So is it possible to use handlebars made for a mountain bike on a motorcycle?
I have some beefy mountain bike handlebars that I was thinking about trying on my motorcycle (1986 Honda Shadow 500). The reason is that the motorcycle has “praying hamster” bars where your hands end up at a 45 degree angle, while the mountain bike bars are more straight across like my hands are when I hold my arms straight out.
Is there really a difference? Why wouldn’t mountain bike handle bars be able to handle being used on a motorcycle? Mountain bikes ride all over rough ground, twisting and turning, and doing jumps of a foot or more. Motorcycles just toddle down the flat, straight road.
Sure, I could buy ‘real’ motorcycle handlebars, but I already have the bicycle handlebars laying around here for free.
Mountain bike bars are usually made of some lightweight, yet strong alloy. Motorcycle bars are made of cheap stainless steel that is thicker and much stronger.
The biggest problem I can think of is where the clamping point lies. Mountain bike bars are designed to be clamped at a single point in the center and are reinforced as such. Motorcycle bars are clamped at two points offset from the center. Because MB bars are made with weight as the biggest consideration, they probably are too weak to be clamped anywhere but the center. And the tiniest dent or crease could weaken them considerably.
You’ll probably be okay if the diameters match, but I don’t think it’s worth the risk, especially since bars are fairly inexpensive.
Clamp and grip diameters may differ…there are several diameters used on both motorcycles and bicycles. Motorcycles usually clamp at two points, and bicycles only at one. Motorcycle bars get higher steering loads and have to tolerate high vibration levels without fatigue failure. MTB bars get huge loads from the rider pulling upward when pedaling hard.
I hadn’t heard of them either, but it sounds different to me. The key feature of ape hangers is the hands held above the head, which the OP didn’t mention. I believe the praying hamster style is like this. It fits the description of a 45º angle as opposed to straight across, and you can see here how it probably got the name.
For a 1986 Shadow 500, I think that you are looking for 7/8" drag bars. This will give you the look you want, and I’m pretty sure that Honda Shadows used 7/8 inch diameter handlebars in the mid-'80s. Your stock clutch cable and brake hose will probably work, though they will hang down quite a bit.
The bicycle handlebars might work, but I’d rather pay a little now than pay a lot more if something did go wrong while riding.
This is the killer right here; you nailed it. Higher steering loads and constant vibration.
Having your handlebars break on you when you’re riding (this has happened to me) is really unpleasant. It can cause a crash (I didn’t crash) and it makes riding the bike home into a real exciting time.
I always carry tools and supplies with me. I “fixed” my handlebars with duct tape and an open-end wrench as a splint. I was able to ride it, but it wasn’t much fun.
If you looked at bars that were designed for downhill abuse then you might be OK, might. But they cost a bloody fortune as pointed out above may be a different diameter at the clamping point, as a point of interest I use motoX bars on my downhill bike as they were cheaper and stronger. yes heavier but weight is your friend on the down side!
