Why your OEM Die-cast risers are dangerous
Above: This is a photo that a customer sent me of their broken OEM Harley risers. The scariest part? I've had multiple reports of this happening.
The Hidden Weakness of Die-Cast Risers
OEM die-cast risers might look the part, but beneath the chrome finish lies a major safety risk. Die-casting is a mass-production process that injects molten metal into molds — a method that often traps microscopic air bubbles within the metal. These imperfections create weak points that can crack or fail under stress. Unlike billet or CNC-machined parts, die-cast components are brittle by nature. When pushed to their limits — especially under the constant vibration and stresses of a motorcycle — they don’t bend or flex; they crack or snap. It’s a catastrophic failure that can happen without warning.
Common Failures You Can’t See Coming
Many riders are shocked to learn how often OEM risers fail in real-world conditions. Threads in die-cast risers strip easily, making it difficult to torque your handlebars securely. Chrome plating, though visually appealing, adds another layer of trouble — it’s so hard that it prevents the riser from properly biting into the handlebar knurl. The result? A setup that can slip or move unexpectedly, especially under braking or hard acceleration. Over time, vibration and fatigue compound these flaws. We’ve seen multiple examples from customers showing cracked, broken, and even completely sheared-off risers.
The CNC-Machined Difference
Upgrading to CNC-machined billet aluminium risers eliminates every one of these weaknesses. Each riser is precision-cut from a solid block of high-grade aluminium, ensuring consistent strength and material properties. There are no air pockets, no brittle spots, and no cheap shortcuts. CNC risers provide superior clamping grip, better thread integrity, and the peace of mind that comes from using components built to last. They don’t just look better — they perform better, keeping you safer and giving your bars a rock-solid connection to the bike.
When it comes to control and safety, don’t take chances with die-cast risers. Switch to CNC-machined risers from Barcraft Handlebars and ride with confidence knowing that your setup is engineered for strength, precision, and longevity.
Check out our great range of risers here:
