Best YZ250 Bar Bend?

shortty761
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678
Joined
4/2/2024
Location
Newport News, VA US

Anyone got a good Renthal bar bend for a 22 YZ250?

Recently bought one and it had practically flat Nekken bars on it, so I threw some RC High Renthal fat bars on it (recommended by a tall old rider) and they are just way too high. I can’t turn the damn thing in a corner I feel like I’m riding a chopper. Lol.

I’m 6’2 and mostly riding woods with it. Thanks.

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1
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chump6784
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1770
Joined
5/9/2011
Location
AU
9/1/2025 7:28am

I always ran either the pro taper yz high or sx race bend. I think renthal has a bar match chart on their website to find their equivalent bend

1
9/1/2025 8:12am

At the risk of looking like spam... and not wanting the wrath of Michael screaming at me... although he and I had a nice chat yesterday at Fox Raceway so I think I'm good. 

When I started Phoenix Handlebars it was to help answer that exact question. What bar do 'you' need? 

People always think that because you're tall that you need a tall bar and if you're short you need a short bar. Obviously it's all personal preference and it depends on your riding style. Being 6'2" and riding woods, I'd look at something in the 90-95mm height. That RC Tall is really tall. Probably consider something with a 55mm sweep to keep your arms, shoulders and neck a little more relaxed. I believe a 50mm sweep in the woods is great if you're charging it but the 55mm is the sweet spot. If you are going to be cutting them down, that will affect these specs just a tough but not enough to be too concerned. 

We put a quiz on our site to help people think about their own riding style and point you in a direction regardless of brand. Of course it shoots out OUR bar as the option but if you think about the height and sweep that we suggest, you can choose a Renthal accordingly. How's that for NOT spamming?

20
profmur
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58
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3/13/2024
Location
Somewhere, NJ US
9/1/2025 8:21am
shortty761 wrote:
Anyone got a good Renthal bar bend for a 22 YZ250?Recently bought one and it had practically flat Nekken bars on it, so I threw some...

Anyone got a good Renthal bar bend for a 22 YZ250?

Recently bought one and it had practically flat Nekken bars on it, so I threw some RC High Renthal fat bars on it (recommended by a tall old rider) and they are just way too high. I can’t turn the damn thing in a corner I feel like I’m riding a chopper. Lol.

I’m 6’2 and mostly riding woods with it. Thanks.

Additional data would be helpful to answer your question.  You stated you do not like the tall bars because it felt choppered out and the bike wouldn't turn.  What did you not like about the flat bars when you rode with them? 

When you ride are  you more likely to sit or stand?   

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The Shop

wwdiii
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2529
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4/15/2019
Location
League City, TX US
9/1/2025 10:14am

I prefer ProTaper.  I like Windham bend.  What I have on my Honda R and KX.  My Beta has whatever came on it.

AS64
Posts
1751
Joined
5/14/2012
Location
CA
9/1/2025 10:31am

I’m 6’2 and ride a YZ250. I use Renthal Twinwall bars with a 998 (Windham) bend and it’s very comfortable. I tried 996 at first and it felt awkward. 998 feels like the sweet spot.

3
RACING
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6/9/2023
Location
Waddafeuque FR
9/1/2025 11:46am
AS64 wrote:
I’m 6’2 and ride a YZ250. I use Renthal Twinwall bars with a 998 (Windham) bend and it’s very comfortable. I tried 996 at first and...

I’m 6’2 and ride a YZ250. I use Renthal Twinwall bars with a 998 (Windham) bend and it’s very comfortable. I tried 996 at first and it felt awkward. 998 feels like the sweet spot.

I'm 6, riding mostly in the woods and went with my usual 998 too. 

 

9/1/2025 12:42pm Edited Date/Time 9/1/2025 12:43pm

I’m 6’1 and run CR high bend Renthal twinwalls.  I’ve run those bars for decades and this thread has reminded me that I have absolutely no good reason why I haven’t tried anything else in a long time.  I stand up a lot and ride a 2 stroke so I’ve always assumed it helps me in that regard but…if I’m being honest I don’t know how or why.


