For those with Heli Bar Risers and Tank Bags - let's talk

[JimNtexas]

I have a 2008 with a [REDACTED] riser block.

I use a generic 'Cargo' brand magnetic tank that I bought at Cyclegear a couple of years ago for my Ninja 250. When I got the FJR I stuck Dr Schoelle's mole skin on the bottom of the bag out of an abundance of caution.

The moleskin does it make easy to slide the bag fore and aft without worrying about scratches, I typically slide it forward when getting on, once settled into position I pull it back far enough to be well clear of the handlebars.

I borrowed a SPOT on a recent ~1500 mile trip and it worked fine in the clear plastic top pocket.

 

[tesla]

Sportsguy,

What bag did you wind up with? I, too, have the Heli Triple Tree and risers so your decision has great interest for me. I really like the Rapid Transit Recon 19 but it's pretty wide.

 

[VTFJR13]

Sportsguy,

What bag did you wind up with? I, too, have the Heli Triple Tree and risers so your decision has great interest for me. I really like the Rapid Transit Recon 19 but it's pretty wide.

If you don't mind paying a little more the SW Motech/bags connections tank bags our nice. I have the City bag. I also have the Heli triple with risers and I use this tank bag and it doesn't hit full lock either way.

 

[user 6393]

I find enough storage on my 3 hardcase set up that I use a smaller tank bag that just holds essentials, that usually can be tossed in my topcase so I dont' have to walk around "packin'"

All I need is to be able to see my GPS thru the map pocket and I am GTG

 

[dustyrains]

Right. I'm groovin' with my new Heli Bar Risers - they bring the clip ons up and back a smidge, contributing to a much more comfortable riding posture. <img src="https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=" " border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

That said, I have noticed a small snag in a previous plan...

The "bars" now touch things as the arc the clip ons swing through now puts them a bit closer to the tank at full lock.

Now, I realize many are going to poo-poo the full lock issue of touching things, and to you, I say bite me. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=" " border="0" alt="biggrin.gif" /> My thread, and I'll cry if I want to... <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=" " border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

So, back to the issue - which, I'll admit - isn't really an issue in normal riding, and when turning at walking speed it's really only an annoyance, BUT, I'd still like to avoid it, and I think I can with some planning.

<b>The request is, if you have risers that position your bars up and back, AND you have a tank bag... AND the bars DO NOT make contact at full lock, <!--sizeo:5--><span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#FF0000--><span style="color:#FF0000"><!--/coloro-->post up what make/model of bag you are using please.<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--> <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=" " border="0" alt="smile.gif" /> </b>In my mind I see a tallish, skinny looking bag to meet these requirements, but I'll know better when I take some measurements tonight. <b><u>Please note if you are a Gen 1 or Gen 2 bike, as well</u>.</b> My frame of reference is a Gen 2, but others may find this discussion useful, too. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=" " border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

...and for those content to live with a bit of lock to lock rubbing, you might as well sound off as well, because who knows. If I can't get my ideal, I may have to look at alternatives, so no sense limiting ourselves here... <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=" " border="0" alt="wink.gif" />

Helibar top triple clamp with a Cortech magnetic bag. Horn button has been known to hit the bag at parking lot speeds, causing embarrassment. So I just pull the bag waaaayyy back towards my belly and let it support said belly. Wurd.

 

[JSLong]

I have a Gen II, Helibar rises, set the whole way back with a Joe Rocket Manta XL bag. No issues, and I like the look of the bag, as it keeps the contour of the tank. Not as big as some of the other bags, but I don't need a ton of room, as I only keep sunglasses, etc in there.

 

[tesla]

Sportsguy,

What bag did you wind up with? I, too, have the Heli Triple Tree and risers so your decision has great interest for me. I really like the Rapid Transit Recon 19 but it's pretty wide.

If you don't mind paying a little more the SW Motech/bags connections tank bags our nice. I have the City bag. I also have the Heli triple with risers and I use this tank bag and it doesn't hit full lock either way.

You were the guy that sold me on this bag. This looks like the perfect bag for me but I think I'm leaning towards something small and cheap that I can throw easily into the side case if necessary and wont piss me off too bad if it gets ripped off. I had the Engage XL on the V-Strom and thought it was a great bag.

 

[DennisJ]

Patiror, Hi and where did you source that yellow beverage holder? I've been over the Cascade mountains a couple of time this year and it is warmer and drier there than in Seattle. I need a more convenient way to stay hydrated than stopping every hour. I often do anyway just because the scenery is so great. I need something to hold a bottle of water or else get a bladder with a tube to fit inside the tank bag.

Dennis

 

[FJRJonny]

Gen 1 with Heli Risers and Joe Rocket Hammerhead tank bag, Plenty of Clearance Lock to Lock