APPLICATION: Most late-model mxers

COLORS: Black

PRICE: Bars $99.95; Clamps $49.95; Hardware $9.95; Grips $14.95 (Doughnuts and Grip Covers included)

MOTOCROSS.COM RATING:9.5

CONTACT: www.eastonexp.com

            18 years ago, Easton designed the revolutionary oversized TaperWall handlebar, forever changing the sport and how people looked at handlebar technology. With the invention, riders of all skill levels were introduced to an unprecedented level of control and comfort. Now, after years of that same technology, Easton is back in the handlebar game with another innovative and technologically advanced bar.

            The Easton EXP is the first 35mm bar, and features numerous advancements that in the end make for one of the strongest and most comfortable bars on the market. Before we get into what we thought of the performance, though, lets take a look at some of the key features that make this bar what it is.

            Beginning with probably the most major change, the 35mm over-sized center surface of the bar. Easton claims that throughout their testing, they found that this size offers much more durability and support for today’s fast-paced world of motocross. Also incorporated into the bar is Easton’s patented TaperWall technology. This technique in producing bars, allows for varying wall thicknesses throughout the entire bar, which offers both a reduced weight and creates multiple reinforced wall zones to gusset the bar from the inside out. This technique also allows for unprecedented control for Easton engineers to precisely design each tube for varying applications. Moving onto Easton’s new clamps—which are bigger and beefier than anything on the market—they were designed to compliment the bar perfectly. These clamps were designed to work with the EXP bar in that they distribute the clamping stress more evenly over the contact surface of the bar. This design dramatically reduces the peak stress areas and thereby lowers the chance of bar failure under a severe load. The eight-bolt design also aids in distributing the stress, in that with eight bolts rather than four, the clamps can be tightened down with maximum performance in mind without over stressing the bolts. And for those who might not have the tools, Easton also includes a small Allen socket for the clamp bolts. Easton also makes custom hardware for the clamps, and like the clamps and bars, this hardware is designed with strength in mind. Finally, if you want to complete the Easton package, the company also offers grips with doughnuts and covers included.

            We’ve been riding with the bars mounted up on our RM-Z450 for a little while now, and are super impressed with the performance. The oversized 35mm design coupled with the specifically designed clamps do exactly what Easton claims, they help absorb impacts while still remaining strong. Don’t get us wrong, though, these bars do feel stiff, however, it’s not so stiff that they cause arm pump and jar your hands and arms. The EXP bar is just stiff enough to give you excellent feel while still—like we said—absorbing hits and bumps in nearly every situation. As for durability, the EXP bar is arguably one of the most durable bars on the market today. We haven’t had any major crashes to test it, but we have dropped the bike in a couple turns, and when other bars might bend slightly, the EXP stayed as straight as an arrow. Installing the bars is also relatively easy. Easton supplies you with detailed instructions, and all it takes is removing the stock bar clamps, and replacing them with the Easton ones.

RATING

            If you didn’t understand that we really like these bars, you should probably watch the video again, or hit yourself upside the head, because it was plain as day. Perhaps the only thing that we could mark it down for would be the price. If you think about it, though, for what you get—and the limited lifetime warranty that comes with it—there really isn’t any other bar on the market that can compare. Be sure to swing down to your local dealer to check these out as soon as you can. You won’t be disappointed.