As someone who’s logged thousands of miles on everything from naked bikes to supersports, I can tell you this: your handlebars are your lifeline on the road.
And while bar end plugs might seem like small details, they:
- Reduce handlebar vibrations
- Improve control and stability
- Protect handlebars during drops
- Add weight for smoother steering (especially at high speeds)
Over the past year, I tested 10+ handlebar bar end plugs on my Kawasaki Z900, Honda CBR600RR, and Yamaha MT-07, through city commutes and rain-drenched road trips.
Here’s what I learned, and which products actually improved my ride.
Quick Comparison of Top Motorcycle Bar End Plugs
| Product | Material | Fitment | Vibration Dampening | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldfire Bar End Weights | Aluminum, Rubber | 7/8” | ★★★★★ | 9.2/10 |
| Zufoty Universal Bar End Plugs | T6063 Aluminum Alloy, Rubber | 7/8” | ★★★★★ | 9.4/10 |
| CICMOD Universal Grips Bar End Plugs | Billet Aluminum | Universal (22mm) | ★★★★☆ | 8.8/10 |
| GT-Speed Bar Ends | 6065 Billet Aluminum | 7/8” (17–19mm ID) | ★★★★☆ | 8.6/10 |
| Universal Bar End Plugs | Aluminum Alloy + Rubber | 7/8” | ★★★★☆ | 8.5/10 |
Review of the Best Motorcycle Handlebar Bar End Plugs
1
BEST OVERALL FOR VIBRATION REDUCTION
Goldfire Motorcycle Handle Bar End Weights
Tested on: Kawasaki Z900 and Honda CB500F
Fitment: Universal 7/8″ handlebars (22mm)
Product Dimensions: 1.81″L x 1.1″W
🎯What We Love
- Excellent anti-vibration performance
- Easy installation
- Universal fit
- Solid construction and premium finish
⛔Things To Consider
- Slightly bulky
- Mid-range pricing
After installing the Goldfire ends, I immediately felt the difference, less buzz, smoother cornering, and better bar balance. These are weighted bar ends, which means they’re not just there to cap off your handlebars; they actively absorb high-frequency vibrations and stabilize the steering.
- Took 5 minutes to install with just a hex key.
- They fit both stock and aftermarket bars thanks to adjustable expanding sleeves.
- The matte anodized finish looks sleek and held up even after a minor drop.
However, they’re slightly bulky. If you have a narrow handlebar aesthetic in mind, it might throw off your style.
2
BEST FOR HIGH SPEED RIDERS
Zufoty Universal Bar End Plugs
Tested on: Yamaha MT-07
Material: T6063 aluminum alloy
Fitment: Universal 7/8”
🎯What We Love
- Best-in-class vibration reduction
- Tough steel alloy build
- Great for naked bikes and twins
- Polished finish resists corrosion
⛔Things To Consider
- On the heavier side
The Zufoty plugs are heavyweights, literally. They weigh more than most others I tested, and the difference is noticeable at higher speeds. These really shine when you’re riding a vibration-prone naked bike or twin-cylinder sportbike. My highway rides felt smoother, and my hands weren’t tingling after 2+ hours.
They’re also crash-tested (unintentionally, thanks to a low-speed tip-over). They held up without scratching the bar ends.
3
BEST UNIVERSAL FIT FOR AFTERMARKET HANDLEBARS
CICMOD Universal Handlebar Grips Bar End Plugs
Tested on: Kawasaki
Material: Billet Aluminum
Fitment: Universal (22mm bars)
🎯What We Love
- Universal fit
- Easy install with adapters
- Lightweight
⛔Things To Consider
- Vibration dampening is decent, not amazing
- Needs retightening occasionally
After testing the CICMOD bar end plugs on my Kawasaki, I was genuinely surprised by how such a simple upgrade could add so much to both style and function. These are high-quality billet aluminum bar end plugs designed to fit almost any street bike with 7/8″ handlebars.
The design is minimalist and refined, which worked perfectly with my naked bike’s clean lines. But don’t let the simplicity fool you, they’re tough. I dropped my bike in a parking lot once, and the bar end plug took the hit, protecting both my throttle and mirror setup.
- Durable Build: Withstood drops and scrapes
- Clean Look: Perfect for custom or OEM builds
- Vibration Dampening: Slightly reduces high-frequency handlebar buzz
- Protection: Safeguards bar ends, grips, mirrors, and throttle tube
What really impressed me was the universal compatibility. CICMOD includes a wide array of adapters, so whether your bars are stock or aftermarket, installing these is quick and easy. I had them mounted in under 10 minutes using just basic tools.
