Taller Handlebars

Any help is appreciated. 

Recently switched to a Suzuki. Been on yamaha the last few years. Stock Suzuki bars are an 821 and they feel like a flat pipe. I’ve never purchased different handlebars. Always just made due. I am a little taller at 6’1 and I’m looking at 604 and 609. Im also getting some offset/stretched bar mounts to spread cockpit a little bit.

Main question: anybody have input from running one or both the bars mentioned? I like the idea of taller bars but dont want to spend the money and hate them. 609 seems really tall…. Especially if im putting a raised clamp under them. 

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soggy
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UT US
12/30/2024 9:13pm

Get bar risers and keep the bars you have now. 

Another option to play with is dropping your foot pegs down and/or back. 

12/31/2024 6:44am

I like pro tapers TP/ATV race bend.  I also like my bars swept down a little.

3strokemx
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12/31/2024 7:35am

Buy several different used bars on ebay or marketplace. Try them out and you'll get an idea for what height and sweep works for you.. Noone on the internet is going to be able to tell you what is the most comfortable for you.

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wrc777
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Fantasy
12/31/2024 12:49pm

The taller they are the smaller the bike feels to me. Tall bars feel like they are in your lap when sitting. 

The Shop

12/31/2024 6:40pm

I’m on a KTM. I’m a little over 6’1”. I run the RC High, rolled forward just a little from the centerline no riser. I love the tall bars, way better for standing positions. There is a definite difference when seated that took a little longer to get used to. 
Pay attention to the sweep measurements when looking for new bars. If your hands feel good and you don’t get arm pump when you ride you should stick to a similar sweep.  

1
12/31/2024 8:22pm
Splat03 wrote:
I’m on a KTM. I’m a little over 6’1”. I run the RC High, rolled forward just a little from the centerline no riser. I love...

I’m on a KTM. I’m a little over 6’1”. I run the RC High, rolled forward just a little from the centerline no riser. I love the tall bars, way better for standing positions. There is a definite difference when seated that took a little longer to get used to. 
Pay attention to the sweep measurements when looking for new bars. If your hands feel good and you don’t get arm pump when you ride you should stick to a similar sweep.  

Thanks. I was looking for someone that had ran the specific bars. I’ve had 997 (which is about the same as a 604) and I liked the feel. RMZ feels super rigid in the front so I don’t want a crossbar. The 821/999 feels like the bars are in my knees when I’m over the front. Some rise and flex are what I’m after.

12/31/2024 9:59pm

The path to the perfect bar must be walked alone. We cannot guide you on your journey. Go forth, intrepid wanderer. Someday you’ll hold harmony in your hands. 

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Moto520
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1/1/2025 4:48pm

Renthal 604 for tall comfort imo

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3strokemx
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1/2/2025 5:57am

Something else to keep in mind, bike on the stand or riding around the yard isn't the same as riding your pace and terrain. You want a set up that is comfortable while you are at pace. 

 Your body is creating leverage on the bars (and pegs) to balance the bike while it accelerates forward and backward (braking) and deflects off obstacles, what is comfortable when static could be a good starting point but in real world situations most riders are in a different position when riding with effort.

AMetts
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1/2/2025 6:10am

Ive never really understood the tall bars thing, yes you are tall but are your arms not proportional to your legs? 

If your legs are tall making your hands further away from the bars then your proportionally long arms should compensate no? Im 6'3 and ive always kind of thought the tall bars make handling feel goofy its hard to lean the bike over and siting feels really awkward. 

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1
3strokemx
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1/2/2025 6:45am Edited Date/Time 1/2/2025 11:59am
AMetts wrote:
Ive never really understood the tall bars thing, yes you are tall but are your arms not proportional to your legs? If your legs are tall making...

Ive never really understood the tall bars thing, yes you are tall but are your arms not proportional to your legs? 

If your legs are tall making your hands further away from the bars then your proportionally long arms should compensate no? Im 6'3 and ive always kind of thought the tall bars make handling feel goofy its hard to lean the bike over and siting feels really awkward. 

On paper it seems like taller bars would be better for shorter riders, as it gives them more leverage while also making the bars closer to the seat (due to sweep and head tube angle). However, I believe the trade off is control during cornering as taller bars can lead to Push (outside end) steering vs Pull (inside end) Steering.

It all comes down to individual rider preferences, many people do not have leg lengths proportional to their reach. Also, there are vast individual differences in strength, flexibility, riding speed, riding duration, terrain, and the properties of the specific motorcycle they are on. 

Although it's not really talked about much, Some people ride with a rear wheel bias, others front wheel, even a few that are basically 50/50.

That being said, I know people that would be smoother and faster if they didn't have risers on their bars and/or have the bars rolled or placed forward.  It seems to be a common misconception and mistake.

PSA: if you complain about your bike lacking predictability in corners, try putting the bar position back to stock..

 

Kidkawie
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ქუთაისი GE
1/5/2025 2:44pm

I had a pile of different bars Id use for track and different widths for trails.  You gotta just buy them, or go to a shop.

Personally I liked a tall and flat bar, thats me, 99 out of 100 guys may hate it.

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