Did the same in the spring, numb fingers and so on. Took them out after a wile and it was better, seriously believe that more training with stability in the back of the shoulders would help. And there is something strange with the bars, don’t know what it is yet but I’m investigating it
Yeah my hands would sort of go numb to begin with too, then just went to really bad wrist pain. The risers and sitting much closer to the tank have really helped me!
@@SwankyCatProductions I’m looking in some bars, think that’s the way to go. Something is wrong with stock, but need some expert help 😂 But my thumb, index and middle gets totally numb. Coming from sport bikes before and that’s works great, latest before t7 was a mt10 and was really bad comfort. Sport bikes was a lot better, thinks it all comes down to bad posture and weak rotator cuff, stiff chest and stiff lattissimus. Or I’m just totally fucked up that thinks sports bikes are a comfortable touring bike. Wrist pain seems to be something that’s gone to far. God idea to get bars back, that’s the feeling I’ve got I the spring. Road it for 1,5 month, and switched back. Now sort of fine but not god
Yes, something I can't put my finger on either. I think its the sweep. But like others have said, it seems pain is only from stitting static when doing long road stretches, I find no issue when standing offroad and moving around. For me I think if I get a throttle lock and or cruise control I can get rid of the pain from sitting static on the road.
Thanks, I was wondering what was bothering me because it seems perfectly comfortable on first sit, also your size. I picked up my 700 Thanksgiving day and have noticed my wrists are aching and can't figure out why. I figured it was other work I was doing and or the angle but maybe this is the key. When in action and standing its no issue but sitting static starts to hurt. I also noticed the throttle spring is stiffer than I have seen before, my hand gets tired of holding it. I saw a post about a guy that put in a lighter spring. I would kill for real cruise control, have been looking at the unit from mccruise in Austraila, its not crazy expensive but also just ordered a cheap throttle lock to experiment with. Ordered the Koako knock off for $30.
I actually ended up going with a bar that has more sweep after trying these for a while. Totally fixed the wrist pain 100% where the risers just helped.
These bars don't look like they have enough sweep which would put your wrists in a more natural position.. Another bar option may be a better alternative.
Sometimes I wonder if there is a secret Neanderthal engineering firm out there designing for their genetically long arms. So many people complaining of uncomfortably long reached on Dual sport/Adv bikes and the weight of bikes is crazy. I think maybe they have started designing riding gear for these extinct riders too. I recently bought a mesh riding jacket that felt as though I could scratch my knees without bending. I felt like a freak as my arms needed to be 10-12 inches longer for the thing to fit, unless it was a custom jacket that got shipped incorrectly the only thing I could think of was Neanderthal design group.
I can’t solve the wind noise issues with my height. This is a big complaint in the 5’7” or so crowd - with -34db earplugs my ears are still ringing 1.5 days after riding. It really makes me regret buying the bike.
Im 5'10 just installed the lower windshield from powerbronze. 210mm instead of stock. Took it for a trip. Did 600km and it was less noisy. My head is not bouncing around anymore. I wonder if I should have gotten a larger shield, or an add on deflector, and/or changed the side sheilds instead. Im not sure where the wind problems originate. I hope this will help in your quest. Update me if you get a better setup / solve the issue. Cheers!
@@jeffloucks2120 Windshield height adjuster and the big wind deflectors from Power Bronze. I’ve talked to a lot of riders about this and it seems like a 5’5”-5’9” issue mostly. I talked to the physicist from Cal Scientific who explained it. Basically it needs to be wider, have ventilation at the bottom and be angled at the top.
Your posture on the bike is definitely improved with the risers. You can see the slump in your back is corrected right away. That should help all sorts of things really, lol. I think this winter I'll likely put a set on the KLR. Maybe sooner before my trip for the year.
I had the same sore wrist issues with mine. Solved it by installing similar offset risers as you have done and a new bar with a bit more sweep. Did not need the rise but having it closer and wrists in a more natural position is so much better.
Mark, did you use the Rox offset risers? They can go up and back 1" each I believe. Personally I don't want them any higher (have a short torso) so kind of holding off.
@@jeffloucks2120 I used a $20 ebay knock off Rox offset riser similar to the ones swanky Cat has used. Just wanted to try them before splashing out on the real things. I tried normal risers but did not like them. Now running the same offset riser and a Pro-taper Contour Wyndham Mid bar. The bar is almost the same as the stock but has a bit more sweep and has made a big difference for me.
Unless they changed something with the stock bars a 1.5 inch rise should be no problem. If I tilt my bars to far back the cables are tight but other than that there's enough slack.
