FJowners.com

General Category => Modifications => Topic started by: FJ1100mjk on October 22, 2014, 08:16:41 AM

Title: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: FJ1100mjk on October 22, 2014, 08:16:41 AM
Can anyone who's purchased these http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser) risers, and have used them long-term provide some feedback on them?

On the the website, there's one review of them by someone in the FJ fold, who is now going the cruiser route. The review is welcome, but I'm looking for others', especially those who have used them long-term.

I am building my Christmas stocking stuffer wishlist, and may add the risers to it.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: the fan on October 22, 2014, 08:31:06 AM
Those risers have been arouns a while and are very similar to ones that were made or at least designed by another member whose name escapes me... They were always popular with the folks who used them and I believe that they were one of the first parts RPM put out there.

They are very similar to a gen-mar riser as well.

I have not ridden an FJ with the risers, but I did use a set on my YZF (oddly enough purchased from an FJ owner...) and they worked well for thier intended purpose.

One easy way to see if you would benifit from them is to do an old dirt bike trick.

When chosing bars I would have my cusstomers sit on the bike and close thier eyes. With thier eyes closed I told them to place thier hands where they though that the bars should be. I would then quickly measure where they placed thier hands and calculate what changes in rise and pullback were needed.  You could do a similar trick on the FJ and see if the extra rise would bring the bars to where your hands naturally fall.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: ~JM~ on October 22, 2014, 09:40:37 AM
I have back & neck problems. I thought that I was going to have to sell my new FJ1200 after a couple of very uncomfortable first rides. I was not very impressed with a riser that was only 3/4" higher, as it didn't sound like enough. I was wrong! I went ahead & bought a pair. Real simple install & made a world of difference. I no longer consider selling my FJ.

I don't necessarily recommend you try this, but I set my throttle lock at a comfortable speed along a straightaway. I then placed my hands on top of the grips instead of around them. This simulated what the risers would feel like.

Turns out that a mere 3/4" really takes the kink out of the neck & removes a bit of the load on the hands.

I would be highly surprised if you were to buy them & not be pleased.

Good luck.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: Bminder on October 22, 2014, 10:26:14 AM
I installed them last year. They helped some. I've also learned to sit on the bike better (if that makes sense) and that helped too.
Very high quality parts.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: TexasDave on October 22, 2014, 11:00:02 AM
They made a world of difference in the comfort level on long trips. Would not have an FJ without them.  Dave
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: magge52 on October 22, 2014, 12:44:31 PM
I bought the RPM risers and it is surprising how much just 3/4" has helped but handlebar position is still a work in progress for me. I've done 5000+ miles this summer and my right shoulder gets very stiff after 2-3 hours in the saddle (arthritis). Funny the left one is fine and this is a new problem to the FJ. Just moving/rotating the shoulder while riding relieves the stiffness temporarily. I'm 5'8" so my reach is a bit short and early on I thought this might become a dealbreaker. Another inch or two further back would be ideal but it's becoming less and less of an issue. And I'm enjoying the bike way too much to give up on it. Got some arthritis in my neck and lower back too. None of it is serious just a lot of stiffness when I'm motionless for a while. Sucks getting old.  :negative:
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: Pat Conlon on October 22, 2014, 01:01:34 PM
Quote from: magge52 on October 22, 2014, 12:44:31 PM
Sucks getting old.  :negative:

Not that bad, considering the alternative....
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: FJmonkey on October 22, 2014, 01:11:58 PM
I just added an inch to my seat, my knees hurt the most on long rides. I guess that would be the opposite of raising the bars. Now I need to lean into the bars more.... Not too bad after my last 170 miles. Maybe a touch up on the bars would help as well....  :scratch_one-s_head:
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: Bones on October 22, 2014, 02:34:27 PM
I never had a problem my wrists, but my elbows used to get sore after a couple of hours riding. Since installing the risers they don't ache anymore, and like everybody else, I didn't think 3/4 of an inch would make much difference, but they do and it's noticeable straight away, you sit more upright and it's way more comfortable.

                                                             Tony.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: Tiger on October 22, 2014, 03:54:59 PM
 :hi: Put them on your Christmas wish list, (along with the spin off/on oil filter adapter), you won't regret it, comfort or spend wise. That 3/4" is a great improvement to over all ride comfort  :good2:

John.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: FJ1100mjk on October 22, 2014, 04:57:04 PM
Quote from: Tiger on October 22, 2014, 03:54:59 PM
Put them on your Christmas wish list

John.

Done!

Thanks everyone.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: ken65 on October 22, 2014, 05:22:10 PM
The 3/4 of an inch is just enough to make the difference i was hoping for.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: motohorseman on October 22, 2014, 06:02:38 PM
Does anyone know if the picture is for the FJ risers or not?
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: magge52 on October 23, 2014, 07:20:36 AM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 22, 2014, 01:01:34 PM
Quote from: magge52 on October 22, 2014, 12:44:31 PM
Sucks getting old.  :negative:

Not that bad, considering the alternative....

