What are clip-on handlebars? Detailed overview with Pros and Cons

As cars come with the steering to drive by controlling the movement of the wheels. The same applies to the motorcycle, it comes with handlebars with which you can drive by controlling the wheels’ movement. Normally there are many different types of handlebars for motorcycles but in this post, we will talk about a specific handlebar which is a clip-on handlebar.

So, What is a clip-on handlebar? Clip-on comes in two separate pieces that are directly connected with the telescopic forks of the rear wheel which provide improved grip and control over single-piece handlebars. It provides better agility and connectedness with the front wheel that makes the handling responsive.

Apart from this with a true clip-on handlebar, you can adjust it the way you find it to be comfortable. The problem here is not all clip-on handlebars are customizable. Wait getting confused!!

Generally, there are two types of clip-on handlebar: one is True clip-on and the second is faux (artificial) clip-on. I have discussed the difference between True and faux clip-on thoroughly below.

But before we talk about the difference between the True and faux clip-on we will talk about the Pros and Cons of the clip-on handlebar.

Pros and Cons of the clip-on handlebar

Pros of the clip-on handlebar

• One of the main benefits of having a clip-on handlebar on a motorcycle is that the angles and heights can be adjusted depending on the rider’s requirement.
• With clip-on handlebars, the riding position becomes a bit aggressive forward-leaning that makes you lean forward which you see on most of the superbikes and cafe racing bikes. As you need to lean forward to ride the motorcycle the clip-on handlebars add sportiness to your motorcycle.
• Clip-on handlebars improve the aerodynamics of the motorcycle. With these handlebars, you will need to lean forward which helps the fast wind to flow over you rather than blasting directly on your chest. If the wind is directly coming to you then the aerodynamics will be decreased and the body will impact the speed.
• The clip-on handlebar is a two-piece handlebar and each piece is attached to the front suspension independently. As the front suspension consists of two telescopic forks. One clip-on is attached to the right side of the forks and the other clip-on is attached to the left side of the fork. It means that the clip-on is not a single-piece handlebar it consists of two separate handles attached to the rear wheel. So, the advantage here is that if your motorcycle fall then you need to just change one side of the handle, not the entire handlebar. 
• Unlike the conventional handlebar found in a common motorcycle, the clip-on handlebars provide better handling and control of the motorcycle.
• With a clip-on handlebar, the connectedness with the handlebar increases because the clip-on is directly connected with the front forks in two individual pieces. 
• Because of the direct connectedness with the rear forks, the handling becomes more responsive with the clip-on handlebar which is most required in sports motorcycles and on superbikes while racing. That’s the reason most superbike or sports motorcycles comes with a clip-on handlebar so that the handling becomes responsive.
• The clip-on handlebar helps to reduce the overall weight of the motorcycle because it is directly connected to the front forks. Thus, there is no extra part required to attach the handlebar.

Pros to have Clip-on handlebar

• The clip-on handlebars are adjustable depending on the rider’s need.
• Clip-on handlebars add a sportiness look to the motorcycle.
• Clip-on handlebars improve the aerodynamics of the motorcycle.
• Clip-on handlebars exist in two separate pieces. So, if your motorcycle fall then you will not have to change the entire handlebar.
• The clip-on handlebars provide better handling and control of the motorcycle.
• The clip-on handlebar helps to reduce the overall weight of the motorcycle because it is directly connected to the front forks.

Cons of Clip-on handlebars

• The riding position with the clip-on handlebars is a bit aggressive making the rider lean forward. So, riding long distances with clip-on bars may get you back pain, shoulder pain.
• The turning radius with the clip-on handlebars is relatively lower than standard handlebars. The handles will touch the fuel tank or fairing as you want to take a U-turn with it in a small radius.
• Clip-on handlebars are expensive than standard tree-bolt conventional single-piece handlebar. That’s the reason true clip-on can’t be found on the lower cc motorcycles.

True clip-on vs Faux Clip-on handlebars

True Clip-on handlebar

• True clip-on handlebars provide a sporty riding position but it is more than that. It can easily be adjusted depending on the rider’s requirements.
• True clip-on handlebars are attached directly to the front fork in separate pieces. Thus it provides more connectedness with the front wheel is the most required while driving.
• With a true clip-on handlebar, the handling responses become instant which is mostly required in traffic and in racing motorcycles.

Faux Clip-on handlebar

• Faux clip-on handlebars look like clip-on handlebar but these don’t provide the features that true clip-on handlebars are capable of.
• These handlebars are only provided to give a sporty look and aggressive forward-leaning riding position to the lower cc motorcycles.
• Faux clip-on handlebars can’t be adjusted which we generally see in the lower-capacity motorcycles. Thus the faux clip-on are majorly given to the lower cc motorcycle just for the purpose of a sporty look on a cheap budget.

FAQs

Are clip-on handlebars comfortable?

Clip-on bars are mounted low, making the rider lean forward to ride. Riding for longer hours leaning forward is uncomfortable and can get you body pain. Although, the clip-on bars can be adjusted depending on the need of the individual like getting them closer or distant from the rider. 

But, only true clip-on are adjustable that you will generally find in higher cc sports motorcycle-like Ninja 600, Ducati Pingle, etc which reduces the weight and increases the connectedness with the rear tires providing improved handling.

Is clip-on handlebar safe?

Clip-on handlebars are adjustable and totally safe to be used on the motorcycle. The riding position is generally aggressive making you lean forward to drive. Thus, driving for a longer period in this position can create pain in your body.