Risers vs. Helibars

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by mountburns, Jun 8, 2015.

  1. mountburns

    mountburns New Member

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    I recently purchased an 07 VFR and after a couple 350+ mile rides, feel the bars need to be a bit higher. I've read about both the Genmar risers and Helibars but still don't know which would be the best solution for me.
    I'm wondering if there are riders in the Portland, Oregon area who have these products installed on their bikes so that I might be able to sit on the bike and feel first-hand what might work best?
    Many thanks!
    mountburns
     
  2. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    One thing Heli-bars do too is add a rearward offset, so you'll be sitting more up right when riding. I believe it's a 1.25" rise and a 1.5" rearward offset. Genmar risers just add hieght.
     
  3. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Also look at Contivertibars.
     
  4. Tews19

    Tews19 New Member

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    If one uses Helibars do they need to get new cables, brake lines, things of this nature?
     
  5. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Not sure on Heli's, depends on how far they adjust. I know with the Contivertibars I rerouted some lines and moved them up and back a lot but if I go any further I have to replace the throttle cable, not sure on the clutch. But I like it where its at. I think Contivertibars give you more available adjustment than Heli does.
     
  6. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    I've got Helibars on my '99 and had to replace no lines, just move them around a little bit. And trim off the line stops.
     
  7. Tews19

    Tews19 New Member

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    Thanks! I will ride the bike and see if I need them. I'm use to sitting upright while riding. Coming from early 70s' 750's and 70's 550s.
     
  8. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

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    helibars are said to not need new lines-I have a black set being shipped right now, they made two versions for the vfr 800, so make sure you get the latest
     
  9. stewartj239

    stewartj239 Member

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  10. Veefer Madness

    Veefer Madness New Member

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    I had Helibars on my Blackbird and they were fine for that bike but I like my Genmar risers better for my VFR. My wrists don't bother me anymore, they are simple to install, no mods required, and they're quite a bit cheaper than Helibars. Plus I still feel like I am riding a sport bike rather than a scooter.
     
  11. mountburns

    mountburns New Member

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    Thanks for the feedback. I went ahead and ordered the Genmars which should be here Friday so I'm anxious to install them and check them out.
    Many thanks!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  12. Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy

    Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy New Member

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    I started out with a stock setup

    Fitted Genmar's did a few thousand miles, better than stock but I felt it was still not quite right for me

    Fitted Helibars, absolute transformation. No need to get new lines or cables. LOVE 'EM !!!!

    Ride safe
     
  13. mountburns

    mountburns New Member

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    Thanks!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  14. GigemVFR

    GigemVFR New Member

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    I will put my vote down on the Genmar. Got me a set but have not installed yet. I did a lot of research and reading others comments on how they liked them and these were winner. Most said you do not need to raise very much to change riding position. The helibars also seemed like they were too high as well as I disliked the appearance they gave the bike. I walked into local Honda dealer one day for parts and they had used bike with the Genmar installed. Machined aluminum looked slick and just like they came on the bike. I was sold that day and went and ordered.
     
  15. Tews19

    Tews19 New Member

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    Dead eye, do you have any pics of your set up you can post on here? I installed my helibars last night and want to make sure I did it right.
     
  16. mountburns

    mountburns New Member

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    I ended up going with the Genmar risers for several reasons. First off, I know the a little change can make a big difference when to comes to riding position.
    Secondly, I really wasn't thrilled at the idea of spending another $300.
    I also was concerned the Helibars might be too big an adjustment.
    I installed the Genmars in under 5 minutes and while I've not had time for a long ride yet, have done several rides fro 30 minutes to an hour and feel they're going to be all I need..
    Any previous discomfort seems to have been minimized if not emanating completely.
    I plan on a longer ride this Sunday so will know more after that.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  17. robles

    robles New Member

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    I have bought Helibars with my '99 in addition to needed to change not any outlines, just transfer all of them all around a bit. As well as toned from the range puts a stop to.[​IMG]
     
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