Some people are short, some are tall. The length of your legs and arms also come into play. Some newer bikes have built in bar risers. So many variables - thats why bar risers were invented. Some people will get it wrong and go too high with not just risers but taller handlebars too. In my case I was getting tired legs and back pain when standing so I installed risers - it made such a huge difference. I now stand up more and for longer and I enjoy the harder stuff as I am in more control.
Indeed. I’m 5’11. I have very short arms and legs and long body. When I sit down next to my 6’2 mate I can look clear over his head. Without risers I simply could not reach the bars comfortably even sitting down, let alone standing. Risers were an obvious choice from the outset on my Tenere. Simple geometry. It would have been crazy to ride without them and endure the pain and unsafe riding position for any longer than absolutely necessary. No doubt, everyone doesn’t need them, but some of us certainly do, because motorcycle manufacturers can’t make bikes fit every body shape out of the factory.
I havent watched the video (yet), but I’ve sensed this all or nothing-attitude in adv motorcycling lately, especially bar risers. «All risers are bad for everyone on every bike» seems to be the popular saying. Some like them, some dont, some need them, some dont. On my old v strom the bar risers were absolutely mandatory at 6’4, same with lowering the pegs.
Been riding 53 years now and at 65 years old I ride for fun I’ve put 10k on a goldwing and 52 hundred miles on a crf250l and ride a 400 exc KTM and a 250 China hawk this year . I love to ride any bike I can get my hands on from mopeds to big touring bikes .that being said comfort is key if you want bar risers or any other accessories to help you stay out there riding ! Stay safe out there and keep on riding . H.Karr
I'm 6'5, there's no way for me to get a firm grasp of the bars without bar risers or without bending over too much that my shoulders and back start to hurt and I lose stamina, or I bend my knees too much that I lose balance and control. It's fine for normal height people, but for anyone over 6'2/6'3 I'd say it's a must, no matter what anyone says. There's just too much space between you and the bars if you're tall, only way to bring em up is to raise them or lower the pegs, and lowering the pegs exposes them to the elements even further so the bars are the safest option.
Well, I think that's really complex. I'm 6'2 and don't use them. Obviously you're taller and we're discussing this without seeing each other ride but it's not black and white. Why do your shoulders and back hurt? Is it the bars being low, or could that be solved another way?
@@BrakeMagazine I think its cause I got really long legs, and for me to reach the bars I sort of have to hunch over, so that puts weight on my back(lower back mostly) and the shoulders from being in that position. It's not pain more of a sore/stiff feeling. I got a 800GS and the stock setup with the bars rotated up still isn't enough for me. I've tried adjusting my body position especially after watching pros and vids like your's, but it doesn't feel right or natrual and I compromise too much that in tough terrain it's hard to control the bike.
I'm also 6'5" and I ride a R1200GS Rallye without bar risers. The secret is to ride in a more aggressive position when riding offroad. Yes, your knees will be bent a little bit more than your buddy who seems to be standing comfortably. It's not about being comfortable, it's about riding aggressively standing up.
This discussion is golden about handlebar adjustments especially for off-road riding because it is so true about what you said about developing good skills with awkward body positioning that limits your best. Because when you do get everything setup correctly with the relationship of the foot pegs to the handlebars and a good seating position your ridding skills just got an extra boost and you bike is more pleasurable to ride. I found that sometimes slightly rotating the handlebars forward to raise the position of your handlebars is a better position for your body than bar risers that tilt your shoulders to far back toward another awkward position that causes less control of your bike. It is true some bikes need adjustments and some bikes need better handlebars or bar risers, and I loved this discussion on this topic you both did, keep the videos coming!
Thanks for the tips. I think its a good mention that the base riding form and position correction is learned first. This is good knowledge; and this really generates thought in otherrr items so much advertised as gotta haves, so we should question many items. Like steer stabilizers, foot pegs and in conjunction pedals as, many dont seem to notice these are now different, so its a related parts list.
Ah yes the age old hot button issue! I enjoyed having this conversation with you and Si separately and learned a lot. I am 1.91 m but I understand when you say someone of average height doesn’t need to get risers right at the start. I rode a stock 690 and had no issues but like the extra inch I put on my 990.
I think you have the right approach there. At 191cm you're super tall but also clearly have some feeling about the what and why of doing that. Did you lift your tiger bars?
Interesting video. After "some" 10k km of riding long distance tours I've come to some (personal) conclusions. At least with rgds to 2 bikes. Being 193cm I have over the course of the last few yrs mostly ridden large adventure bikes. Moderate offroad riding, or basic gravel and dirt (roads). Primarily long distance touring. The sort that will challenge all aspects on riding comfort. On my previous bike, a BMW R1200GSA I put Rox risers on. That massively improved riding comfort, while reducing arm, tendon/muscle stress, and made for more relaxed riding. Having tested other GSAs (without risers) I could not say they felt better to operate while on gravel/dirt. Quite the contrary actually. After a severe accident last year (finally back this spring) I bought a 2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventurte S. Had much the same issue as I did on the GSA. But here, it's clear that, whilst compared to the 2021 incarnation, KTM has made changes, also to handlebar position. Experimented a lot with sitting position, for days an hours. Finally chose a different set of risers that basically does the same thing as the Rox ones. They transformed riding (again). I won't say this is for everyone, or applies for everyone. But it certainly has helped in the two cases above, significantly. Some bikes may work straight off, but not for everyone. Although I've tried bikes where I feel things work better. In any event, am strictly speaking of my own experience. For the two bikes I've owned I would not have it any other way :)
I needed backers not risers. Unfortunately by design they always have a small rise with the back. So I’m stuck with 3/4 up to get my 7/8 back. Seems comfortable anyhow.
I can confirm that for example CRF250L range is good for standing at 187cm with mx boots. As this video suggests once you learn that position, tilt yourself a bit forward with balls of feet on pegs, you will notice more control specially in corners and you will know why that is a good position. Then if you want you get risers but know what position to get back into if front slips or terrain gets worse.
I had to get Bar risers on my bike, because I had changed my seat on the bike which was making me lean forward on the bike, causing my sciatica to play up whilst in the seated position, which was delibitating me after an hour of riding. Comfortable with both sitted and standing now. But great video, all opinions taken onboard
I have rox risers on my R1200GS, my main reason is to get the bars back closer to me that to get a rise. I am only starting to take the bike off road and not sure I have a compromised position for off road with the bars pulled back but it helps with neck and shoulder pain for long days on the road. I guess everything is a compromise but I will seek some help to try to determine if my off road position is correct for bike control. Great discussion.
