LSL handlebar/ risers conversion (04 VFR 800A)

Not sure exactly where to post this but this seems as good a place as any. I thought I would pass on my impressions of this German made riser/handlebar conversion. Basically the risers slide over the fork leg much the same as the stock clipons. They can therefore be adjusted just as the clipons can by sliding them up and down between the retaining ring and top triple clamp. No new cables or lines necessary. The conversion is fairly straightforward but a bit tedious due to the trial and error method of re-routing the cables and hoses. My conversion was complicated due to having to re-route the throttle cables from the throttle bodies back to the grip. All because the ABS unit necessitates routing the throttle cables with very tight tolerances. In order to gain the extra slack (an inch or two) needed the cables had to be routed along the frame on the left side. This meant removing the tank and left fairing panel to get at the throttle bodies. Not terribly difficult but time consuming.
The end result was worth it. The handlebar position is approx. 3 inches up and 3 inches back toward the rider. Those were the figures given to me by the company who imports and distributes these kits, Spiegler. Unfortunately, I do not have a working camera at the moment so I cannot provide any pics. The new handlebars are very comfortable and worth the $275.00 for the kit. Handling is improved as well as any pressure on my wrists and/or neck. I would heartily recommend this kit to anyone contemplating a handlebar change. I believe the cost is not that much more than the Helibars, which right now are backordered until the end of Sept. I know there are other options out there but they are even more expensive. For some of us older VFR owners, this kit is almost a necessity. It was for me as I am 63 with back and neck problems. Again, great kit with a great result.

 

Do you think that the bars are any wider than stock? I know that I can't go any higher with my Heli-bars without the master cylinder hitting the windscreen, if the bars were wider this might not be a problem. They look a little wider in Spiegler's picture.

LSL Superbike Handlebar Kits

How is the clearance? A little more bar height would be nice.

 

Bars are definitely wider than stock. I did have to angle the master cylinders down a bit to go to full lock, but not dramatically. The height is prolly at least 3 in. above stock. The flatter angle of the bars and width increase make countersteering a whole lot easier with better feel I think. If you look on you tube there is a video of an 07 VFR with the LSL Spiegler kit. The author of the video does state that there is very slight contact w the fairing at full lock, but there is give with the fairing that allows this. Besides, how often do you go to full lock anyway? The stock clipons don't really allow going to full lock because your knuckles hit the tank. The Spiegler kit is well worth the money and changes the whole feel of the bike. If u are going from a cruiser like I did, it feels like a much more natural placement of your arms, hands and neck. It is pretty close to a straight up standard bike ergos. Good luck whatever you choose. Works for me! Phil

 

Any idea if my throttlemesiter would be transferable?

 

It should be since the handlebar is 7/8 inch. However, you will have to install a new threaded insert to accept the throttlemeister. Basically the handlebar end is the same as the stock clipon bar, but w no threaded insert. Just about any bike shop will sell the threaded inserts. Should be o.k.

 

Hmm.. There's no threaded insert on my handlebars, I had to pull the stock insert out and put the Throttlemeister insert in to use the Throttlemeister.

I'll have to check the ID on my clipon's to make sure they are similar...

Thanks,
Dan

 

LSL Bars

I'm curious. How did you get the insert out? It looks to be pretty solidly in there. Heat the bar? Phil

 

There was vise grips and a hammer involved. But there are 2 or 3 little clips that you have to push in through the holes in the stock bar. then you rotate the insert so that the clips no longer line up with the hole. Then (theortically) you just pull the insert out by threading the bar end back onto it to give yourself something to pull with. In reality there's lots of swearing involved and some tools to try to get the thing moving...

 

in the video it was recommended to consider the higher handlebar (susperbike high bar) ...what bar did you use?

 

I used the bar that came with the kit (stock). But I did use a handlebar adaptor by ROX which fits in the clamp where the handlebar usually goes and rotates infinitely to put the bars exactly where you want them. The handlebar then mounts in the adaptor. I have no contact with the fairing or windshield and they turn full lock. Best mod I have made due to old neck surgery which limits my neck movement and allows me to sit bolt upright if I so choose. I do sometimes bend over the tank wnen riding aggressively. The ROX adaptor was easier than switching over the bars. I did route the throttle cables in front of the tank. All other cables and wires need no modification. http://ROXspeed

 

I'd love to see a pic of your risers installed. How much are you in to the complete modification? Email me at innflooring@aol.com. thanks