Aftermarket Handlebars for the 2020 Beta 390 RR-S: How to Choose the Right One
Shop parts for a 2020 Beta 390 RR-S Dirt Bike.
Oversized vs. Standard Clamp: Getting the Right Diameter
Before committing to any aftermarket handlebar for the 2020 Beta 390 RR-S, clamp diameter is the first specification to verify. The stock triple clamp on this bike is designed for oversized, or fat bar, clamp (1‑1/8 inch), and a bar with a different outer diameter will not properly seat in the clamp halves without a bridging adapter. This is a binary compatibility check — the bar either fits the clamp or it does not — so confirming diameter before purchase prevents a straightforward installation from becoming a parts-sourcing problem.
If a particular bend or material is only available in a standard 7/8‑inch bar, a clamp adapter resolves the mismatch. These adapters are widely available and allow a rider to use a bar that would otherwise be incompatible with the stock 390 RR-S triple clamp. The adapter adds a small amount of complexity to the installation and a minor weight increment, but it is a legitimate solution when the desired bar does not come in the stock clamp diameter.
Rise, Sweep, and Upsweep: Getting the Bend Right
For a 2020 Beta 390 RR-S rider considering a handlebar change, bend is the place to start. The three dimensions that define a bar's feel are rise, sweep, and upsweep — and all three interact to determine how natural the rider's wrist angle, elbow position, and upper body posture feel both seated and standing. A bar with more rise and pullback is well-suited to riders who prioritize comfort over long distances or who feel they are perpetually reaching forward with straight arms, creating shoulder tension.
Terrain matters as much as rider height. A rider covering tight, technical singletrack on the 390 RR-S may prioritize a different bend than the same rider doing open desert riding, because the standing position and input frequency are fundamentally different. Getting the bend right before committing to a bar is the single most important step in the selection process, and trying a demo bar or borrowing a setup from another rider before buying is always time well spent.
How Rider Proportions and Habits Shape the Decision
Getting the right handlebar for the 2020 Beta 390 RR-S is ultimately a fitting exercise, not just a shopping exercise. The bend that works best for a given rider depends on three things: rider height and proportions, riding style, and how much time is spent standing versus seated. Taller riders generally benefit from a bar with more rise to avoid having to bend forward and compressing the upper body, but the sweep and upsweep dimensions need to match the rider's arm proportions to avoid creating a different discomfort in exchange for fixing the original one.
Riding style determines which position needs to be prioritized. A rider who spends the majority of their time seated on long trail rides needs a bend that is comfortable for their seated reach and wrist angle. A rider who stands frequently through technical sections, jumps, or rough terrain needs a bend that allows a natural, upright standing position with arms slightly bent — not straight — and without forcing the shoulders up or hunching the back.
Single-Piece vs. Crossbar Design
Adding or removing a crossbar from the 2020 Beta 390 RR-S's handlebar setup is a decision riders sometimes overlook when focused on bend and material, but it has real practical implications. A crossbar stiffens the bar assembly, making it more resistant to flex under demanding inputs — particularly useful for riders tackling rocky enduro terrain or aggressive motocross riding where the bar experiences significant lateral forces.
The reason some riders specifically avoid crossbars is chest and rib safety in crashes. When a rider goes over the front end, the crossbar is at approximately sternum height, and impact with it can cause significant injury even at moderate speeds. A bar pad reduces — but does not eliminate — this risk, which is why riders who fall frequently on technical terrain often prefer crossbar-free bars for the reduced chest contact risk.
Material and Flex: Steel, Aluminum, and Titanium Compared
Material selection on a handlebar for the 2020 Beta 390 RR-S affects how the bike communicates terrain feedback to the rider's hands — for better or worse. Steel bars, while heavier, naturally flex more than aluminum, which softens some of the sharper impacts transmitted through the front end on rough trails or whoops sections. This flex character is a feature, not a flaw, for riders who prioritize hand comfort and reduced fatigue over long days. The weight penalty of steel is real, but for recreational riders it is rarely noticeable in practice.
Aluminum bars are the standard choice on most modern dirt bikes for good reason: they are light, strong, and available in virtually every bend imaginable. The stiffness of aluminum means feedback from the terrain is more direct, which some riders find desirable for feel and precision while others find fatiguing. Titanium offers a genuinely different ride — its strength-to-weight ratio allows a thinner wall that restores some of the flex feel of steel at a fraction of the weight, though the cost is considerably higher than either aluminum or steel.
Is an Aftermarket Handlebar Worth It?
Choosing an aftermarket handlebar for the 2020 Beta 390 RR-S is ultimately about honest self-assessment: what is actually causing the discomfort or limitation with the current setup, and which bar attribute addresses that specific issue? Riders who approach the decision by first diagnosing the problem — reach, wrist angle, standing posture, vibration fatigue, or weight — arrive at a much more useful shortlist than riders who browse by brand or popularity and hope something will feel better.
Once the correct bend is identified, material and crossbar choice narrow quickly based on budget and riding priorities. A crossbar-free aluminum bar in the right bend will satisfy most riders on the Beta 390 RR-S without requiring a significant investment. Riders with specific requirements around weight, vibration feel, or accessory mounting can refine from there into titanium options or crossbar configurations. The key is that the bend gets right first, because no amount of premium material or clever design compensates for a bar that puts the rider in a poor position to begin with.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Handlebars for a 2020 Beta 390 RR-S Dirt Bike.
Shop Handlebar Pads for a 2020 Beta 390 RR-S Dirt Bike.
Shop Handlebar Risers for a 2020 Beta 390 RR-S Dirt Bike.
Shop Triple Clamps for a 2020 Beta 390 RR-S Dirt Bike.
Shop Grips for a 2020 Beta 390 RR-S Dirt Bike.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your dirt bike's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.