I tried the 2” and I found I’d have to take all the cables out of their guides etc so I sent them back. I may try these 1.5’s myself. I have an artificial left shoulder and the stock placement is hard on me.
How does your lower back feel after a long ride? I’m here at RevZilla’s ADV Fest in South Dakota, logging some miles on my T7, and looking at your before/after Picts makes me think I need these.
I rode a bone stock T7 300 Miles on the ADV Fest trail rides! Absolute blast! I did the risers right when I got home, and Im just installing the touring seat from Seat Concepts- Cant wait to try it out this spring!
@@SwankyCatProductions , i just try and is the brake Line the problem , the max you can install with stock brake Line is 1,5 like you , i see you change the bars do you leave tour Riser with the New bar 🤔
A pair of Fastflex bars is the path I am going to try out, they are expensive but most likely your pain is coming from the shock your wrists are take riding off road and then editing your videos afterwards. The shape of the each pair of handlebars can make a difference as well.
Huh... Yeah I suppose being in a bad position and then being banged around isn't really a good combination haha. The risers seem to be doing the trick so far though!
Weird... I'm the same height as you and I would immediately drop the bars and put flatter ones on. Just sitting on the T7 (I haven't ridden one yet), I found I had to reach up to the mountainously high bars. It seemed like it would be horrible on road and when standing my thighs feel like they are going to hit the bars because they are so close to the rider. I bought a 2016 Africa Twin instead, which has a much better riding position. Having said that, I have just bought, lower flatter bars, with less sweep. I did this to increase the reach to the bars and give myself better control sitting and standing. Hope this works for you:)
Nice! I've always wanted an AT! The change took a little getting use too but now I haven't noticed anything negative. I actually do like how the flat-ish bars feel for control, just weren't comfy that far away.
@@SwankyCatProductions Yeah, I think Yamaha built their T7 for tall riders. I don't think the ergonomics are very good unless you are over 6'. Definitely interested to ride one in the future though. My AT is a 2016. It only had 7000km on the ODO and was several $1000 cheaper than a new T7.
I threw the same probar Evo adventure bars on my t7 after bending up the stock ones. Really like the bend. Hoping these ones last a bit longer than the factory ones, but guess we will see.
@@TheWrigle just be mindful if you do some off roading. i was going 20ish miles and had to make an emergency stop and high sided, the bars didnt stand a chance;( if youre not a rowdy rider like me you should be good. i have wondered though if i had higher crash bars like the Hepco and becker, if they wouldve taken some of the fall off the bars. i have the tourtech body and engine crash bars, they are a little low key.
I think you're on the right path and a bar with more sweep should certainly help with that last 10%. Believe you mentioned it and was thinking before that you look sat back pretty far. Though I'm so used to seeing dirt riders all the time being way up on the tank.
So... Because of your comment I've tried sitting up against the tank... Soooo much better haha. Makes my feet sit a little odd on the pegs but everything else is a lot better! Thanks for the constructive criticism Jeff!!!
Travis - My old KLR had some aftermarket bars on it when I got it and I'm not sure how different they were from stock but I think both have much more sweep then mine lol.
@@SwankyCatProductions No problem. Just looked like you had some room to work with there. Whatever works for you. On another note... I finally got that call today and picked up my T7 !! That is a pretty good reach to the bars for me so I need to do some playing around as well.
I know this is probably the wrong video to bring this up on but it’s close enough. Hows the back for a passenger and also does your shin hit the clutch cover?
My wife is pretty small at just shy of 5 foot, but she found the back of the t7 comfortable enough for a 6 hour ride a few weeks back. Took a couple brakes, but honestly those were more for my sake than hers.
Thanks for jumping in on that sahjang 114! I've actually not had my wife on the back yet but I'll do a video when it happens. My boot is tall enough so it's what makes contact and contact it does make. Drove me nuts at first then I sort of forgot about it and only notice it once in a while.
Hi mate, after watching Your video I noticed that You prefer more touring position, that's why stock handlebar doesn't fits to You. But there are pros and cons of using risers. If you would like to ride more aggressive, fast and feel suspension with this new setup it is dangerous. That's why it will be better to rise handlebar straith up and as it used to be in off-road riding try to sit closer to the fuel tank. Then the center of gravity(weight) will be in perfect position. On gravel or deep sand You need to feel the bike for Your own safe. If You feel safe then You can try ride faster and more confident. Regards
Some sort of lock would be nice but mine comes off pretty quick now that I've got it on a snap in GoPro mount. I also bought it used for $40 so I'm not all that worried about it haha.
