Handlebar risers and their affect on handling

[FJDuffer]

My question is if the GenMar or RPM style bar riser kits have an adverse affect on handling. This type of riser requires the fork tubes to be raised up in the triple clamp approx. 3/4 of an inch. I ask as a result of my experience on a 2012 Suzuki 1250 Bandit. The owner who loaned it to me for a 1800 mile trip is, shall we say, vertically challenged. He had raised the forks about 1" in the triple clamps and also installed custom dog bones in the rear to lower the bike.

These modifications resulted in the worst handling bike I've ever ridden. To initiate a turn I had to use considerable countersteer. If I didn't maintain a constant amount of excessive countersteer throughout the corner, the bike would try to stand back up. After 600 miles of bulldogging this bike through the corners I dropped the fork tubes back to the stock setting. The rear was not adjustable. Changing the front back to stock improved the handling to the point where the rest of the trip was enjoyable.

Sorry for the long winded tale    but that was my only experience with a bike that had the forks moved in the triple clamps. The reason for the question is that I would like to raise the bars on my 1991 FJ.

Todd   

[racerrad8]

The fork tubes do not need to be raised for use with the "handlebar riser". You only need to remove that handlebar clip on, install the riser and reinstall the clip on. Sounds like the other guy raised the forks to lower the bike and the riser allowed him to do that but there is no need for the FJ, so the handling remains the same.

Randy - RPM

[FJDuffer]

The fork tubes do not need to be raised for use with the "handlebar riser". You only need to remove that handlebar clip on, install the riser and reinstall the clip on. Sounds like the other guy raised the forks to lower the bike and the riser allowed him to do that but there is no need for the FJ, so the handling remains the same.

Randy - RPM

Thanks for clarifying. For some reason I thought the fork tubes had to protrude far enough above the triple clamp to allow both the risers and the clip ons to slide over the tube. The Bandit I described had no riser, just raised forks to lower the bike. Now I'm encouraged to give the risers a try. 

Todd

[Jeff0308]

I just read about the handlebar riser kits. Could someone send me slink to these please if they are available. Thanks jeff

[movenon]

I just read about the handlebar riser kits. Could someone send me slink to these please if they are available. Thanks jeff

Randy at RPM has them. His server is down at the moment. rpmracingca.com .
George

[racerrad8]

Here is the link; RPM Handle Bar Riser

My website is down right now and the issue is being looked into, so check back when you can.

Thanks, Randy - RPM

[Jeff0308]

Thanks Randy. I received the handlebar risers today. They look brilliant with the machined RPM caps. Can you briefly explain how to fit them please. I have an idea but just want to make sure. Even post a pic of hem on. I entyou an email before as well just incase your server is still down. Regards Jeff

[~JM~]

Check this out... http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=10482.0

If you have any other questions, feel free to shoot me a PM.

~JM~

[JPaganel]

I got the risers from Randy as well. The handling feels a little different the first day. Then, you don't notice it any more.