So, apart from (finally) changing out my brake fluids and doing another oil change, I also installed my Heli Riser Bridge!
Technically, I did it last week, but due to aforementioned service items, I decided to keep it in the garage until everything got done.
Heli Riser Bridge - on a 2009 FJR
Installation notes:
Over all, the install wasnt that bad at all. The only thing to note is that you do have to cut the metal retainer in order to get the cables out of the loop when removing the factory bar retainer plate. Putting in the bolts and nut on the new bridge was also a bit tricky. I had to make 2 trips to Home Depot in order to get replacement washers and again for replacement nuts.
Why, you ask?
Because I was too careless and lost them somewhere in the plastic. Placing some rags underneath would have helped. Actually, it did help, but only after losing the parts in the first place.
Riding notes:
I rode into work today (36 miles) and it took almost an hour. The 1 inch raised is very nice, though I think i would have hardly noticed. Moving the bars back almost the full 3 inches on the other hand...Wonderful! I did not notice any additional vibration on the handle bars, and the beast still corners fairly well.
Turning - yes, it does take a little more to corner. However, it's really not bad, as I'm used to leaning with my hips more. So I'm not laying down a whole lot of force on the handle bars. I'll update this more when I get a chance to drive more aggressively.
Speaking of leaning with hips, I also got the Corbin saddle. Combining this saddle with the riser bridge has transformed the bike significantly for the better. I'm 5'7" with slightly shorter arms (32/33 - more on the 32 side). I'm now sitting on the Corbin with my butt all the way back, as it should be. And, when cornering, it just feels very natural to let the lower extremities provide a lot of the turning force. I'm not sure if this is good practice, but it makes for a very comfortable ride.
I cant wait to see how much more comfortable I'll be when I get an all day saddle (Russel).
Back to the bridge...
The bridge can be adjusted, as others have said, between the range specified. It is not 3 distinct settings. I believe others have compared it to the MV plate. There are markings (2) on the bridge to help you set each bars evenly. I have chosen to put mine just shy of the rear-most setting.
I was able to do the install (minus the time it took for the HD field trips) in about 2 hours.
Wrist -
I'm almost, or basically at, the stock angles, just 2.7 inches further back. There is no improvement on the angles there, so my hands fall in the same way that they always have. However, I never had much of an issue with that, and my wrists did not hurt often. Today, there was no pain on my wrists, and it felt even better as my hands do not take the weight of my upper body. Moving the bars back and the 1inch height is probably the biggest factors here. And so far, it's been great!
Hands -
No additional buzzing as I said before. No numb feelings as of yet. But my commute is not lengthy, when compared to many here who do weekend excursions.
Back, waist, and Butt - not a function of the bridge directly, but I do feel more weight on my butt- a good thing! It's letting me know and confirms what I feel. My hands are not taking all that weight. My back is also glad of the new position.
Overall - It's one of the best farkles I've spent my money on. A new seat, this bridge, and the highway pegs really make this bike supremely comfy. Do yourself a favor, and get one of these. Yes, the sporty feeling is a trade-off. But you only trade in about half of the sporty feeling (subjective opinion). To me, that's a trade I am happy to make.
About me: 5'7" , shorter arms (32 length), 200 lbs.(yikes! - I'm working on lowering this number). Oh, and I'm 29in inseam.
Technically, I did it last week, but due to aforementioned service items, I decided to keep it in the garage until everything got done.
Heli Riser Bridge - on a 2009 FJR
Installation notes:
Over all, the install wasnt that bad at all. The only thing to note is that you do have to cut the metal retainer in order to get the cables out of the loop when removing the factory bar retainer plate. Putting in the bolts and nut on the new bridge was also a bit tricky. I had to make 2 trips to Home Depot in order to get replacement washers and again for replacement nuts.
Why, you ask?
Because I was too careless and lost them somewhere in the plastic. Placing some rags underneath would have helped. Actually, it did help, but only after losing the parts in the first place.
Riding notes:
I rode into work today (36 miles) and it took almost an hour. The 1 inch raised is very nice, though I think i would have hardly noticed. Moving the bars back almost the full 3 inches on the other hand...Wonderful! I did not notice any additional vibration on the handle bars, and the beast still corners fairly well.
Turning - yes, it does take a little more to corner. However, it's really not bad, as I'm used to leaning with my hips more. So I'm not laying down a whole lot of force on the handle bars. I'll update this more when I get a chance to drive more aggressively.
Speaking of leaning with hips, I also got the Corbin saddle. Combining this saddle with the riser bridge has transformed the bike significantly for the better. I'm 5'7" with slightly shorter arms (32/33 - more on the 32 side). I'm now sitting on the Corbin with my butt all the way back, as it should be. And, when cornering, it just feels very natural to let the lower extremities provide a lot of the turning force. I'm not sure if this is good practice, but it makes for a very comfortable ride.
I cant wait to see how much more comfortable I'll be when I get an all day saddle (Russel).
Back to the bridge...
The bridge can be adjusted, as others have said, between the range specified. It is not 3 distinct settings. I believe others have compared it to the MV plate. There are markings (2) on the bridge to help you set each bars evenly. I have chosen to put mine just shy of the rear-most setting.
I was able to do the install (minus the time it took for the HD field trips) in about 2 hours.
Wrist -
I'm almost, or basically at, the stock angles, just 2.7 inches further back. There is no improvement on the angles there, so my hands fall in the same way that they always have. However, I never had much of an issue with that, and my wrists did not hurt often. Today, there was no pain on my wrists, and it felt even better as my hands do not take the weight of my upper body. Moving the bars back and the 1inch height is probably the biggest factors here. And so far, it's been great!
Hands -
No additional buzzing as I said before. No numb feelings as of yet. But my commute is not lengthy, when compared to many here who do weekend excursions.
Back, waist, and Butt - not a function of the bridge directly, but I do feel more weight on my butt- a good thing! It's letting me know and confirms what I feel. My hands are not taking all that weight. My back is also glad of the new position.
Overall - It's one of the best farkles I've spent my money on. A new seat, this bridge, and the highway pegs really make this bike supremely comfy. Do yourself a favor, and get one of these. Yes, the sporty feeling is a trade-off. But you only trade in about half of the sporty feeling (subjective opinion). To me, that's a trade I am happy to make.
About me: 5'7" , shorter arms (32 length), 200 lbs.(yikes! - I'm working on lowering this number). Oh, and I'm 29in inseam.
