A typically great report; thank you for sharing it. Every time that I added risers to my bike, it was for the purpose of creating more bend in my arms. Always felt more comfortable on long hauls if my arms had a decent bend at the elbows. And if the stock brake lines were limiting in length, I replaced them with longer steel braided ones. I prefer steel braided brake lines on my bike anyway.
Thanks Mr. Solitude! It's weird. I've now moved the bars closer to me and I'm finding my reach is still the same? I seem to be adjusting my riding position to keep my arms outstretched. The real test will be a longer ride, I'll do that soon.
I've got the same bike and just fitted risers. I'm 178cm tall but like the more upright posi. Like you, I rolled the bars forward but couldn't quote get comfortable without risers. The handling is much improved. I live in Buninyong and also ride with the local Ulysses, might bump into you someday.
You did a great job. Finally what is the most important is, that you found the position that works for you. Great. Drop by bro, when you have time. Have some new test rides for you. :) Keep up.
If it was myself I'd run this all past a respected,experienced, qualified mechanic to see if it was feasible and to get an idea of the cost. I couldn't do it myself, especially when it came to replacing cables or brake hoses.I've always liked the riser bars on bikes like the Enfield GT and the Triumph equivalent. One of the best set ups I ever saw for touring was the 750 Laverda GT with that massive drum brake. Magnificent. Obsession with research,development for an Italian humvee sent the company broke.
Good video, did the same thing, added risers 1.5” up and .5” forward, same problem with brake line, then decided to add more hight, so changed , brake line( custom from Hel performance 24” line) , new throttle and clutch cable from Venhill, new adventure ProTaper Evo handlebar 6”, converted my naked bike to naked touring 😂, very comfortable rides, I can move back and forth on the seat. Bike looks different but worth $8k upgrade to adventure bike that I had to upgrade again!!
Nice review, sir! I have a long torso, short arms, and arthritis in my spine (and hands, feet, hips, etc). There is not a bike on earth with handlebars in the proper location for comfortable long-cruising for me, and my hands used to go dead numb after just 30 or 40 miles. I ride a V Star 1300 (aka Midnight Star) which has the dash bridging over the clamps, greatly limiting my choices of risers. Thankfully, I was able to use a set of Royal Star Tour Deluxe bars, which has a bit more rise, a lot more pullback, and a slightly different grip angle. Rolled slightly back and combined with some Avon grips, I now have a more "laid back" riding position, my hands don't go numb before I'm ready for fuel, and my back is much happier. If more motorcyclists knew how dramatically the proper bar rise and pullback could improve their experience, I think the bikes on the used market would have a lot more miles on the odos!
Thanks Noah totally agree. This is the first bike I've made put risers on, but have changed handlebars in the past. I wish I'd done this sooner and on past bikes now. My Vulcan 1700 Vaquero could of used risers or bars that place the grips higher and closer to me. I used to get sore shoulders on longer rides because I was reaching down and away from me.
I bought Helibars for my bike. 1 inch up and 1 inch back since my arms aren't as long as yours (probably) and they helped greatly with back and shoulder pain.
Good work. I run my risers up and closer as my issue was the forward lean, not so much the height. With up and out (like you've done so far) it seems you've made the reach longer (shorter a bit by being higher, something about trigonometry) but longer more for being further away. But the scientific approach will get you where you need to be. When I did mine, I damaged the brake cube by letting the wires be pulled too much. Warranty but hassle. The dealership[ straightened everything out after my shade tree work. My feeling is you'd be best served with up and in or at worst just straight up. Time will tell. I find my up and in has changed the steering feel slightly, but not unsafely.
Ok great! Thanks for the detailed feedback Scott. Yes it's amazing, I thought I would feel more of a reach in the forward position. I've now got them in the closer to rider position, managed to do it without putting too much stress on the brake cable... hopefully! I think you might be right about the up and in being better. What symptoms did you have when you damaged the brake cube? Just so I know what to look out for.
@@BikesILike Actually I misspoke - it was the clutch cube, not the brake, and I broke the sensor that senses the clutch being in, and since I own a triumph, it won't start unless the engine thinks the clutch is in. Pulled a wire likely. I think I did it by accidentally letting the bars hang on the clutch cable for a moment. The shop completed my install of the risers when they replaced the clutch cube. My challenge on the Triumph was too short cables, as you pointed out by maybe having to move yours in front of the thingy. I now believe one must adjust the cables from end to end - meaning you can't just deal with the bars, you have to start at the other end and create slack up top. Or just pay the dealer $75 in shop labor. I ended up paying a tow and the $75! But I would do it again - it is night and day for comfort. I'm 6'3".
Just yesterday, I was out for a spin, and I sat back with my butt against the slight rise on the seat, and even with an inch closer risers and having long arms, I was still reaching for the bars. Who do they think is sitting there? Orangutans?
