$8. Bar Risers - How To

[emanuel_v19]

Thank you. A picture is worth a thousand words but i appreciate the attemp!

[Bluesmudge]

This is a simple mod, its just talking about buying an extra set of the handlebar top clamp pieces, flipping them upside down and installing underneath the handlebar with longer bolts. Its not the most elegant solution but should work fine with any top clamps that have the same bolt pattern as the GS500.

[gsJack]

There's a pic of the "Junkyard risers " in the wiki:
http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.HandlebarRisers

When I transfered the GenMar risers from my 97 to my 02 I put the extra set of bar clamps on the 97 as risers, helpful but not quite as effective as the GenMars.

[Bluesmudge]

Thanks gsJack! Here is that photo in the wiki:

[emanuel_v19]

I guess i would like to know where the $8 comes in play because $25 is the cheapest ive found for some clamps like ours....

[ShowBizWolf]

My guess is that they were $8 13 years ago when this thread was started 

Darn things getting more expensive every day!!! 

[mr72]

probably $8 from a junk-yard type supplier, again, 13 years ago. Someone parting out their GS here on the forum will probably sell you a pair for $8 or I bet you can find them cheap on ebay if you are patient.

But still, "proper" bar risers can be had all day long on ebay brand new (from China, etc.) for $30 including shipping. The difference between $8 for "sort of rigged" and $30 for "done right" is probably worth it. IMHO, and I'm a colossal cheapskate.

[Bluesmudge]

Yeah, the $8 comes from the original poster who purchased the clamps at Bent Bike, which is a used bike and parts retailer near Seattle WA. Bent Bike just has isle after dimly lit isle of dirty bike parts tossed into cardboard boxes. If you need a certain part, you wander by yourself to the isle with roughly the correct year and manufacturer and start digging. They can sell clamps for $8 because they literally just pulled the part off a bike and tossed it in a box. Nobody had to figure out what it was, what it was worth, photograph it, post it on eBay and then pack and ship the part.

If you don't have a similar establishment near you, expect to pay a little more.

[emanuel_v19]

Thank you

[Hupjai]

I think the OP is from the same county as I am.

There's a place near by called Santa Clara Cycle Salvage that could help you out.

I just installed a set of the eBay raisers that are $25 if you'd like to stop by and take a look. I can help you with the install if you're still confused.

Good luck!

[Hornchurch]

'
Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 120 days. (IN RED !)
Unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic.      

Yeah, yeah yeah - I already read the above.
However some of us... DID NOT... become GS500 owners until AFTER the last few days of late August 2020.
I'd had previous experience of GS.500's (as a Motorcycle Instructor, 1996-on), but these were '96/'97 models (clip-on style)
I found these "older models" (of which, I was riding "brand new" examples of, for a living), were MORE comfortable, than mine (a 2002, 'K.2')

Before even 'delving in' to changing the handlebar angle/height equation, I scoured the threads, for knowledge & advice.
My thanks mainly go to GS.JACK, as his many posts mentioned the "equation", as to just how far-back/up, without altering cables
Nonetheless, I found this particular thread VERY interesting - Sadly, I only came across it AFTER I'd done & made my own (bought) conversion
So, excuse ME for being a GS.500 forum 'newb', plus an Aug'Sept' 2020 owner, new to the fold.
Ran thru this thread, finding myself resonating with some (most) & maybe disagreeing with the odd 'other' (on their views)

Lastly, I find that THIS particular subject, crops-up, OFTEN, so it must have some merit to it.
It's been (very) important to me, as I was "bought up" on my CB.900-F's, GS.1000-E, Z-1000-J3 - Namely ALL "sit up & beg" older bikes.
Those with a VERY older & MUCH more "traditional riding position" that, quite frankly, is just SO hard to beat or surpass !
8-9 Hours "in the saddle" (with the odd 25min break thrown in), tells it's own story, when compared to many modern bikes**
     ** (i.e, Race-Replica types, where both 'Good-Self', plus countless million others, cannot wait, to "get off for a coffee" & stretch/break/relief !
I did read these (fellow) GS500 forumites comments & wanted to 'chime-in' with my own views, as a rider of 40-years & now, a fellow GS owner...