I would suggest that it almost always compromises the control of the bike when riding off-road, but I can understand why you did it. :) if you want more advice and to go through technique, that's a huge part of our Patreon subscriber package. We produce How-To videos that mostly get shown on the Patreon and talk about technique, review videos of your own and so on!
Interesting!!! I've recently bought another GS ( 2015 ) and it came with bar risers on it. Instead of taking them off, I thought, heeerm I quite look and feel of them. At only 5ft 7 and 12 stone they feel really quite comfortable. The only slight draw is, the reach when pushing the bike around, but its not a big deal. I'd be interested in Your thoughts. ( I only ride on the road usually ) Thanks.... love ya vids ! Excellent 👌 Roj
I thought the subject was bar risers for adventure bikes, not whether it was good for enduro and motocross bikes. How many uses their adventure bike like an enduro bike? Pretty few i think, and if you do, maybe you havde the wrong bike for aggressive/active enduro riding? I'm 6.2 and i have risers on my adventure bike because i like to stand on my footpegs for hours and have really fun drifting around on gravel road in hig speed. For that i really like the risers, and they also work for medium single track as well. Of course not as well as my motorcross bike with no risers, but good enough.
I think you missed the point a bit. The conversation is about all of those fronts and technique doesn't really change between the three that much. Being in a more upright position trades control for comfort. That's the point, even if you are messing around on dirt roads.
Interesting. More than their height, I’m wondering about pulling the handlebars a little back. Already asked this question on your other handlebar video. Here it is again. Would you please comment on the right horizontal position of the bars? For instance, when sitting, I struggle reach full lock of the bars even with my arm fully extended and elbow locked, feels like I have to lean forward to reach. Is this sign enough that I would benefit from bringing the bars a little back? Thanks.
I have had bar risers on two of my three bikes (GS310 & DR650) and felt they were essential at 6'2". I am now on a CRF450RL - and can't imaging putting them on as the stock bar feels great. The next logical question is the cramped feeling of Dual Sport Riding where my knees are higher than my hips - do you feel lowering the pegs by 3/4" messes the geometry up as much as raising the handlebars? After a 500+ mile weekend, my knees are begging for help, but at what cost to riding do you think lowering foot pegs will mess up ergo's? TIA
This is a great example of good usage. Both the 310 and the DR are really low positions, to the point of being hard work for the type of riding you're using them for. In regards to footpegs, great question. When you lower the footpegs, you change the Moment they have. This means you will change the handling of the bike through the footpegs. Another really good option is to go with a high seat. I love them on a dirt bike. They really make it much easier ride, be comfortable and transition between siting and standing without negatively affecting the handling.
I'm 1.82 Meters (55yrs old-former pro adventure athlete) and I'm fine standing up on my Tiger 900 Rally Pro. The problem is, after a paragliding accident and surgery on my shoulder, wrist and back....I get pretty good PAIN in my shoulders mostly, after only 20 minutes of riding. I have to let my left hand off the handlebars and let is hang down as I'm riding. I get it even worse when I'm riding my mountain bike. So for me, I'm wondering if the 30mm risers (25 mm back) would help me. I do NOT get pain when riding my cruiser bike. I was afraid this would cause pain, but only riding 30 mins isn't acceptable. What do you think I should do ???
Thanks for putting this "philosophy of use" content out. 1.Get comfortable on the bike with a solid foundation of skills 2. Take a holistic approach after that as your riding improves through small incremental changes.
Absolutely agree with that philosophy. I try to use that myself, to use existing equipment until you find its deficiencies, then you know what you need/want out of a replacement. In the end, it's a big difference between, "I bought it because it was fancy and cool" and "I bought it because I found a specific need in my riding and this filled that need."
Was gonna comment... but this is it here. Don't change things until you're sure they won't work. Except for non-heated grips... change those for heated grips every time... LOL...
@@BrakeMagazine I Went green Laning for the first time ever yesterday on my new T700. I had rolled my bars forward, adjusted the controls and fitted some £30 eBay aluminium wr450f pegs and adjusted my suspension. At 6ft 2 standing position up felt great. I was convinced I would need bar risers, but these simple tweaks made the bike feel so much different. Thanks again for the advice!
That’s a very interesting topic and discussion. I put bar risers on my 2014 GSA pretty much soon after i bought it, and admittedly without going through the thought process your dad explained. I also noticed my middle back started aching on long rides. And I’m only 175cm tall. So i’m going to take them off and back to the drawing board. I’d been considering it anyway but your podcast just helped me make my mind up. Thanks
Guys .. at the end of one of Lel’s videos … He talked about his protective gear ! (Leatt protection, boots etc ) Please … I’d like to watch it a second time. Can anyone tell me which video features this section? Thanks
I've had the pleasure of witnessing someone at ORS asking Simon for bar risers... that's where I've seen that face at 5:15 before 😁 I put risers on my 1250, not for standing but for sitting because I was getting really sore shoulders after a long ride and felt like they were being pulled forward from where I naturally wanted to sit. Very interesting that it could be a limiting factor and actually, it didn't make any bloody difference to my shoulders so maybe I'll take them off again... 🤔
@@FFxF-rl6cl well my 790 adv R is pretty tall, the footpegs are way to higher than lowest point on mine skid plate, it could be a problem if you wanna scrape the knees on track day, but the bike isn't designed for that style of riding
Great video again👍 What would be good to see is photos of 3 people standing on a GS with no risers and good body position. A short person, average and a tall person. I'm short and got risers as the bars were simply too far away, resulting in me stretching forwards and having to 'lean/fall' on the bars rather than having a neutral position. I'll have another crack without and see how I go....
Interesting subject. I'm 6ft6 (198cm) and from a mountainbiking background so I realise the importance of geometry. I struggle to get comfortable as the taller I go with the bars, the closer they get to me. Would be good to expand the subject of offsetting them forward in the Roxx way to understand how that impacts handling. It's all a compromise and I know I have my bars rolled too far forward. Would be good to move the pegs a little and the bars a little so that one individual element isn't moved too drastically from standard.
