How to Adjust Handlebars on Ultra Classic Bikes

11 mins read

Last Updated on September 16, 2022

Ergonomics is an important component of bicycle design and is crucial to your comfort and safety. The handlebars of your ultra classic motorcycle should be adjustable in Height, Sweep, and Aerodynamics to optimize your riding experience. To find the proper height and sweep, you can measure the distance from the outside edge of the controls to the grip. After this measurement, you will know the correct grip height and position.

Ergonomics of handlebars

The ergonomics of handlebars on an ultra classic motorcycle are critical to your comfort and safety. Hand placement and height are crucial factors in proper riding position, as improper handling of the motorcycle can result in back pain in the wrists. When deciding on handlebar height and placement, consider the position of your hands and wrists, as well as the rear offset and rise. Changing these two factors will improve your ride comfort and safety.

Ergonomics of handlebars on an ultra classic mountain bike depend on the angle of the bars and their rise from the stem. The more upsweep, the more wrist rotation the bars provide. The more backsweep, the more the bars swing back from the stem. The more backsweep, the less the bars swing forward, mimicking the effect of a shorter stem.

how to adjust handlebars on ultra classic

Ergonomics of handlebars on ultra classical motorcycles vary, depending on the rider’s body type. Some riders have long torsos, broad shoulders, and proportional arms. Others need more reach. A neutral position for the handlebars can decrease the pressure on the carpal tunnel nerve. This condition is characterized by tingling, prickly sensation, and pain. A straight wrist can alleviate many of these symptoms.

Another important consideration is the seating position. Modern motorcycles shift the rider’s position closer to the ground, which compromises ergonomic control. In addition to shifting the rider’s seating position, handlebar sweep, and rise all affect the rider’s comfort and control. While this is beneficial, an ultra classic’s traditional upright position may be the best option. It’s important to consider ergonomics in buying your bike.

Height

The first thing you need to do is measure the free cable from the riser to the switch housing. Then, compare that length to the Handlebar dimensions listed in the bottom right corner of the dimension sheet. Allow extra length for curved bars. If your handlebars are too short or too long, you should add an additional 2 inches to the cable length. The range for adjustment is fairly large. After you have measured the cable length, you can proceed to adjust the handlebars.

Sweep

The ultra classic’s sweep adjusts the angle of the handlebars relative to the stem. The sweep refers to how far the bars deviate from a 90-degree height. When the sweep is adjusted correctly, the handlebars sit at a 45-degree angle relative to the stem. The sweep can also be adjusted by tightening the faceplate bolts evenly. If you’re not sure what the sweep is, look for the center markings on the handlebars. If these markings line up with the edges of the stem face plate, they’re perfect.

To choose the right sweep, check the diameter of your handlebars. These measurements can be taken on a bike with the stock bars installed or off. Aside from the width, you can also look for the rise and sweep ratings. The rise and sweep values are more important for off-road riding, but can be adjusted easily on an ultra classic. Sweeps can also be adjusted on a vintage bike.

To fine-tune the position of the bars, you should measure the distance between the grip and the edge of the controls. After this, you can move the bar so that you get a flat or slightly-angled platform. Make sure the bar is equidistant from the left and right controls. To adjust the handlebars on ultra classic, you must move the levers at least one rotation away from each other.

In the past, many people preferred to sit on the pegs when off-roading, which exacerbated their discomfort. For this reason, the manufacturers have designed ultra classics with a high degree of backsweep. Sweep is a term used to describe the angles at which the bars bend. In general, the backsweep on an ultra classic is 30 degrees, while the upsweep is 30 millimeters.

Aerodynamics

The shape and aerodynamics of a handlebar are essential for cycling performance, and this is one area where aerodynamics are particularly important. A properly shaped handlebar reduces the amount of road buzz that riders experience, reducing the stress on their arms and shoulders. It is also important to choose a handlebar with a flatter top for comfort and ease of use. The ultra classic handlebars by Vision are a perfect example of such an aerodynamic design.

These aerodynamics are especially critical for bike performance, as it is the main point of contact between the rider and the bike frame. To combat this, the team used CFD (Computer Fluid Dynamics) simulations to determine which aerodynamic components, such as the handlebars, had the most potential to improve performance. In addition to these tests, rider feedback was obtained for each component and frame section to find the most effective balance.

A thin handlebar can also be less aerodynamic, so be sure to look for one that’s narrower than your wrist. The wider your handlebars are, the more air they’ll generate, and you’ll be exposed to wind while pedaling. This can lead to less control and lower efficiency. The wider the bars are, the more you need to squeeze into the bike to stay in control. And a wider handlebar also makes you feel more comfortable and will increase your comfort and speed.

The PRO Vibe Evo is another example of an aerodynamic handlebar. Made of Innegra fibers, this handlebar is intended for the most demanding riders and offers maximum aerodynamics combined with ultra-clean styling. They are also compatible with Shimano’s new R9100 Di2 junction. The aerodynamics of ultra classic handlebars are enhanced by the addition of Di2 internal wiring and clip-on aero bars.

Installing custom bars

If you are a Harley Ultra Classic owner, you may have considered upgrading your handlebars. However, before you attempt to install new bars on your bike, you need to know how to install them properly. In some cases, the handlebars of your Harley Ultra Classic might have been bent or broken. In such cases, you may want to change the design and shape of the handlebars. For this, you should have a basic knowledge of motorcycles and how to install the handlebars on your bike.

When you purchase custom handlebars, it is a good idea to consider the cost. A new set of bars costs approximately $600, and it takes about an hour to install them. The cost will depend on how skilled you are with tools and your experience level. A well-trained handlebar installer will complete the process in less than an hour, while a beginner might need three hours to complete the installation. You can read more about handlebar installation on Harley-Davidson forums or read user reviews.

Before installing new bars, you should consider how to wire them. You can do this yourself by purchasing a do-it-yourself kit. Plug and Play connectors are highly recommended as they make the job a lot easier and save you a great deal of time. These connectors also allow you to reuse the old cables and switches you already have. A DIY handlebar installation can take an hour or two, but will pay off in the long run.

Before you install the new handlebars, you need to remove the headlight eyebrow bolts that hold the gauge cluster in place. You should also remove the motorcycle grips to free up space for the gauge cluster. To prevent the bars from spinning while they are in the process, you should loosen the riser bolt nuts. Make sure the old handlebars are similar to the ones you’re installing. Some bikers may need to make additional adjustments and customizations to their handlebars after installing the new ones.

About The Author

Wendy Lee is a pop culture ninja who knows all the latest trends and gossip. She's also an animal lover, and will be friends with any creature that crosses her path. Wendy is an expert writer and can tackle any subject with ease. But most of all, she loves to travel - and she's not afraid to evangelize about it to anyone who'll listen! Wendy enjoys all kinds of Asian food and cultures, and she considers herself a bit of a ninja when it comes to eating spicy foods.