How to Measure Motorcycle Handlebar Size

If you’re considering swapping out your motorcycle handlebars, you’ll need to know the exact dimensions of your current set. While measuring your handlebars isn’t too tricky, you need to follow a specific method to ensure that you obtain accurate measurements and find a new set that will fit your bike precisely. 

Read on to learn how to measure motorcycle handlebar size the right way. 

1. Gather Your Materials (And a Friend)

First, you’ll need to round up a few materials to make it easier to obtain an accurate measurement. These materials include:  

• A long, straight stick, such as a broomstick or yardstick
• A piece of string
• A nut or washer to tie to the string
• A tape measure
• A pen and paper to record the measurements
• A level

If you have a friend or family member nearby, you may want to ask them to assist you as well. Sometimes, having a second pair of hands can help you ensure that you measure accurately, down to the last millimeter. 

2. Learn the Four Basic Measurements

Next, you should understand what measurements you’ll need to obtain from your handlebars. The most common handlebar measurements include:

• Width: The overall distance from the far edge of one handlebar to the other
• Pullback: The distance from the tips of the handlebars to the center, indicating the severity that the handlebars angle toward or away from you. 
• Height: The distance from the lowest point to the highest point on the handlebars
• Diameter: The thickness of the handlebars 

Understanding these measurements can allow you to measure them accurately and determine what aspects of your current handlebars you would like to improve with your new set. 

3. Measure the Width

Next, you can begin measuring your handlebars. We’ll start by measuring the width. Simply follow these steps: 

1. Sit on your bike and grasp the broomstick or yardstick in your hands.
2. Stretch your arms so that your hands rest above the farthest edges of the handlebars.
3. Ask your helper to measure the length of the broomstick between your hands. 

4. Measure the Pullback

Next, you can measure the pullback of the handlebars while sitting on the bike. Follow these steps:

1. Tie the washer or nut to the end of the string.
2. Tie the string to the middle of the stick. 
3. Hold the stick in the same position as the previous step, between your outstretched hands at the edges of the handlebars.
4. Have your helper measure the distance from the center of the handlebars to the washer or nut. 

5. Measure the Height

Then, you can measure the overall height or rise of the handlebars. Here’s how:

1. Position the yardstick or broomstick to rest on the highest point of the handlebars. If you’re having trouble keeping the stick straight, you can use a level to help. 
2. Have your helper measure the distance from the middle of the broomstick to the lowest point on the handlebars, such as the base where they connect to the bike. 

6. Measure the Diameter

Finally, you can measure the diameter of your handlebars. The most common handlebar diameters are ⅞ inch or 1 inch. However, you can take an accurate measurement of your handlebar width by placing the measuring tape at the end of one of the handlebars and measuring the width. 

Now that you know how to measure motorcycle handlebar size, you can begin searching for handlebars that meet your specifications. You can also determine which measurements you may want to change in your new set of handlebars. 

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our Law Tigers team today at 1-888-863-7216 to schedule a free case evaluation.