Haha, no doubt about that. I've still got many miles to ride and roads to travel but to paraphrase the kid's song "the old grey stallion he ain't what he used to be" is becoming more fitting these days.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: aviationfred on October 23, 2014, 08:49:39 AM
Steve,


The drawing you posted looks to be the same dimensions as the drawing that is in the following thread.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=765.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=765.0)

Fred
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: motohorseman on October 24, 2014, 05:52:36 AM
Quote from: aviationfred on October 23, 2014, 08:49:39 AM
Steve,


The drawing you posted looks to be the same dimensions as the drawing that is in the following thread.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=765.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=765.0)

Fred

Awesome, thank you!
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: racerrad8 on October 24, 2014, 09:30:52 AM
Quote from: motohorseman on October 22, 2014, 06:02:38 PM
Does anyone know if the picture is for the FJ risers or not?
You know they are available at RPM, along with the a very comprehensive supply for parts for your FJ.

RPM Handlebar riser (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M/C:HandleBarRiser)

That looks like them, I have not measured them out to that drawing to determine. I can tell you that I have made improvements to the cap as the listed design would likely fall out as you are riding.

Quote from: FJ1100mjk on October 22, 2014, 08:16:41 AM
On the the website, there's one review of them by someone in the FJ fold, who is now going the cruiser route. The review is welcome, but I'm looking for others', especially those who have used them long-term.
Thank you everyone for their positive feedback via the forum. If I may ask those of you have purchased the RPM riser or any other RPM products, please go to the website and leave a review for the risers and any other product that you have purchased. These types of listed feedback on the RPM website help people make more informed decisions based on your feedback of any item I supply.

Thank you, Randy - RPM (http://www.rpmracingca.com)
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: ~JM~ on October 24, 2014, 09:55:58 AM
Hey Randy, How do you leave feedback or a review on your site? I looked at the bar riser page, but didn't see a link to leave a review.

Thanks
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: racerrad8 on October 24, 2014, 11:03:48 AM
   You must be logged in to your account on the website and the link to leave a review will be on the product page you wish to review.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: Bminder on October 24, 2014, 12:25:38 PM
I like them, I'm glad I bought them from Randy, they are great quality, they look great with the RPM caps. I wish I could raise the bars up higher, but with the forks and the fairing, that 3/4" is as high as you can go.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: motohorseman on October 24, 2014, 12:26:07 PM
Quote from: racerrad8 on October 24, 2014, 09:30:52 AM
Quote from: motohorseman on October 22, 2014, 06:02:38 PM
Does anyone know if the picture is for the FJ risers or not?
You know they are available at RPM, along with the a very comprehensive supply for parts for your FJ.

RPM Handlebar riser (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M/C:HandleBarRiser)

That looks like them, I have not measured them out to that drawing to determine. I can tell you that I have made improvements to the cap as the listed design would likely fall out as you are riding.

Thank you, Randy - RPM (http://www.rpmracingca.com)

I know they're available from you, but I have some young engineers that need some CNC time.
The Yamaha logo would look nice on the cap IMO, anyway -
When I came across that, I could not remember if they were for the FJ or one of the other motorcycles I've owned over the years.
I've bought select items from you (RPM) in the past and plan to again in the future.
Thank you for your support of the forum.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: winddancer on October 24, 2014, 12:52:55 PM
Quote from: racerrad8 on October 24, 2014, 11:03:48 AM
   You must be logged in to your account on the website and the link to leave a review will be on the product page you wish to review.
The other think is you don't see the review right away not sure how long it take to show up I usually check back the next day and it is there.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: novaraptor on October 25, 2014, 09:26:33 PM
Installed the bar risers last night and the fork brace this morning. Wonderful!! The front end feels absolutely solid. Forks are more comfy and it seems easier to make u-turns in a smaller area. That may be due to a phenomena called "moment arm", but i'm not sure that applies here. I'll check that over the weekend. Highly recommended upgrades! Oh, and I didn't think that 3/4" would make much difference either,, but occurs to me that finding a more comfortable position on my kz750 bars was not really a matter of inches but probably an inch or less forward or back.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: oz.fj on October 25, 2014, 09:32:14 PM
Just fitted a set today. :good2:
Its been said before but I'll say it again..." Who would have thought 3/4 " would make such a difference !"
Quality bit of kit. Took me longer to get the tools out, than what it did to install them.
The machined caps look far better than the old black plastic ones.
:drinks:
Darran
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: racerrad8 on October 27, 2014, 11:05:36 AM
Quote from: ~JM~ on October 24, 2014, 09:55:58 AM
Hey Randy, How do you leave feedback or a review on your site? I looked at the bar riser page, but didn't see a link to leave a review.

Thanks

As Robert already posted you have to log onto your account, or when I ship out all items you receive an email advising the products have been shipped. That same email also provides you with a link that you can add your comments to the specific product you purchased.

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: racerrad8 on October 27, 2014, 11:14:56 AM
Quote from: motohorseman on October 24, 2014, 12:26:07 PM
The Yamaha logo would look nice on the cap IMO, anyway -

That is not an option...

