It is important in motocross that all equipment is of the highest quality, perfect in every respect, and adapted to the individual needs of the rider. In the case of the handlebars, there are some basic requirements that need to be considered at the time of purchase. A combination of strength and flexibility has proven to be the best for off-road use, and so, handlebars should not only display strong resistance to impact but also have sufficient give to absorb shocks. The reason being, if the handlebars can flex and absorb vibrations to a large extent, that then relieves the stresses on the MX rider's arms, resulting in less fatigue.

The handlebars used in the sport of motocross must be able to withstand extreme conditions and take violent knocks over a period of time without breaking. Consequently, many riders prefer aluminium handlebars, the surface of which is often electro-plated to give extra protection against corrosion. In this process, a finish is applied which may be multi-coloured, hardening the aluminium and thus making it resistant to external factors. The handlebars also often have reference points engraved by laser to simplify assembly.

Other special features are ribbed handle ends which are slightly narrower, so that the hand grips sit better, preventing them from moving. As a result, the motocross rider can always be certain that he is in control of his bike and can steer it properly.