Risers for the VFR1200F?

Hi Folks,
I have used the search function and only found one result (non-conclusive) on the topic.
My apologies if this has been covered in lenght.
I need to fit risers on my VFR. I have sat on a VFR equipped with the Heli Bars and I found there was barely any noticeable difference in terms of actual lift and/or front-to-rear position.
Are there better options out there and would they work with the stock cables/lines?
Thanking you in advance.
Pat

 

LSL Handlebar conversion is probably the next step up: Spiegler Performance Parts - Handlebar Conversion Kit

If that's not enough, then you might want to reconsider whether the VFR1200 is really the right bike. I had a C14 before, and even though it was much more upright than the VFR, owners were putting all kinds of risers and conversion kits on it, including the Corbin kit that basically turns it into a GoldWing. I just think you are better off getting a bike that comes very close to your preference FIRST, then "fine tune" from there. Each bike's suspension was engineered with the rider weight at the particular balance between front and rear axle. Change that too much and the handling is likely to change as well.

I just did a 600 mile day ride on the VFR1200 last weekend. My hands were sore at the end of the day, so were my legs from shifting my weight on footpegs through all the twisty back roads. Frankly, I was shot and dead tired when I rolled into the garage... but I was wayyyy happier than when I did the same ride last December on the C14 (I was nowhere near as tired that time). The VFR made the ride that much more fun, but probably would've been less so if the bars were much higher, to the point of not feeling like... well, a gentlman's sportbike.

I'm still on the fence about the helibars, but I would NOT want the bars any higher in any case.

Just my $0.02.

 

Thanks Volfy,
I am in my third season with the bike so choosing another motorcycle (which I will eventually do) would mean to sell it/trade it in. If I can find a good solution, it would postpone this occurence.
Unfortunately, when I had the opportunity to try the VFR, the ride was too short to notice that it would cause an old injury to generate pain. It seemed (and is) more comfortable that the sportsbikes I owned before.

 

i'm lucky, i find this bike very comfortable !!!

 

You need to actually RIDE a VFR with the Helis fitted. The difference is barely discernible when just sitting on the bike, but much appreciated when riding. My wrists would get a bit achey on even short rides with the stock bars, but it takes a much longer ride before I even think about it since fitting the helis. I've put them on a few bikes now and have always found them to be a welcome addition. My R1 was an absolute torture rack, but I resisted fitting Helis because I was sure they were going to be fugly. When I finally gave in, they actually weren't fugly at all, and after the first ride I wished I hadn't waited so long. I didn't wait so long for the VFR, and I'm glad. 2k mile ride coming up here very soon, so I'm sure they'll prove to be money well spent.

 

Ergos is a very difficult thing to predict. Short of actually doing the mod and going for a long long ride, it is not always easy to tell if you will take to the new setup. My SV1000S with helibars is actually more comfortable to me, even though it supposedly bends me forward more than the VFR1200 with stock bars. I've measured it and also confirmed with Cycle-ergo.com. This fact that I cannot explain is what's keeping me from raising the bars on the VFR. I was surprised at how swapping to the Honda lower seat helped noticeably with my overall comfort factor, so seat figures large in this equation. At least for me.

I'm gonna stay with the stock bars for more evaluation. It's not really bothering me much anyway.

VFROARR, I don't mean to suggest you have to get a different bike but simply that it's best to keep the ergos mod reasonable and your expectations moderate as well.

 

I've put Convertibars on mine. they are infinitely adjustable for height, pull-back, and bar pitch. would I like them to go higher? yes, but the stock cables do not allow it.

 

Same here, Convertibars. Love them on my 09. If you change out your lines you can get a huge amount of adjustment. I went to the max with stock lines and its just right for me.

 

I fitted the LSL conversion to mine and it has been a transformation, for me they are now in the perfect riding position. It wont suit everyone but I am 5'10" with 28" inside leg so have a long body and found that my wrists ached after only 30 or 40 miles. I have a GPz 750 turbo with clipons and rearsets and dont get wrist ache so can only assume it's the angle the bars are set at.