Are Higher Motorcycle Handlebars More Comfortable?

If you’ve ever been on the road and seen a motorcycle, you may have noticed some versions of the bike with higher handlebars. You might consider raising the handlebars on your bike for added comfort when you ride. This preference raises the question – are higher handlebars more comfortable? 

Although higher motorcycle handlebars can give you a more upright posture, they also increase the drag on the body during a ride, which can be uncomfortable. Still, higher handlebars are more comfortable than traditionally-placed ones if you experience severe strain in your body from lower handles. 

If you’re interested in learning more about higher motorcycle handlebars, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn more about this position you often see on bikes on the road. There’s a bit to cover, so let’s get going.

Why Do People Like Higher Motorcycle Handlebars?

There are several reasons why people like higher motorcycle handlebars, and it’s not just for comfort. If you see a motorcycle with raised handles, there might be a few reasons why the rider made the selection that they did.

Some of the most common reasons why a person might raise their motorcycle handlebars include:

• To get comfort on long rides with a better posture
• To match an aesthetic for that classic bike look
• To look like other members of a biker group

It might be a personal choice, or it might be a group choice.

Whatever the reason, many people try to bring their motorcycle handles to higher heights. It’s a choice that alters the look of the bike.

Are Higher Handlebars Safe?

We’ve talked about why a rider might get higher handlebars rather than leaving them low. What about safety? Is it safe to drive with higher handlebars, or are there risks with this practice?

As long as you are comfortable, you should have no trouble with higher handlebars. It can be a little trickier to steer and see with this style. Still, the changes aren’t so drastic that they should impact your drive. Practice at a slow speed when the change first happens before you take on the fast pace of the highway. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

How Do You Raise Handlebars?

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Most alterations made to a motorcycle require the hand of a professional or at least someone who knows what they’re doing. Let’s talk about the process behind taking short handlebars and stretching them to new heights. This way, you can determine what the best next steps are for your ride.

You can raise the handlebars of your bike by:

• Investing in a handlebar conversion kit
• Following the instructions to remove your current setup
• Installing the new handlebars

If you know what you’re doing, it shouldn’t be too tricky to raise the handles.

Those who have no experience with bikes should take theirs into a professional to get the change done. You don’t want to risk damaging the motorcycle if you’re unsure where to begin. A motorcycle expert can have it done for you and even help assess if it’s an ideal choice for your riding experience.

Considerations Before Raising Handlebars

Before you decide to raise the handlebars on your motorcycle, you should ask yourself a few questions. These will help you determine the best steps for your bike.

If you are thinking about raising the handlebars on your bike, you should consider:

• The way your body currently sits on the regular stance of your motorcycle
• The control you have over the bike now
• Your comfort level on a motorcycle

If you feel uncomfortable driving or you think a change could knock everything off-kilter, it’s best to leave the bike alone.

Raised handlebars can make riding a more comfortable experience for those traveling long distances. However, they can be tricky to handle if your proportions are of a specific ratio to your bike. Ensure you consider the pros and cons before putting your money on this change.

Conclusion

Higher motorcycle handlebars can stretch out joining muscles on long rides, but they can also cause uncomfortable drag on the road. You’re more limited with raised handlebars, but some riders might prefer this style to the traditional look. You can lift them yourself if you’re in love with the appearance.

We hope this information was helpful! There’s a lot to consider in terms of comfort before raising the handlebars on a motorcycle. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make.