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A recent video by a young man named Mohammad Danish has gone viral, offering a clear explanation of this mysterious part. D
The metal part at the end of your motorcycle handlebar is known as a bar end weight.
In the age of social media, informative videos about everyday objects are becoming increasingly popular, shedding light on things we often overlook in our daily lives. One such example is the iron piece attached to the ends of a motorcycle’s handlebar. If you’ve ever wondered why this metal component is there, or why motorcycles aren’t made without it, you’re not alone.
A recent video by a young man named Mohammad Danish has gone viral, offering a clear explanation of this mysterious part. Danish, who hails from Jharkhand and runs the Instagram account @mechanicaltechhindi, regularly posts videos sharing insights into various technical aspects, including motorcycle mechanics. His latest video, which has garnered lakhs of views, explains the purpose of the so-called “bar end weights” found on most motorcycles.
What Are Bar End Weights?
The metal part at the end of your motorcycle handlebar is known as a bar end weight. Typically made of iron or another heavy metal, these small but essential components serve several important functions.
- Reducing Vibration: The primary function of the bar end weight is to reduce vibrations caused by the engine and the road. When riding, vibrations can travel up through the handlebars, leading to discomfort for the rider and making it harder to maintain control of the bike. The weight helps to dampen these vibrations, offering a smoother and more comfortable ride.
- Improving Stability at High Speeds: At higher speeds, the handlebars can begin to shake or “wobble.” This is due to the aerodynamic forces acting on the bike. The added weight at the end of the handlebars reduces this shaking, providing greater stability and control for the rider, especially at high speeds.
- Protecting the Bike in Case of a Fall: Another crucial role of the bar end weight is to protect the bike in the event of a fall. When a motorcycle tips over, the handlebar is often the first point of contact with the ground. The metal bar end absorbs some of the impact, helping to prevent significant damage to the handlebar and other components. In cases of severe impact, the weight may break, but it still prevents major damage to the bike.
According to Danish, it’s not just a design choice – the bar end weight is an essential feature. Removing it could lead to a less comfortable ride due to increased vibration, particularly on longer journeys. It would also compromise the bike’s stability at higher speeds and reduce the protection offered in case of a fall. While some riders may choose to modify their bikes by removing the bar end weights, it is not recommended if you want to preserve the bike’s performance and longevity.
Danish’s video has been widely shared, amassing over 57 lakh views and sparking a lively discussion among viewers. Many commenters shared their own experiences with the bar end weights. One person mentioned that the bar end weight had fallen off their scooter, and the service centre claimed it wouldn’t make much of a difference.
Another commenter had removed the bar ends entirely in favour of installing handlebar mirrors. Some riders pointed out that their bikes only had one bar end weight, while others noted that certain bike models, like the Honda Shine, come with plastic bar ends instead of metal ones.