Thanks! I reserved one of the first ones that were sent to the US in May of 2020, it came in at the beginning of that August so I've had it a year now.
Yeah... I was mostly doing that so my feet were flat on the pegs. After seeing comments about how far back I was I tried sitting up against the tank... Much much better haha.
I haven't really noticed any negative drawbacks to having them yet but I was never a huge fan of them either. I like these because of how simple they are.
Jesus, buy another bike. Everything I’ve seen of yours, contrary to just about everyone else, including me, isn’t nearly as picky as you. We bought a motorcycle, you seem to think you bought a BarcaLounger. Just ride the damn thing and quite being so negative. You’re chilling my vibe man!!
Would a bar change with different bend work better? Risers can change steering dynamics and at 5’ 10” seems like risers would not be needed.
I’m 5’11” and believe me it needs risers and a different bar bend.
I have to get bar risers too. And a Seat Concepts seat kit.
You should try a atv bend bar thres a little more sweep to change the wrist angle and there inch or two taller
I might give that a shot someday, it might have been a better idea then this but it seems like it's working ok so far.
So few stock parts can be used on the T7. The aftermarket LOVES this bike.
Did the same in the spring, numb fingers and so on. Took them out after a wile and it was better, seriously believe that more training with stability in the back of the shoulders would help. And there is something strange with the bars, don’t know what it is yet but I’m investigating it
Yeah my hands would sort of go numb to begin with too, then just went to really bad wrist pain. The risers and sitting much closer to the tank have really helped me!
@@SwankyCatProductions I’m looking in some bars, think that’s the way to go. Something is wrong with stock, but need some expert help 😂 But my thumb, index and middle gets totally numb. Coming from sport bikes before and that’s works great, latest before t7 was a mt10 and was really bad comfort. Sport bikes was a lot better, thinks it all comes down to bad posture and weak rotator cuff, stiff chest and stiff lattissimus. Or I’m just totally fucked up that thinks sports bikes are a comfortable touring bike. Wrist pain seems to be something that’s gone to far. God idea to get bars back, that’s the feeling I’ve got I the spring. Road it for 1,5 month, and switched back. Now sort of fine but not god
Yes, something I can't put my finger on either. I think its the sweep. But like others have said, it seems pain is only from stitting static when doing long road stretches, I find no issue when standing offroad and moving around. For me I think if I get a throttle lock and or cruise control I can get rid of the pain from sitting static on the road.
I am 5"10'' and have no problem whatsoever. It is from the start more comfortable than my KLR. Rode 6 hours yesterday (with breaks)Thanks....
Thanks, I was wondering what was bothering me because it seems perfectly comfortable on first sit, also your size. I picked up my 700 Thanksgiving day and have noticed my wrists are aching and can't figure out why. I figured it was other work I was doing and or the angle but maybe this is the key. When in action and standing its no issue but sitting static starts to hurt. I also noticed the throttle spring is stiffer than I have seen before, my hand gets tired of holding it. I saw a post about a guy that put in a lighter spring. I would kill for real cruise control, have been looking at the unit from mccruise in Austraila, its not crazy expensive but also just ordered a cheap throttle lock to experiment with. Ordered the Koako knock off for $30.
I actually ended up going with a bar that has more sweep after trying these for a while. Totally fixed the wrist pain 100% where the risers just helped.
@@SwankyCatProductions thx for feed back, that seems to be the fix for many.
These bars don't look like they have enough sweep which would put your wrists in a more natural position.. Another bar option may be a better alternative.
No they are much to straight to be comfy but feel good off road. I may go with a different bar eventually but these work well enough for now.
Sometimes I wonder if there is a secret Neanderthal engineering firm out there designing for their genetically long arms. So many people complaining of uncomfortably long reached on Dual sport/Adv bikes and the weight of bikes is crazy. I think maybe they have started designing riding gear for these extinct riders too. I recently bought a mesh riding jacket that felt as though I could scratch my knees without bending. I felt like a freak as my arms needed to be 10-12 inches longer for the thing to fit, unless it was a custom jacket that got shipped incorrectly the only thing I could think of was Neanderthal design group.
I can’t solve the wind noise issues with my height. This is a big complaint in the 5’7” or so crowd - with -34db earplugs my ears are still ringing 1.5 days after riding. It really makes me regret buying the bike.
Suprised to hear that at your height. Same height here and waiting on it to arrive. What have you tried ?