Half the fun of owning a motorbike is the tinkering to fine tune it too your exact requirements. I have been thinking of fitting bar risers to my BMW and have a similar problem with the clutch hose, which is a tad too short. Hornig in Germany do some neat extension pieces for clutch and Brake lines which fit at the reservoir end and don't look out of place. They add around an inch or two, you would have to check if they would fit the Honda, as they are sold as a BMW accessory. I did also find another site, which sells extension hoses to add up to 100mm and I think they can be ordered to be bike specific. Can't remember the site off hand, but if one company does it I am sure there will be many others. Message me if you would like the details.
Hel performance , they do brake lines, they can do custom orders, they probably have your bikes break line information, just have to tell them which line and how long, they will make it for you, it is not that expensive! Your current brake adjustment works for only that position, any higher position won’t work.
Makes a big difference John. I've never felt the need on bikes I've owned in the past but a lot bikes I'm trying lately has me feeling I need to adjust handlebar positions. I wonder if there has been a shift in design over the years? Or maybe I'm just getting older and less tolerant. 😁
With the mirrors coming in 25mm, how was the rear view, they look to be a good size. I have to pull my elbow and shoulder in to get a clear view on my small stock mirrors, this gets a bit annoying in traffic.
Glad it's more comfortable, wondering how it if it will affect handling when you move them back towards you, cause (for me) it would probably be more comfortable. (moving pretty fast down that dirt road! I kept pumping my foot break like my wife does when I drive! LOL
I've just moved the bars back, will start test riding that position soon. LOL I did come into that first turn a little too hot. Bike was squirming around and breaking traction as I was trying to wash off speed. I was riding too relaxed on an unfamiliar road and surface.
Hopefully Honda actually bring it to Australia! Massive market they are not hitting! Look at Royal Enfield. There is also a nostalgia from people in the past who have owned any CB
Another good and informative video Looking forward to the update,And I loved the scenery of your bike ride,gotta love central Victoria
Thanks Ross!
A typically great report; thank you for sharing it. Every time that I added risers to my bike, it was for the purpose of creating more bend in my arms. Always felt more comfortable on long hauls if my arms had a decent bend at the elbows. And if the stock brake lines were limiting in length, I replaced them with longer steel braided ones. I prefer steel braided brake lines on my bike anyway.
Thanks Mr. Solitude! It's weird. I've now moved the bars closer to me and I'm finding my reach is still the same? I seem to be adjusting my riding position to keep my arms outstretched. The real test will be a longer ride, I'll do that soon.
I've got the same bike and just fitted risers. I'm 178cm tall but like the more upright posi. Like you, I rolled the bars forward but couldn't quote get comfortable without risers. The handling is much improved. I live in Buninyong and also ride with the local Ulysses, might bump into you someday.
You did a great job. Finally what is the most important is, that you found the position that works for you. Great. Drop by bro, when you have time. Have some new test rides for you. :) Keep up.
If it was myself I'd run this all past a respected,experienced, qualified mechanic to see if it was feasible and to get an idea of the cost. I couldn't do it myself, especially when it came to replacing cables or brake hoses.I've always liked the riser bars on bikes like the Enfield GT and the Triumph equivalent. One of the best set ups I ever saw for touring was the 750 Laverda GT with that massive drum brake. Magnificent. Obsession with research,development for an Italian humvee sent the company broke.
Good video, did the same thing, added risers 1.5” up and .5” forward, same problem with brake line, then decided to add more hight, so changed , brake line( custom from Hel performance 24” line) , new throttle and clutch cable from Venhill, new adventure ProTaper Evo handlebar 6”, converted my naked bike to naked touring 😂, very comfortable rides, I can move back and forth on the seat. Bike looks different but worth $8k upgrade to adventure bike that I had to upgrade again!!
Nice review, sir! I have a long torso, short arms, and arthritis in my spine (and hands, feet, hips, etc). There is not a bike on earth with handlebars in the proper location for comfortable long-cruising for me, and my hands used to go dead numb after just 30 or 40 miles. I ride a V Star 1300 (aka Midnight Star) which has the dash bridging over the clamps, greatly limiting my choices of risers. Thankfully, I was able to use a set of Royal Star Tour Deluxe bars, which has a bit more rise, a lot more pullback, and a slightly different grip angle. Rolled slightly back and combined with some Avon grips, I now have a more "laid back" riding position, my hands don't go numb before I'm ready for fuel, and my back is much happier. If more motorcyclists knew how dramatically the proper bar rise and pullback could improve their experience, I think the bikes on the used market would have a lot more miles on the odos!
I absolutely agree with you. Up and back is what helps me to keep riding in geezerhood.
Thanks Noah totally agree. This is the first bike I've made put risers on, but have changed handlebars in the past. I wish I'd done this sooner and on past bikes now. My Vulcan 1700 Vaquero could of used risers or bars that place the grips higher and closer to me. I used to get sore shoulders on longer rides because I was reaching down and away from me.
