New Product: Renthal R-Works Fatbar36

Working alongside Renthal-backed factory race teams, the all-new R-Works Fatbar36 was developed to improve performance through weight reduction without compromising existing handlebar strength. Applying 50-plus years of experience in handlebar design, testing and racing, Renthal’s Fatbar36 is claimed to be the ultimate premium lightweight motocross handlebar.

But what makes this all-new ‘oversize’ tapered handlebar special? How do its weight and strength stats compare with its predecessors and rivals? And what are the implications for handlebar clamps and bar-mounted controls? Here are a bunch of FAQs that the Renthal design team has kindly answered for us…

Topline, what makes the R-Works Fatbar36 unique?
At Renthal, we have always strived to produce the strongest, highest-quality product we can. Our current handlebar range is at a strength our factory-level teams feel it needs to be, but weight saving will always be high on their priority list. We made this our priority as well in developing Fatbar36. Utilising Renthal’s all-new 36mm clamping diameter and proprietary Zarilium material, this innovative motocross handlebar boasts exceptional vibration reduction qualities while preserving Renthal’s signature MX handlebar strength. The RFB36 is the ultimate in lightweight motocross handlebars – it’s 36% lighter than our standard 28mm-diameter Fatbar and is quickly becoming the first choice of riders serious about performance and winning races. It was used by Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen and Chase Sexton to pick up multiple wins in its first year of production.

How does the strength of R-Works Fatbar36 compare with Renthal’s existing 28mm Fatbar?
The strength is the same as the existing Fatbar. We have used the 36Tech and Zarilium to maintain strength while reducing weight. Thus, the Fatbar36 will react in the same fashion as our current Fatbar28 when a rider experiences a serious crash.

What exactly is 36Tech?
36Tech is a new handlebar standard developed by Renthal to push forward the boundaries of handlebar technology. The 36mm clamping diameter tapers down to a conventional 22mm control section at each end, using advanced wall geometry, maximising material efficiencies in wall thickness along the entire length of the handlebar to reduce weight. The advantage of 36Tech is that the larger diameter improves torsional security by 59%. That means, for the same torque on the handlebar mounts, it is 59% harder to move the handlebars in the clamps. The disadvantage is that the 36Tech tube is more difficult to produce and bend due to its thin walls, and this results in increased processes, which increases the cost.

What is Zarilium, and what makes it so strong?
Zarilium is a new aluminium alloy exclusive to Renthal. This new alloy has 20% greater ultimate tensile strength as the standard Farbar (which is made from 7010 T6 aluminium alloy), while maintaining the same elongation properties. Its increased mechanical properties come from an improved chemical composition of Zinc, Copper and Magnesium. This additional strength has allowed Renthal to achieve the maximum weight reduction possible while matching the best-in-class strength of the Renthal 28mm-diameter Fatbar.

And what does R-Works mean?
The R-Works badge represents uncompromising performance. It means we have selected the ultimate materials and manufacturing processes at our disposal to bring you the very best performance product we can. A fraction of a second. A few grams. A couple of millimetres. It all counts. If ultimate performance isn’t your first priority, you may find our regular products offer the best option, based on other criteria such as cost, colour, etc. But if you are looking for the absolute best product available to you, R-Works product should be your choice.

Will the FB36 handlebars give the same ‘ride’ feel?
Yes, we have designed the taper so it has the same strength and flex characteristics as our current Fatbar 28mm handlebars. The difference is the reduced weight.

Will the standard controls fit?
Yes, the handlebar tapers down to 22mm at each end, so it works with standard controls.

Will the Fatbar36 need different mounting clamps?
Yes, 36Tech is a new clamping standard of 36mm, and neither 22mm nor 28mm clamps will work with this handlebar. Renthal will offer a range of bar mounts to allow you to fit the handlebars to your original triple clamps.

Why does weight matter so much?
Every time you accelerate, brake, corner and jump, you are working against the weight of the motorcycle. By reducing weight, it improves the performance of your motorcycle in all of these areas, which means improved lap times. This weight reduction is of particular importance as it reduces weight at the top-end of the motorcycle, furthest from the centre.

How rigorous has the testing been on the Fatbar36?
Renthal is at the forefront of handlebar testing, and the only handlebar manufacturer using data acquisition and equipped with its own in-house test facility. This perfectly positions Renthal to maximise its 50-plus years of handlebar design, development and championship-winning race experience. The result is the best-performing handlebars with unrivalled quality.

What bends and dimensions is the Fatbar36 available in?
We’ve brought four of our most popular bends into the R-Works line (930, 931, 933, 934). You might also notice a change to the way we present the height dimensions as this helps users compare the Fatbar36 to our existing range of handlebars.

RRP: $359.95 (Fatbar36); $149.95 (36Tech Bar Mounts/Clamps)