Is there any way to adjust the reach?

Hi All -

I'm new here and have learned a lot from this forum - thanks. My VFR is a 2007 - RWB. I just bought it two weeks ago, and have about 500 miles on it (bad weather, and I have to work).

I added the heli bars through the group discount price through KIA, thanks again.

The problem is today I took a 100 mile ride, on highway, off highway, low speed, high speed, lot of shifting, not much shifting all to get a "feel" for the new bars. While they help, the problem is the reach to the bars is still on the long side and I wind up riding all day with my arms "locked" in a full forward position. After a while it gets uncomfortable, and makes me question if the VFR is the bike for me. I'm only 5'7", kind of tubby at 175, and closer to 60 years old than 55. My inseam is 30" with riding boots, but it's a stretch to get both feet down.

I've had five arm surgeries in the last 2 years, and have permanent damage to both arms, ulnar nerve and rotator cuff, but I refuse to give up a motorcycle. The doctor has cleared me to ride, but I need a comfortable bike to make it work.

Don't get me wrong, I love the engine - and, yes I know a lot of people don't care for the V-Tech, but I do. I rode on the highway at 80 for 20 miles and smiled all the way - plenty of power, and far smoother than I expected. The rear mirrors were stationary and clear - very impressed. I did add a one inch mirror spacer, makes a big difference - highly recommended and a tip from this forum.

The question: What can be done to make the reach to the clip-ons less stretched. The heli bars are the newer ones, higher and further back than the original. I also added ProGrips (another forum tip) and that makes the grip a bit larger diameter - making it a bit closer to me. I don't want to give up the fun that this bike offers, and I love the look. By the way the lights at night are great - dual bulbs for both regular and high beam. Very useful for older eyes.

The doctor's recommendation was to get a Harley Softail (I know what you're thinking, but if you've not ridden a HD lately, you may be surprised. Not a sportbike, but for what it is, it's hard to beat. The doctor is an avid biker, did three of my surgeries - even tested my arms while I was sitting on a bike) because of the low seat height and low center of gravity. He noted that I could hold the bike stable with my legs, taking all of the pressure off my arms. I bought a Softail Deluxe, and although it may be the best looking bike I ever had, I could almost rub the floorboards going in a straight line. As pretty as the bike is there wasn't a lot of fun actually riding it - I like to lean, and that's what the VFR lets me do.

Final comment - my wife enjoyed riding on the Harley with me (got backrest and upgraded passenger seat), and I don't feel confident that I can handle the VFR with her on the back - too long a reach to the ground, and too tall a seat for the passenger. I do want to have her ride with me, and I'm feeling guilty that I bought a bike that doesn't let that happen.

Sorry to ramble, but I want to make this work - I love the V-4 engine, love the bike, just don't seem to fit it well enough. I've considered the "triangle" mod suggested on this forum, but the dealer told me that it affects handling and didn't recommend it. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

Rock out with some Converti-Bars. They are VERY expensive but are the best thing you can do other than switch to a standard or (shudders at thought) cruiser.

http://convertibars.com/ProductsBik...7&MakeID=72&ModelID=94&btnSubmit=+Next+Step!+

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

KC - Thanks for the info. It looks as if the cost will be over $600 for the mod. If I didn't just pay $350 for the heli bars and installation, I may have bought the setup. But since I just spent the money, I'm not sure that I'll get the mod right now.

I do appreciate the advice, thanks. By the way, love the picture.

 

There is always something like this you can try. Just select your bike from the drop down menu, Honda VFR800F is before 2002 and VFRie is sixth gen. I included there photo of a pre 2002 for an idea of what it looks like mounted

http://www.spieglerusa.com/cfm/sbk.cfm
http://www.spieglerusa.com/prodimg/BradsVFR1.jpg

 

I am 62 yrs old 5' 8" and a 29-30in inseam and have the heli bars; but I have no problem with reach. I have only one surgery on the right arm for a ruptured bi-cep. I lowered my 06 by rotating the triangle and adjusting the forks a equal amount. I have noticed no ill effects in handling at all. The only thing I do notice is the bike is a little more vertical while on the side stand making you have to swing your leg a little higher to mount. I still can't put my feet flat on the ground and as for the wife see won't ride on a sport or sport touring bike only likes the cruiser. My advise is work with the VFR to suit you and get a used cruiser for your better half

 

I have had multiple surgeries on my left shoulder, i am also looking at heli bars just so i can keep may arm closer to my side where it is more comfortable...

 

Shoet reach

Igot the heli's and they did help alot but here's one more thing you should consider. Find seantmurphy on here and he's got a great setup, A friend of his is make a longer suspension link which lowers the rear 1.35" without changing the geometry, then you drop the front forks the equal amount and voila, lower seat height and raised bars in one shot for $125, he also makes a shorter sidestand and riser insert if you want as well. Haven't ordered mine yet but very soon, sean's instructions are super detailed and the parts look to be of very good quality. Search the mod forums and see what you think, it'd be a shame to get rid of your RWB otherwise those bikes are sooooo nice.

 

Somehow IMO your Doc's advice ain't all that good if he thinks you are gonna save some bucks by springing for a (one of those)

Ya might want to look into having your seat modified too. It may cost you some bucks but have you seen the price increases on doo-rags lately?

 

Again, thanks for all the advice. I'm checking into the seat and lowering kit. I am somewhat concerned about the budget - spending $1500 in mods adds quite a bit to the bike's initial cost, but I appreciate the help.

 

You may want to consider getting rid of the clip ons altogether and going with a 1 piece handlebar. You could then have it fit exactly as you need, getting max comfort but loosing a bit of the look.

 

One of the motorcycle rags I read had an article where the writer added the Speigler handlebar clamp and handlebars to his mid 90's ZX6. Writer said that this was the best mod he made to the bike. The handlebar was great for leverage in turns on the track, yet comfortable enough for the ride back home.

Re-sell the heli-bars and use the money to buy the Speigler and some handlebars. Check out Bikemaster handlebars: http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Cha...bars&mscssid=BA4FF20BA49D41F0A0DF7310F34983FC

P.S. Do some measurements so you don't hit the fairing or tank if you get them.

 

Lencap, make sure your bars are rotated back to the max. To get the stock angle (which I find best, even at 6'1") your thumbs with gloves on, should just barely clear the tank at full steering lock. Leave a small amount of clearance, so your throttle will not jamb at full lock. Good luck.