How to Straighten Handlebars on a Dirt Bike
Are you having a hard time getting your dirt bike handlebars to straighten? It can be a pain to try and adjust them yourself, especially if you’re not quite sure what you’re doing. This blog post will show you how to straighten handlebars on a dirt bike in just a few minutes.
When you’re out riding your dirt bike, the last thing you want to worry about is a crooked handlebar. So, whether you’re new to dirt biking or need a refresher on how to do this simple task, keep reading for instructions on how to fix your handlebars!
8 Common Reasons That Causes a Bent Handlebars on a Dirt Bike:
1. Hitting a Tree or Other Object While Riding:
This is probably the most common reason for bent dirt bike handlebars. Even if you’re being careful, it’s easy to hit a branch or tree while out riding accidentally. And, if you hit something hard enough, it can bend your bars. It may also happen that the handlebar strikes the ground first in a hard fall, causing it to bend.
2. Crashing:
Of course, crashing is another common reason for bent handlebars. If you hit the ground hard enough, it can cause your bars to bend. This is especially true if you land on something sharp like a rock or log. It may also happen that, in a fall, your weight is forced onto the handlebars, causing them to bend.
3. Over tightening Your Bars:
You can easily strip the threads or break the bolts if you’re not careful when tightening your bars. This can cause your bars to become loose, leading to the bending. Make sure that your bars are tight, but don’t overtighten them.
4. Loose Bolts:
If your bars are loose, they can easily bend. First, ensure all the bolts on your bike, including those on your handlebars, are tightened to the correct specifications. Your owner’s manual will have this information. If you think the problem is bigger than just loose bolts, it’s time to see a professional.
5. Not Using Handlebar Protectors:
If you don’t use handlebar protectors, your bars are more likely to bend if you crash. Handlebar protectors help distribute an impact’s force over a larger area, reducing the chance of bending. It may also happen that the handlebars hit something hard while you’re riding and get bent that way.
6. Hitting a Pothole:
Hitting a pothole can cause your handlebars to bend. If you hit a pothole hard enough, it can jar the bars and cause them to bend. It may also happen that the handlebars hit the ground first in a hard fall, causing them to bend.
7. Worn Out Clamps:
If your handlebar clamps are worn out, they may not be able to hold the bars tight enough. This can cause the bars to become loose and bend. To fix this, you will need to replace the clamps. In addition, you need to ensure that the new clamps are the same size and shape as the old ones.
8. Bent Steering Stem:
If your steering stem is bent, it can cause the bars to become loose and bend. To fix this, you will need to replace the steering stem. Make sure the new one is the same size and length as the old one. You should also decide to either replace the entire handlebar or just the crossbar. Depending on the severity of the bend, you may be able to replace the crossbar.
Tools & Supplies Needed:
- Socket wrench
- Tire iron
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Handlebar protector
Step by Step Guide: How to Straighten Handlebars on a Dirt Bike
Step 1: Raise the Front End of Your Bike.
The first step is to raise the front end of your bike. You can do this by placing a block of wood or a jack under the frame. Make sure the bike is secure before proceeding. You should also remove the front wheel for easier access.
Step 2: Inspect the Handlebars.
Once the front end is raised, you can inspect the handlebars more easily. Check for any bends or damage. If the bars are severely bent, they may need to be replaced. Otherwise, you can try to straighten them yourself. Be sure to work slowly and carefully, so you don’t worsen things.
Step 3: Try to Straighten the Bars.
If the bars are only slightly bent, you may be able to straighten them by hand. Grab each end of the bar and apply pressure in opposite directions. If they don’t budge, try using a wrench or another tool for leverage. Be careful not to apply too much force, or you could break the bars.
Step 4: Remove the Front Wheel.
Once the handlebars are straightened, you can remove the front wheel and put the bike back on the ground. Please test it out to ensure everything is working properly before you ride. If you think the bars are still not completely straight, you can adjust them again.
Step 5: Choose the Right Handlebars.
The next time you shop for handlebars, pay attention to the material and construction. For off-road riding, you want bars that are made of strong materials like steel or aluminum. You also want bars that are welded or bolted together securely. Avoid any bars with plastic parts, as they are more likely to break.
Step 6: Inspect Your Handlebars Regularly.
Even the best handlebars can eventually become bent or damaged. So it’s important to inspect them regularly and make necessary repairs or adjustments. This will help keep your bike running smoothly and prevent any accidents. It may also help you to avoid costly replacements in the future.
Additional Tips to Maintain Your Handlebar:
- Inspect your handlebar and make sure that it is not bent. A bent handlebar will decrease the lifespan of your dirt bike.
- Clean your handlebar regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Lubricate the parts of your handlebar to keep it functioning properly.
- Store your dirt bike safely to prevent the handlebar from being damaged.
- Always check the condition of your handlebar before riding to ensure safety.
- Be sure to have your handlebar repaired or replaced if it is damaged.
- Inspect your handlebar regularly to ensure it is in good condition.
These tips help you maintain your dirt bike’s handlebar in top condition. By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your dirt bike and keep it running smoothly.
What Is Fork Bend in Bike?
Fork bend is a common problem in bikes, especially in dirt bikes. When the fork is bent, it can cause the bike to handle improperly and may even lead to an accident. The best way to avoid this problem is to inspect your bike regularly and ensure the forks are not bent. You should have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible if they are.
You can straighten out bent forks on your dirt bike in a few different ways. One way is to use a pair of pliers. Another way is to use a hammer. If you have access to a press, you can use that as well. Whichever method you choose, ensure that you are careful and do not damage the forks any further.
How Tight Should Handlebar Stem Be?
The handlebar stem is an important part of your dirt bike. It connects the handlebars to the rest of the bike and helps to keep them in place. The stem should be tight enough that the handlebars do not move around but not so tight that it is difficult to turn the bars.
You may need to adjust the stem periodically to keep the handlebars from becoming loose. When tightening the stem, use a wrench to hold the stem in place while you tighten the bolts with another wrench. Do not overtighten the bolts, as this can damage the stem. Check the stem periodically to ensure it is still tight, and adjust it if necessary.
How Do You Straighten the Handlebars on a Huffy Bike?
If the handlebars on your Huffy bike are bent, you can straighten them out with a few tools. First, you will need a wrench to loosen the bolts that hold the handlebars in place. Next, use a hammer to tap the bars back into place gently.
Be careful not to apply too much force, or you could break the handlebars. Finally, use the wrench to tighten the bolts back up. If you don’t have a wrench or hammer, you can take your Huffy bike to a local bike shop, and they should be able to help you fix the problem. Ask them how much it will cost before you have the work done.
Final Thoughts
In this blog post, we have discussed how to straighten handlebars on a dirt bike. This is a process that can be done at home with some simple tools and a bit of patience. If you have never performed this procedure before, reading through the entire article before beginning is important.
A few potential hazards are involved in straightening the handlebars on your dirt bike, so please take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. The first step in straightening the handlebars on your dirt bike is removing the plastic shrouds from around them. These shrouds can usually be removed by unscrewing a few screws at each side’s base.
Once they have been removed, check the handlebars’ condition and ensure they are not excessively damaged. If they are, it may be best to replace them entirely. We hope this guide was helpful to you and that you can now straighten the handlebars on your dirt bike successfully. Happy riding!
Darren Matlock
Hi, I'm Darren. I love dirt bikes and everything about the off-road lifestyle. I'm passionate about motorbikes, cars, racing sports and going on adventures. If you're like me and enjoy extreme sports, you've come to the right place! I like to write articles about dirt bikes to help beginners get started. Whether you're interested in buying a dirt bike, ATV, motorcycle or want to ride for hobby, I hope my articles will inspire you to learn more about how this machine can be used to ride.
