NOVEMBER 27, 2007
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Racer X Canada Tested Presented by KTM Canada  |
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Fasst Company's Flexx Handlebars |
The Product: Fasst Company Flexx Handlebars
Cost: $299.99 USD
Online: www.fasstco.com
Fit and Finish: Excellent and on par with all of the more well known manufacturers.
I first took notice of the Flexx Handlebars back in ’05 at the Indy Motorcycle Trade Show, and as a guy who suffers from arm pump, I’m always looking for easy ways to help reduce it. Although I was interested, I was skeptical because of price—and the fact that none of the top motocross guys were running the bars. Fast-forward two years and with the opportunity now afforded to me from the fine folks at RXC, I was able to parlay my newfound stature into obtaining a set of bars for testing.
Track Tested: Although available in a wide variety of bends and widths, we opted for the 12-degree MOTO bend (PN #FL-1001-12-32) which is very similar to Renthal 971’s that come stock on Honda CRF’s.
The first thing you notice about the bars is the weight, which, due to the design, is substantially heavier than conventional bars. Once installed and in motion, however, the weight is a non-factor. Another difference that was immediately noticeable was the amount of 7/8” bar space available on either side of the cross bar pad enabling for easy installation of hand guards if so desired.
You immediately forget about the extra weight and begin to notice how much plusher your front end feels on the small chop entering and exiting corners as the bars flex on the same plane as your forks. Having said that it’s really everywhere on the track that you are treated to a softer feeling front end and only in the most extreme cases do you feel the bars bottom out and that’s typically under hard braking with chop or during severe landings.
I believe the Flexx bars also assist in delaying fatigue by eliminating vibration through the hands and although not having crashed while riding with the bars, it’s my understanding that it’s not unusual for the bars to outlast your bike. I know a few guys that have used the same bars for more than two years with only routine maintenance (elastomer change) being required.
Lastly I thought that I’d mention while riding at Gopher Dunes and when landing off the finish line tabletop [a jump that took Rob months to clear] my finger would fall off the clutch lever, which I can’t explain because the lever/perch is attached directly to the bar. I talked to a few other riders about this and they’ve never experienced it. I can’t explain it but I just thought I’d throw it out there.
Jeff Allen, Esq. (Best known for finishing second in the mud at the TransCan to a rapidly fading Brett Lee. Jeff says the Lee’s cut the moto short because Brett was leading, as if!)
After my most recent set of X-rays looked like the dog’s breakfast I started searching desperately for some options to make riding possible again. When Rob suggested I try the Fasst Flexx Handlebar I was hesitant as I always am when I get a suggestion from Rob. In my mind it seemed like an enduro-riding, tree-hugging gimmick but I was pleasantly surprised after getting a chance to use them.
Although immediately after installation the bars barely moved at all, making them even more questionably “worth-it,” after some break in time they came to life. The Flexx Bars allowed just the right amount of movement to isolate the rider from a lot of the smaller impacts and vibration that can cause havoc for my smashed up bones that I’ve munched through the years. The bars come with a few different coloured bumpers with varying degrees of flex to allow fine-tuning for a particular form of riding, bikes, and riding style. I tried the other colors, but ended up running the stock red ones.
In terms of fatigue resistance, the difference was incredible. Not long after riding with these bars I realized what a difference such a small amount of flex makes; before I struggled just to make a lap without arm pump setting in. Now when I ride, I’m saving the fight for the other guys, not for my wrists and hands! Now if I could just find a solution for my “cement hands” while playing hockey all would be good.
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Randy Dodig has been using the Flexx bars for years now and has used them over five different bikes. |
Randy “RD51” Dodig (Former B.M.O.C. Class of ’84 Saugerties Central High School in New York State)
I was suffering from arm pump—and still depressed over not getting drafted in the 1st round of the ’84 Entry Draft by the Atlanta Braves—and was looking for a way to try and relieve the arm pump when I came across the Flexx Bars. The week before I received them, I was at Southwick for a dealer ride. I couldn't go more than two laps before my arms felt like bricks. That next week I received my bars, installed them and headed back to Southwick for a race.
It was amazing the difference that the bars made. I ran two classes, four motos and never got arm pump. I was immediately sold and have had them on my bikes ever since. For a weekend warrior like myself, who doesn't get to ride much and who seems to come up short more often than not, they have been a savior. I wouldn't own a bike without putting them on and one of the nice things is that I have kept the same bars now through five different bikes over four years. They have more than paid for themselves and have held up great. In my opinion, they have made the single biggest improvement of any aftermarket product that I have used.
Jason Burke (We tried to get Jay’s opinion as he’s successfully been using the bars for over two months but he’s apparently retired.)
Verdict: I believe the biggest challenge for Fasst Company is the price of their Flexx Handlebar, which typically is more than twice the cost of Renthal Twinwalls. That said with a 30-Day money back guarantee since their inception back in 2002, a 50 percent off warranty program, wide variety of widths, bends, flex’s and options (steering damper, handguard and enduro computer mounting) you can’t go wrong.
Rating:
Function/Performance: 10
MX Related Value: 9
Special thanks to Cole Townsend of Fasst Company
Fasst Company
3015 East South Street
Long Beach, CA
90805
T:562.601.8119
F:562.601.8122
info@fasstco.com
