Can anyone explain what kind of handlebar setup I got going on?

Hi everyone, first post!
Just picked up a used 2002 ABS Yesterday!

I noticed my handlebar setup is different. I can't see the preload adjustment screws. I have no idea what is going on here. The front tire is cupped and I will be replacing it but I am including a pic of the tire on case that helps, or if anything you see with the handlebar setup could be the cause of the cupping. (Pressure was at 40 when purchased I lowered it to 35.) Sorry if pics aren't oriented correctly I'm sending from my phone.

Anyways I love my bike and I'm happy to be part of this community. Thanks!

 

Those look like stock clip-ons with GenMar risers. Take off those black caps and preload adjusters should underneath. The front tire pressure was too high, Honda recommended is 36/42 (f/r).

 

Almost forgot, Welcome to The World! There is an introductory post section but I think this post might suffice. Congrats on your new to you ride!

 

Thank you OOTV, I REALLY appreciate your response.

So the bars are a little higher for comfort I'm assuming? I know it's all personal preference but would you keep the GenMar risers on there?
I don't mind a lower more aggressive setup so if it handles better without them I would prefer performance over comfort.

 

Try with and without and see, everyone is different, no one can say what will be best for you.

 

Correct, the higher bar hieght helps take away some of the leaning forward which for a lot of riders creates issues with muscle atrophy. I.e. Hands getting numb. This seems to be a personal choice but until you try stock vs. modified, no way to tell what works better for you.

On my 6 Gen (2009) I have the Heli-bars on it, which not only raises the bars but also brings them closer to the rider. For touring and commuting I find this more pleasing. However on my 5 Gen (2001) the bars are stock and I find this fine for sport riding. Basically I have the 6 Gen setup for long distance comfort, whereby the 5 Gen have setup as my "fun" sport bike setup. Both setups work for me but everyone is different. In your case it would be easy to go back to the stock setup and may be worth a try.

As far as performance differences, I personally don't think it improves or hinders the turning performance, it is more for ergonomic changes IMO. What would help for sure is good tires, the correct inflation pressures and the proper sag setting. This would help more than any bar change would, again IMO.

That being said, updating/improving the stock suspension makes a world of difference in performance. Even if you are just commuting/touring with a little sport riding thrown in every now and then. I have had both of my VFRs setup with valving and spring rates for their particular purposes and my riding weight and have to say their ride is much better than when they were in stock trim.

 

http://www.daughertymotorsports.com/
Here's the guru of suspension set ups for our bike.
First thing in my opinion ta do. Oh and welcome

 

Ok an update. Turns out removing the risers was as easy as pie! I removed them and now the handlebars are lower. It took all of 5 minutes.
I like the bike even more now!