Renthal Twinwall 997 Handlebars
MSRP: $149.95
$119.96
Exact Fitment Guarantee
The Renthal Twinwall 997 Handlebar is a premier engineered motocross handlebar designed to replace standard OEM 7/8-inch or flexible 1-1/8-inch bars that are prone to bending or transmitting excessive harshness during hard landings and square-edge impacts. Utilizing a patented tube-within-a-tube architecture, the Twinwall borrows principles from aircraft design to achieve maximum strength and controlled flex. The outer tube is extruded from 7304-T6 aluminum alloy, offering extreme resistance to mechanical damage, roost abrasion, and bending stresses, while being hard anodized to prevent corrosion. The inner tube is manufactured from ultra-high-strength 7010-T6 aerospace aluminum and hard anodized to resist wear from the throttle tube and control clamps.
Riders immediately notice the distinct balance between structural rigidity and impact absorption. While single-wall bars can feel either excessively rigid (leading to arm pump) or overly flexible (causing a vague front-end steering sensation), the Twinwall 997 bend—measuring 804mm in width, 105mm in height, and 54mm in sweep—delivers precise front-wheel feedback when carving into ruts while the engineered internal nylon sleeve allows slight deflection under heavy impacts to dissipate shock. Rubber seals protect the junction between the inner and outer tubes to prevent water and dirt ingress, ensuring consistent flex characteristics over seasons of competition.
- Clamping Diameter: 1-1/8" (28.6mm) oversize taper
- Control End Diameter: Standard 7/8" (22.2mm)
- Dimensions: Width 804mm | Height 105mm | Rise 64mm | Clamp Area Width 110mm | Sweep 54mm
- Material Construction: Dual-tube alloy (Outer: 7304-T6 / Inner: 7010-T6 aerospace aluminum)
- Surface Finish: Shot-peened, anodized with laser-etched positioning grid
### Step-by-Step Installation & Safety Protocols Installation requires a standard 1-1/8-inch (28.6mm) handlebar clamp. If upgrading from OEM 7/8-inch (22.2mm) bars, aftermarket oversize bar mounts or triple clamps with 28.6mm clamping diameter must be installed. Begin by loosening and removing the front brake master cylinder, clutch perch, kill switch, and throttle assembly. Remove the four upper clamp bolts and lift the stock bar away. Position the Renthal Twinwall in the lower clamps, using the laser-etched positioning grid on the bar center to align your preferred rake angle. Tighten the clamp bolts in a cross-pattern to the motorcycle manufacturer's specified torque (typically 20-25 Nm / 15-18 ft-lbs). Reinstall control perches with appropriate gap spacing, ensuring the throttle tube rotates freely with snap-back return without binding against the bar end.
### Maintenance & Service Lifespan Maintenance involves regular visual inspection after every ride or crash. Check the crossbar clamps and ensure the crossbar pad is securely fastened. Inspect the clamp interface for scoring or hairline stress fractures. Handlebars subjected to severe high-speed crashes where bending occurs should be retired immediately, as aluminum fatigues rapidly once deformed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the benefit of the 997 bend over other Renthal bends?
A: The 997 bend (often referred to as the Stewart/Villopoto bend) features a modern, neutral ergonomics profile with 804mm width, 105mm height, and 54mm sweep. It accommodates riders from 5'8" to 6'1" looking for a balanced attack position across motocross and supercross tracks without forcing wrists into an awkward angle.
Q: Do I need special bar mounts to install Renthal Twinwalls?
A: Yes, if your motorcycle comes stock with 7/8-inch handlebars, you must install 1-1/8-inch bar mount adapters or replacement triple clamps. If your bike already features 1-1/8-inch oversize clamps (standard on modern 450s), the Twinwall drops directly in.
Q: How does the nylon sleeve between the tubes work?
A: The engineered nylon sleeve sits between the inner 7010-T6 tube and outer 7304-T6 tube. It acts as an elastomeric buffer that dampens high-frequency engine and chassis vibration while allowing controlled micro-movement during extreme impact loads.
Q: Can I cut down the width of the Renthal Twinwall?
A: Yes, the control ends can be trimmed by 5mm to 10mm using a dedicated metal tubing cutter or fine-tooth hacksaw if you ride narrow woods or technical enduro trails, ensuring deburring of the cut edges before grip installation.