Which Set of Bar Risers to Get?

[nickanthony]

I just picked up my new ST on Tuesday, ordered the sargent group buy seat on wednesday, and have been looking for options on bar risers. I now have 30 miles on the bike and can tell that I will definately need bar risers. My research has produced the following:

Motorcyle Larry: 1" up, 3/4" back, $80
Heli: 1" up, 2" back, $159
Gen: 1 1/4" up, 1" back, $129

Forgetting price, I am not sure which has the most preferred geometry. It would appear, based on other posts, that everyone has been happy with what they have purchased. I am trying to determine, which one gives the most relief.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Carl

[SteveST1300]

I put the Gen Mars on mine shortly after I got it and like them very much. I haven't tried any of the others. :03biker:

[Gug]

I'm partial to the Heli's. It's what I got! :D

[NormanPCN]

The Motorcycle Larry risers are clones of the GenMar and Heli risers. Just less expensive. So the choice is really down to "GenMar" or "Heli" style.

[Missouri Marine]

I purchased the Heli risers: easy to install and they work for me (5' 8"). The Heli riser has an optional drilled hole for a RAM mount for my GPS (Garmin 2610)--something to consider if you have or are getting a GPS.

Bob

[crazykz]

I used Larry's full plate riser which is the same rise and pull as the heli. I'm pretty sure Larry offers both. I bought Larry's because he provides two holes for mounting stuff on the middle plate.

Curt

[nm6r]

Carl, you might want to give the stock arrangement a bit more time than 30 miles. I felt uncomfortable when I first got my ST1100, wrists and shoulder blades. It took a little time to learn how to relax my arms to get comfortable. I find the slightly canted riding position much more comfortable than sitting upright. The ST was designed for the slightly canted position and when that's changed, so does wind buffeting and saddle soreness since your weight will be going straight down.

Everyone is different and each person has to do what's right for them.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Red Ryder]

I got the Heli's for my '05. There is a 7 degree angulation difference between the stock handlebars and what the Heli risers put the handlebars in, but it does take the pressure off your wrists and between your shouler blades(scapulas) so it is a more comfortable position, just takes a bit of getting used to. As a side note, I put the Heli-risers on with allot of help from members of this forum, which I want to again thank. You need the proper tools to install the Heli-risers, or any riser, for that matter, so be sure an read past messages on installation of risers here on this forum. Very valuable info.
Enjoy!

[Kennedy]

Carl, you might want to give the stock arrangement a bit more time than 30 miles. I felt uncomfortable when I first got my ST1100, wrists and shoulder blades. It took a little time to learn how to relax my arms to get comfortable. I find the slightly canted riding position much more comfortable than sitting upright. The ST was designed for the slightly canted position and when that's changed, so does wind buffeting and saddle soreness since your weight will be going straight down.

Everyone is different and each person has to do what's right for them.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif
I am with you on this one. Happy with the stock set up.

[Ken]

Carl, you might want to give the stock arrangement a bit more time than 30 miles. I felt uncomfortable when I first got my ST1100, wrists and shoulder blades. It took a little time to learn how to relax my arms to get comfortable. I find the slightly canted riding position much more comfortable than sitting upright. The ST was designed for the slightly canted position and when that's changed, so does wind buffeting and saddle soreness since your weight will be going straight down.

Everyone is different and each person has to do what's right for them.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif
After my first 30 miles, my wrists were pretty sore, and my knee jerk reaction was to look into riers. But your advise is sound - I'm going to hold off for a couple thousand miles and see how it feels then. Thanks for the good advise.

[Fireball18]

What you get depends, really, on the particular riding position you want to have. The Helis (that's what I have) will set you up a bit more in the seat, with a slightly shorter reach to the handlebars. I'm assuming that Larry's provide at least a similar position. The GenMars raise the bars, but don't necessarily bring them back that much. I went to the Helis because Larry hadn't come out with his version at that time, and because I came from years of riding Gold Wings and was used to the upright riding position. But I do agree that unless you have a physical need to have the risers, give the stock setup a bit more of a chance before spending your money. Not all of us are made the same--some have longer or shorter arms, torso, etc. Personally, although I'm tall at 6'2", I have shorter arms and a longer torso, so I needed to have the bars come back a bit. Also helped with the compressed vertebrae in my back. I'm very comfortable with the setup on my ST1300. Have fun deciding, though. I did.

[Kennedy]

Using the stock set up I was almost certain I was going to need the risers how ever I found the ST demands some proper poster to be comfortable with it. If you alow your body weight to lean on your wrist as I was it was not comfortable. By teaching my self to use some of them old back muscles and sit properly on the bike I now find it very comfortable.

[Osibisa]

Carl, I am in the process of install Heli's on my '05. I've only got 550 miles on it and being 6'2", I find the pressure on my wrists uncomfortable. My decision was made after reading the reviews by many forum members. Actually it only took me about 150 miles to realize an adjustment had to be made. My best advice is to take your time and if you come across a few reviews by owners about the same height as you, all the better.

Bruce

[kgeisinger]

I just ordered the Heli risers for my 2005 due to the positive reviews I have read. Is there anything special I need to know prior to installation?

PS: I just joined ST-Owners.com and I'm looking forward to being a member.

62 miles on the bike thus far.

Kurt

[Gug]

I just ordered the Heli risers for my 2005 due to the positive reviews I have read. Is there anything special I need to know prior to installation?

PS: I just joined ST-Owners.com and I'm looking forward to being a member.

62 miles on the bike thus far.

Kurt

Kurt,

In the "Search" function on the toolbar at the top of the page just type in "Heli Bar Installation". There are multiple posts with good info. For me the covering the tank to protect it was a biggy and utilizing duct tape to hod the nut/bolt on the bottom of the riser to both remove and install were very helpful.

Dennis

[Osibisa]

Kurt, don't forget to properly torque the bolts!!!

[nickanthony]

Thanks you everyone for your responses. Prior to owning an ST, I had a BMW K1200RS and had a similar issue. I never liked the amount of weight on my wrists. I had installed factory and aftermarket barbacks, but could not get comfortable. It seems that as I get older, I want to be more upright.

Based on your comments, I'll give it a few more miles and decide.

My real problem might be that my CRF250R dirt bike does not give my any forward weight issues, but after a 2 hour harescramble race and a lot of arm pump, hanging on is the problem!!!

Thanks again

[jnsgardner]

I got both. Put the Heli's on first and didn't like the change in sweepback though the rise was fine. Tried the GenMar's and liked them; the same rise without the additional sweep. Different strokes.... now, is there anyone outthere who'd like to buy my Helis for $139?

John