The Yamaha tuning forks are a trademarked logo and I cannot use them. Just like I can't use the specific Yamaha related logos as I am not affiliated with Yamaha and I cannot profit from their trademarked logo(s).

I am just a small business man making aftermarket FJ specific parts, and there is no way I could ever be able to survive a court case with Yamaha for any type of infringement of their trademarks.

Plus, the RPM logo reminds everyone where they bought them, so when another FJ owners asks they can pass along where they can be purchased.

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: ken65 on October 28, 2014, 10:21:25 PM
When i restored my elcy,, i purchased things here, this is his store      http://rdlccrazy.proboards.com/thread/3085/yamaha-rd-lc-parts-shop (http://rdlccrazy.proboards.com/thread/3085/yamaha-rd-lc-parts-shop)     
he has many parts with the tuning fork logo.  They do look good..
He mustn't be aware of the laws.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: boobba1 on November 15, 2014, 01:16:39 PM
On my FJ 1100

I have this since two weeks

(http://www.hostingpicture.fr/upload/f3c9250634a49a8f5042b1764b4623b8.jpg)

(http://www.hostingpicture.fr/upload/2ef880c6d031a7afc3431d2c99818cb2.jpg)

(http://www.hostingpicture.fr/upload/95288a9b41b5408883d242a2b81fd031.jpg)

And frankly for me it changes everything. The wide handlebars and a little higher based my back and the bike is more easily drivable.

:gamer:
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: FJ1100mjk on November 15, 2014, 01:23:02 PM
Nice set up you have there. Was there any interference issues between the handlebars and the fairing or windscreen?
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: boobba1 on November 15, 2014, 02:13:11 PM
there is no interference problem between the handlebar and fairing.
You just spend a little time because the kit andle bar conversion comes with brake lines longer than the original.
It is therefore necessary to purge the brake fluid.

But there is no problem with the fairing or otherwise. :good2:
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: ~JM~ on November 16, 2014, 08:27:49 AM
I saw one of those "Super Bar" kits on eBay (I think) a while back. I seem to recall that it was fairly priced. I had wondered about the clearance issues though. That looks like a nice kit & an answer to lower back pain sufferers.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: boobba1 on November 16, 2014, 01:32:44 PM
For back pain, i confirm  :good2:
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: FJ1100mjk on March 11, 2015, 03:43:57 PM
Received my set of RPM risers today, along with other needed parts from RPM.

(http://fjowners.com/gallery/8/1388_11_03_15_2_40_36.jpeg)

Looking forward to trying them out in the near future.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: FJ1100mjk on May 20, 2015, 09:29:17 PM
Test-fitted the RPM risers after work today. Raised the forks up in the triple clamps to compensate  for the risers. After I put the handlebar on top of the riser block, I realized that there's not a whole lot of clamping surface area (lack of fork tube engagement) left between the two. The polished cap with the RPM logo fits flush to the top of the handlebar's clamp.

With as many people who have bought, installed and are happy with the risers, I assume the reduction in clamping surface area is all right, and all is safe and good. Correct? Unless I'm missing something.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: aviationfred on May 20, 2015, 09:47:18 PM
I have had my risers for 2 1/2 years with no sign of problems. There is also the screw that attaches each handle bar through the rider to the upper triple clamp.


Fred
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: Bones on May 21, 2015, 02:11:21 AM
When I installed mine, I had the same concerns about the amount of fork leg left to clamp on to, so I raised the forks a bit to get more grip.  Randy assured me everything is fine with the forks in the standard position and that the cap is there to even it out so that the clamp doesn't twist and deform when tightened up.

I lowered the forks again so that the o ring on the cap is just below the surface of the clamp to stop it vibrating out. It's been that way for a while now and I've had no problem at all with it, in fact I don't even think about it anymore.

(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_0347_zpsc095348a.jpg)
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: FJ1100mjk on May 21, 2015, 04:22:50 AM
Fred and Bones: Thanks for the replies about your installs. Good points to know.

It had been months since I purchased the risers, and the screws and o-rings for them became misplaced with all the rest of the items that I had ordered from RPM and other places. I sent an email to Randy to get some information about their install, but didn't get a reply, but to be fair, I didn't expect one immediately, since I know everyone there is very busy.

Even though the risers install appears straightforward, it would be nice if when ordered, they came with some kind of instructions or schematic to assist in their install, since it appears that I am not the only purchaser who has questions or concerns about their proper installation. I also used some of the pictures of the original risers install that someone (Sweeney?) had designed years ago before they became a RPM- branded product, to determine how they are properly installed. This information was provided  by another member (Fred?), via a hyperlink in an earler reply to this post or another earlier one. That too, was helpful.
Title: Re: RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback
Post by: Bones on May 21, 2015, 05:04:57 AM
These are Randys replys to concerns I had when I first fitted mine.  He explains it better than me and might put your mind to rest.


http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=10650.msg103785#msg103785 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=10650.msg103785#msg103785)