The Best Handlebar Bends for Motocross & Enduro – Complete Rider Guide
The Best Handlebar Bends for Motocross & Enduro – Complete Rider Guide
Choosing the right handlebar bend can completely change how your bike feels. From comfort and control to riding posture and fatigue, the shape of your bars plays a vital role in performance. Renthal handlebars are the gold standard in motocross and enduro, trusted by factory teams and everyday riders alike.
This guide breaks down the best renthal handlebar bends, including the powerful Twinwall range, who each bend suits, and how to choose the perfect option for your riding style.
Why Handlebar Bend Matters
Different handlebar bends affect:
- Rider posture and body position
- Wrist angle and arm pump
- Control in technical terrain
- Comfort when standing
- Steering responsiveness
- Fatigue over long rides
The wrong bend can make your bike uncomfortable and harder to control — even if everything else is dialled in.
Renthal Handlebar Types Explained
Renthal Fatbar / Fatbar Lite
- Tapered design for strength and vibration reduction
- Lightweight race-focused construction
- Preferred by most modern riders
- Ideal for motocross & enduro
Renthal Twinwall
- Dual-tube construction for maximum strength
- Extremely resistant to bending in crashes
- Slightly heavier than Fatbars
- Favoured by aggressive riders & racers
Twinwalls are perfect for riders who prioritise durability, especially those riding hard enduro, racing or frequently crashing in technical terrain.
They are often seen on factory race setups due to their reliability under extreme stress.
Best Renthal Handlebar Bends Explained
1. Renthal 827 – The Most Popular All-Rounder
Best for: MX & Enduro general use
- Medium rise
- Neutral sweep
- Balanced ergonomics
Why choose it:
- Comfort for standing & seated riding
- Suitable for most rider heights
- Excellent all-round control
2. Renthal 821 – Low Rise Control Bend (Our personal Favourite)
Best for: Riders who want a flat, aggressive front-end feel
- Low rise
- Narrower feel
- Minimal sweep
Benefits:
- Direct steering response
- Great for riders who like weight over the front
- Perfect for precise motocross cornering
- Ideal for smaller riders or those who prefer a low bar setup
The 821 is often chosen by riders who find the 604 slightly too flat but still want a race-style bar.
3. Renthal 997 – High Rise Bend
Best for: Tall riders & standing-heavy styles
- High rise
- Reduced sweep
Advantages:
- Better posture when standing
- Reduces lower back strain
- Popular in hard enduro
Ideal for riders over 5'10" or technical trail specialists.
4. Renthal 604 – Flat Race Feel
Best for: Aggressive motocross riding
- Low rise
- Minimal sweep
- Direct control
Great for riders who attack corners and keep weight forward.
5. Renthal 826 – Comfort-Focused Enduro Bend
Best for: Long-distance & trail riding
- Higher rise
- Comfortable sweep
- Reduced wrist strain
Excellent for relaxed, technical and endurance-based riding.
6. Renthal RC High & RC Low
Best for: Factory-style riding posture
Developed with professional racers.
- RC High: Ideal for tall riders & hard enduro
- RC Low: Aggressive motocross control
Renthal Twinwall vs Fatbar – Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Twinwall | Fatbar |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Extremely high | High |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Vibration | Slightly more | Reduced |
| Durability | Outstanding | Excellent |
| Best for | Aggressive riding & heavy impacts | Race performance & comfort |
Choose Twinwalls if:
- You frequently bend bars
- Ride hard enduro or rocky terrain
- Want maximum reliability
- Prioritise durability over weight
Choose Fatbars if:
- You want lighter setup
- Value vibration reduction
- Prefer modern clamp systems
- Focus on race performance
Updated Quick Comparison Table
| Bend | Rise | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 827 | Medium | Balanced | All-round MX & Enduro |
| 821 | Low | Precise | Aggressive front-end feel |
| 604 | Low | Flat | Motocross race setups |
| 997 | High | Upright | Tall riders / Enduro |
| 826 | High | Comfortable | Long trail rides |
| RC High | High | Performance | Hard Enduro |
| RC Low | Low | Direct | MX Riders |
How to Choose the Right Renthal Bend
Based on height & style:
- Under 5’8” → 821
- 5’8” – 6’0” → 827 or RC Low
- Over 6’0” → 997 or RC High
- Hard enduro riders → 826
- Motocross racers → 821 or 827
- Trail riders → 826 or 827
Installation Tips for Maximum Performance
Even the best handlebar bends can under perform if installed incorrectly. Follow these tips:
- Align the bars to keep wrists neutral
- Adjust levers to match natural hand position
- Use proper torque settings
- Consider bar risers if needed
- Pair with quality grips and mounts
Fine-tuning your setup will ensure your new Renthal bars deliver optimal feel and performance.
Final Thoughts
Renthal handlebars offer some of the best ergonomics and strength in motocross and enduro. Whether you choose the lightweight performance of Fatbars or the bombproof reliability of Twinwalls, the correct bend will dramatically improve comfort, control and confidence on the bike.
Our personal favourite is the 821 bend. We are only short and this bend gives us even more precision for aggressive riding, bridging the gap between ultra-flat and all-round control.
If you’re experiencing arm pump, discomfort or restricted control, switching your bar bend could be the most effective upgrade you make.
