Fitting high bars for more distance comfort?

Fitting high bars for more distance comfort?

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Prof Prolapse

Original Poster:

16,160 posts

190 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all
This is probably a st idea.

So my old CBR600FX is looking like it will live again thanks to a new engine. Sadly however, it simply isn't worth the huge effort to get into a track bike as per my initial intentions. So I'm now think it could be used as a ratty bike I could do a bit of distance on.

So for this I would like to change the ergonomics a wee bit. I can either use raised clip ons, which don't offer much of a rise, or I can fit new mounts and bars. Both will require new cables, and the latter requires a lot more wiring to be extended, and a new front brake line.

So I guess the question is, do small changes really matter? So could I potentially get away with just slightly raised clip ons? And just generally is fitting new bars a retarded idea?

It's just a thought for now as I've much more to concentrate on in the mean time...



Edited by Prof Prolapse on Wednesday 26th October 12:07

Jazoli

9,100 posts

250 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all
I personally wouldn't bother, been there done that and it didn't have the outcome I wanted, surely the old cbr has one of the comfiest riding positions anyway?

Raised clip ons will make a bit of a difference and you may not have to buy new hoses if you are lucky


As for fitting mandlebars you'll find you end up putting more weight onto your arse and the seat will get very uncomfortable quite quickly, you'll also need a much taller screen to alleviate wind blast as you'll be sat much higher, you may also have to cut the fairing to get the clearance you need coupled with the cost doesn't make it worthwhile for me.

Better to sell it and buy an upright bike

graham22

3,295 posts

205 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all
Jazoli said:
I personally wouldn't bother, been there done that and it didn't have the outcome I wanted, surely the old cbr has one of the comfiest riding positions anyway?
This totally, CBR600 of that ilk were just right for road use.

Also like said, high bars could cause pain elsewhere, had a F800R loan bike recently; fairly upright, felt comfy initially but back ache after 50 or so miles.



Drawweight

2,884 posts

116 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all

On the other hand I fitted Renthals to my ZZR1100 and love it.

Far more comfortable and easier to throw about with more leverage (though you shouldn't need leverage on the CBR)

Sure it has a bit more wind blast but a taller screen will sort that if I can get one at a good price.

Distance work is more comfortable with no shoulder ache like I used to get.

Prof Prolapse

Original Poster:

16,160 posts

190 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all
Worth hearing thanks. I can't comment across all CBRs but I've never found it especially comfortable. Like most CBR600F traits I find it offers some sort of horrible mixture of sports and "everyday", satisfying neither category very well. I can see how it could be endless once I look at the snag list, as you say.

Unlikely to sell though, it's my first bike and I've just put too much time into it, and now I've put so much time in I'm determined to do a reasonable job of it.












abarber

1,686 posts

241 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all
My CBR600F4 was quite comfortable for what it was. I did a tour down to Spain in it too, which was fun.

With some bikes, (like a Blackbird), you can fit 1-2" riser blocks between the forks and bars. Not sure about the CBR6.

I ended up buying a different bike for touring tbh. A VFR is a lot more comfortable. It's not just the bars, but the whole riding position. Much more comfy suspension too and decent luggage options. I ended up with a Sprint 1050, which was great.

Harry H

3,398 posts

156 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
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Mate of mine spent a fortune on higher bars for his R1. Then the seat was too hard, then the pegs were in the wrong position, then the foot levers were all wrong.... then he put it all back to standard flogged it and bought a Fazer 1K.

podman

8,868 posts

240 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
quotequote all
Ive looked into these bar conversions for my GSXR1000 as the bar is causing me problems with my neck/back, I concluded it would cost several hundred pounds to convert it while also involving cutting the fairing and screen, which means you couldn't put it back to stock and sell it on easily enough.

Ive decided this money would be better spent on a different bike.

Your post does highlight how everyone is affected by this differently as Mrs Ps 2001 CBR is luxury compared to my GSXR and I can manage on that fine, for my budget, im considering a VFR800, Fazer 600 /1000, they seem to fit the bill and reasonably priced from what I can make out.


Super Slo Mo

5,368 posts

198 months

Wednesday 26th October 2016
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I've just fitted bar risers to my VFR, and dropped the yolk by 10mm while I was at it.

It's made a very slight difference to my comfort, but I'm still getting painful tingling hands after a couple of hours, so sadly it is beginning to look like I will be getting a new bike in the not too distant future.

However, the 10mm drop on the front has made a big difference to how the bike handles.