Some people who have short arms, bad back, or are just "vertically challenged" don't find the GS ergonomics to fit them very well.
I am 5'10" with average length arms and I still am leaning forward quite a bit (not nearly as much as on a SS bike)
It doesn't bother me, but I can see how some may want a more upright position, especially if they have a shield that would block the wind some.

Aside from my height (I'm 6ft.2 in socks !), I actually "fit the bill" for pretty much ALL of the above, plus, MY own GS500 came with a tall Givi-screen
Given I'd ridden & used 'R'-Reg (1996, brand-new) GS500's on a regular daily-basis, all day long, I found my 'K.2's riding position "annoying"!!!!!

Ergonomics are EVERYTHING on a bike, to me & perhaps THE most important consideration, above all.
When I ride an uncomfortable bike for any length of time (ZX7R), I get ratty & when I get ratty, I wanna punch someone !
As I wuz "raised" on very late 1970's bikes (two of which, I still own), I became SO used to that "day long" comfort, in the saddle
In fact THE very first "uncomfortable bike that I ever owned (& still do, today, in 2020), is my Kawasaki GPz900-R - (it's an A.8 model)
Great for the first 25mins or so, but by the 30,35,40 mins mark, I'm suffering "in the left hip" & getting rattled again (But yeah, I kept it !)
As I see my own (newish) GS500 K2 as maybe a 'step-down', but a deliberate choice, to run cheap/cheaper/future-times, comfort IS important.
Having been used to been 'being upright' (GS1000-E), I want that - Not to sit with my 'crown-jewels' in the tank, as my standard 'K.2' wants me to
Hence deliberately seeking out//obtaining "Bar Risers" to alleviate the "bum-numbness" on that scantily-padded thing called "a saddle" (45mins)

...My only question where the GS is concerned is...why???
Not like the bars are too low on the 90+ bike...
They are rather high even stock to put you in the perfect "sit up and beg" position
.... and you catch more than enough wind as is.
Srinath.

See my above, as to why I 100% totally disagree with you !
In England (here), we have a phrase, "Horses for Courses" & clearly, this 40-year riding Horse is used to FAR better comfort & distance ergonomics.
If THAT is YOUR idea of (quote) "Perfect Sit Up & Beg Position", then very clearly, you've NEVER owned a 1979-1982 Jap 'superbike' (or U.J.M)
Perhaps I should 'moderate' what I've just said & say..... "My comments releate to my bog-standard GS500 'K2' vis-avis my GS1000, CB.900-F & Z.1000-J"
Even my 'Baby-Zephyr'  (a 'T'-Reg ZR.550), falls comfortably into the latter (superb), "sit up & beg" traditional riding position.
My current GS500 'K2' falls distinctly into 4th  (& therefore, 2nd from last, in terms of "comfort", out of the five bikes that I currently own ; Oct'2020)
This Givi-screen also deflects the wind, to a large degree, but NOTHING helps the "squashed manhood" against the tank (!), until these Bar-Risers !
Put simply, the Bar-Risers that I've now fitted  (11th Oct' 2020), have been nothing short of a revelation & have transformed MY GS500's ergonomics.

Reasons?
I'm trying to resolve a problem where 'the boys' (now 54 yrs.!) seem to be cramped up against the gas tank.

This became bothersome after 45 min. or so.  Now I can go at least a full hour without a problem!   :lol:
I thought that raising/rotating my body slightly would take some of the pressure off that area.  It seems better.   OS.

'

Oldsport - You Sir, in that one single post, have highlighted the major "design flaw" with the ergonomics on MY 'K2' & my findings match yours, 100%
Fitting some (much) higher & "pullback" Bar-Risers have transformed my bike (GS500), from a "nut-crusher", to using OTHER parts of the saddle !

