What is optimum width of handle bars

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  • Suzuki_Don
    • Feb 2026
    #1

    What is optimum width of handle bars

    Hi Guys,

    Can a few of you give me the width of the handle bars on your bikes. I'm not sure what style mine are called, but they only have a rise of about 2" and I think they may be Daytona or that style. The ones I have bought locally are just over 800mm long and was wondering what width I should cut them down to.
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    • Big T
      Forum LongTimer
      Past Site Supporter
      Super Site Supporter
      • Mar 2005
      • 12392
      • West Slope, OR
      #2
      Don,

      I use what is commonly known as a BMW bar, like on a 70-80's R100S

      Mine are 813mm wide, but, I like the wider bar as I'm extra large
      1978 GS 1000 (since new)
      1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
      1978 GS 1000 (parts)
      1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
      1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
      1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
      2007 DRz 400S
      1999 ATK 490ES
      1994 DR 350SES

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        • earlfor
          Forum LongTimer
          Charter Member
          GSResource Superstar
          Past Site Supporter
          • May 2002
          • 42413
          • off grid cabin 1/24/26 7pm
          #3
          Most street handlebars are between 28 and 32" wide at the ends.
          Hold both hands out, palms down in front of you with the ends of your thumbs in front of the shoulder seams of your shirt. The most comfortable bar width for you will be approximately the overall distance between the little fingers on both hands.

          Earl
          Komorebi-The light filtering through the trees.

          I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. H.D.T.

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            • Suzuki_Don
              #4
              Originally posted by earlfor
              Most street handlebars are between 28 and 32" wide at the ends.
              Hold both hands out, palms down in front of you with the ends of your thumbs in front of the shoulder seams of your shirt. The most comfortable bar width for you will be approximately the overall distance between the little fingers on both hands.

              Earl
              Did that EARL and came up with 26". Does that sound OK or will it be too narrow and should I go with 28". I guess my shoulders aren't that wide, and I don't have big hands either (that's good for getting in tight places, although sometimes my hand has been known to get caught in there). I'm only 80kg. I suppose the main thing is to be able to fit the twistgrip, switches, mirrors, clutch lever, M/C, etc. before the bend in the bars.
              Any thoughts.

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                • earlfor
                  Forum LongTimer
                  Charter Member
                  GSResource Superstar
                  Past Site Supporter
                  • May 2002
                  • 42413
                  • off grid cabin 1/24/26 7pm
                  #5
                  Originally posted by Suzuki_Don
                  Did that EARL and came up with 26". Does that sound OK or will it be too narrow and should I go with 28". I guess my shoulders aren't that wide, and I don't have big hands either (that's good for getting in tight places, although sometimes my hand has been known to get caught in there). I'm only 80kg. I suppose the main thing is to be able to fit the twistgrip, switches, mirrors, clutch lever, M/C, etc. before the bend in the bars.
                  Any thoughts.
                  you're right about leaving enough straight section to fit the grips, switches, etc. Must have that. 28" should be fine as long as it leaves you the needed space. I'm 5'9" plus a smidge, and 30 inch bars work well for me.

                  edit........forgot you're in OZ make that 762mm bars. lol

                  Earl
                  Last edited by earlfor; 07-16-2009, 08:55 PM.
                  Komorebi-The light filtering through the trees.

                  I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. H.D.T.

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                    • Suzuki_Don
                      #6
                      HA HA That's OK EARL. I'm 60+ so I'm cool with imperial as well.

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                        • blowerbike
                          Forum Guru
                          GSResource Superstar
                          • Aug 2008
                          • 7057
                          • Ohio Closer to KY Than Cleveland
                          #7
                          my bars are 39" center grip to center grip..
                          i am part monkey

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                            • Guest
                              #8
                              Around here I've seen some that are as HIGH as three feet.

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