Hi All Newbie here. It seems that my back hurts when I ride my bike, the seat is a bit too steep and I lean over a bit. The mods I am thinking of are Helibars and then maybe a Sargent Saddle World seat. I live in Canada so both are pricey here, about $500 each! Any thoughts or suggestions to help? Please let me know.
I have both. Hmm, I dunno if it's worth $1000. I dont know if you already do this, but exercising your abs and back at the gym will help. Arch your back when you ride, I mean dont hunch. Umm, If you can only get one, go with the seat. Also, try looking on ebay. I think I saw a corbin saddle the other day. There are a few riders here who really like those, too. The thing that helped me the most though was working out. I ride a bicycle a lot also and the lean is much more severe on my road bike so I had to get my back and abs into shape.
Mods Thanks for the reply. Actually, I work out quite a bit (I work at a University athletic facility). It is just this particular angle hurts. As you said, arching my back, not hunching is better and holding the bars at the end of my fingers works too. Is there anyway to raise the stock bars?
Raising the Bar Check out the GenMar Risers. Not as spendy as Heli-Bars, and Super easy to install. Old_Codger
Just wondering how old "Old Codger" is. I'm 8 months shy of sixty and still laying down on a 1985 VF1000R, even after the bypass surgery. No risers and a stock seat. I'm comfortable.
I have the Sargent seat and Genmar risers. They are both worth their weight in gold! The Genmars go on (and off) in less than 5mins. and are way cheaper than Helibars. If you do nothing else, save for the Sargent seat.
Hey Whiplash or Old Codger, thanks for the information. Can either of you send me a photo of the GenMar risers on your bike. I am curious about what it looks like. Seems like a great idea. Thanks!!
GenMar risers Hi, The risers are the way to go. It keeps the stock angle of the Handlebars. Heli's set the bars at a wierd angle, its too flat for me. The GenMars go on in 5 min if your sober and 10 min if your silly drunk. If you can operate a socket wrench you can install them. I have a pair for sale. It fits '94 to '01. BTW for me - I'm sold on Corbin seats. I end up buying one for every bike I buy. For the VFR, the Corbin sits lower so the bars are relatively higher and more comfortable.
I just raised my bars up on the forks, thats what the gen-mars do, but I have nothing between the bars nad the triple clamp except air. I have had no problems with this set-up.
Triple Clamp Jev Do you notice a difference in handling, especially in the tight twisties? Old_Codger
Heli Bars I have a '03VFR that I didn't take too long to install Helibars. They were a little pricey, but worth the money in increased comfort. If another manufacturer offers a comparable product for less, check it out. I added a Zero Gravity ST windscreen which is a couple inches higher than stock. Also, not wanting to lay out a bundle for a Corbin seat, I took pictures from their website to an upholsterer I deal with and had the seat redone to look an feel like a Corbin for CAN$200.00.
You might want to check out Convertibars. I've got them on my 02 VFR and love them. They are a bit expensive more than the Helibars however but they're very adjustable. Lately I've been running them in the low position just for a more sporty feel. But typically they're in full up and full back position. VFRMike.
I notice no ill effects at all with my set-up. I have a set of heli-bars but the vibes are a little too much for me.
Jumpin in the fray I just replaced my 02 VFR with a 03 (See "To REVFR or not..." The 02 had everything on it. Now the Genmar risers ($100 US)are only 3/4" thick and they're installed angled and closer towards you. They work! I kept them for the 03 and will probably put them on. What's more interesting (to me) is that the "Throttlemeister" cruise control ($125 US?) works so that you can a. uncramp your hand and b. take your hand off on straits to relax your back. I couldn't keep it (too much uninstalling) but I did have a $6 plastic throttle grip that (not as good) but helps. Speaking of age - I just started riding again after a 30 year hiatus. DOB 6-13-43!
One advantage to Helibars is no changes to cables or wiring, at least on my 03 VFR w/ ABS. I installed a $25 plastic throttle lock with a quick thumb lock. I had to grind the thickness down a bit to get it to fit, but it works well.
