F3 Limited Handlebars

[acpd22]

Ok folks, see if you can help with a solution to my problem. The other day while sitting on the Spyder in the garage, I decided to move my handlebars up about 4". I loosened the bolts and rotated the bars. This has made for a better ride at least for me. The problem lies in the fact that I can barely see my mirrors because the controls block my view. Any solutions short of moving the handlebars back to where they were? I thought about bar end mirrors but having two sets on the bike don't look right. Anyone tried the long reach bars?

 

[5legsshort]

mirror relocators

http://www.lamonstergarage.com/f3-top-cap-and-led-blinker-mirror-combo-sm6/

You will love them, that's all I have to say !!

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Don't think so

The OP says they have an F3 LTD, I don't think these are going to work!:lecturef_smilie:

 

[5legsshort]

The OP says they have an F3 LTD, I don't think these are going to work!:lecturef_smilie:

I believe in the description for them it states "FITS ALL F3 MODELS". I would install these before I would EVER put on the bar end mirrors!!!

 

[ABQSpyder]

Love my Bar end Mirrors.
I'd try bar end mirrors.
Bar end mirrors about $15. Verses $230.00
Rather be $15.00 than $230. If you don't like them.
IMHO.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

I believe in the description for them it states "FITS ALL F3 MODELS". I would install these before I would EVER put on the bar end mirrors!!!

Not the link provided anyway, it just says F3SM6. The F3 LTD has mirrors integrated in the body work.

 

[Peteoz]

Ok folks, see if you can help with a solution to my problem. The other day while sitting on the Spyder in the garage, I decided to move my handlebars up about 4". I loosened the bolts and rotated the bars. This has made for a better ride at least for me. The problem lies in the fact that I can barely see my mirrors because the controls block my view. Any solutions short of moving the handlebars back to where they were? I thought about bar end mirrors but having two sets on the bike don't look right. Anyone tried the long reach bars?

Why exactly is it a better ride for you, acpd? A bit more info might help with suggestions for options. Is it because of the changed wrist angle, the distance the grips are from you now, a better angle for your shoulders, or something else?

I rotated mine right up (and drilled another locator hole in the bars so I had the right angle for the controls), and it's a more relaxed position for me generally, and lets airflow reach my jacket's underarm vents. I don't have your problem with the mirrors though, as I am 6'7" and can still see over the controls.

Pete

 

[Peteoz]

Not the link provided anyway, it just says F3SM6. The F3 LTD has mirrors integrated in the body work.

5legs is correct, Pirate.....the caps replace the stock flat caps and give you a mounting point for the mirrors. You would then end up with 2 sets of mirrors though, which the OP doesn't want, but it may be the only option if he wants to keep the bars high.....there is also an SE version which doesn't include the piggyback plug, which it what makes it look unsuitable for the F3-L.

 

[acpd22]

A little more info!

When I moved the handlebars up it felt better all the way around. Less stress on my arms and shoulders and where my wrist were located as well. It doesn't feel like I am wrestling with the bike as much. I seem to be able to take the turns better also. I believe I will probably find that I am at an impasse with this issue and that the only way to resolve it would be to move them back or get taller. It is bad enough at 6'2".:shocked:

 

[Peteoz]

When I moved the handlebars up it felt better all the way around. Less stress on my arms and shoulders and where my wrist were located as well. It doesn't feel like I am wrestling with the bike as much. I seem to be able to take the turns better also. I believe I will probably find that I am at an impasse with this issue and that the only way to resolve it would be to move them back or get taller. It is bad enough at 6'2".:shocked:

Yeah, that's pretty much what I found, too, especially after I adjusted the switch block. You are caught between a rock and a hard place. It might be worth forgetting about how it "looks" and going with handlebar mounted mirrors. Quite a few of us did that on the Victory Vision, and not many people notice two sets of mirrors. Some Vision riders applied black stick on covers over their fairing mirrors at it looked quite good. Others manufactured a slot in speaker grille etc etc etc. I guess it comes down to whether comfort outweighs appearance. I know which one I would choose, but we are all different

 

[acpd22]

Never thought of that!

Yeah, that's pretty much what I found, too, especially after I adjusted the switch block. You are caught between a rock and a hard place. It might be worth forgetting about how it "looks" and going with handlebar mounted mirrors. Quite a few of us did that on the Victory Vision, and not many people notice two sets of mirrors. Some Vision riders applied black stick on covers over their fairing mirrors at it looked quite good. Others manufactured a slot in speaker grille etc etc etc. I guess it comes down to whether comfort outweighs appearance. I know which one I would choose, but we are all different

I'm pretty sure I can find some material to make the stock mirrors look like speakers.Thanks Pete.

 

[rpatsh]

You might look at which bars you have and try one of the other options for the bars, such as the short reach bars.

 

[Peteoz]

You might look at which bars you have and try one of the other options for the bars, such as the short reach bars.

The short reach bars and the long reach bars operate at much the same height as the standard bars, rpatsh, and it looks like acpd needs the bars raised for comfort. Unfortunately he is just at the wrong height once he raises the bars. I tried the short reach bars when I got my new Daylong seat that moved me back a couple of inches, but they weren't as comfortable as the raised standard bars.