RPM Handlebar Risers - Long Time Users Feedback

[FJ1100mjk]

Can anyone who's purchased these 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.

[the fan]

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.

[~JM~]

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.

[Bminder]

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.

[TexasDave]

They made a world of difference in the comfort level on long trips. Would not have an FJ without them.  Dave

[magge52]

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. 

[Pat Conlon]

Sucks getting old. 

Not that bad, considering the alternative....

[FJmonkey]

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.... 

[Bones]

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.

[Tiger]

  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 

John.

[FJ1100mjk]

Put them on your Christmas wish list

John.

Done!

Thanks everyone.

[ken65]

The 3/4 of an inch is just enough to make the difference i was hoping for.

[motohorseman]

Does anyone know if the picture is for the FJ risers or not?

[magge52]

Sucks getting old. 

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.

[aviationfred]

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

Fred