I’ll bet keefer has a great write up on this somewhere 


Edit:

https://www.keeferinctesting.com/optional-renthal-handlebar-bends-recom…

Johnny Ringo
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7888
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1/11/2016
Location
Tombstone, AZ US
9/1/2025 12:43pm

Honestly the stock bar is pretty good on the YZs

4
2
9/1/2025 1:06pm

Bars are more rider than bike specific, no?  Your question is like asking what size helmet is recommended for a YZ250.

1
2
3strokemx
Posts
2305
Joined
9/2/2010
Location
US
9/2/2025 5:27am

Bars are more rider than bike specific, no?  Your question is like asking what size helmet is recommended for a YZ250.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. 

3
9/2/2025 5:47am

I'm pretty sure my Renthals were always the McGrath/Windham bend. Worked well for me..

2
jpatz319
Posts
255
Joined
3/24/2015
Location
Statesville, NC US
Fantasy
9/2/2025 5:50am

Renthal 839.  Works on every jap bike

1
lumpy790
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11207
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9/18/2007
Location
York, SC US
9/2/2025 6:26am

What is the right bar bend for one person will be the wrong bend for everyone else.

I tend to like the least rise, flat with least amount of bend handlebar.

1
shortty761
Posts
678
Joined
4/2/2024
Location
Newport News, VA US
9/2/2025 9:29am
At the risk of looking like spam... and not wanting the wrath of Michael screaming at me... although he and I had a nice chat yesterday...

At the risk of looking like spam... and not wanting the wrath of Michael screaming at me... although he and I had a nice chat yesterday at Fox Raceway so I think I'm good. 

When I started Phoenix Handlebars it was to help answer that exact question. What bar do 'you' need? 

People always think that because you're tall that you need a tall bar and if you're short you need a short bar. Obviously it's all personal preference and it depends on your riding style. Being 6'2" and riding woods, I'd look at something in the 90-95mm height. That RC Tall is really tall. Probably consider something with a 55mm sweep to keep your arms, shoulders and neck a little more relaxed. I believe a 50mm sweep in the woods is great if you're charging it but the 55mm is the sweet spot. If you are going to be cutting them down, that will affect these specs just a tough but not enough to be too concerned. 

We put a quiz on our site to help people think about their own riding style and point you in a direction regardless of brand. Of course it shoots out OUR bar as the option but if you think about the height and sweep that we suggest, you can choose a Renthal accordingly. How's that for NOT spamming?

I read all the replies in here but I really appreciate the drawn out response from you!

Helps explain everything and to be honest I’ve never tried y’alls handlebars. My buddy has a set on his yz250f and the logo is sweet so I can dig it. Haven’t heard any complaints on them.

Anyways I just took the quiz and got the 90mm height and 55mm sweep like you said. Imma get a set and hope that helps gets me comfy on this thing. Thanks again!
 

2
1
OldPro277
Posts
1872
Joined
11/9/2009
Location
Avonmore, PA US
9/2/2025 12:13pm
lumpy790 wrote:
What is the right bar bend for one person will be the wrong bend for everyone else.I tend to like the least rise, flat with least...

What is the right bar bend for one person will be the wrong bend for everyone else.

I tend to like the least rise, flat with least amount of bend handlebar.

100% . There is NO right bend for everyone or for a specific bike.  It is all definitely personal preference and what's comfortable . Actually, its very similar to picking out the "right" type of grips for someone.  I've been using original Oury's since the 70's , my daughter and son-in-law wont ride without those soft , white gummy ODI's .  They can't stand my Oury's and I think  those gummy ODI's belong on my Mizuno Irons lol

1
1
9/2/2025 12:25pm
At the risk of looking like spam... and not wanting the wrath of Michael screaming at me... although he and I had a nice chat yesterday...

