If you installed Helibars yourself on a 2012 or 2013 VFR1200F, please reply

I just put them on my 2012 yesterday. 2 questions:

1) the instructions go on and on about moving the throttle lines to be on top of the front brake line? My bike was delivered with them already that way?
Was that just a fluke, do all 2012 and 2013's come this way, or am I blind and I didn't do a step that I should have?

2) getting the dampers out of the old bars was a major PITA. By the time I got them out, I broke off both the little tabs on the clutch side, and one of the two on the brake side.
My question is, how important are those tabs? By the time I got it all back together, those center dampers, and the external weights that are connected to them were quite firm,
and it does not seem like they are about to fall out anytime soon. I am thinking of just leaving well enough alone, and not getting replacement parts (see pic). Is there some scary side effect that I am missing that is going to land me in the weeds someday?



thanks

 

I don't have helibars, I thought I wanted them but the more I ride the bike the less I really do.

About your questions though:
1. I'm about 90% sure my throttle cables are on top of the brake line on my 2012.
2. Someone may know better than I do, but I wouldn't worry about those tabs at all. Just keep an eye on the bar end and see that it isn't vibrating its way out.

 

I read about how hard the OEM dampers were to get out, so I bought Vibranators and left the stock ones in the stock bars. They are great, got rid of a lot of vibration.

 

I used alcohol as the instructions suggested as a lubricant (not Brandy, just normal rubbing alcohol!) and had no trouble getting the dampers out. The tabs make for a click lock, but as firm as they are normally, just keep an eye on them now and then and you'll probably be fine. Or get an aftermarket set.

I do recall needing to orient the cables as suggested. I have a 2013.



Also recommend a good set of adjustable dogleg levers.

 

I have broke many of Honda's locking tabs on various bikes. (they have been using them for a while) I have either done nothing or rubbed silicone on the rubber o-rings which also aided in re-install and never had a problem.

 

I installed the Spiegler bar kit on my 1200,and makes a big difference.Just another option for more comfort.