Choosing the right handlebars can dramatically improve steering accuracy, comfort, and confidence on dirt trails. Pro Taper remains a top choice among motocross and enduro riders for durability, precise fit, and proven performance. This guide highlights five Pro Taper handlebars that cover 7/8″ and 1-1/8″ options, including models tailored for popular bikes like the XR, DRZ, KLX, Suzuki, and KTM. Whether you ride tight singletrack or fast desert flow, these models aim to enhance control and durability without adding unnecessary weight.
Use the quick comparison table below to scan core specs and standout features at a glance, then dive into individual product details to see how each option could fit your bike and riding style.
| Product | Diameter | Bike Compatibility (Examples) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Taper SE Series 7/8″ Standard Handlebars – XR 50 | 7/8″ | XR 50, other 7/8″ bikes | 2014-T6 aerospace aluminum, 14″ cut guides, knurled clutch side |
| Pro Taper SE Series 7/8″ Standard Handlebars – CR High | 7/8″ | CR models and similar 7/8″ bikes | State-of-the-art SE design for 7/8″ bars |
| Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars – Carmichael | 7/8″ | Classic 7/8″ builds | Premium 7/8″ handlebar design |
| Pro Taper Contour 1-1/8″ Oversized Handlebars | 1-1/8″ | Factory Suzuki, KTM stock, other 1-1/8″ bikes | Oversized geometry, knurled clutch side, included pad |
| Pro Taper SE Series 7/8″ Standard Handlebars – DRZ/KLX 110 | 7/8″ | DRZ, KLX, and similar 7/8″ bikes | High-strength AS20 alloy, 70,000 psi rating |
Pro Taper SE 7/8″ Standard Handlebars XR 50
- Durable Construction: Crafted from high-strength 2014-T6 aerospace aluminum alloy, this handlebar offers robust strength up to 70,000 psi for reliable on-trail performance.
- Precise Modification: Features 14-inch cut guides to help you customize height and sweep for exact fit on XR 50- and other 7/8″ bikes.
- Secure Grip: Knurled clutch side improves grip and control, especially when the handlebars face aggressive clutch work and rough terrain.
Designed primarily for 7/8″ applications, this SE model balances stiffness with a forgiving ride feel. The combination of high-strength alloy and precise cut guides supports riders who value consistent handling and the ability to dial in bar geometry for tight trails or fast sections on XR 50 platforms.
Pro Taper SE 7/8″ Standard Handlebars CR High
- The Seven Eighths (SE) Handlebar represents the state of the art in 7/8″ handlebar design, delivering improved rigidity and steering precision on aggressive trails.
- Material and Build: The SE line uses high-strength alloy to resist flex and fatigue, making it a proven upgrade for riders seeking durability on rugged courses.
- Fit and Feel: The CR High variant is tuned for riders who prefer a slightly higher rise and sweep, aligning with standing and aggressive cornering styles.
For riders upgrading from stock 7/8″ bars, this CR High option provides a balanced geometry that supports aggressive riding while maintaining predictable steering response across varied terrain.
Pro Taper Seven Eighths Handlebars Carmichael
- State-of-the-Art 7/8″ Handlebar Design: The Carmichael edition emphasizes rider-centric geometry for refined control on technical sections.
- Durability and Precision: Built to withstand rough trails, with a focus on consistent steering feel even after repeated hard landings.
- Compatibility: Targets classic 7/8″ bikes and those seeking a premium bevel and bend for enhanced leverage in tight corners and berms.
Riders choosing the Carmichael model often value the blend of stiffness, weight distribution, and precise steering that helps them navigate technical singletrack with confidence.
Pro Taper Contour 1-1/8″ Oversized Handlebars
- Oversized 1-1/8″ Diameter: Designed for riders who need extra stiffness and improved leverage on larger displacement bikes or when using specific triple clamp setups.
- Knurled Clutch Side and Pad: The knurled grip area on the clutch side helps maintain control under heavy clutch inputs, while the included pad reduces vibration transfer.
- Factory Suzuki/KTM Compatibility: Tailored to bikes in the Suzuki/KTM family, but versatile enough for other 1-1/8″ platforms with compatible clamps.
The Contour line emphasizes a more robust profile, which can translate to quicker steering return after bumps and improved stability at higher speeds on coarse terrain. If your bike accommodates an oversized bar, Contour is a strong option for riders seeking a firmer feel without a heavy weight penalty.
Pro Taper SE 7/8″ Standard Handlebars DRZ/KLX 110
- High-Strength AS20 Alloy: The SE Series for 7/8″ bars uses aerospace-grade aluminum rated for high strength, pushing durability for off-road use.
- 70,000 psi Strength: Built to resist bending while maintaining a lightweight profile ideal for dirt bikes used in rugged environments.
- Drilled for Customization: The SE line offers handling and mounting flexibility for riders who want to fine-tune bar height and sweep.
DRZ and KLX riders who want a trusted upgrade often choose this model for its balance of stiffness and weight, along with the ability to tailor the bar position to their preferred stance on long rides or gnarly sections.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right handlebars involves evaluating diameter, rise, width, material, and compatibility with your bike’s clamps and triple trees. Below are key considerations and how different Pro Taper options stack up.
- Diameter and compatibility: 7/8″ bars suit many 125cc to mid-displacement bikes and older models, while 1-1/8″ bars are common on newer or larger-displacement bikes and aftermarket setups. Confirm your bike’s clamp size and triple-tree compatibility before purchasing.
- Material and strength: Pro Taper SE handlebars use AS20 aerospace aluminum, commonly rated around 70,000 psi for stiffness and fatigue resistance. Choose higher strength if you ride rough terrain or perform aggressive wheelies and jumps that stress the bar.
- Rigidity vs. compliance: Oversized 1-1/8″ Contour bars offer greater stiffness, which can improve steering precision but may transmit more vibration. 7/8″ SE bars balance weight, stiffness, and rider comfort for most off-road scenarios.
- Clutch-side knurling and grip: Knurled clutch areas help with secure bar control under heavy clutch use. If you frequently ride in muddy or sandy conditions where grip can degrade, a knurled area adds consistency.
- Customization options: Look for bars with cut guides or clear measurement marks to facilitate precise height and sweep adjustments, enabling you to dial in stance and leverage for your riding style.
- Bike-specificity: Some models are marketed for particular bikes (XR, DRZ, KLX, Suzuki/KTM). If you ride a model from these lines, verify fitment details and clamp compatibility to avoid misalignment or interference with cables, hoses, and protective devices.
- Weight vs. durability: While aluminum bars are light, larger-diameter or oversized bars can increase weight slightly. For most riders, the performance gains in steering stability and durability justify the minor weight difference.
- Maintenance and replacement: Inspect bar ends, clamps, and pads regularly. Pro Taper bars with integrated pads or protective features can reduce impact damage during a crash or heavy landing, preserving the bar and finish.
In sum, your choice should align with your bike’s diameter, your typical riding terrain, and how much stiffness you want in steering. If you ride a compact 7/8″ bike and value quick, agile steering on tight trails, a SE 7/8″ bar like XR 50 or DRZ/KLX 110 variants can be ideal. For riders chasing mountain passes, desert miles, or bikes with larger clamps, the Contour 1-1/8″ option offers a stiffer, more robust platform. Each of the five selections above provides Pro Taper’s durability and tuning potential, enabling a more confident ride across America’s diverse dirt-bike landscapes.