What are other options other than the Heli Bars? I would like to raise the height and move back slightly but really do not want to spend $300.00 on handlebars.
I've found that my GenMar risers have worked just fine; put them on 3 different bikes (inc. my 6th gen) and have always been pleased. Good price. too. Joe
Those thing look really sketchy. And I've been known to ride while leaning back against my luggage and controlling the bike via parachute cord.
GenMar has been around for quite awhile now; if there were performance issues with their risers we would have heard about it. I've put them on an '02 Magna, an '05 Concours, and on my curent '04 VFR; each time they've worked flawlessly. Also never heard a bad word about them on any of the various owners' forums that I belonged to, where by the way the GenMars were used by many of the owners of the above-mentioned bikes.
Well... okay, I guess I'll take your word for it. How do you like the VFR compared to the Concours? Personally though, I am saving up for a set of convertibars! Check them out, raised for the highway, dropped for the dragon!
I just learned that the local cycle shop is a Heli-bars dealer. Nice! I'm going to try the Grip Puppies first, but we'll go from there.
Yeah, I have had them on two VFRs, one BMW, and one CBR. Never a problem. On boards for all those bikes, never once heard a complaint. I would use them again, without question. Heli bars have an excellent rep too, as do convertibars. All have their pros and cons, it is just a matter of what matters to you.
On top of GenMar and Heli Bars, LSL makes a handlebar riser kit as well. I know that BASFJohn has the LSL on his 6th gen and loves it. Another alternative is to take the stop rings out on top of the bars and slide the bars up to the top of the fork tubes. I've done this to mine and just the quarter inch or so that they slide up seems to make quite a big difference. I would suggest trying this before spending any money if you are just wanting to bring them back and up a little bit because. It worked for me and I no longer have a want for the Heli Bars that I was set on before I did this. A new set of grips will help out too. A lot of people on here will recommend the ProGrip 699's. I went with them as well and it helped out tremendously as well.
I think I'm safe here to talk about the Concours since I've recognized only two former Concours Owners Group (COG) members here; they can be VERY sensitive to Connie criticism. Here goes...the VFR is light years ahead of the 1st gen Concours. The Connie has its attributes but there is no way to get around the fact that it was designed in the early 80s. Things like paper element filters (you could buy an aftermarket spin-on filter modification for a couple of Benjamins) really revealed its age. They also need frequent valve adjustments, which are a pain. It is also very heavy (especially with 7.5 gallons of gas sitting up REALLY high). And at least with my bike, it was scary squirmy at +70 speeds; on windy days on the highway I would kiss my Saint Christopher medal before heading out The best thing about the Connie is it was cheap (for example, I paid $6K for a one year-old 6,000 mile '05, complete with factory hard luggage). Some people love them and the inline 4 will last for many miles but there is no denying its age. The C-14 replacement was way, way overdue; there were virtually no major updates in nearly 20 years. Now, if this posting is spotted by a Cogger I will have to change my user name and move to a different site
I agree totally. The Helis and Convertibars are both quality products; just for me the GenMars seem to produce sufficient results but I'm sure some others need the additionaal adjustment. I will say that on the VFR the Helis would allow the brake/clutch levers to pivot downward more, which would be nice. Stock, they are just not adjustable enough to get the lever/grip/wrist into the ergonomically correct angle.
chazz, as to your PM, might as well post here so others can find it in the future. If you have the question, safe to say someone else does or will. With the Gen-Mars, they are the cheapest option, by far. Doesn't mean they are poorly made, they are just the simplest solution. Really think of it as if all you are doing is putting in a spacer to move your bars up, and a little back. Another real nice thing about the Gen-Mars is that you can use the stock lines, and they are very easy to install and uninstall. This was why I first started using them, so I could do a track day with my bike and take them off, and then put them back on for commuting and/or touring. Really is only about a 15 minute job either way once you see how they work. The Helibars aren't going to come on and off as you will be mounting your switches and grips, I mean they can of course, it just really isn't reasonable to do. They are also more expensive. That said they will be a far bigger change in position than the Gen-Mars, far bigger. The convertibars are the most expensive, by far, but, and this is a big but, they are adjustable for height, angle, spread. That allows you to customize what works best for you, screw what the rest of us find comfy. It also allows you to adjust them for different duty, fun run or track day vs. touring. But you will have to lengthen your brake, clutch and throttle lines for the full adjustment range. You will also have to move over your switches and grips, not a huge deal, but just so you know. It is all a matter of what you want/need in terms of change from stock and what you are willing to spend on the project in money and time. does that help? Spike
Spike the prices I saw for the helis and convetribars were both around 300.00. The cables and lines to raise the bars more than 2" became expensive. But if you want the ability to raise and lower the bars 2" on the side of the road it will only set you back $300. I cant believe I just said Only $300, I dont have a job or any prospects of employment, I must be retarded.
Yes Spike that helps a lot. I believe for my riding style and level of comfort...I will purchase the Helibars, unless I can get a large discount on the convertibars. Thanks a bunch!
Anyone have a stock set of OEM bars they want to sell. My bike came with Heli-bars and I'm thinking I might like the shape of the stock bars better.
Touch base with Chazz, no reason you guys can't do a swap with each other. All either of you pay for is shipping or something like that? Hmmmm....
