What is optimum width of handle bars

[Guest]

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.

[Big T]

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

[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

[Suzuki_Don]

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.

[earlfor]

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

[Suzuki_Don]

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

[blowerbike]

my bars are 39" center grip to center grip..
i am part monkey

[chef1366]

Around here I've seen some that are as HIGH as three feet.