At the risk of looking like spam... and not wanting the wrath of Michael screaming at me... although he and I had a nice chat yesterday at Fox Raceway so I think I'm good. 

When I started Phoenix Handlebars it was to help answer that exact question. What bar do 'you' need? 

People always think that because you're tall that you need a tall bar and if you're short you need a short bar. Obviously it's all personal preference and it depends on your riding style. Being 6'2" and riding woods, I'd look at something in the 90-95mm height. That RC Tall is really tall. Probably consider something with a 55mm sweep to keep your arms, shoulders and neck a little more relaxed. I believe a 50mm sweep in the woods is great if you're charging it but the 55mm is the sweet spot. If you are going to be cutting them down, that will affect these specs just a tough but not enough to be too concerned. 

We put a quiz on our site to help people think about their own riding style and point you in a direction regardless of brand. Of course it shoots out OUR bar as the option but if you think about the height and sweep that we suggest, you can choose a Renthal accordingly. How's that for NOT spamming?

shortty761 wrote:
I read all the replies in here but I really appreciate the drawn out response from you!Helps explain everything and to be honest I’ve never tried...

I read all the replies in here but I really appreciate the drawn out response from you!

Helps explain everything and to be honest I’ve never tried y’alls handlebars. My buddy has a set on his yz250f and the logo is sweet so I can dig it. Haven’t heard any complaints on them.

Anyways I just took the quiz and got the 90mm height and 55mm sweep like you said. Imma get a set and hope that helps gets me comfy on this thing. Thanks again!
 

Stoked I could help in some capacity. And like I said... I'm not trying to sell you on our bars. That just happens to a nice benefit if that happens. At the end of the day, I love that every person in here loves riding their dirt bike. If people ain't riding, there isn't much reason to buy bars and grips. Pretty simple. 

My name is Jason. Never think twice to hit me up if you need anything. 

2
YZ125H1
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814
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1/31/2012
Location
Elizabethtown, PA US
9/2/2025 1:35pm
lumpy790 wrote:
What is the right bar bend for one person will be the wrong bend for everyone else.I tend to like the least rise, flat with least...

What is the right bar bend for one person will be the wrong bend for everyone else.

I tend to like the least rise, flat with least amount of bend handlebar.

I threw a set of McGrath bend on the newer YZs since I’m a shorter rider. Doesn’t really work well for me at all. When standing it’s harder for me to get over the front of the bike when accelerating. I’m going back to a taller bend (90mm) and will roll the bars back if needed. Bar bends can be trial and error. I’ve used McGrath bend on 90s yz and love it.

1
1
aees
Posts
2635
Joined
8/20/2015
Location
US
9/2/2025 4:11pm

If two persons having the same proportions and body composition try to reach fwd at an equal angle to the ground, a 5.7 and 6.3 person will have the same distance left to the ground (handlebar).

It's just your unique body composition (longer torso, shorter legs etc) and preference that determines bar height. 

But again, short arms, short torso and long legs, that's not an issue. Taller rides also loads the back more, so taking of some lean angle can feel better for your back but it will hurt attack position so not optimal.

A taller rider will in general end up further back on the bike so less sweep at least is good, range of 40-47mm depending on preference.

Every millimeter of sweep or rolled back bars will take pressure of front tire. It's night and day difference running for example a 51 sweep in line with forks, or rolled back 5mm at the bar ends. It almost becomes unrideable if you roll it back with more than a few millimeters because you end up to far back. 

2
burn1986
Posts
12246
Joined
4/16/2010
Location
bossier city, LA US
9/2/2025 5:17pm
shortty761 wrote:
Anyone got a good Renthal bar bend for a 22 YZ250?Recently bought one and it had practically flat Nekken bars on it, so I threw some...

Anyone got a good Renthal bar bend for a 22 YZ250?

Recently bought one and it had practically flat Nekken bars on it, so I threw some RC High Renthal fat bars on it (recommended by a tall old rider) and they are just way too high. I can’t turn the damn thing in a corner I feel like I’m riding a chopper. Lol.

