Handle Bar Riser Suggestions

[DarkSideR]

I did a little homework before posting this, and didn't yield much so I'm going to the pros for help. My last 2,500 trip tore up my shoulders, so I'm looking to get the bars back a bit.

First question is what is the height of the stock risers?
Next, if I want to get the bars back 1.5" closer to me, what height should be the new extensions?
Lastly, where can I buy extensions to fit my standard without needing modification?

Thank you,

DarkSider

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've got the Aeromach risers and like them. Be careful of the Chinese ones on eBay. Some have broken while riding. 

[Jess from VA]

Stock risers are 3 1/8".

I've done several long posts on risers before, with pics. (search)

I have the Aeromach's too (Honda pullbacks, about 4"), and they give you about the best rise and pullback without mods of any kind (except maybe turning the plastic wire clips on the bars around 180*).  But the GenMar 1" riser extensions may give all or most of the same movement of the bars for half the price (I have no experience with them).

http://www.aeromachmfg.com/RISER_SET_4_VTX_Retro_1300_p/am-4190c.htm
http://www.genmarmfg.com/shop/honda/honda-1-bar-style-1-up-detail.html

I have Harley Deuce knockoffs on the other bike (5.5" or 6" depending on who you believe), but those take several mods (grind/cut off the domes on the riser bottoms, drill out the triple tree holes a few thousandths to use the supplied SAE bolts or get metric-to-SAE conversion bolts, and reroute the throttle cables inside the tree).  Also about half the price of the Aeromachs.  Drilling the tree riser holes just shaves a little metal, and you can always go back to metric bolts later with no cause for concern of any kind.

http://www.baronscustom.com/catalog/display/1182/index.html
https://www.jakewilson.com/p/1951/-/171320/Bikers-Choice-Deuce-Pullback-Risers?v=13221&gclid=CJuGgIry0tACFchMDQodlOgLLQ 

With the triple tree angled, it is difficult to do accurate measurements of actual rise and pullback increases, and the aftermarket seller's descriptions of their products are not always consistent (or accurate).  And after adding risers/extensions, one should always again loosen the riser clamps and rotate the bars up or down a bit for final adjustment.  (Never forget to pad the tank well when doing any of this.)

I like the harley deuce best for cruising and long trips (especially kicked back on the Hwy pegs and leaned back into my driver's backrest), but the Aeromachs best for hard twisty riding in the mountains (performance).  The harley duece, giving the most movement, puts your hand near your thigh at full lock, and also tend to exacerbate the wrist angle many complain of with our long handlebars.  When riding in the rain, leaned forward up behind my fairing/shield, resting my chin on my left fist with elbow on the gas tank (half helmets), with my eyes level with the top of the shield, my right hand on the throttle is almost behind my body.  (5'9", 33" shirt sleeves)







The other outfit you may want to check for risers is Scootworks.com.  Their risers are strong but blocky, and they get mixed reviews for service.   

[DarkSideR]

Jess from VA,

Great write up, and thank you much. That is exactly what I needed.  

Being the Areomach's are out of stock I will start with the GenMar's 1" option and see how that helps on my next long haul.

[Bone]

I installed the 1" risers for discomfort in my upper back after 200 miles and they took care of that problem.
I visit a friend 700 miles from me it's all freeway but still tough on my body. It's going to be a 2 day ride
the next visit.

[Beardo]

Stock risers are 3 1/8".

I've done several long posts on risers before, with pics. (search)

I have the Aeromach's too (Honda pullbacks, about 4"), and they give you about the best rise and pullback without mods of any kind (except maybe turning the plastic wire clips on the bars around 180*).  But the GenMar 1" riser extensions may give all or most of the same movement of the bars for half the price (I have no experience with them).

http://www.aeromachmfg.com/RISER_SET_4_VTX_Retro_1300_p/am-4190c.htm
http://www.genmarmfg.com/shop/honda/honda-1-bar-style-1-up-detail.html

I have Harley Deuce knockoffs on the other bike (5.5" or 6" depending on who you believe), but those take several mods (grind/cut off the domes on the riser bottoms, drill out the triple tree holes a few thousandths to use the supplied SAE bolts or get metric-to-SAE conversion bolts, and reroute the throttle cables inside the tree).  Also about half the price of the Aeromachs.  Drilling the tree riser holes just shaves a little metal, and you can always go back to metric bolts later with no cause for concern of any kind.

http://www.baronscustom.com/catalog/display/1182/index.html
https://www.jakewilson.com/p/1951/-/171320/Bikers-Choice-Deuce-Pullback-Risers?v=13221&gclid=CJuGgIry0tACFchMDQodlOgLLQ  

With the triple tree angled, it is difficult to do accurate measurements of actual rise and pullback increases, and the aftermarket seller's descriptions of their products are not always consistent (or accurate).  And after adding risers/extensions, one should always again loosen the riser clamps and rotate the bars up or down a bit for final adjustment.  (Never forget to pad the tank well when doing any of this.)

I like the harley deuce best for cruising and long trips (especially kicked back on the Hwy pegs and leaned back into my driver's backrest), but the Aeromachs best for hard twisty riding in the mountains (performance).  The harley duece, giving the most movement, puts your hand near your thigh at full lock, and also tend to exacerbate the wrist angle many complain of with our long handlebars.  When riding in the rain, leaned forward up behind my fairing/shield, resting my chin on my left fist with elbow on the gas tank (half helmets), with my eyes level with the top of the shield, my right hand on the throttle is almost behind my body.  (5'9", 33" shirt sleeves)







The other outfit you may want to check for risers is Scootworks.com.  Their risers are strong but blocky, and they get mixed reviews for service.    

Great post. Thanks for the write up with the links.

I've been thinking about risers as well, this helps.

