the average MX racer which is around 5'8" tall, so you taller guys don't be afraid to open things up: Tall bars, tall seats, set back and/or low pegs. Though I don't like the tall seats or low pegs, since a low seat and feet up out of ruts is good for knarly conditions.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: BasketCase on June 10, 2009, 04:07:51 PM
I use the full width Renthal Jimmy Button bars, 3/8" spacer, and 2" Rox risers.  I am 6'7" and 285lbs and with this setup and slightly bent knees I can stand on the pegs all day.  I am trying to avoid the lower pegs for now.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: ToomanyKaws on July 10, 2009, 11:08:17 AM
I just put Carmichael protapers on my KX500.   Thinking of trimming them down about a half inch a side.   Seem to be the same width as the stock bars.   My KDX bars are cut way down.   Stockers.   Too bad we don't have more woods out here. :-D
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: razornpc on July 13, 2009, 10:18:34 PM
on my kx250 im running 30 with bark busters. on my husky im running 29.75.

theres still some tight stuff i have to squeeze through but for the most part 30 works just fine.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: kawiboy63 on August 10, 2009, 06:30:38 AM
protaper kx hi bends with enduro engineering handguards thats what i run they are indestructable ive checked alot of trees wit mine and i pulled them off my gas gas i had before!! so they wer used 3yrs then are on there now
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: Uzi9mm on September 14, 2009, 04:36:23 PM
Pro Taper Contour bars Reed bend with Cycra Probends.  Uncut.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: lumpy790 on September 16, 2009, 05:30:10 AM
The easiest way to find what width bars you should run is easy.....well sort of unless your old, fat and out of shape like me.  :roll:

Its all about finding where your body is the most efficient.

This is easiest done with 2 people. Do 10-20 push ups (if you can) at the easiest hand spread.....now measure from the inside of your fingers on one hand to the inside of the other.  (not thumbs) This is where the inside edge of your grips should be.....add the lengths of both grips to this number and ......whalla....... that is your most efficient body bar width.
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: bansheemaniac on March 17, 2010, 01:08:15 PM
I'm bringing this post back up, because im huge 6ft 8in 300lbs.  im currently wanting to make my 96' kx500 more comfortable to ride, what would be a good combo of bars, risers and what not for me?

Thanx for any info,
Lance
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: amra500 on March 28, 2010, 06:48:23 AM
love the henry, reed 1 1/8 tapers in black forward a little cause im 6 foot
Title: Re: What Handlebar Width Do You Run?
Post by: dirtjunkie85 on May 20, 2010, 10:43:50 AM
I really like the fat bars better. they allow alot more room for an over the bar steering dampener. but if your wondering where to find the actual measurements of all these bars rockymountainatv.com has a good sizing chart.
handlebar measurements (http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/handlebarinfo.do)