Heli-Bars New vs Old

What's the difference in the new one pinch bolt Heli's vs the older two pinch model? I've read the manufacturer’s explanation:
“For 2008, our new VFR800 HeliBars receive a low profile clamping lug with one 8mm pinch bolt. This slimmer clamp allows the bar to be raised while still providing full clamping pressure on the fork tubes. A new riser tube with a smaller diameter and a thicker cross section was engineered to increase rigidity and strength while reducing the transfer of what little vibration emanates from the V-Four.”
Looking at the pics it appears to me (and I’m no fabrication expert) that the new model is easier to produce as the riser tube is no longer cast. I fine with manufacturer’s using less expensive production methods (be nice if that savings were pass along!) but I wonder, is the new model better? Was there room for the bar to be raised? I thought that the old Heli’s already maxed out all the stock cables. Is there slack enough to raise the bar futher?

 

Bull

Well said Bill. I wondered the same thing about manufacturing cost reduction as the company's main reason for the update.

And I think you're also right about the old design maxing out the height given stock cable limits. I have the HeliBar tops flush with the tops of the posts i.e., no clamping force compromise here. The real issue is that, at that point, you reach the limit of the clutch hose extension. The new design is going to run into that same limit.

I think the company's quoted statement is pure :bs:

 

Update on the old style still being avail on ebay. I emailed the seller of the old style Heli's I found and they promptly update their auction with pics of the new style. My next question to Heli would be, where are the new bars made? I have a personal boycott of chinese products going :crazy:

 

In actuality it was a process materials change in order to provide a better product to our customers. All of our products are manufactured in Maine. Nothing from China here! If you have any questions about them feel free to give us a call.

Jennifer Pettengill
Inside Sales
(800) 859-4642

 

I'm glad to hear that they're still made in the US. I just ordered a set from Naef Cycle this morning. Thanks for reply.

 

Happy to help!