4
BEST OPTION FOR STREET BIKES
GT-Speed Motorcycle Bar Ends
Tested on: Honda CBR600RR
Fitment: 7/8” handlebars with 17–19mm inner diameter
🎯What We Love
- Stylish minimalist design
- Solid vibration dampening
- CNC precision feel
- Taiwan-made (good QC)
⛔Things To Consider
- Doesn’t fit solid bars
- Needs better hardware variety
These are lightweight and stylish, with a focus on stealthy aesthetics and subtle performance. They reduced bar buzz significantly and held up over a 6-month period without loosening.
But take note: they don’t fit solid handlebars unless you get alternative bolts. A few extra hardware options in the box would’ve made this a perfect kit.
5
MOST VERSATILE FITMENT
Lecctso Universal CNC Handlebar Plugs
Tested on: Kawasaki Versys 650
Fitment: Universal 7/8” (22mm)
🎯What We Love
- Fits nearly all 7/8” handlebars
- Effective anti-vibe rubber insert
- Great durability
- Budget-friendly
⛔Things To Consider
- Finish scratches easily
- Not many color choices
- Might need extra spacers
What’s cool about this one is the dual-material design, you get the ruggedness of aluminum with the vibration absorption of a rubber insert. I installed these in 5 minutes using a hex key and haven’t had to touch them since.
They’re ideal for long-distance touring or adventure riders who want low-maintenance gear.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Handlebar Bar End Plugs
Here’s what I look for after years of wrenching and riding:
✔️ Fitment & Compatibility
Most handlebars are 7/8” (22mm) but check the inner diameter, especially if using expanding bar ends. Solid bars may require alternative mounting.
✔️ Material
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
- Steel: Heavier; best for damping.
- Rubber inserts: Great for comfort.
✔️ Vibration Dampening
If you ride high-RPM engines (e.g., twins, inline-4s), go for weighted bar ends or those with rubber vibration isolators.
✔️ Installation
Choose plugs with expandable sleeves for hollow bars. If they don’t come with multiple bolt sizes, make sure yours match.
✔️ Aesthetics
Match your bike’s look. Many plugs come in anodized colors: red, gold, black, even carbon-look finishes.
My Personal Checklist for Choosing the Right Setup
Here’s my checklist, shaped by experience, feel free to adapt it for your own riding:
- Is the grip diameter comfortable for my hands and control style?
- Do I ride on bumpy roads or at high RPMs? Then I need weighted bar ends for anti-vibe magic.
- How secure are the grips and plugs? (Lock-on or expander style are my go-tos.)
- Will they survive weather and miles? UV and wear resistance are non-negotiables now.
- Do they look like “me”? Oddly, matching my bike’s details can make me ride smugly happy.
Final Verdict: Which Ones Should You Buy?
If you’re a daily commuter or long-distance rider, the Goldfire or Zufoty bar ends will drastically reduce fatigue and improve ride quality.
If you’re on a budget or need a quick style upgrade, the CICMOD and Lecctso universal grip ends are excellent starter options.
And if you want sleek looks and reliable performance, GT-Speed is your guy.
Whatever you pick, don’t underestimate the impact of small upgrades. They can transform your ride more than you’d expect.
FAQs
What are bar end plugs and why are they important?
Bar end plugs cap the open ends of your handlebars, adding safety by preventing impalement, keeping out dust and moisture, and enhancing your bike’s aesthetics. They also help dampen vibration and protect your grips and brake levers during falls.
How do weighted bar ends improve riding comfort?
Weighted bar ends add mass at the grip’s extremity, effectively absorbing high-frequency vibrations from the engine and road. This translates to smoother rides, reduced hand fatigue, and enhanced stability, especially noticeable on long, high-RPM or bumpy rides.
What materials are best for motorcycle grips and bar ends?
How do I ensure bar ends fit my handlebars correctly?
Measure your handlebar’s inner diameter, most are standard 7/8″ (22 mm), but verify before buying. Use expansion bolts or rubber sleeves for hollow bars. If they feel loose, lightly sand or trim the plugs or use washers for better fit.
Are bar end plugs necessary on closed grips?
Even if your grips are closed-ended, it’s wise to install bar end plugs for extra protection. They prevent injury during impacts, keep dirt and moisture out of the bars, and greatly reduce the risk of damage or impalement in a crash.
