ATV Handlebars

Tweaked bars? Are they not comfortable or the style you like? Whatever it is, when you hop on your ATV and grab the bars, you want to have confidence that your machine will go where you point them. Stock wheelers are fitted with a general size bar to get it close for all riders. But a more custom fit can help prevent fatigue and provide you with better control of your machine.

An important consideration for your new bars is the width. A general rule is to choose a set of ATV handlebars that reach out the same distance as your shoulder width. While turning, you do not want your outside arm to reach full extension. A slight bend at the elbow will provide more control of the machine and can also prevent injury and fatigue. Too narrow of bars, conversely, can cramp your arms and lessen the amount of control over the wheeler.

Another factor to consider is the height of the handlebars. To choose, consider the height your riding style. Do you stand at all? Or do you always sit? The optimal height will place your hands in a downward angle from your shoulders with a slight bend at the elbow. Think of sitting at a desk with your hands on a keyboard. If you like to change from standing to sitting often, you will have to find a compromise in height between the two positions. A set of handlebar risers can help you achieve the optimal bar height.

Finally, consider the sweep or pullback of the bars. This is how far the end of the bars sweep back from the clamping position. A greater pullback/sweep will place the grips closer to you. Riders with shorter arms or riders who sit back in the seat may benefit from bars with a greater pullback. Conversely, longer arm riders may not feel the need to have much pullback at all. Also, a straighter bar is easier to maneuver for aggressive riders who move about on the machine.