Best Mods for Upright Position

Hello.

After reading many informative threads in these forums, I joined to ask your advice and learn from your experiences. I own a 1997 VFR750 with only 4,500 original miles, most of which were in the first summer. Yup, she looks and runs like new, and no, I haven't been riding much recently, until now hopefully.

To the subject, I want to attain an upright riding position, and I've read about aftermarket seats and handlebar types in these forums. I should mention that I am only 5'5" tall, so my weight constantly rests on the heels of my palms, and I'm pretty uncomfortable across the shoulders after about an hour.

I would like first to try handlebars. I'd also like to do the work myself, but I don't feel comfortable lengthening cables. Finally, my motorcycle has only stock parts, nothing aftermarket.

Has anyone tried Convertibars on my generation VFR (94-97)? Their website says they have not confirmed installation on my specific model.

How about GenMar Risers and Helibars?
Have these made a significant increase in position and comfort?
Are there any gotcha's that you can pass along?

All of your anticipated help is appreciated,

Tony

 

Gen Mars worked for me

I'm 5' 7" and wanted a little more comfort on long rides. I added Gen Mar risers. Installation was a simple 10-minute bolt-on. They only raise the bars about 19mm. However, that apppears to be the limit of the stock clutch/brake lines on my '05 VFR. The small increase seems like more; I not only feel more upright but my feet are more firmly planted on the ground. An unexpected benefit is that it is easier to back the bike out of the garage.

I also added a Zero Gravity Sport Touring windscreen (about 2"-3" inches higher than stock with an upward curve at the top) and Grip Puppies (soft foam hand grip covers). The screen helps because any handle bar risers are going to put you a little more into the wind. The soft grips reduce (but do not eliminate) the dreaded "numb hands" feeling.

These three modifications greatly improve long distance comfort for less than $200 total.

I don't know of any aftermarket seat that is acutally lower than stock. I asked both Sargent and Corbin how their seat heights compare. They both replied that their seats are not lower than stock but may be perceived as lower due to differences in shape. Most of the forum posts I've read seem to favor the Sargent for shorter riders.

For me, the factory seat is all-day comfortable. However, I hate the factory upholstery. It sticks like velco! I had to stand on the pegs to move forward or back. My solution was to have an upholstery shop recover the seat. Now I can more around easily. A caution if you try this: when they installed the new cover it actually changed the fit of the seat on the bike. Now I have to fight to get it back on. The upholstery guy says the new material will eventually stetch out allowing the seat pan to "relax." We'll see...

Finally, don't forget to consider the boots you're wearing. My favorite Sidi Vertigo Corsa Air boots allow my feet to be flat on the ground with my legs fairly straight. I've also got Sidi Sympatex and Joe Rocket Mercurys; both have thicker soles that allow me to flat foot with more of a bend in my legs. By comparison, I've moved the bike out of the garage wearing sneakers (not safe for riding) and could only put my toes on the ground.

 

Bar Risers

Have a look at this thread...
http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/showthread.php?t=42319

They are $85 including post and packing sent airmail.

Regards, Rod

 

I've got the Convertibars on my 2002 and I'm very happy with them. I do not believe there is another way to move yourself as far up AND back as the Convertibars will allow- even with stock lines. I can basically put myself full upright position when headed out for longer road trips. Then I can put them all the way down and forward for some local canyon carving. Making the changes from tour mode to sport mode with the bars is really easy.

VFRMike.

 

Wow. All of these responses have been great.


For now, I have a question for VFRMike, and to anyone else with ConvertiBARS:
Do these bars interfere with the stock windscreen, or have you changed your windscreen? On my '97, the stock handlebars fit with only a little room to spare. Because the company has not tried these bars on a 94-97, I wonder how they interact with the stock windscreen.

Thanks to all of you!

Tony

 

Tony,

The Convertibars do not interfere with the windscreen on the 2002+ models. I am not sure about your model however. I wouldn't think so. I'd give then a ring or visit their web site.

VFRMike.

 

Hey VFRMike,
Are you saying that you put the Convertibars on without changing the lines and they work fine? The sight has you buying longer lines to the tune of an extra $184.