I bought Helibars for my bike. 1 inch up and 1 inch back since my arms aren't as long as yours (probably) and they helped greatly with back and shoulder pain.
Ok cool! I did think about bars but couldn't find a place they had specific measurements. I'll check out Helibars.
Good work. I run my risers up and closer as my issue was the forward lean, not so much the height. With up and out (like you've done so far) it seems you've made the reach longer (shorter a bit by being higher, something about trigonometry) but longer more for being further away. But the scientific approach will get you where you need to be. When I did mine, I damaged the brake cube by letting the wires be pulled too much. Warranty but hassle. The dealership[ straightened everything out after my shade tree work. My feeling is you'd be best served with up and in or at worst just straight up. Time will tell. I find my up and in has changed the steering feel slightly, but not unsafely.
Ok great! Thanks for the detailed feedback Scott. Yes it's amazing, I thought I would feel more of a reach in the forward position. I've now got them in the closer to rider position, managed to do it without putting too much stress on the brake cable... hopefully! I think you might be right about the up and in being better. What symptoms did you have when you damaged the brake cube? Just so I know what to look out for.
@@BikesILike Actually I misspoke - it was the clutch cube, not the brake, and I broke the sensor that senses the clutch being in, and since I own a triumph, it won't start unless the engine thinks the clutch is in. Pulled a wire likely. I think I did it by accidentally letting the bars hang on the clutch cable for a moment. The shop completed my install of the risers when they replaced the clutch cube. My challenge on the Triumph was too short cables, as you pointed out by maybe having to move yours in front of the thingy. I now believe one must adjust the cables from end to end - meaning you can't just deal with the bars, you have to start at the other end and create slack up top. Or just pay the dealer $75 in shop labor. I ended up paying a tow and the $75! But I would do it again - it is night and day for comfort. I'm 6'3".
Just yesterday, I was out for a spin, and I sat back with my butt against the slight rise on the seat, and even with an inch closer risers and having long arms, I was still reaching for the bars. Who do they think is sitting there? Orangutans?
Half the fun of owning a motorbike is the tinkering to fine tune it too your exact requirements. I have been thinking of fitting bar risers to my BMW and have a similar problem with the clutch hose, which is a tad too short. Hornig in Germany do some neat extension pieces for clutch and Brake lines which fit at the reservoir end and don't look out of place. They add around an inch or two, you would have to check if they would fit the Honda, as they are sold as a BMW accessory. I did also find another site, which sells extension hoses to add up to 100mm and I think they can be ordered to be bike specific. Can't remember the site off hand, but if one company does it I am sure there will be many others. Message me if you would like the details.
Thanks for the tip Philip!
Hel performance , they do brake lines, they can do custom orders, they probably have your bikes break line information, just have to tell them which line and how long, they will make it for you, it is not that expensive! Your current brake adjustment works for only that position, any higher position won’t work.
Ok great! Thanks for the info H S
Very interesting. I have never done risers, those look pretty nice.
Makes a big difference John. I've never felt the need on bikes I've owned in the past but a lot bikes I'm trying lately has me feeling I need to adjust handlebar positions. I wonder if there has been a shift in design over the years? Or maybe I'm just getting older and less tolerant. 😁
It works, it works. For those who need it, it is perfect. :) Drop by, if have time. You may like it.
muy buen video explicando con detalles las pequeñas modificaciones, me gusta. Y preciosas vistas de la ruta,
¡Muchos gracias!
With the mirrors coming in 25mm, how was the rear view, they look to be a good size. I have to pull my elbow and shoulder in to get a clear view on my small stock mirrors, this gets a bit annoying in traffic.
Actually fine! I did readjust them and I haven't noticed any difference really.
I always get frustrated by the cable length issues because they always seem to be too short for the bar height and bend I want.
Yeah there's not a lot of room to play with Flat Cap
Glad it's more comfortable, wondering how it if it will affect handling when you move them back towards you, cause (for me) it would probably be more comfortable.
(moving pretty fast down that dirt road! I kept pumping my foot break like my wife does when I drive! LOL
I've just moved the bars back, will start test riding that position soon. LOL I did come into that first turn a little too hot. Bike was squirming around and breaking traction as I was trying to wash off speed. I was riding too relaxed on an unfamiliar road and surface.
What’s your thoughts on the new honda cb350/gb350
Great little bike! I just wish it was available in more markets.
Hopefully Honda actually bring it to Australia! Massive market they are not hitting! Look at Royal Enfield. There is also a nostalgia from people in the past who have owned any CB
@@_S.E.J_ I agree 100%. For Honda to be able to sell it here it would need to have dual channel ABS fitted as standard (front and rear).
What helmet do you wear?
Shoei GT AIR
@@BikesILike thanks!
You're welcome Summer.
Hi - what is your height?
Sorry I should've mentioned that in the video. I'm 6'1" (185 cm).