best handlebar for himalayan Archives

Pros of Magnum Motorsports Handle bar

1. Build Quality

The handlebar is very strong and sturdy and the overall built quality is very good. The second version is even better as they have taken very good care in detailing the welding. When I had the crash the handlebar didn’t suffer any damages. Unfortunately, the screw that held the knuckle guard broke into two and got stock inside the handlebar. So I had the option of continuing further without the knuckle guard or go for the stock one so that I can fix the knuckle guard.

I didn’t want to take any risk while on tour and that’s why I went with the stock one then. My point being that it doesn’t deform like the stock with any minor impact and definitely it’s stronger than AOM’s handlebar.

2. Improved riding ergonomics

The handlebar is 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. The bent angle at the handles is perfect and keeps your arms in a comfortable position even while spending long hours on the saddle.

When going off-road, I can stand completely erect and even be comfortable at the attack stance even though I’ve kept the handlebar a little lower than the normal position to suit my short arms.

3. Compatibility

Magnum Motorsports make handlebars for Himalayan, KTM ADVs and Hero Xpulse. For the Himalayan, it’s perfectly compatible with the stock cables, levers, bar end weights and the knuckle guards. You don’t need to drill any holes to fix anything and it’s an easy swap.

4. Price

Last but not the least is the price. At around 1550 INR, it’s a steal. It’s much cheaper than the other options available in the market and even cheaper than some handle bar risers as well. For the built quality and comfort it gives, it’s a bang for the buck mod for your Himalayan 411.

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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The best handle bar for the Himalayan 411 – Magnum Motorsports