Motorcycle Handlebar Grips, Bars & Controls: A Canadian Buyer's Guide

Whether you're rebuilding a vintage enduro bike, upgrading a sport tourer for long hauls across the Trans-Canada, or simply replacing worn-out grips on your daily commuter, handlebar controls are one of the most important contact points between you and your motorcycle. They affect comfort, safety, and the overall feel of your ride — and yet they're often an afterthought until something breaks or starts slipping mid-corner.

This guide is designed to help Canadian riders make confident, informed decisions when shopping for motorcycle handlebars, grips, and controls. From understanding bar dimensions to navigating what works best through a Manitoba winter warm-up or a rainy BC mountain pass, we've got you covered.

Understanding Handlebar Types and Fitment for Your Bike

Not all handlebars are created equal, and choosing the wrong set can mean vibration, poor ergonomics, or an outright incompatible fit with your controls and cables. The two most common standards you'll encounter are 7/8-inch (22mm) bars, typically found on smaller displacement bikes, dirtbikes, and many cruisers, and 1-1/8-inch (28.6mm) tapered bars, which are common on adventure bikes and motocross machines.

Before you buy, you'll also want to consider:

• Rise and sweep: A taller rise reduces back strain on long rides — great for touring across Ontario or Alberta.
• Width: Wider bars offer more leverage and control, which matters on off-road terrain.
• Material: Aluminum is lightweight and popular for performance; steel is more forgiving in a crash.
• Cable and wire length: Changing bar height often means you'll need longer cables, throttle tubes, or brake lines.

If you're unsure about compatibility, don't guess — contact our team and we'll help you find the right fit for your specific make and model.

Motorcycle Grips: More Than Just Something to Hold On To

Grips might seem like a minor upgrade, but they play a huge role in rider fatigue and safety. A quality set of grips provides vibration dampening, consistent throttle control, and a secure feel even when your gloves are soaked from a sudden summer downpour in Quebec or the Lower Mainland.

Here's what to look for when selecting grips:

• Material: Rubber compounds vary widely. Softer grips absorb vibration better; harder compounds last longer under heavy use.
• Diameter and length: Grips need to match your bar diameter and leave enough room for your controls without crowding the throttle tube.
• Lock-on vs. glue-on: Lock-on grips are easier to install and remove, making them a popular choice for riders who like to tinker. Glue-on grips offer a seamless feel but require adhesive and patience.
• Heated grip compatibility: For Canadian riders, this is worth considering seriously. If you ride into October or start up again in March, heated grips can be the difference between a comfortable ride and a miserable one.

Brands like ODI, Renthal, Pro Taper, and Driven Racing offer grips that balance durability with comfort — and you can shop our full selection of grips, bars, and controls right here at Moto Deals.

Levers, Throttles, and Other Controls: Safety and Feel Combined

Your hand controls — brake and clutch levers, throttle assemblies, perches, and bar ends — are safety-critical components. Worn or damaged levers can affect braking feel and response, while a sticky throttle is downright dangerous. If your levers are cracked, bent, or don't return properly, replacing them isn't optional.

When upgrading controls, look for:

• Adjustable levers: These let you dial in reach based on hand size and glove thickness — especially useful if you're switching between summer and winter riding gloves.
• CNC-machined aluminum levers: Stronger and more precise than OEM plastic options on many entry-level bikes.
• Throttle kits and cables: If you're changing bars or building a custom setup, a complete throttle kit ensures smooth, consistent response.
• Bar ends and weights: These reduce handlebar vibration and are a simple, affordable upgrade for long-distance riders.

Keep in mind that any modifications to your controls must still comply with provincial vehicle regulations. In most Canadian provinces, handlebar height is regulated — bars generally cannot be higher than shoulder height when seated. When in doubt, check with your local motor vehicle authority before making major changes.

Buying Motorcycle Controls Online in Canada: What to Know

Ordering powersports parts online in Canada has gotten much easier, but there are still a few things worth keeping in mind. Fitment is everything — always cross-reference your year, make, model, and submodel before placing an order. If a part ships from a US warehouse, check whether duties or brokerage fees apply, as these can add unexpected cost.

At Moto Deals, we stock parts and accessories from over a hundred trusted brands built for Canadian riders and Canadian conditions. You can browse our 108+ brands to find the manufacturers you already know and trust. Shipping is straightforward, and we offer free shipping on orders over $100 — which means most handlebar and control upgrades ship to your door at no extra cost, whether you're in Halifax, Winnipeg, or Kelowna.

We also carry everything you might need alongside your new bars and grips — throttle cables, brake lines, bar pads, and more — so you can get everything in one order and get back on the road faster.