I think that 3 lower back operations qualify me as someone with a lower back problem.
I HAD to install either the GEN-MAR risers or a different bar or simply not ride - Higher bars help a lot.

.

The "or simply not ride" is a very telling comment !
In your instance, it sounds like a deal-breaker      (rather than a 'ball-breaker', like it had been, for me)

I guess i would like to know where the $8 comes in play because $25 is the cheapest ive found for some clamps like ours....

'

I absolutely BLANCHED when I saw the U.K price for the much vaunted "S.W.Mototech" bar-risers = £66.00 = That's $85.00 in U.S.D !!!!!

I thought "Fk THAT for a game of soldiers" & "There's NO effing way that I'm gonna fork-out £66.00  ($85.00) for just two alloy-blocks !!!!!

But still, "proper" bar risers can be had all day long on ebay brand new (from China, etc.) for $30 including shipping.
The difference between $8 for "sort of rigged" and $30 for "done right" is probably worth it. IMHO, and I'm a colossal cheapskate.

.

'Quote' Mr72' Whilst I don't claim to be a "colossal cheapskate".... (I've read your excellent comments, elsewhere & you know your stuff)
...... I don't like M/cycle accessory 'aftermarket' manufacturers, fleecing me & syphoning-off my money like a bloody-leech !

I figured "Ya can shove your SW.Mototech", I'm going to look/search/find elsewhere - & sure enough, like Mr72 said.... "Brand New from China"
Yup, it seems that "China" (& Ebay), came to the rescue once again (sighs)

I put-in a bid of just £8.50 including P&P = which equated to just $11.00 U.S dollars, to buy THIS fine set, which NOW adorn my bike  (My 'K2')
It just goes to show that ya DON'T have to get taken for a mug, to obtain a reasonable degree of 'increased comfort',
ALL thanks to an $11.00 set of Risers !

Easy fit, works BRILLIANTLY, all I did, was used standard bolts & caps, plus best of all
- ALL CABLES ARE BOG-STANDARD - NO CHANGE WHATSOEVER**

  ** Again, a big shout-out to American forumite, 'GS-JACK' who'd recommended that...
    "1 & 3/8th's is THE most you can get away with, using standard cables & cabling"
(worked for me !)

  Steering is perhaps (notably) a little bit more skittish, but the overall control is (far) better, plus, I'm now sitting further-back on the saddle.
 
  Here's a shot of my own 2002 'K2', with the $11.00 (£8.50), fitted & now put into good useage, "crushed-nuts-alleviated"   
.

[mr72]

fwiw I found after riding my Bonneville for a year that the big problem with the gs ergs is the length of the tank. It only "works" if you keep the restart peg position and ride in a semi tuck. Once you figure out a way to sit more upright then the reach to the bars is too far, even for me with long arms. In my conversion to more of an adventure bike in terms of ergos I had to use some roxor style risers to position the bars back about 1.5 or 2 inches. But I do have handlebars with a whole lot less pulkback. Motorcycle ergos are not that simple.

[Bluesmudge]

Yes, the bar shape is just as important as the riser. Rox risers are great for rotation because you have 2 points of rotation to help customize your riding position. I don't like Rox though, because all those rotation points and the 8 mounting bolts that come with it are apt to move on you during rough riding or dropping the bike. Especially off-road, which is where they supposedly belong.

I got lucky with Gen 1 Vstrom 1000 bars and 1" up and 1" back risers after years of messing around. Works great for me for hours on end. But I also have a +1" gel seat and modified rear sets.

The GS is not a comfortable bike. Obviously, or we wouldn't all be spending so much effort trying to make it so.
Much easier to just buy a used GS1000G or GS850G and ride into the sunset in the comfortable 90 degree UJM sitting position.

[Sporty]

I went with the $22 Tusk Risers because they are known to be good quality and have strong 12.9 grade bolts.  I choose straight riser blocks because I want one set of high quality bolts going through all pieces and engaging the factory lower riser threads.

