Many of us Indians were spoiled by the looks of the Bajaj Pulsar UG4 when it was launched in 2009. Many revolutionary features like a full DC lighting, separate pilot lamps and Clip-on handlebars were introduced in this iteration. We all know about the other features included, but may be not about the Clip-on handlebar concept. Want to know what that is? read on.Clip-on handlebars are generally those, which are mounted directly onto the motorcycle's front forks instead of using the conventional bolt-on triple tree method. Clip-on handlebars are used in order to achieve many advantages without losing much on handling and flickability. But there is a catch, not all the handlebars you consider as Clipons are actual Clip-ons rather they are faux ones, confused?
**True clip-on bars on a Kawasaki Ninja
Clip-on handlebars are two pieced sets mounted below the triple tree onto the front fork assembly. This eliminates the use of additional equipment needed to hold the handle in place and increases the agility of the bike, Supersport and sportbikes have this arrangement. But the ones which are present on lower cc bikes like the Pulsar series and many others are faux clip-ons, which are indeed two piece units but requires additional equipment to hold them in place. These are mounted higher than true clip ons and the handle is almost at the level achieved by conventional handlebars.
The faux Clip-ons which are generally seen in lower capacity motorbikes can not be adjusted for preferred angle by individual. They are fixed at a certain angle by the company and even if you want to adjust their angle to make them either more lean for aggressive stance or want to get them adjusted for more upright stance, both can not be possible with them.
On the other hand the sole purpose of the True Clip-ons are to make the handlebar adjustable as per the requirement of the rider. The True Clip- ons can not only be adjusted for getting them closer or distant from the rider but also they can be adjusted for elevation or for getting more lean angle.
Faux clip-ons on the Kawasaki Ninja 300
Advantages Of True Clip-ons:
- They can be adjusted in terms of angle, to suit the rider's needs and comfort
- They are lightweight and weigh less when compared to conventional handlebars
- They offer an aggressive riding stance: the rider needs to bend forward to reach the bars, which aids the rider during track days and races
- These are available as individual parts and the damaged part can easily be replaced when involved in a crash, on contrary with conventional handlebars where you'll have to replace the entire set when damaged.
Disadvantages Of Clip-Ons:
- The aggressive stance can take a toll on the rider's back and shoulders, resulting in rider fatigue
- The low mounted handlebars might be a headache while taking tight turns- the handle striking the fairing might limit its turning radius as well.
- They can be adjusted in terms of angle, to suit the rider's needs and comfort
- They are lightweight and weigh less when compared to conventional handlebars
- They offer an aggressive riding stance: the rider needs to bend forward to reach the bars, which aids the rider during track days and races
- These are available as individual parts and the damaged part can easily be replaced when involved in a crash, on contrary with conventional handlebars where you'll have to replace the entire set when damaged.
Disadvantages Of Clip-Ons:
- The aggressive stance can take a toll on the rider's back and shoulders, resulting in rider fatigue
- The low mounted handlebars might be a headache while taking tight turns- the handle striking the fairing might limit its turning radius as well.
**Clip-on bars on a Bajaj Pulsar 200NS
On the whole, Clipon handlebars offer many advantages to the end user, while having its own disadvantages. What do you prefer- Clipons or conventional bars? Comment your choice!
By: Suraj
