Recently my friend had a minor crash and as always, the handlebar was the first thing to give in. So this time once again I decided to switch to a different handlebar. I had the AOM handlebar before and wanted to install it again, but it was a little over my budget. So I was on the hunt for a cheaper alternative but not low in quality.
So just in time our very own INRC rally champion and off-road instructor Asad Khan and his team at Magnum Motorsports came up with their adventure handlebars for the Himalayan and Xpulse. And so I got it installed and here’s my review. I’ll compare it with the stock and AOM’s handlebar because I’ve used both before.
I had the privilege to be trained in off-road riding by one of India’s best rally racers, Mr Asad Khan. He’s a 5-time INRC rally champion and the Hero’s first national dirt racing champion. He conducts train the tracks and trails in Bangalore and Chikamaglur and for those of you who want to up your skill in motorcycles, be it on-road or off-road, it’s worth checking it out.
His team at Magnum Motorsports have come up with this handlebar design after thoroughly testing it on track and off. But don’t worry I will try my maximum not to be biased in my opinion about this handlebar.
This handlebar has two advantages, one disadvantage and one suggestion from my side that I would’ve liked on this handlebar.
Advantages / Pros of the Magnum Motorsports Handlebar
1. Superior built quality
The first pro of this handlebar is its built quality. I’m yet to fall and crash with this handlebar and so I cannot quite comment on its durability but just by the look and feel of it, you can easily make out that it’s much more durable and sturdy than the stock ones.
2. Better riding and saddling ergonomics
The second main pro is that it improves riding ergonomics. It’s taller and wider than stock but not as wide as the AOM handlebar. So you can easily manoeuvre the bike in city traffic without the handlebar taking up too much of your headroom. It’s perfectly bent at the handles.
While touring you have a nicely rested arm position and while saddling when you go off-road, I can stand completely erect even though I’ve kept the handlebar a little lower than the normal position to suit my T-rex arms.
This handlebar is compatible with the stock configurations and the stock knuckle guards and bar end weights.
Disadvantages / Cons of the Magnum Motorsports Handlebar
Mild increase in vibration
The only disadvantage this handlebar has are the vibrations. Even the AOM handlebar had the same issue but this isn’t as bad as AOM’s. Handlebar starts buzzing at around 100 kph and gets worse as you go higher. You can live with it but it requires a little getting used to. If vibrations bother you a lot, stick to the stock ones.
The main attraction to this handlebar is its pricing. It’s 1400 rs for the Himalayan and they ship it across the country. For the advantages this handlebar has over the stock and even AOM’s, this is definitely a steal.
It would’ve been great if they provided some sort of branding to the handlebar. The logo of Magnum Motorsports looks very good and It’d have looked great on this centrepiece of the handlebar. That’s one thing I miss compared to the AOM’s.
So that’s my honest review of the handlebar. For those looking to tour with the Himalayan and for off-road adventures, this handlebar is miles ahead of the stock one and I’d definitely recommend you get it over the AOM’s. The vibes are definitely there at higher speeds but it’s not a deal breaker IMO.
Check out the video review of Magnum Motorsports Handlebar –
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