We have "bike fit" practices to make custom adjustments to a bicycle (handlebar and seat). There are also apps to help you. Don't we have the same practices/references for improving motorcycle handlebar position?
Interesting topic and great discussion. A bike like a KTM Enduro is designed for an average height rider who is ready to race. If you’re taller than average and you’re not racing, then small bar risers make sense to increase rider comfort. For me at 6,2, they are essential (siting and standing). Without them I only last an hour then get a sore back and stop riding then end up at the Physio. With them on, I can ride all day and improve my skills. For older guys, comfort far outweighs the downside of bar risers.
I'm 6'2 and don't like them on the enduro. The high position changes the handling. Small risers are okay when standing but they make the front wheel wash when sat. I get the reach for comfort though. It can be pretty taxing to be mobile enough and fit enough to have a good standing position.
@@BrakeMagazine thanks for reply. Fitness is certainly a key factor. For me it’s a bit of a balancing act between comfort and handling. I find that if the bars are rotated too far forward (to make higher) then that makes the front end more twitchy than having small risers. Cheers
@@glossblack1098 It will indeed. It changes the angles of how force is applied to the bars and will result in what you're feeling. It might be worth, if you like bar risers, trying a slightly taller handlebar.
@@BrakeMagazine thanks for the tip. So will a new handle bar with a 1 inch higher rise actually be better than 1 inch bar risers on the lower bars?. I thought that these 2 scenarios would be exactly the same. But I think you are saying that higher bars won’t impact the handling as much as bar risers do ? Cheers
I've been struggling with this ever since I started riding gravel and offroad trails. When I stand it feels extremely uncomfortable and awkward. I find myself squatting and stooping uncomfortably low with knees so bent they fatigue within minutes. My angle of arm to handlebar is so sharp that I can't properly reach out my fingers to use the brakes. Its too far to reach them up at that angle. . It's even hard to use the foot brake when I stand. I don't have years and years of offroad riding so I have no idea if it's just me, or it's something to do with the setup of the bike. (Africa Twin DCT) I've never tried risers but I'm a bit afraid to in the event I'm doing something wrong. I'll be taking a full day course in the spring and perhaps I can consult the instructors on my handlebar position and whether I need risers, or if I just need to buck up and get stronger legs.
must be rather chilly there, considering the hats, I hope the weather will improve soon in UK :) anyways... thanks a lot, very useful content from you guys, I used to argue with my friend about the justification for bar risers quite a lot, now have some proper arguments to win the discussion btw great to see father and son being both so into offroad riding and component about the topic, I hope I will introduce my sons to step into this once they're old enough
I’ve got a KTM Super Adventure R 1290, and I’m 6’ 6”, I don’t want to raise the bars (as they are fine), but would like to lower the pegs, but think it’ll then snag side stand when down, any recommendations? Btw, met Simon on one of his schools years and years ago, top bloke!
Lowering them is a really good option and you really don't loose much ground clearance. 5-10mm has a big effect on riding position and small one on snagging.
You want to only stand up when needed - not all the time. Only for difficult sections. And when standing, you don't want to be straight up, knees locked. You need to be in the attack position. Bar risers are hurting the people that need the most help. Drives me nuts.
Difficult sections only? Except when you've been riding 40 miles on a rocky road and your ass hurts from the seat attacking your ass. Been riding 60 years, I'll ride how I want.
I'm going to say something pretty controversial here. I have a 2016 Africa Twin. The seated/standing position, as standard, is ok. However, if I'm being fussy (and I am) I would say the standard bars are too high seated and standing for riding aggressively (I'm 5'10" - 178cm). I'm probably going to get different bars. Before I do I'm going to rotate the risers forward and see if that feels better. My guess is they will be slightly better standing, but will feel like a big stretch forward and up seated. I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy a lower and flatter bar, to put me in more of a sportsbike position - leaning forward. I feel this will also make it MUCH easier to keep my weight forward when I'm standing and accelerating hard. I imagine this will be a lot more fatiguing when standing - especially as both my shoulders are knackered, but it should give me more control and radically reduce the possibility of 'whisky throttling' under acceleration. I've been adventure riding on and off for around 20 years, BUT I learned to ride road-riding and racing. I think I will always feel more comfortable with 'sportier' ergonomics. Anyway, I'm an advocate for doing things your own way, with what works for you. Always good to listen to the experts, but at the end of the day you have to do what is good for you. Thanks Llel and Simon, from Campbell in New Zealand.
Got a question. I just bought a 2017. Did you have to adjust your rebound and preload settings? The ride for me is spongy and the handle bars hurt my wrists after 10 minutes. Just bought risers that I plan to put on this weekend.
@@2wheeledsocialworker372 My opinion, for what it is worth is that the risers should take some weight off your wrists (Gosh , how tall are you?). If you dial out some of the softness by adding preload and compression, it will be a harsher ride and less comfortable on your hands. You need to balance control and comfort. I'm 5'10" and 100kg with my riding kit on. I find the AT quite controlled on standard suspension settings - However, my riding style is very 'pre-emptive'. That is I set up for corners early, brake a little AND a long way out from corners and all the way into the corner, scrubbing as little speed as possible. I tend to ride very aggressively, but super smoothly. If your hands are getting sore, are you holding on too tight?? I find over time I grip the bars tighter and tighter and regularly have to remind myself to relax my grip on the bars. Also, there are softer more comfortable grips available, those could help. Hope my rambling thoughts were helpful. BEST REGARDS, Cam from NZ :)
P.S - I did indeed buy flatter lower bars (ProTaper High YZ bars). They put your hands 20mm lower and 50-60mm further foraward. I think it has achieved a lot of what I was trying to do above, but need to do more testing. I do have a video up explaining the bars and also another riding in sand, which gave me some idea what they are like. Hopefully, once I'm out of this lockdown, I'll get some more riding in.
@@actstuntcam thanks, I appreciate every word. I’m 5’9, 178lbs. I may have to set it to the default settings. I purchased it used a few weeks ago and found a TH-cam video with settings around my weight. It helped some but made the ride more spongy. I’m going from sport bikes to this being my first adventure bike. It seems to sound funny at 5 and 6th gear. Though the dealer said it checks out, maybe I’m just use to the sport options. Starting to have buyers remorse.
@@2wheeledsocialworker372 It will seem spongy compared to a sports bike. You will get to trust it though. Adventure bikes turn very fast - just not in the same way sportbikes do. It is VERY easy to initiate a turn, they are sometimes a little reluctant mid-turn-in and then rush to the edge of the tyre (It can be disconcerting). Although it depends A LOT on the tyres you are running. I would go back to stock settings from the handbook and start there, to be honest. If you don't have a handbook, you will find a manual/handbook online. I found a PDF really quickly. Being smooth is the key. You can't rush up to a corner and mash the brakes like on a sports bike. However, you do want to brake positively to compress that first part of the stroke and remove that soft bouncy part of the stroke. As far as the engine sounding funny in 5th and 6th - I imagine you are experiencing the lugging you get at low revs. Sportsbikes are happy to run very low revs and accelerate smoothly - these big twins don't like it. Lugging won't hurt the motor (I believe) AND that tractor like engine characteristic is handy off-road in conditions where traction is a bit dicy. I really like my AT, and if you give yourself some time you should like it too. I've also owned an early model VStrom1000 from new and an almost new KTM950 Adventure. All great bikes, but I got the AT because I wanted something as good as my VStrom on road and as good as my KTM off-road. The AT is neither - BUT it does fit nicely between them... IMHO.
I,m 1.93(!) with long arms(and deep pockets to afford this hobby lol) i put them on my husky 450(1cm) and the crf300(more) .I also dropped the footrest mounts.You do give a little precise control but its a nightmare riding with your body in an arc with lower bars all day,plus the strain on the knees.
First "adventure bike" class I took years ago was sponsored by the local mc shop. The class started with an info session with the owner of the shop who went through various modifications you could make to your bike for going off-road. Things like skid plate, crash bars, bark busters, etc. He made it sound like bar risers were absolutely essential if you were going to stand on the bike at all. We all took turns standing on our bikes in the parking lot, on the center stand. Inevitably for ever single person there he'd go "Oh yeah, see how you can't reach the bars when you stand up? You definitely need a set of bar risers." What nonsense it is is to diagnose the need for risers in a parking lot before any of the students had even turned a wheel on gravel. I bet he sold a lot of risers that day though :P
It does, a little. I think if you understand the effect it's fine right. I wouldn't run one for tight riding because lower is defo better. For riding where a damper is required a slightly higher position is fine. If I'm rally or desert racing the trade off of higher bars isn't bad. If I'm riding a dirtbike in the woods it's not worth it.
this is interesting because I bought my KTM 1050 two years ago and the Pre-Owner already had Barriser mounted and I always asked people if it change in a better way to unmount it. But noone could give me a good answer... Therefor they are stil on and i do not know what it is like to ride it without (I am 1,84m)
I had a similar experience, but did eventually remove the risers. The lesson for me was that sitting bolt upright with arms extended forward is not a comfortable position for long road miles. Rotating forward a bit but not enough to weight the wrists is much better and lets your back curve into it's "sprung" position, way kinder to your spine. As a bonus, cornering control is better. Corollary is be realistic about your riding mix. Big ADV's are 99% road touring bikes for 99% of us, if that's you there's no point sacrificing seated comfort for standing ergos.
@@jaimemetcher388 I tried it back then last year and found out that without it is way better for me than with the Barriser. I do not know which bike you use but it looks like KTM already did great work in ergonomy. Without I have more control about the bike sitting and standing.
I might be wrong, so don't take my word for it. But if the Africa Twin has a 28mm handlebar, you might be able to change the handlebar supports with the 2016-2019 handlebar supports (non Adventure model) as they are shorter.
Listen to Chris Birch on Adventure Rider radio - He and Simon probably know a thing or two.. Of course there are exceptions (188cm plus on a DR650 for instance)
For sure there are exceptions. Some bikes don't have the correct geometry out of the box. Our V-Strom 650 Project is a good example of that, where risers were the best solution to the problems we had. :)
@@janra8653 I'm a bit confused 🤣 I get that handlebar risers are about ergonomics and that's kind of my point. Making them so that you can't have a good interaction with the bike matters a huge amount. Bring the bars too high and you alter all of that.
If you want sitting on an up right position chose a bike with a shorter gas tank for shorter reach like a motorcross bike not a adventure bike period 😂😂😂
Not all bar risers bring the bars closer to you. Infact the most popular ones allow the bars to be moved away from the rider. Maybe do some research on bar risers, squirt. My 3" Rox are primarily to get the bars further away from my 6'4" self. Also, why not get the best possible set up and then learn? All this you need this first is wrong and silly. Start with what fits your body best FIRST! Just common sense.
Some people are short, some are tall. The length of your legs and arms also come into play. Some newer bikes have built in bar risers. So many variables - thats why bar risers were invented. Some people will get it wrong and go too high with not just risers but taller handlebars too. In my case I was getting tired legs and back pain when standing so I installed risers - it made such a huge difference. I now stand up more and for longer and I enjoy the harder stuff as I am in more control.
Indeed. I’m 5’11. I have very short arms and legs and long body. When I sit down next to my 6’2 mate I can look clear over his head. Without risers I simply could not reach the bars comfortably even sitting down, let alone standing. Risers were an obvious choice from the outset on my Tenere. Simple geometry. It would have been crazy to ride without them and endure the pain and unsafe riding position for any longer than absolutely necessary. No doubt, everyone doesn’t need them, but some of us certainly do, because motorcycle manufacturers can’t make bikes fit every body shape out of the factory.
I havent watched the video (yet), but I’ve sensed this all or nothing-attitude in adv motorcycling lately, especially bar risers.
«All risers are bad for everyone on every bike» seems to be the popular saying. Some like them, some dont, some need them, some dont.
On my old v strom the bar risers were absolutely mandatory at 6’4, same with lowering the pegs.
Been riding 53 years now and at 65 years old I ride for fun I’ve put 10k on a goldwing and 52 hundred miles on a crf250l and ride a 400 exc KTM and a 250 China hawk this year . I love to ride any bike I can get my hands on from mopeds to big touring bikes .that being said comfort is key if you want bar risers or any other accessories to help you stay out there riding ! Stay safe out there and keep on riding . H.Karr
Great channel. Thanks for all the great information and reviews. After 20 years of being off dirtbikes . Back on a tenere 700 exploring canada.
Yes Gary!
I'm 6'5, there's no way for me to get a firm grasp of the bars without bar risers or without bending over too much that my shoulders and back start to hurt and I lose stamina, or I bend my knees too much that I lose balance and control. It's fine for normal height people, but for anyone over 6'2/6'3 I'd say it's a must, no matter what anyone says. There's just too much space between you and the bars if you're tall, only way to bring em up is to raise them or lower the pegs, and lowering the pegs exposes them to the elements even further so the bars are the safest option.
Well, I think that's really complex. I'm 6'2 and don't use them. Obviously you're taller and we're discussing this without seeing each other ride but it's not black and white.
Why do your shoulders and back hurt? Is it the bars being low, or could that be solved another way?
@@BrakeMagazine I think its cause I got really long legs, and for me to reach the bars I sort of have to hunch over, so that puts weight on my back(lower back mostly) and the shoulders from being in that position. It's not pain more of a sore/stiff feeling. I got a 800GS and the stock setup with the bars rotated up still isn't enough for me. I've tried adjusting my body position especially after watching pros and vids like your's, but it doesn't feel right or natrual and I compromise too much that in tough terrain it's hard to control the bike.
I'm also 6'5" and I ride a R1200GS Rallye without bar risers. The secret is to ride in a more aggressive position when riding offroad. Yes, your knees will be bent a little bit more than your buddy who seems to be standing comfortably. It's not about being comfortable, it's about riding aggressively standing up.
This discussion is golden about handlebar adjustments especially for off-road riding because it is so true about what you said about developing good skills with awkward body positioning that limits your best. Because when you do get everything setup correctly with the relationship of the foot pegs to the handlebars and a good seating position your ridding skills just got an extra boost and you bike is more pleasurable to ride. I found that sometimes slightly rotating the handlebars forward to raise the position of your handlebars is a better position for your body than bar risers that tilt your shoulders to far back toward another awkward position that causes less control of your bike. It is true some bikes need adjustments and some bikes need better handlebars or bar risers, and I loved this discussion on this topic you both did, keep the videos coming!
Thanks for the tips.
I think its a good mention that the base riding form and position correction is learned first.
This is good knowledge; and this really generates thought in otherrr items so much advertised as gotta haves, so we should question many items.
Like steer stabilizers, foot pegs and in conjunction pedals as, many dont seem to notice these are now different, so its a related parts list.
Exactly!
Ah yes the age old hot button issue! I enjoyed having this conversation with you and Si separately and learned a lot. I am 1.91 m but I understand when you say someone of average height doesn’t need to get risers right at the start. I rode a stock 690 and had no issues but like the extra inch I put on my 990.
I think you have the right approach there. At 191cm you're super tall but also clearly have some feeling about the what and why of doing that.
Did you lift your tiger bars?
I enjoyed your thoughts on the bar risers. Just bought a bike and they were installed already. I will be removing and giving it a go with out.
Interesting video. After "some" 10k km of riding long distance tours I've come to some (personal) conclusions. At least with rgds to 2 bikes.
Being 193cm I have over the course of the last few yrs mostly ridden large adventure bikes. Moderate offroad riding, or basic gravel and dirt (roads). Primarily long distance touring. The sort that will challenge all aspects on riding comfort. On my previous bike, a BMW R1200GSA I put Rox risers on. That massively improved riding comfort, while reducing arm, tendon/muscle stress, and made for more relaxed riding. Having tested other GSAs (without risers) I could not say they felt better to operate while on gravel/dirt. Quite the contrary actually.
After a severe accident last year (finally back this spring) I bought a 2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventurte S. Had much the same issue as I did on the GSA. But here, it's clear that, whilst compared to the 2021 incarnation, KTM has made changes, also to handlebar position. Experimented a lot with sitting position, for days an hours. Finally chose a different set of risers that basically does the same thing as the Rox ones. They transformed riding (again).
I won't say this is for everyone, or applies for everyone. But it certainly has helped in the two cases above, significantly. Some bikes may work straight off, but not for everyone. Although I've tried bikes where I feel things work better. In any event, am strictly speaking of my own experience. For the two bikes I've owned I would not have it any other way :)
I totally agree with your comment. My point of caution for people reading is how tall you are.
Thanks for watching!
I needed backers not risers. Unfortunately by design they always have a small rise with the back. So I’m stuck with 3/4 up to get my 7/8 back. Seems comfortable anyhow.
I can confirm that for example CRF250L range is good for standing at 187cm with mx boots. As this video suggests once you learn that position, tilt yourself a bit forward with balls of feet on pegs, you will notice more control specially in corners and you will know why that is a good position. Then if you want you get risers but know what position to get back into if front slips or terrain gets worse.
Exactly. 😁
I had to get Bar risers on my bike, because I had changed my seat on the bike which was making me lean forward on the bike, causing my sciatica to play up whilst in the seated position, which was delibitating me after an hour of riding. Comfortable with both sitted and standing now. But great video, all opinions taken onboard
I have rox risers on my R1200GS, my main reason is to get the bars back closer to me that to get a rise. I am only starting to take the bike off road and not sure I have a compromised position for off road with the bars pulled back but it helps with neck and shoulder pain for long days on the road. I guess everything is a compromise but I will seek some help to try to determine if my off road position is correct for bike control. Great discussion.
I would suggest that it almost always compromises the control of the bike when riding off-road, but I can understand why you did it. :)
if you want more advice and to go through technique, that's a huge part of our Patreon subscriber package. We produce How-To videos that mostly get shown on the Patreon and talk about technique, review videos of your own and so on!
Risers and lowering links. Often on the same bike....
Hate hate hate lowering links.
Interesting!!! I've recently bought another GS ( 2015 ) and it came with bar risers on it. Instead of taking them off, I thought, heeerm I quite look and feel of them. At only 5ft 7 and 12 stone they feel really quite comfortable. The only slight draw is, the reach when pushing the bike around, but its not a big deal. I'd be interested in Your thoughts.
( I only ride on the road usually )
Thanks.... love ya vids ! Excellent 👌
Roj
I'm 5' 7', I have Rox risers, I love them, I can put my bars right where I want them, MYOB.
Ditto ! Just posted a comment a couple of minutes ago 👍
How do you find it ?
@@RiojaRoj find what?
I thought the subject was bar risers for adventure bikes, not whether it was good for enduro and motocross bikes. How many uses their adventure bike like an enduro bike? Pretty few i think, and if you do, maybe you havde the wrong bike for aggressive/active enduro riding? I'm 6.2 and i have risers on my adventure bike because i like to stand on my footpegs for hours and have really fun drifting around on gravel road in hig speed. For that i really like the risers, and they also work for medium single track as well. Of course not as well as my motorcross bike with no risers, but good enough.
I think you missed the point a bit. The conversation is about all of those fronts and technique doesn't really change between the three that much.
Being in a more upright position trades control for comfort. That's the point, even if you are messing around on dirt roads.
Interesting. More than their height, I’m wondering about pulling the handlebars a little back. Already asked this question on your other handlebar video. Here it is again. Would you please comment on the right horizontal position of the bars? For instance, when sitting, I struggle reach full lock of the bars even with my arm fully extended and elbow locked, feels like I have to lean forward to reach. Is this sign enough that I would benefit from bringing the bars a little back? Thanks.
I have had bar risers on two of my three bikes (GS310 & DR650) and felt they were essential at 6'2". I am now on a CRF450RL - and can't imaging putting them on as the stock bar feels great. The next logical question is the cramped feeling of Dual Sport Riding where my knees are higher than my hips - do you feel lowering the pegs by 3/4" messes the geometry up as much as raising the handlebars? After a 500+ mile weekend, my knees are begging for help, but at what cost to riding do you think lowering foot pegs will mess up ergo's? TIA
This is a great example of good usage. Both the 310 and the DR are really low positions, to the point of being hard work for the type of riding you're using them for.
In regards to footpegs, great question. When you lower the footpegs, you change the Moment they have. This means you will change the handling of the bike through the footpegs. Another really good option is to go with a high seat. I love them on a dirt bike. They really make it much easier ride, be comfortable and transition between siting and standing without negatively affecting the handling.
I'm 1.82 Meters (55yrs old-former pro adventure athlete) and I'm fine standing up on my Tiger 900 Rally Pro. The problem is, after a paragliding accident and surgery on my shoulder, wrist and back....I get pretty good PAIN in my shoulders mostly, after only 20 minutes of riding. I have to let my left hand off the handlebars and let is hang down as I'm riding. I get it even worse when I'm riding my mountain bike. So for me, I'm wondering if the 30mm risers (25 mm back) would help me. I do NOT get pain when riding my cruiser bike. I was afraid this would cause pain, but only riding 30 mins isn't acceptable. What do you think I should do ???
Try it. Sometime you've got work around your body and so if the ideal position doesn't work then you'll want find something that does!
@@BrakeMagazine ok, good word. Thank you.
Thanks for putting this "philosophy of use" content out.
1.Get comfortable on the bike with a solid foundation of skills
2. Take a holistic approach after that as your riding improves through small incremental changes.
Absolutely agree with that philosophy. I try to use that myself, to use existing equipment until you find its deficiencies, then you know what you need/want out of a replacement. In the end, it's a big difference between, "I bought it because it was fancy and cool" and "I bought it because I found a specific need in my riding and this filled that need."
Both of these comments are A+. 🙂
@@BrakeMagazine Thanks, I would have fallen into the bar riser trap if not for this video.
Was gonna comment... but this is it here. Don't change things until you're sure they won't work. Except for non-heated grips... change those for heated grips every time... LOL...
@@BrakeMagazine I Went green Laning for the first time ever yesterday on my new T700. I had rolled my bars forward, adjusted the controls and fitted some £30 eBay aluminium wr450f pegs and adjusted my suspension. At 6ft 2 standing position up felt great. I was convinced I would need bar risers, but these simple tweaks made the bike feel so much different. Thanks again for the advice!
I Just purchased a Triumph Tiger rally and I am 6ft 6inc tall .... No risers for me I am old school motocross your Dad is Right !!
That’s a very interesting topic and discussion. I put bar risers on my 2014 GSA pretty much soon after i bought it, and admittedly without going through the thought process your dad explained. I also noticed my middle back started aching on long rides. And I’m only 175cm tall. So i’m going to take them off and back to the drawing board. I’d been considering it anyway but your podcast just helped me make my mind up. Thanks
How did taking them off turn out? I'm thinking about doing the same thing
Guys .. at the end of one of Lel’s videos … He talked about his protective gear ! (Leatt protection, boots etc )
Please … I’d like to watch it a second time. Can anyone tell me which video features this section? Thanks
I've had the pleasure of witnessing someone at ORS asking Simon for bar risers... that's where I've seen that face at 5:15 before 😁 I put risers on my 1250, not for standing but for sitting because I was getting really sore shoulders after a long ride and felt like they were being pulled forward from where I naturally wanted to sit. Very interesting that it could be a limiting factor and actually, it didn't make any bloody difference to my shoulders so maybe I'll take them off again... 🤔
I am almost 6 feet tall with longer legs, I lowered foot pegs 19 mm and I have great position now on mine KTM 790.... thnx V!
Does this eliminate 19mm of ground clearance though?
@@FFxF-rl6cl well my 790 adv R is pretty tall, the footpegs are way to higher than lowest point on mine skid plate, it could be a problem if you wanna scrape the knees on track day, but the bike isn't designed for that style of riding
Great video again👍 What would be good to see is photos of 3 people standing on a GS with no risers and good body position. A short person, average and a tall person. I'm short and got risers as the bars were simply too far away, resulting in me stretching forwards and having to 'lean/fall' on the bars rather than having a neutral position. I'll have another crack without and see how I go....
If you want you can send me a picture and I'll give you some pointers.
We made a super detailed video on riding position which might help too 🙂
Cheers. I'll dig it out and give it a watch again 👍
Interesting subject. I'm 6ft6 (198cm) and from a mountainbiking background so I realise the importance of geometry. I struggle to get comfortable as the taller I go with the bars, the closer they get to me. Would be good to expand the subject of offsetting them forward in the Roxx way to understand how that impacts handling. It's all a compromise and I know I have my bars rolled too far forward. Would be good to move the pegs a little and the bars a little so that one individual element isn't moved too drastically from standard.
You could do that, you can get pegs that can be moved back a little 10-20mm. I thought about doing that on my AT.
We have "bike fit" practices to make custom adjustments to a bicycle (handlebar and seat). There are also apps to help you. Don't we have the same practices/references for improving motorcycle handlebar position?
