It has been suggested that this style of handlebars originated in London when motorcycle riders would select a song to play on the juke box, race from the Ace Cafe to a pre-established point and attempt to return before the record finished playing.

During the 1960s, the style became quite popular, especially in Britain, but often the speed of the bike did not live up to the racy appearance. To help increase speed, many riders added the small front fairing which was mounted on the drag handle bars to help get that extra few miles at top speed.