Why use 1-1/8" Handlebars?

I'm not seeing the attraction to the 1-1/8" handlebars. Can anyone fill me in on that?

I'm about to order handguards and need to commit to either the 7/8" bars I have or 1-1/8" bars. Thanks.

You don't have to commit to anything. 1-1/8" bars taper off to 7/8" at the controls, so whatever handguards you get will work for both diameter bars (in some cases you may have to buy an inexpensive bracket).

To answer your question, fat bars are more flexible, more resistant to bending, and transmit fewer vibrations to the controls.

johnkol wrote:

You don't have to commit to anything. 1-1/8" bars taper off to 7/8" at the controls, so whatever handguards you get will work for both diameter bars (in some cases you may have to buy an inexpensive bracket).

To answer your question, fat bars are more flexible, more resistant to bending, and transmit fewer vibrations to the controls.

The HDB Nexgen bars use brackets the attach near the center of the bars where they are larger in diameter, so you have to order the right size brackets for that, even though they are the same diameter at the end. If I were going with larger bars, I would instead buy the HDB Ultimate bars, which are the same price, but look like they attach better. They are only available for 1-1/8". So, I am still trying to decide. I may just have to drive around some more on these bars and see if I like the shape of them or not.

Thanks.

bhaygood wrote:

The HDB Nexgen bars use brackets the attach near the center of the bars where they are larger in diameter, so you have to order the right size brackets for that, even though they are the same diameter at the end.

Exactly, that's the bracket I was talking about; it should be very inexpensive to switch between regular and fat bars.

bhaygood wrote:

I'm not seeing the attraction to the 1-1/8" handlebars.  Can anyone fill me in on that?

7/8" steel handlebars are lighter, weaker, and more flexible.  They cost less and bend easier.

1 1/8" aluminum handlebars are stronger and more expensive.

But you don't have to take my word for it:

https://www.motosport.com/blog/pros-and-cons-78-inch-or-1-18-inch-oversized-handlebars

https://www.motosport.com/blog/motocross-handlebar-guide

"Why use 1-1/8" Handlebars?"

Mine came with them