Articles - Tech Talks

Today, we look at the benefits of the over-size aluminum handlebars.

Most new motorcycles come standard with steel handlebars that are ⅞” in diameter. This has been used for decades, and all after-market products (accessory mounts, hand-guards, etc.) are made to fit this.

The steel bars have proven to be rugged and relatively low-cost to produce.

More recently, aluminum over-size bars that are 1⅛” in diameter began showing up in the aftermarket. At first, these were used for MX & off-road racing only, but these have big benefits all types of riders.

No, not that bag of caps and stems your buddy has brought on your annual camping trip. Your tires ability to hold air depend upon the valve stem cores and caps. These tiny items make a big difference with tire performance.

LED lights provide huge safety benefits and are must-have items that help you see and be seen, especially when riding at night.

LED headlights are significantly brighter than stock halogen bulbs. They create a bigger, brighter pattern that reaches farther down the road and wider on the sides, making obstacles easier to spot sooner. Just as importantly, the hue of the light is more noticeable by other motorists, helping you stand out when you are in traffic.

The Doo Hickey Mod

Motorcycle headlights usually leave a lot to be desired when it comes to actually seeing where you are going in the dark. This is especially true of the DR650. With my eyes no longer working like they did when I was 20 (or even when I was 40) getting more light in front of the bike is more important than ever.