Interesting topic and great discussion. A bike like a KTM Enduro is designed for an average height rider who is ready to race. If you’re taller than average and you’re not racing, then small bar risers make sense to increase rider comfort. For me at 6,2, they are essential (siting and standing). Without them I only last an hour then get a sore back and stop riding then end up at the Physio. With them on, I can ride all day and improve my skills. For older guys, comfort far outweighs the downside of bar risers.
I'm 6'2 and don't like them on the enduro. The high position changes the handling. Small risers are okay when standing but they make the front wheel wash when sat.
I get the reach for comfort though. It can be pretty taxing to be mobile enough and fit enough to have a good standing position.
@@BrakeMagazine thanks for reply. Fitness is certainly a key factor. For me it’s a bit of a balancing act between comfort and handling. I find that if the bars are rotated too far forward (to make higher) then that makes the front end more twitchy than having small risers. Cheers
@@glossblack1098 It will indeed. It changes the angles of how force is applied to the bars and will result in what you're feeling.
It might be worth, if you like bar risers, trying a slightly taller handlebar.
@@BrakeMagazine thanks for the tip. So will a new handle bar with a 1 inch higher rise actually be better than 1 inch bar risers on the lower bars?. I thought that these 2 scenarios would be exactly the same. But I think you are saying that higher bars won’t impact the handling as much as bar risers do ? Cheers
Yes please..i need them !!
Period.
I've been struggling with this ever since I started riding gravel and offroad trails. When I stand it feels extremely uncomfortable and awkward. I find myself squatting and stooping uncomfortably low with knees so bent they fatigue within minutes. My angle of arm to handlebar is so sharp that I can't properly reach out my fingers to use the brakes. Its too far to reach them up at that angle. . It's even hard to use the foot brake when I stand. I don't have years and years of offroad riding so I have no idea if it's just me, or it's something to do with the setup of the bike. (Africa Twin DCT) I've never tried risers but I'm a bit afraid to in the event I'm doing something wrong. I'll be taking a full day course in the spring and perhaps I can consult the instructors on my handlebar position and whether I need risers, or if I just need to buck up and get stronger legs.
How tall are you? Have you watched any videos on correct standing position?
This was a great conversation to follow!!
must be rather chilly there, considering the hats, I hope the weather will improve soon in UK :)
anyways...
thanks a lot, very useful content from you guys, I used to argue with my friend about the justification for bar risers quite a lot, now have some proper arguments to win the discussion
btw
great to see father and son being both so into offroad riding and component about the topic, I hope I will introduce my sons to step into this once they're old enough
I’ve got a KTM Super Adventure R 1290, and I’m 6’ 6”, I don’t want to raise the bars (as they are fine), but would like to lower the pegs, but think it’ll then snag side stand when down, any recommendations? Btw, met Simon on one of his schools years and years ago, top bloke!
Lowering them is a really good option and you really don't loose much ground clearance. 5-10mm has a big effect on riding position and small one on snagging.
You want to only stand up when needed - not all the time. Only for difficult sections. And when standing, you don't want to be straight up, knees locked. You need to be in the attack position. Bar risers are hurting the people that need the most help. Drives me nuts.
I just watched YOUR V strom review where you installed risers. You, sir are full of Sh_t.
Some people need them & some don't.
Difficult sections only? Except when you've been riding 40 miles on a rocky road and your ass hurts from the seat attacking your ass. Been riding 60 years, I'll ride how I want.
I'm going to say something pretty controversial here. I have a 2016 Africa Twin. The seated/standing position, as standard, is ok. However, if I'm being fussy (and I am) I would say the standard bars are too high seated and standing for riding aggressively (I'm 5'10" - 178cm). I'm probably going to get different bars. Before I do I'm going to rotate the risers forward and see if that feels better. My guess is they will be slightly better standing, but will feel like a big stretch forward and up seated. I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy a lower and flatter bar, to put me in more of a sportsbike position - leaning forward. I feel this will also make it MUCH easier to keep my weight forward when I'm standing and accelerating hard. I imagine this will be a lot more fatiguing when standing - especially as both my shoulders are knackered, but it should give me more control and radically reduce the possibility of 'whisky throttling' under acceleration. I've been adventure riding on and off for around 20 years, BUT I learned to ride road-riding and racing. I think I will always feel more comfortable with 'sportier' ergonomics. Anyway, I'm an advocate for doing things your own way, with what works for you. Always good to listen to the experts, but at the end of the day you have to do what is good for you. Thanks Llel and Simon, from Campbell in New Zealand.
Got a question. I just bought a 2017. Did you have to adjust your rebound and preload settings? The ride for me is spongy and the handle bars hurt my wrists after 10 minutes. Just bought risers that I plan to put on this weekend.
@@2wheeledsocialworker372 My opinion, for what it is worth is that the risers should take some weight off your wrists (Gosh , how tall are you?). If you dial out some of the softness by adding preload and compression, it will be a harsher ride and less comfortable on your hands. You need to balance control and comfort. I'm 5'10" and 100kg with my riding kit on. I find the AT quite controlled on standard suspension settings - However, my riding style is very 'pre-emptive'. That is I set up for corners early, brake a little AND a long way out from corners and all the way into the corner, scrubbing as little speed as possible. I tend to ride very aggressively, but super smoothly. If your hands are getting sore, are you holding on too tight?? I find over time I grip the bars tighter and tighter and regularly have to remind myself to relax my grip on the bars. Also, there are softer more comfortable grips available, those could help. Hope my rambling thoughts were helpful. BEST REGARDS, Cam from NZ :)
P.S - I did indeed buy flatter lower bars (ProTaper High YZ bars). They put your hands 20mm lower and 50-60mm further foraward. I think it has achieved a lot of what I was trying to do above, but need to do more testing. I do have a video up explaining the bars and also another riding in sand, which gave me some idea what they are like. Hopefully, once I'm out of this lockdown, I'll get some more riding in.
@@actstuntcam thanks, I appreciate every word. I’m 5’9, 178lbs. I may have to set it to the default settings. I purchased it used a few weeks ago and found a TH-cam video with settings around my weight. It helped some but made the ride more spongy. I’m going from sport bikes to this being my first adventure bike. It seems to sound funny at 5 and 6th gear. Though the dealer said it checks out, maybe I’m just use to the sport options. Starting to have buyers remorse.
