PROJECT CRF50
BMX or MOTOCROSS HANDLE BARS
There are many, many handle bars and triple clamps available for the Honda CRF50 (XR50). Here are some things to consider when you start to look at the options.
THE HANDLEBARS: BMX bars are typically a high rise bar and as the name implies they would work well on a bicycle. As a matter of fact when we switched the BMX bars that came with our Pro Taper bar kit with the Renthal’s we used the Pro Tapers on a BMX bicycle (so they weren’t a total waste). Many BMX bars are steel. This is good for strength but makes them a little heavy. BMX bars have knurling (small ridges) in the center of the bars so they are meant to be clamped in the center.
Motocross bars are typically made of aluminum. They come in a wide variety of rise heights, widths, and pull-backs. You can get a high rise bar similar to a BMX bar (but lighter) or you can go with a lower rise bar like we did. Motocross bars usually don’t have knurling so they can be clamped in the center (BMX style clamp) or a small distance off center with a motocross style clamp.
Both BMX and motocross bars meant for mini motorcycles like the CRF50 come in 7/8 (seven eighths) of an inch diameter. Pro Taper makes an “SE” bar meaning “seven eighths”.
THE TRIPLE CLAMP: Triple clamps made for BMX bars usually grab the bar in the middle with either one or two clamping pieces. The Pro Taper triple clamp is a good example of this. They can also be used with motocross bars, which is what we wound up using on our project bike.
Triple clamps made for motocross style bars typically have two separate risers (clamping points) with a space in between like the Applied triple clamp. Since BMX bars are usually meant to be clamped in the center you probably wouldn’t want to use a motocross style triple clamp with them.
Either style triple clamp can have some type of adjustment to it. On the Pro Taper clamp the risers can be moved forward and backward to adjust the bar reach and there are also different size risers available to adjust the bar height. The Applied clamp is available with two different size risers. On some triple clamps the riser(s) can be turned forwards or backwards to give some adjustment. I like the bars to be in line with the forks when viewed from the side. I just think this looks the best and handles the best.
The bottom line when choosing a handle bar and triple clamp is to get a good idea of the TOTAL height. Then consider features like adjustability. And finally get something that YOU like the looks of.
Of course after you get your bars and triple clamp you need to get a throttle, front brake lever and kill switch. Lot’s more choices...and a future article.
I hope this information is useful to you. If you have any questions e-mail me and I’ll try to answer them.
TEXT AND IMAGES COPYRIGHT PROJECT CRF50 2008
TECH TIP: I ended up getting a Renthal handlebar meant for a YZ85. Renthal has a lot of bends to choose from. Check the PDF of the Renthal catalog on the main handlebar page it has the specifications of all the bars. Same for the Pro Tapers. They were a little too wide for our taste so I just cut an inch off each end with a hack saw. If you do this make SURE you have enough bar left to mount the throttle, brake lever and kill switch. Also file the cut end smooth so it doesn’t bind the throttle.
You can now also use: www.HondaCRF50.com to get here.