Im 5'10 just installed the lower windshield from powerbronze. 210mm instead of stock. Took it for a trip. Did 600km and it was less noisy. My head is not bouncing around anymore. I wonder if I should have gotten a larger shield, or an add on deflector, and/or changed the side sheilds instead. Im not sure where the wind problems originate. I hope this will help in your quest. Update me if you get a better setup / solve the issue. Cheers!
@@jeffloucks2120 Windshield height adjuster and the big wind deflectors from Power Bronze. I’ve talked to a lot of riders about this and it seems like a 5’5”-5’9” issue mostly. I talked to the physicist from Cal Scientific who explained it. Basically it needs to be wider, have ventilation at the bottom and be angled at the top.
Your posture on the bike is definitely improved with the risers. You can see the slump in your back is corrected right away. That should help all sorts of things really, lol. I think this winter I'll likely put a set on the KLR. Maybe sooner before my trip for the year.
I had the same sore wrist issues with mine. Solved it by installing similar offset risers as you have done and a new bar with a bit more sweep. Did not need the rise but having it closer and wrists in a more natural position is so much better.
I'm still contemplating new bars too. I've started sitting father forward on the seat and that seems to have helped a bit actually.
Mark, did you use the Rox offset risers? They can go up and back 1" each I believe. Personally I don't want them any higher (have a short torso) so kind of holding off.
@@jeffloucks2120 I used a $20 ebay knock off Rox offset riser similar to the ones swanky Cat has used. Just wanted to try them before splashing out on the real things. I tried normal risers but did not like them. Now running the same offset riser and a Pro-taper Contour Wyndham Mid bar. The bar is almost the same as the stock but has a bit more sweep and has made a big difference for me.
Which bar did you use? I am also thinking the same solution
i need help my cables have no slack to move the bars back
Unless they changed something with the stock bars a 1.5 inch rise should be no problem. If I tilt my bars to far back the cables are tight but other than that there's enough slack.
I tried the 2” and I found I’d have to take all the cables out of their guides etc so I sent them back. I may try these 1.5’s myself. I have an artificial left shoulder and the stock placement is hard on me.
Depending where you have the clutch and break levers angled these seem to be just about as much rise as you can get but they seem to work well for me!
How does your lower back feel after a long ride? I’m here at RevZilla’s ADV Fest in South Dakota, logging some miles on my T7, and looking at your before/after Picts makes me think I need these.
I rode a bone stock T7 300 Miles on the ADV Fest trail rides! Absolute blast! I did the risers right when I got home, and Im just installing the touring seat from Seat Concepts- Cant wait to try it out this spring!
Hi mister , Do you think i can go with 2 inch Rox Riser with the stock wire ?
I think people have but you cables will be tight, might limit how far you can tilt your bars back too.
@@SwankyCatProductions , i just try and is the brake Line the problem , the max you can install with stock brake Line is 1,5 like you , i see you change the bars do you leave tour Riser with the New bar 🤔
A pair of Fastflex bars is the path I am going to try out, they are expensive but most likely your pain is coming from the shock your wrists are take riding off road and then editing your videos afterwards. The shape of the each pair of handlebars can make a difference as well.
Huh... Yeah I suppose being in a bad position and then being banged around isn't really a good combination haha. The risers seem to be doing the trick so far though!
Weird... I'm the same height as you and I would immediately drop the bars and put flatter ones on. Just sitting on the T7 (I haven't ridden one yet), I found I had to reach up to the mountainously high bars. It seemed like it would be horrible on road and when standing my thighs feel like they are going to hit the bars because they are so close to the rider. I bought a 2016 Africa Twin instead, which has a much better riding position. Having said that, I have just bought, lower flatter bars, with less sweep. I did this to increase the reach to the bars and give myself better control sitting and standing. Hope this works for you:)
Nice! I've always wanted an AT! The change took a little getting use too but now I haven't noticed anything negative. I actually do like how the flat-ish bars feel for control, just weren't comfy that far away.
@@SwankyCatProductions Yeah, I think Yamaha built their T7 for tall riders. I don't think the ergonomics are very good unless you are over 6'. Definitely interested to ride one in the future though. My AT is a 2016. It only had 7000km on the ODO and was several $1000 cheaper than a new T7.
Where the affiliate links?
i got the EVO Adventure bar i tilted them down and out, they were AMAZING. BUTTT i bent them off roading ;(
I threw the same probar Evo adventure bars on my t7 after bending up the stock ones. Really like the bend. Hoping these ones last a bit longer than the factory ones, but guess we will see.
