ProTaper Upgrades for Motos: Bars, Grips & Mounts That Improve Control
If you ride an e‑moto in Utah, you already know the deal: the terrain changes fast, traction can be unpredictable, and the power delivery is instant. That’s exactly why your controls matter so much. Bars, grips, and mounts aren’t “just comfort parts”—they’re the connection between you and the bike when things get rough.
We just brought in a fresh lineup of ProTaper products at BHive Moto Shop, and in this post we’ll break down what upgrading handlebars, grips, and clamps/mounts actually does, how to choose a setup that fits Utah riding, and when it’s worth having a shop install and dial it in.
Why controls matter
Motos tend to highlight every little input:
- Instant torque means you’re correcting and stabilizing more often
- Rough sections hit your hands and wrists first
- Long rides can turn small discomfort into real fatigue (and fatigue causes mistakes)
A good control setup helps you stay relaxed—so you ride longer, safer, and with more confidence.
ProTaper handlebars: what a bar upgrade really changes
Upgrading your bars can change three big things:
1) Comfort and body position
Bar height and sweep affect your wrist angle, shoulder position, and how “neutral” you feel standing up. The right bend can reduce wrist strain and help you stay balanced when you’re on the pegs.
2) Leverage and stability
A bar that fits your riding style makes the bike feel easier to place—especially in loose terrain, ruts, or quick direction changes.
3) Fatigue over a full ride
If your hands are fighting your setup, you’ll feel it by the end of the ride. A dialed bar setup helps you keep a lighter grip and stay in control.
BHive tip: Don’t just copy someone else’s setup. Your height, riding style, and where you ride in Utah should drive the choice.
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ProTaper Contour CR High Handlebar – Jet Black ($99.00)
A clean bar upgrade that helps riders fine-tune comfort and leverage—especially helpful if you’re standing more and want a more confident, less-fatiguing cockpit feel.
Product link
ProTaper grips: the best “feel” upgrade for the money
Grips are one of the fastest ways to change how your bike feels—especially if you ride with gloves year-round (which most Utah riders do).
A good grip setup can help with:
- Reducing hand fatigue and “death grip”
- Better control when it’s dusty, wet, or cold
- More comfort on longer rides
If your current grips are worn, hard, or slick, you’ll notice the difference immediately.
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ProTaper Pillow Top Grips – Black/Gray/Black ($14.99)
One of the fastest “feel” upgrades you can make. Better grip comfort = less hand fatigue and more control when conditions get dusty, cold, or rough.
Product link
Mounts/clamps: the underrated upgrade that can fix a lot
Mounts and clamps don’t get the hype, but they can make a huge difference in how your bars feel.
Depending on your setup, mounts/clamps can help with:
- Getting the bar position right (especially if you feel “too cramped” or “too stretched”)
- Improving rigidity and steering feel
- Reducing unwanted movement
- Helping with vibration management (depending on the mount style)
This is also where correct installation matters most—over-tightening or misalignment can cause issues you don’t want.
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ProTaper Universal Black Rubber Mount ($74.99)
An underrated upgrade for dialing in bar position and improving the overall cockpit feel. Great if you’re chasing comfort, stability, or a cleaner setup after changing bars.
Product link
How to choose a setup for Utah riding
Utah terrain is a mix. Your ideal setup depends on where you spend most of your time:
- Hardpack / faster desert riding: prioritize stability and a position that keeps you centered at speed
- Loose sand / dusty corners: prioritize control and a setup that helps you steer with confidence
- Rocky sections / technical riding: prioritize comfort, wrist angle, and fatigue reduction
Also: spring and fall rides can mean cold mornings, and grip feel changes a lot when your hands are cold. If you’re constantly adjusting your hands mid-ride, grips are a smart first upgrade.
Common mistakes (that we see all the time)
A few quick “save yourself the headache” notes:
- Picking a bar bend that looks cool but doesn’t fit your height/riding stance
- Over-tightening clamps (or uneven tightening)
- Bars not centered/aligned correctly
- Grips installed without proper prep (they slip, twist, or tear)
If you’re unsure, it’s usually cheaper to do it right once than replace parts after a bad install.
Want BHive to install and dial it in?
If you want your ProTaper setup to feel right from day one, bring your bike into BHive Moto Shop in West Jordan. We can:
- Install bars, grips, and mounts/clamps
- Align and position everything for your height and riding style
- Torque-check the setup for safety
- Do a quick controls inspection so you’re ready to ride
Browse the full ProTaper collection here: ProTaper at BHive Moto
FAQ
Do ProTaper handlebars make a difference?
Yes. Bars affect your body position, leverage, and fatigue. On an e‑moto—where power is instant and terrain feedback is strong—small setup changes can feel big.
How do I know which bar bend/height I need?
Start with how you ride most: standing vs seated, technical vs fast/open, and your height/arm length. If you feel wrist strain, cramped posture, or you’re constantly repositioning your hands, your bend/height likely isn’t ideal.
Are grips really worth upgrading?
Absolutely. Grips are one of the most noticeable upgrades for comfort and control—especially with gloves and in Utah’s temperature swings. If your grips are worn, hard, or slick, upgrading is a no-brainer.
Do I need new mounts/clamps when I upgrade bars?
Not always, but mounts/clamps can help you fine-tune bar position and improve the overall feel. If you’re chasing comfort, stability, or a better standing position, mounts/clamps are often the missing piece.
Can BHive Moto install ProTaper bars, grips, and mounts?
Yes. Bring your bike in and we’ll install and set it up correctly, align everything, and torque-check it so you’re confident heading into your next ride.