I’m 6’2 and mostly riding woods with it. Thanks.

Carmichael bend might be too short. Maybe Reed or Vuillemin bend? They’re a little taller. 😎

1
burn1986
Posts
12246
Joined
4/16/2010
Location
bossier city, LA US
9/2/2025 5:21pm Edited Date/Time 9/2/2025 5:21pm
At the risk of looking like spam... and not wanting the wrath of Michael screaming at me... although he and I had a nice chat yesterday...

At the risk of looking like spam... and not wanting the wrath of Michael screaming at me... although he and I had a nice chat yesterday at Fox Raceway so I think I'm good. 

When I started Phoenix Handlebars it was to help answer that exact question. What bar do 'you' need? 

People always think that because you're tall that you need a tall bar and if you're short you need a short bar. Obviously it's all personal preference and it depends on your riding style. Being 6'2" and riding woods, I'd look at something in the 90-95mm height. That RC Tall is really tall. Probably consider something with a 55mm sweep to keep your arms, shoulders and neck a little more relaxed. I believe a 50mm sweep in the woods is great if you're charging it but the 55mm is the sweet spot. If you are going to be cutting them down, that will affect these specs just a tough but not enough to be too concerned. 

We put a quiz on our site to help people think about their own riding style and point you in a direction regardless of brand. Of course it shoots out OUR bar as the option but if you think about the height and sweep that we suggest, you can choose a Renthal accordingly. How's that for NOT spamming?

Also, some shorter guys (like me) have shorter arms and need a slightly taller bar. I’m not even sure what I have on my YZ, but I’ve got taller bars on my mountain bike.

1
1
Andy7
Posts
467
Joined
2/24/2017
Location
Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe AR
Fantasy
9/2/2025 5:47pm

I run 821's. They are a bit low, I am around 6 ft. You might want some 827/996 (Villopoto/Stewart) bars, they have the same bend as the 821 (McGrath), but are a bit taller. Renthal Works Fit tool is your best friend.

1
ss-racing
Posts
48
Joined
8/31/2018
Location
Raleigh, NC US
9/3/2025 6:01pm

I run the Renthal Stewart bend on both my YZs,  very happy with them for the past 6 years 👍

1
1
9/4/2025 7:26am
At the risk of looking like spam... and not wanting the wrath of Michael screaming at me... although he and I had a nice chat yesterday...

At the risk of looking like spam... and not wanting the wrath of Michael screaming at me... although he and I had a nice chat yesterday at Fox Raceway so I think I'm good. 

When I started Phoenix Handlebars it was to help answer that exact question. What bar do 'you' need? 

People always think that because you're tall that you need a tall bar and if you're short you need a short bar. Obviously it's all personal preference and it depends on your riding style. Being 6'2" and riding woods, I'd look at something in the 90-95mm height. That RC Tall is really tall. Probably consider something with a 55mm sweep to keep your arms, shoulders and neck a little more relaxed. I believe a 50mm sweep in the woods is great if you're charging it but the 55mm is the sweet spot. If you are going to be cutting them down, that will affect these specs just a tough but not enough to be too concerned. 

We put a quiz on our site to help people think about their own riding style and point you in a direction regardless of brand. Of course it shoots out OUR bar as the option but if you think about the height and sweep that we suggest, you can choose a Renthal accordingly. How's that for NOT spamming?

burn1986 wrote:
Also, some shorter guys (like me) have shorter arms and need a slightly taller bar. I’m not even sure what I have on my YZ, but...

Also, some shorter guys (like me) have shorter arms and need a slightly taller bar. I’m not even sure what I have on my YZ, but I’ve got taller bars on my mountain bike.

You got it... there simply is no hard and fast rule that given a rider's body size or shape and this is the bar bend for you. I found that you can get a ballpark with that stuff but then you have to ask questions to determine what works. I figured we would make it as easy as possible with easier-to-understand-bar-bends and then shower people with good customer service to at least give people a safety net with their choice. 

1

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