@@TheWrigle just be mindful if you do some off roading. i was going 20ish miles and had to make an emergency stop and high sided, the bars didnt stand a chance;( if youre not a rowdy rider like me you should be good. i have wondered though if i had higher crash bars like the Hepco and becker, if they wouldve taken some of the fall off the bars. i have the tourtech body and engine crash bars, they are a little low key.
I think you're on the right path and a bar with more sweep should certainly help with that last 10%. Believe you mentioned it and was thinking before that you look sat back pretty far. Though I'm so used to seeing dirt riders all the time being way up on the tank.
I think Jeff might be onto something! KLR's have way more sweep to the bars.
So... Because of your comment I've tried sitting up against the tank... Soooo much better haha. Makes my feet sit a little odd on the pegs but everything else is a lot better! Thanks for the constructive criticism Jeff!!!
Travis - My old KLR had some aftermarket bars on it when I got it and I'm not sure how different they were from stock but I think both have much more sweep then mine lol.
@@SwankyCatProductions No problem. Just looked like you had some room to work with there. Whatever works for you.
On another note... I finally got that call today and picked up my T7 !! That is a pretty good reach to the bars for me so I need to do some playing around as well.
@@jeffloucks2120 That's awesome!!! Congrats!
I know this is probably the wrong video to bring this up on but it’s close enough.
Hows the back for a passenger and also does your shin hit the clutch cover?
My wife is pretty small at just shy of 5 foot, but she found the back of the t7 comfortable enough for a 6 hour ride a few weeks back. Took a couple brakes, but honestly those were more for my sake than hers.
Thanks for jumping in on that sahjang 114! I've actually not had my wife on the back yet but I'll do a video when it happens. My boot is tall enough so it's what makes contact and contact it does make. Drove me nuts at first then I sort of forgot about it and only notice it once in a while.
I’ve got Touratech risers on my GS, prior owner took care of it for me lol. 👌🏼
Hi mate, after watching Your video I noticed that You prefer more touring position, that's why stock handlebar doesn't fits to You. But there are pros and cons of using risers. If you would like to ride more aggressive, fast and feel suspension with this new setup it is dangerous. That's why it will be better to rise handlebar straith up and as it used to be in off-road riding try to sit closer to the fuel tank. Then the center of gravity(weight) will be in perfect position. On gravel or deep sand You need to feel the bike for Your own safe. If You feel safe then You can try ride faster and more confident. Regards
Very good advice! I've tried this a few times now and it definitely feels better. Thanks!
Question: do you have a way of locking your Garmin on the bike or do you make a habit of taking it with you when you walk away?
Some sort of lock would be nice but mine comes off pretty quick now that I've got it on a snap in GoPro mount. I also bought it used for $40 so I'm not all that worried about it haha.
Made the same choice. Happy as well.
Nice! Yeah I really like em too.
I'm going north up hwy 13.. maybe we'll run into each other on a trail. Hope you and the family are doing well ✌🏻🤘🏻
Great video man! How long did it take for your T7 to arrive? I'll assume you had to wait a few months. TY
Thanks! I reserved one of the first ones that were sent to the US in May of 2020, it came in at the beginning of that August so I've had it a year now.
Are the bars stock?
Yep, I'm not sure a taller aftermarket bar world work actually, the stock bars with the risers put the cables at a bit of a reach.
Looking at your before and after shots I can see what you mean :) You look like you are sitting a long way back though.
Yeah... I was mostly doing that so my feet were flat on the pegs. After seeing comments about how far back I was I tried sitting up against the tank... Much much better haha.
Wow you’ve done a lot of mods, what’s next?
Brighter turn signals and some crash bars/handles for the back!
Thank you for the video. It was very helpful. I think I’m going to sell my Africa Twin and buy a T7.
Thanks! I've seen a few AT owners switching over. I'd like to own one someday but it sounds like the Tenere is a bit more manageable off-road.
Don't do it! I'm going the other way
If you change bars dont grind the plastic nubs off, just drill the holes in your new handlebars.
Bar risers suck, use Answer Pastrana FMX bars, done deal IMO
I haven't really noticed any negative drawbacks to having them yet but I was never a huge fan of them either. I like these because of how simple they are.
Hope it works for ya
Thanks Shane, so far it's been much better!
Jesus, buy another bike. Everything I’ve seen of yours, contrary to just about everyone else, including me, isn’t nearly as picky as you. We bought a motorcycle, you seem to think you bought a BarcaLounger. Just ride the damn thing and quite being so negative. You’re chilling my vibe man!!