@@2wheeledsocialworker372 It will seem spongy compared to a sports bike. You will get to trust it though. Adventure bikes turn very fast - just not in the same way sportbikes do. It is VERY easy to initiate a turn, they are sometimes a little reluctant mid-turn-in and then rush to the edge of the tyre (It can be disconcerting). Although it depends A LOT on the tyres you are running. I would go back to stock settings from the handbook and start there, to be honest. If you don't have a handbook, you will find a manual/handbook online. I found a PDF really quickly. Being smooth is the key. You can't rush up to a corner and mash the brakes like on a sports bike. However, you do want to brake positively to compress that first part of the stroke and remove that soft bouncy part of the stroke. As far as the engine sounding funny in 5th and 6th - I imagine you are experiencing the lugging you get at low revs. Sportsbikes are happy to run very low revs and accelerate smoothly - these big twins don't like it. Lugging won't hurt the motor (I believe) AND that tractor like engine characteristic is handy off-road in conditions where traction is a bit dicy. I really like my AT, and if you give yourself some time you should like it too. I've also owned an early model VStrom1000 from new and an almost new KTM950 Adventure. All great bikes, but I got the AT because I wanted something as good as my VStrom on road and as good as my KTM off-road. The AT is neither - BUT it does fit nicely between them... IMHO.
I,m 1.93(!) with long arms(and deep pockets to afford this hobby lol) i put them on my husky 450(1cm) and the crf300(more) .I also dropped the footrest mounts.You do give a little precise control but its a nightmare riding with your body in an arc with lower bars all day,plus the strain on the knees.
Totally acceptable!
@@BrakeMagazine Thanks, always enjoyed your good advice and channel!I hope to have a fe350 in the next couple of months😀
First "adventure bike" class I took years ago was sponsored by the local mc shop. The class started with an info session with the owner of the shop who went through various modifications you could make to your bike for going off-road. Things like skid plate, crash bars, bark busters, etc. He made it sound like bar risers were absolutely essential if you were going to stand on the bike at all. We all took turns standing on our bikes in the parking lot, on the center stand. Inevitably for ever single person there he'd go "Oh yeah, see how you can't reach the bars when you stand up? You definitely need a set of bar risers." What nonsense it is is to diagnose the need for risers in a parking lot before any of the students had even turned a wheel on gravel. I bet he sold a lot of risers that day though :P
I bet he did. No one stands well for a long time in a car park 🤣
How about a Scott Damper mounted under the bars? It raises them a bit...
It does, a little. I think if you understand the effect it's fine right.
I wouldn't run one for tight riding because lower is defo better. For riding where a damper is required a slightly higher position is fine.
If I'm rally or desert racing the trade off of higher bars isn't bad. If I'm riding a dirtbike in the woods it's not worth it.
@@BrakeMagazine Thank you :)
So where can one find a picture of what the "correct" position is? Is there such a thing?
So....
Try a different bar style before risers?
I can dig that.
Simon correctly answered the question in the first three minutes.
this is interesting because I bought my KTM 1050 two years ago and the Pre-Owner already had Barriser mounted and I always asked people if it change in a better way to unmount it. But noone could give me a good answer... Therefor they are stil on and i do not know what it is like to ride it without (I am 1,84m)
Try it for a few rides and see how it feels. 🙂
I had a similar experience, but did eventually remove the risers. The lesson for me was that sitting bolt upright with arms extended forward is not a comfortable position for long road miles. Rotating forward a bit but not enough to weight the wrists is much better and lets your back curve into it's "sprung" position, way kinder to your spine. As a bonus, cornering control is better.
Corollary is be realistic about your riding mix. Big ADV's are 99% road touring bikes for 99% of us, if that's you there's no point sacrificing seated comfort for standing ergos.
@@jaimemetcher388 I tried it back then last year and found out that without it is way better for me than with the Barriser. I do not know which bike you use but it looks like KTM already did great work in ergonomy. Without I have more control about the bike sitting and standing.
Some riders need them some don’t.
I just realised that you are actually a son of The Simon Pavey. So cool ;)
The new Africa twin feels like it has risers from the factory and you can’t buy lowerers. It’s 100% the main reason I’m selling mine.
I might be wrong, so don't take my word for it. But if the Africa Twin has a 28mm handlebar, you might be able to change the handlebar supports with the 2016-2019 handlebar supports (non Adventure model) as they are shorter.
@@balazsszekely1506 my worry with trying to lower them is that they will foul the fairings hard as the hand guards already touch occasionally.
Listen to Chris Birch on Adventure Rider radio - He and Simon probably know a thing or two.. Of course there are exceptions (188cm plus on a DR650 for instance)
For sure there are exceptions. Some bikes don't have the correct geometry out of the box. Our V-Strom 650 Project is a good example of that, where risers were the best solution to the problems we had.
:)
"No." Hm.., what a short video.
Let me guess... The answer is no
Now let's see what the pros say
That is a nonsense question.
We are all different shaped, running different bikes.
Riding in different environments...
🙄
Clickbait title, but the conversation is good.
Does that change how we operate a bike and what good technique is?
@@BrakeMagazine It's about ergonomics.
@@janra8653 I'm a bit confused 🤣 I get that handlebar risers are about ergonomics and that's kind of my point. Making them so that you can't have a good interaction with the bike matters a huge amount.
Bring the bars too high and you alter all of that.
@@BrakeMagazine now I'm also confused, I want to adjust my riding position that works for me.
What is your problem?
Never afraid of addressing the controversial questions of the day.... Bar riser: just say no!
🤣🤣
If you want sitting on an up right position chose a bike with a shorter gas tank for shorter reach like a motorcross bike not a adventure bike period 😂😂😂
Only tall people know the struggle.
I'm 5' 7", I have Rox risers and I love them, been riding 60 years, they are more comfortable for me
Not all bar risers bring the bars closer to you. Infact the most popular ones allow the bars to be moved away from the rider. Maybe do some research on bar risers, squirt. My 3" Rox are primarily to get the bars further away from my 6'4" self. Also, why not get the best possible set up and then learn? All this you need this first is wrong and silly. Start with what fits your body best FIRST! Just common sense.
Maybe don't call people squirt. It's a bit demeaning 😂