[..]

You can loosen the bars and roll them back towards you a little bit.

[Hooter]

I have the GenMars and they are perfect for me. After I added them I dropped my bars down a bit  and was a bunch more comfortable. I've had the GenMars on my past 2 Valk and like what they do.

[DarkSideR]

You can loosen the bars and roll them back towards you a little bit.

I had already adjusted the bars which was fine for the first 3 years of riding. I'm  not sure what changed.. know my arms didn't get any shorter.  But thanks.

[DarkSideR]

I have the GenMars and they are perfect for me. After I added them I dropped my bars down a bit  and was a bunch more comfortable. I've had the GenMars on my past 2 Valk and like what they do.

I order the GenMars. They are easy to install and will do what i want them to do. 

[Jess from VA]

The sore shoulder complaints are pretty common for our stock valk risers, for riders of all sizes.  And to the best of my recollection, those complaints usually surfaced following long rides.

I've had to put taller risers on most every bike I've owned, not counting the motocrosser of my youth.  I just kept breaking the bars on that bike (and shifters and levers).

[DarkSideR]

The sore shoulder complaints are pretty common for our stock valk risers, for riders of all sizes.  And to the best of my recollection, those complaints usually surfaced following long rides.

I've had to put taller risers on most every bike I've owned, not counting the motocrosser of my youth.  I just kept breaking the bars on that bike (and shifters and levers).

I have very long arms, and haven't had any problems up until now. Getting older I guess 

[Jess from VA]

The sore shoulder complaints are pretty common for our stock valk risers, for riders of all sizes.  And to the best of my recollection, those complaints usually surfaced following long rides.

I've had to put taller risers on most every bike I've owned, not counting the motocrosser of my youth.  I just kept breaking the bars on that bike (and shifters and levers).

I have very long arms, and haven't had any problems up until now. Getting older I guess 

You mean your avatar isn't you? 

[Hooter]

New bolts came with mine. I had no trouble with any of the cables or brake lines. Seems I had to move a guide but wasn't an issue. Don't forget to heavily cover your tank. You can set your bars there while you put the risers on. These don't look like much but they really help.

[DarkSideR]

The sore shoulder complaints are pretty common for our stock valk risers, for riders of all sizes.  And to the best of my recollection, those complaints usually surfaced following long rides.

I've had to put taller risers on most every bike I've owned, not counting the motocrosser of my youth.  I just kept breaking the bars on that bike (and shifters and levers).

I have very long arms, and haven't had any problems up until now. Getting older I guess  

You mean your avatar isn't you?  

I didn't say I'm old, just gettin older.  

[old2soon]

Couple Inzanes ago my shoulders were letting me Know as much as I Like to ride They-shoulders-were NOT doing their happy happy joy joy thing. The Genn Marr risers saved my ridin thing.  Again able to do 600 700 mile days if I WANT to. Course the Phatt Ghurl MIGHT have something to do with those large mile days.  Just REMEMBER to pad the tank while messin with the handle bars. In my shop there is a rafter that was perfecto fordoing the actual third hand thing while I changed them out. Oh and B T W-stock cables remain on my I/S with virtually NO ISSUES.  You WILL like what they do for yer ridin. RIDE SAFE.

[Beardo]

Thanks for the advice guys...I'm 6' but have short t-Rex arms and after I bought my Ultimate seats, I was even further away, have been thinking about risers. Being able to sit a little more further back against the backrest will help with the bad back too.

After reading your posts and searching through others, then doing the math...both the measurement math and the $$ math, I ordered the Genmars today too.  Seems for half the price, it's basically the same result.

And hey, it'll give me a 10 minute project to help get me through the next 4 months of no riding.  

...and by the way, I had emailed Aeromach because their website showed none in stock. I got an email back and they said they have 1 and have updated the website. It's there now if someone wants them.

[Rosie]

There is a box on checkout for GenMar risers for a coupon code anyone have one? And if you do would you share please? Thanks

[MarkT]

I have the same 6" Harley risers.  Brings the bars back and lets me rotate them down some to straighten my rists - helps with the carpal tunnel problem. I rerouted the cables, don't recall anything else.  I got the adapter bolts kit with the risers. This is on Jade - most comfy of my 4 Valks. You can ride it if we get some nice weather, Josh.

Not the best pic - I have a lot of stuff on the bars blocking their view.

[Daniel Meyer]

Hints:
If ya don't have a back rest that is as much help for back and shoulder issues as the risers...

Make sure, after risers/backrest/handlebar adjustment/etc...that your AT rest riding position keeps your elbows slightly bent and your wrists are STRAIGHT.

Also make sure you don't have to move a leg to go lock to lock on the bars (and that they don't hit anything).

And don't run these:
(the one on the left)


More info:
http://lifeisaroad.com/blog/2009/05/19/annnd-nobody-died/

[Beardo]

Those are the expensive ones with the tilt steering option.

[MarkT]

Actually I run Deerslayer and jade with the bars rolled down so I move my leg for full lock.  Been running Deerslayer that way for 19 years.  That keeps my wrists straight and the hands awake better and the paion out of my shoulders with my hands low - full lock turns are a small % of the riding and it doesn't take long to get used to it.

[DarkSideR]

Hints:
If ya don't have a back rest that is as much help for back and shoulder issues as the risers...

Make sure, after risers/backrest/handlebar adjustment/etc...that your AT rest riding position keeps your elbows slightly bent and your wrists are STRAIGHT.

Also make sure you don't have to move a leg to go lock to lock on the bars (and that they don't hit anything).

More info:
http://lifeisaroad.com/blog/2009/05/19/annnd-nobody-died/

I have a backrest, and have my wrists straight as possible. Will play with adjustments after the new risers are installed. Thanks for the advice.