Added handlebar riser to my F3L. Changed handling - a surprise?

[GRHorst]

As on a previous 2-wheeler, I wanted to raise the handlebars a bit for my height. The install is easy. A pleasant surprised for me was that this more comfortable riding position seemed to make the F3 handle better. Apparently reaching further for the handlebars, made me lock my elbows and respond to too much deviation in the roads. Now with a more relaxed arm position, it is apparently more natural to release the "death grip" on the handlebars making the handling appear easier.

 

[bikerchris1270]

As on a previous 2-wheeler, I wanted to raise the handlebars a bit for my height. The install is easy. A pleasant surprised for me was that this more comfortable riding position seemed to make the F3 handle better. Apparently reaching further for the handlebars, made me lock my elbows and respond to too much deviation in the roads. Now with a more relaxed arm position, it is apparently more natural to release the "death grip" on the handlebars making the handling appear easier.

View attachment 196326

Ordered mine yesterday…..

 

[GRHorst]

I think you will like it. The installation was easy also.

 

[peatmoss]

I like mine. I'm a taller guy and I can sit back into my backrest and stretch out. I will say when I put mine on it made it look like my bars weren't straight. It may just be mental. Either way, I love it!

 

[Peteoz]

I like mine. I'm a taller guy and I can sit back into my backrest and stretch out. I will say when I put mine on it made it look like my bars weren't straight. It may just be mental. Either way, I love it!

I thought the same thing when I put my Helibars on, peatmoss. For me, I slightly tweaked the wrist angle adjustment on one side and that “misalignment appeared to go away. (But was it really there in the first place hyea: )…..and of course, you don’t have that adjustment with stock bars.

Pete

 

[chunkmonk]

As on a previous 2-wheeler, I wanted to raise the handlebars a bit for my height. The install is easy. A pleasant surprised for me was that this more comfortable riding position seemed to make the F3 handle better. Apparently reaching further for the handlebars, made me lock my elbows and respond to too much deviation in the roads. Now with a more relaxed arm position, it is apparently more natural to release the "death grip" on the handlebars making the handling appear easier.

View attachment 196326

In some respects, I think the 'feeling of handling differently' is an illusion, since you have now adjusted the bars to be more ergonomically aligned to YOU instead of the bike manufacturer. However, I've put them on the last couple of bikes I've owned (having lost the access to a machine shop where I could just fab my own bars) and the cumulative effect of being in a good body position along with the position/location of your arms and elbows in comparison to your torso will give you a better point of control, which would add to the sensation of "better" performance. I've probably modded handlebars on 18 of the 20 motorcycles I've ridden over the past 50 years. I knew the first time I rode the F3 that I loved the bike, but that the control points in those stock handlebars was close to abysmal.

 

[troop]

Ordered mine yesterday…..

Not liking your Helibars? I have/used the Lamonster risers, but didn't like the fact that they also bring the bars closer to the rider.

 

[bikerchris1270]

Not liking your Helibars? I have/used the Lamonster risers, but didn't like the fact that they also bring the bars closer to the rider.

I ordered the Big Bike Parts riser kit…… thought I’d try bringing my Heibars a weee bit closer to me…… trial and error and $.

 

[Isopedella]

I too have fitted just up one of those block type handlebar risers. I hope to go for a ride today with an allen key and get the bar to its preferred position for me.

One thing I did notice. While parked I can not see the rear view mirrors except for in the lowest setting.

Considering If my preferred position is higher I may fit up some bar end type mirror.



I also fabed up a longer brake bar and moved the floorboards forward 100mm, the last notch. Now my knees fit into the scallop in the tank and dont sit above the tank. So should be interesting.

 

[bikerchris1270]

I too have fitted just up one of those block type handlebar risers. I hope to go for a ride today with an allen key and get the bar to its preferred position for me.

One thing I did notice. While parked I can not see the rear view mirrors except for in the lowest setting.

Considering If my preferred position is higher I may fit up some bar end type mirror.

View attachment 196337

I also fabed up a longer brake bar and moved the floorboards forward 100mm, the last notch. Now my knees fit into the scallop in the tank and dont sit above the tank. So should be interesting.

I have the top cuff mirrors….. I love ‘em….. factory mirrors are worthless.

 

[Isopedella]

I have the top cuff mirrors….. I love ‘em….. factory mirrors are worthless.

Yeah I do hear ya.

I found some on the Lamonster site where I have made some purchases already. Really good service I might add. But they will cost me about $380nz to buy and ship to New Zealand. I can get some cheap ones here for about $38 nz delivered in a few days. My bike budget is in debit for a while so will run with the local ones.

Here is the bar I fabed up, if anyone is interested. I am not really a good mig-welder but it should do the job. Sprayed it with some Zinc.
WX has turned to not that flash for a few days with winter conditions here locally. Maybe in a few days I will get out. haha.

 

[troop]

Can't remember if on here or FB, but someone easily drilled/tapped OEM control covers to accept aftermarket mirrors.