[Bluesmudge]

Did you need a longer brake line with those Tusk risers?
With my Vstrom bars + 1.5" up and back risers I needed a longer brake line. Good timing with getting Stainless steel brake lines.

[Sporty]

Did you need a longer brake line with those Tusk risers?
With my Vstrom bars + 1.5" up and back risers I needed a longer brake line. Good timing with getting Stainless steel brake lines.

The Tusk in the photo are on a ST1100.

They are 30mm or about 1.2"

I mocked it up before ordering. Removing the clamps, raising the bars and measuring. Making sure that it would work with existing lines.

[Hornchurch]

Did you need a longer brake line with those Tusk risers?
With my Vstrom bars + 1.5" up and back risers I needed a longer brake line. Good timing with getting Stainless steel brake lines.

The Tusk in the photo are on a ST1100.

They are 30mm or about 1.2"

I mocked it up before ordering. Removing the clamps, raising the bars and measuring. Making sure that it would work with existing lines.

'


  $22.00 a set sounds like a damn good deal over there, esp' when compared to those (admittedly nice)  SW Mototech risers

  Those bolts sure do have some length on them !

  On the £8.00  ($11.50)  "China" set that I used, they still came with stainless-steel bolts, just not quite the same calibre*

            * (But still not that bad & still useable)

  I just junked them to one side & used a new set of four, of the same dimensions & calibre of the O.E.M , like the ones fitted to my GS

  Made a point of NOT doing what I did, back in the early 1980's (as a teen), "over-tightening" everything   

  Nipped up tight tho', so they ain't coming undone in a big hurry

  Made me realise that it'll be worth investing in a whole new set of spare stainless Allen bolts, for ANY future application.

  Speaking of ST.1100's, I've been seeing some of the earlier ones going up for sale here....

  Still with less than 40k - 50k miles on them, in outstanding condition, for silly cheap low money.

  Figure tho' that MY time has "passed", needing a big-heavy "3-piece-sofa" on two wheels.

  Super jealous of the "uber-comfortable" riding position though - (I rode one for a day, back in May/June 1993)

.

[Sporty]

  Speaking of ST.1100's, I've been seeing some of the earlier ones going up for sale here....

  Still with less than 40k - 50k miles on them, in outstanding condition, for silly cheap low money.

  Figure tho' that MY time has "passed", needing a big-heavy "3-piece-sofa" on two wheels.

  Super jealous of the "uber-comfortable" riding position though - (I rode one for a day, back in May/June 1993)

Low price is a significant factor in why I bought it. I wanted to make some 3000 mile trips and needed a bike with bags, a big fuel tank, fairing and tall windshield. A bike that could go a long distance, at a good rate of speed and not too many stops.

It was ST1100, older GL1100 or GL1500, older Kawasaki concourse that were in the price range.  The ST1300 was /is still commanding a good price.

To me, the GL AKA Goldwing is the sofa.  The ST1100 while still quite heavy, is quick, fast and nimble once moving. It has a slightly aggressive riding position.  It's served the purpose quite well, no regrets.

Back on topic of risers, sometimes that 30mm is just enough to take some pressure off of wrists and neck.

[aconti2]

I just pulled the trigger on those 22 dollar ones and I'm super happy!

I'm 6ft with a long torso which put me in a really weird position on the GS. It caused the very bottom of my back to round which resulted in some back pain after every ride. Risers got me just enough more upright to straighten that out. Can't believe someone was suggesting here that sitting up straight causes more back pain. Huh?

[Sporty]

I just pulled the trigger on those 22 dollar ones and I'm super happy!

I'm 6ft with a long torso which put me in a really weird position on the GS. It caused the very bottom of my back to round which resulted in some back pain after every ride. Risers got me just enough more upright to straighten that out. Can't believe someone was suggesting here that sitting up straight causes more back pain. Huh?

Cool that you like the risers!

It's all about adjusting to individual comfort.   

This site is interesting to model rider position and changes.

http://cycle-ergo.com/

the gs500 is in the data base