What are the Pros & Cons of Bullhorn Handlebars

Table of Content

1. What are Bullhorn Handlebars? 2. Pros of Bullhorn Handlebars 3. Cons of Bullhorn Handlebars 4. Ways to Modify Bullhorn Handlebars

1. What are Bullhorn Handlebars?

Out of the many required motorcycle parts necessary to help your two-wheeler function, many riders often overlook the motorcycle handlebars. Motorcycle handlebars are the only reliable way to steer, control, and stop your vehicle. Though they may not have a complex design or include the most versatile features, it is possible to customize the appearance and capabilities of your handlebars. But sometimes you just require a specific type of handlebar that best suits your needs, based on how far you travel, how frequently you ride, and the road and weather conditions. If you prefer a sporty riding style and traveling fast at short distances, consider getting a set of bullhorn handlebars.

Bullhorn handlebars have a wide center width between the rising handles; the handles form a curved shape that resembles bull horns, with the ends blunted to prevent them from stabbing you when turning. These handlebars are best suited for standard motorcycles, cruisers, and dirt motorbikes. You should be able to find bullhorn handlebars compatible with many Harley Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Victory, Indian, and Triumph models. This article discusses the pros and cons of bullhorn handlebars.

2. Pros of Bullhorn Handlebars

Bullhorn handlebars have a lightweight build that makes them easier to mount to your motorcycle and remove or store when not in use. Due to standing at a tilted angle when mounted, bullhorn handlebars allow riders to lean far forward in an aggressive riding position. There is enough room between the handlebars and the seat to bend your back comfortably if you want to be closer to the handles. Keeping the riders’ bodies streamlined with the rest of the motorcycle’s frame helps reduce wind resistance and improves your vehicle’s aerodynamics when traveling at high speed.

The extended center width of the handlebars provides an unobstructed view of the road ahead, ensuring that you are always aware of your surroundings and can spot any road hazards at a reasonable distance. Due to the wide center width, this offers better handling and control when you are traveling up a steep hill or traveling on dirt or gravel roads.

To prevent your hands from cramping or your wrists from being strained, it is possible to readjust the positions of your hands when gripping the handles. You can grasp the ends of the horns, the curves in the horns, or the straight bars closer to the base. You can shift the position of your hands depending on which offers the best comfort when riding.

Pros
Lightweight
Aggressive riding position
Multiple hand & wrist positions
Improved visibility
Improved aerodynamics
Suitable for traveling steep hills & off-roading

3. Cons of Bullhorn Handlebars

Bullhorn handlebars are compatible with two-wheelers capable of traveling on rough terrain; however, they do not offer the most comfortable riding position for long-distance trips. Because you have to slouch to reach the handlebars, this puts strain on your spine if you must hold this position for an extended period. Using bullhorn handlebars on a long motorcycle trip may result in you suffering a sore back and cramps.

Due to their wide length, bullhorn handlebars offer little clearance when turning toward either side. You cannot turn these handlebars in a wide arc to the right or left as the horns would be stopped by your arms and upper torso. Also, because of the lack of clearance, you cannot sharply turn bullhorn handlebars when trying to clear tight corners without losing balance or slipping on the road.

Due to the curved bullhorn shape of the grips, it is difficult to mount any accessories to the steel bars. It is hard to attach rearview mirrors, electronics, or other add-ons without risking them sliding along and falling off the curved handles. Though you can install features like a phone mount or a GPS in the center of the handlebars, it is difficult to access when on the road due to the grips being so far away.

Cons
Difficult to access brakes
Difficult to mount accessories
Cannot make tight turns
Has less clearance
Not ideal for long-distance rides

4. Ways to Modify Bullhorn Handlebars

If the stock bullhorn handlebars’ design does not suit your riding style or the type of vehicle you ride, it is possible to make slight adjustments to its build. You can adjust the height of the rise, pullback, and grips to bring the handlebars closer to you and ensure a more comfortable riding position. You can also straighten the horns slightly to provide a stable platform to mount attachments. If you wish to customize your bullhorn handlebars, you should make sure you have the following: