What is an "Oni-han" motorcycle handlebar? A comprehensive guide to its features, appeal, rideability, narrowness, and reference images!

What kind of handlebars are "Onihan"? Explaining their appearance and practicality

Source: http://www.linkstyle.co.jp/
If you're interested in motorcycles, you've probably heard the term "onihan." "Onihan" is a shortened form of "oni-handle" (demon handlebars), a type of handlebar used for steering motorcycles.

Motorcycle handlebars include bar handlebars, where both sides are integrated, and separate handlebars, where the left and right sides are split. Furthermore, bar handlebars come in various types such as ape hangers, continental handlebars, and swallow handlebars, popular among those who want differences in grip comfort, riding posture, and cool aesthetics.

Among them, "onihan" is a type of ape hanger with the handlebars narrowed inwards. Harley chopper styles sometimes feature "kamahan" (sickle handlebars), which are high handlebars greatly narrowed. "Onihan" are distinguished from "kamahan" by being lower in height and having a more upward angle.

Characteristics of Onihan

Source: http://www.ashinari.com/
"Onihan" evoke the image of a demon's horns, giving them a tough and valorous appearance that looks cool. For this reason, bosozoku, yankee bikers, and old bike gangs often equip extremely narrow onihan. Various types of "onihan" have appeared, such as "Kanpachi-shibori," "Senpai-shibori," and "semi-shibori."
Not only motorcycles, but bicycles with similar onihan handlebars also existed, and at one point, quite a few people modified them.

If the narrowing is moderate, like a semi-shibori, it won't affect clutch and brake operation and is recommended. Besides looking cool, the advantage of "onihan" is that because the handlebars are narrowed inwards and the width is reduced, they are less likely to bend if the bike falls, and lane splitting becomes easier.

In manga like "Shonan Bakusozoku," motorcycles with vertically upright "onihan" sometimes appear, but since brake and clutch operation would be severely impaired, it's best to consider that mostly fiction.

What's the difference between Onihan and Kamahan?

Source: http://www.ashinari.com/
"Kamahan" (sickle handlebars) are famous as a type of handlebar similar to onihan. They are said to be named for their mantis-arm-like shape and were used in a similar sense to onihan.

In reality, there's almost no difference between onihan and kamahan. If anything, onihan had a steeper angle. Some handlebars were almost right-angled, so it can be said there was a clear difference from kamahan.

Like onihan, kamahan were also commonly seen not only on motorcycles but also on bicycles. Especially for bicycles, adjusting the handlebar angle is easier than for motorcycles, so it was common for them to be playfully converted to kamahan.

Who favored customizing with Onihan?

Source: http://www.ashinari.com/
The people who favored using onihan were mainly those known as bosozoku and yankees. There was a time when they would ride in groups on public roads with handlebars resembling a chopper's. While rarely seen now, it was a common sight in the 1980s and 1990s.

Also, onihan were often used as subject matter in manga at the time, and with manga like "Shonan Bakusozoku" gaining popularity, onihan became easily recognized through manga. In particular, "Shonan Bakusozoku" was popular among young people, so many imitated it during that era.

What types of motorcycles suit Onihan?

Source: http://www.ashinari.com/
When it comes to motorcycles that suit onihan, old bikes will naturally be the focus. Or rather, since few people use onihan on bikes other than old ones, there's also the circumstance that only old images come to mind.

Examples include Kawasaki's Z400FX and Honda's CBX400F.
Today's motorcycles are often modern and stylish, but the bikes from the era when onihan were popular had a cool, understated look. Onihan would enhance their visual appeal.

Also, naked bikes without fairings tend to have better compatibility with onihan. Furthermore, onihan on famous American bikes like Harleys would also look great.

Customization Examples of Various Onihan Handlebars on Naked and American Bikes

Here, we will introduce some customization examples. Please refer to them to see what onihan look like when installed.

Naked Bike Onihan Customization Examples

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You often see naked bikes with onihan on public roads. However, in road racing, a type of motorcycle competition, some naked bikes use handlebars similar to onihan instead of clip-ons.

In road racing, the handlebars often naturally follow body weight shifts to corner, so the effect of the narrowing angle is minimal. Therefore, even onihan can be quite effective on the track if not extremely narrowed.

In off-road racing, handlebars are often used to make tight turns and corner, so flat bar handlebars with less narrowing are generally easier to use.

Source: https://doinfine.exblog.jp/15538856/
This is an onihan custom on a Kawasaki motorcycle. You can clearly see the handlebars pointing upwards. This is the shape called onihan, and in this image, the narrowing appears to be about 50-60 degrees. Driving would be difficult, so it can be said to be appearance-oriented.

Onihan can sometimes lead to vehicles being cited as illegal, so if you do it, please don't use extreme angles. An angle like the one in the image is almost the limit, so refrain from excessive handlebar adjustments.

American Bike Onihan Customization Examples

Source: https://www.photo-ac.com/

Source: https://www.photo-ac.com/

American bikes, represented by Harleys, are often imagined with mantis-arm-like "kamahan" (sickle handlebars), but they also pair well with "onihan" (demon handlebars), creating a cool, sporty atmosphere.

American bikes equipped with high kamahan offer a relaxed riding position, with the rider leaning back. However, in such a leaned-back posture, riding at high speeds can be physically demanding due to significant wind pressure.

On the other hand, onihan, which have lower handlebars, result in a moderate forward-leaning posture, making the body relatively comfortable even under strong wind pressure. Choosing "onihan" with moderate height and narrowing, and then raising the angle, will give a great look.

http://www.corecrew33.com/2010/05/gw_2.html
This is an American-style motorcycle customized with onihan. American-style motorcycles are designed for long-distance riding, so the rider sits with a reclined posture. Therefore, onihan might feel a bit cramped.

The narrowing on this bike is approximately 50-60 degrees, and it looks quite cool. While bikes are often chosen for their appearance, this customization somewhat sacrifices maneuverability, so please consider it as a reference only.

Recommended Onihan and Motorcycle Handlebars Available Online!

While onihan are generally custom-made, it's also possible to purchase onihan-compatible handlebars online. Here, we will introduce some onihan available online.

When purchasing "onihan" from a motorcycle shop or online, it is crucial that the year (model type) of your motorcycle matches the "onihan" in addition to the motorcycle's model name.
Refer to the "Compatible Models Chart" provided by each handlebar manufacturer to choose your "onihan." Even if the model name matches, the "onihan" may not fit your bike if the year (model type) does not match.

Recommended Onihan ① (Vertex XJR400R Ape Hanger Set 98-00 Onihan Semi-Naked Onihan Mesh)

This is an onihan set compatible with the XJR400R. The XJR400R is an air-cooled inline-four naked bike released in 1993, with catalog sales continuing until 2007. Its upward-swept exhaust and overall shape made it a very popular motorcycle.

It's ridden by members of old bike gangs, and onihan customizations are seen on them. This onihan handle set, designed for such bikes, is recommended for those who aspire to have a cool motorcycle.
Since it's a set, choose your preferred onihan with the desired narrowing and install it.

Recommended Onihan ② (Vertex XV250 Virago Ape Hanger Set 88-92 Onihan Semi-Naked Onihan BK)

This is an onihan set compatible with the XV250, released in 1988. The 1980s were the heyday of onihan, and many people customized their bikes with them. The XV250 was also a popular bike, and onihan customizations were commonly seen on it.

Since it's an onihan set, customization is easy, and you'll have an onihan bike in no time. The XV250 is also known as an easily customizable bike, so we recommend personalizing it to your liking.

Recommended Onihan ③ (Vertex TW200 Ape Hanger Set 00- Onihan Semi-Naked Onihan Mesh)

https://bikeman.jp/

This is an onihan set compatible with the TW200, released in 1987. This bike was originally developed exclusively for off-road use, but over time, it became increasingly customized for city riding.

While installing onihan reduces its off-road performance, it greatly enhances its appearance. This classic bike remains highly popular, so it's a worthwhile purchase.

Recommended Onihan ④ (Vertex SR400 Ape Hanger Set 88-00 Onihan Semi-Naked Onihan BK)

https://bikeman.jp/

This is an onihan set compatible with the SR400, often called a Yamaha masterpiece. The SR400 was released in 1978, making it a bike from the heyday of onihan. Furthermore, production continued until 2019, so owning one is still worthwhile.

Loved for over 40 years, it's truly a legendary bike known to all generations of motorcycle enthusiasts. It's an incredibly cool bike, so let's make it even cooler with an onihan custom.

Recommended Onihan (RZ250R 1AR Ape Hanger Set Onihan Semi-Naked Onihan BK)

https://bikeman.jp/

Released in 1983, this motorcycle was developed as a direct descendant of the RZ250. It originally had a fairing, but with the emergence of the naked bike genre, it became a model without a fairing.

When customized with onihan, it gives the impression of a bike specialized for straight-line speed, even though it originally sought speed. This is part of the fun of motorcycles, so please try customizing it with an onihan set.

Real Impressions and Reviews of Onihan

Vertex Zephyr 400 ('91~) Ape Hanger Set Onihandle Black

Review
"Everything needed for a handlebar replacement was included, and I'm satisfied with the price."
"Product arrived. Installed it. It's really good! Thank you for the quick response and great product."
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/bike-man/10035126/

Vertex Zephyr 400 ('91~) Ape Hanger Set Onihandle Mesh

Review
"It arrived quickly and the product is great, very satisfied! I'd buy again if I have the chance."
"The handlebars felt really good. I plan to install them now."
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/bike-man/10035127/

Vertex Ape 50/100 Ape Hanger Set for Mini Onihandle Demon Handle Black

Review
"Only the throttle cable needed a slight modification, but that was fun so it's okay!!"
"Shipping was fast, which helped a lot. Looking forward to installing it now."
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/bike-man/10035341/

Vertex SR400/500 ('88~'00) Ape Hanger Set Onihandle Black

Review
"I haven't installed it yet, but I'm glad that everything I wanted came in a set."
"Product arrived. Very satisfied with the prompt and courteous service."
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/bike-man/10035102/

We've introduced some reviews from people who purchased onihan. While onihan were once associated with bosozoku and their popularity seemed to decline, they are still very much in demand. It's clear that the negative impression stemmed solely from people causing trouble.

Onihan: A Customization That Remains Popular Since the Peak of the Motorcycle Boom!

The term "onihan" originated during the peak of the motorcycle boom, and many people rode onihan-equipped motorcycles.
However, that's not just a thing of the past; a certain number of people still love onihan, so if you're interested, please try customizing your bike with them.