ProTaper Parts

ProTaper — The Pioneer in Oversize Handlebars, Grips & Controls

### Brand Heritage & The Oversize Revolution Founded in 1991, ProTaper completely transformed the motocross industry with the invention of the 1-1/8-inch (28.6mm) unbraced tapered handlebar. Prior to ProTaper, dirt bikes were equipped with weak, rigid 7/8-inch steel or aluminum bars supported by welded crossbars that offered poor impact absorption and caused severe rider arm pump and fatigue. ProTaper eliminated the crossbar, introducing a tapered wall profile that allowed handlebars to flex elastically under vertical shock loads while maintaining exceptional torsional steering control.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, ProTaper has expanded from its revolutionary handlebar roots into a comprehensive control systems brand, engineering championship-winning grips, sprockets, chains, brake lines, and footpegs. Trusted by legendary factory teams and riders like Malcolm Stewart and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna factory team, ProTaper continues to push the envelope in ergonomic engineering and composite metallurgy.

• EVO 1-1/8" Unbraced Handlebars: Flagship 7000-series aerospace aluminum bars featuring a computer-profiled 4mm wall design for maximum flex and fatigue resistance.
• Contour 1-1/8" Handlebars: The industry's most popular 2000-series T6 aluminum oversize handlebar, combining rugged durability with smooth vibration damping.
• Micro Handlebar Kits for Youth: Specialized reduced-diameter handlebar and throttle systems designed to fit youth riders' hands on 50cc-85cc mini bikes.
• Pillow Top & Pillow Top Lite Grips: Dual-compound Kraton elastomer grips featuring raised vibration-damping pillows and self-cleaning mud channels.
• Race Spec (RS) 7075-T6 Aluminum Rear Sprockets: Precision CNC-machined lightweight racing sprockets with angled self-cleaning mud grooves.
• PT520 Pro Series Chains: High-strength Japanese non-sealed competition chains rated at 8,400+ lbs tensile strength.

### How ProTaper Controls Outperform Stock Components 1. Engineered Flex & Arm Pump Reduction: ProTaper's tapered wall design acts as a natural shock absorber, dissipating high-frequency track chatter and square-edge impacts before they reach the rider's wrists and shoulders, significantly delaying the onset of arm pump. 2. Chemically Polished Throttle Surface: ProTaper handlebars feature a chemically polished right-side control area that allows the throttle tube to rotate with zero drag, paired with a knurled left side that anchors the clutch grip permanently. 3. Dual-Compound Pillow Top Technology: Unlike hard OEM grips, ProTaper's Pillow Top grips feature an ultra-soft outer matrix that compresses under hand pressure to absorb engine vibration while deep channels evacuate mud and sweat.

### Proprietary Aerospace Alloys & Chemical Profiling ProTaper bars are extruded from proprietary 2000-series and 7000-series aerospace aluminum alloys. The tubing undergoes computer-controlled chemical profiling to create variable wall thicknesses along the length of the bar, optimizing strength at the high-stress clamping zone while promoting elastic deflection at the control tips.

• Bar Clamping Torque: When installing 1-1/8" ProTaper handlebars, torque triple clamp bolts evenly in an alternating X-pattern to 20-24 Nm.
• Grip Installation: Clean the bar surface with contact cleaner, apply quality grip glue, slide grips on in one motion, and secure with safety wire in the molded flange grooves.
• Crash Inspection: Always inspect handlebars for bending or deep gouges after major crashes. Never attempt to bend aluminum handlebars back into shape.
• Control Perch Tension: Torque clutch and brake perches to 5-8 Nm so they rotate upon ground impact rather than bending the handlebar or snapping the control lever.

Frequently Asked Questions