Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ZG on February 17, 2013, 06:54:36 PM
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Precision Engineering has just completely redesigned there multi-adjustable handlebars and I must say I am very impressed!!
My new set arrived on Friday and I finally got a chance to play around with them. :P
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/133A07F5-AAA6-46FB-A192-561430CF9664-2412-000001C83C642545_zps6dd8dfea.jpg)
From their website:
These adjustable handlebars are CNC machined out of billet 6061 aluminum. These are completely adjustable vertically, forward, backward for a super customizable riding position. These risers will allow 3" of adjustment rearward, 3" adjustment forward and 1.5" upward with out adjusting the hydraulic lines.
These risers have been completely re-designed for 2013 allowing for greater rearward adjustment towards the rider, relocating the hydraulic lines, more adjustability forward and backward with the use of "Face Splines, wider spacing at the triple clamp for better compatibility with Garmin GPS products and the use of all Metric hardware.
This product is supplied with all hardware needed to make installation very simple and straight forward.
These risers are available in your choice of black anodize or clear anodize to provide protection to the outside elements.
http://www.preeng.com/xcart/product.php?productid=56&cat=11&page=1 (http://www.preeng.com/xcart/product.php?productid=56&cat=11&page=1)
Things I really like about the new design...
The bolt holes in the bases are now larger to allow use of Murphs wedges if one wishes.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/4D1C53FB-3788-46AF-9C1F-C0792F9306D4-2412-000001C8536AADAE_zps52a81ab0.jpg)
The new design has teeth where the arm connects to the base, giving endless adjustment options for forward/back, it also means they were able to get away from that one small bolt on the prior version to set the position.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/22808D3F-45E2-4AF9-83AE-6EBE8EAE7AB3-2412-000001C84885F802_zps4d8d22f2.jpg)
The telescoping extensions now have about a 1/2" longer range to them, see below compared to their prior version.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/B344DBC7-F2DD-4385-ADEF-D6378D2177BE-2412-000001C85D51EBED_zps3b698892.jpg)
They completely changed the position of the arm mount on the base, on the prior design the hole was just straight up and in the middle, on the new design it is angled back towards the rider and is also higher up, giving the bars even more height options and further back positioning. See pic below of the new angled base before I installed it compared to the prior center hole base design.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/3A8F501E-6E6E-4DBC-883C-AF68F44A229E-2412-000001C86A90299A_zpsaa8ed95e.jpg)
With this new design having more pull back and height options I now no longer need to use my 2" Heli risers to have the bars in the perfect position for me!! :thumbs:
Only temporary down side of that is I currently have my Zumo mounted to my Heli riser mount, so today I went ahead and ordered up a new mount for my Zumo and will be losing the Heli risers all together! :thumbs:
Here's some comparison shots of the prior design with the new design, one thing to note is that with the new design I don't even have them telescoped out at all to be in the same position as my prior set was completely telescoped out, so that means if one wishes they can be even closer to the rider or higher up, so many endless options with these bars. I really love this new design, it's so much cleaner IMO!
They're also now available in silver too if you want to go slower... ;)
Prior design:
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/C6DB6D18-2BEC-4AD7-A275-1403EE88DE9C-2412-000001C87FB304DA_zps0bdc095b.jpg)
New design:
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/0F48E29C-9262-4CF2-981C-080048CAA02F-2412-000001C88A8DFF4F_zps0e329b60.jpg)
Look out Heli Horizon bars, there's a new sheriff in town!! (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/sdskja.gif)
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Can keep stock line lengths with these? If that is true I am really wanting these eventually.
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Can keep stock line lengths with these? If that is true I am really wanting these eventually.
I have longer lines so no issue for me but their site says "These risers will allow 3" of adjustment rearward, 3" adjustment forward and 1.5" upward with out adjusting the hydraulic lines." so I'd have to assume you're good to go Poke.
:chugbeer:
Thanks also for reminding me, I forgot to post up this pic, that square cut-out spot you see allows you to relocate that mounting spot on the front of the upper triple clamp for that square on the oem lines, just like you'd do with the Heli risers. 8)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/96983042-4ADD-463A-B1B6-A97356678D32-2412-000001CC737D379C_zps28cee65b.jpg)
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Thanks for all the excellent info and pics! Sounds like they have made a lot of improvements, especially by offering the correct *SILVER* color now, too. Especially like the splined adjuster and the raised/tilted main eyelet. I still like the looks of the Helibars Horizons much more, though. The Precision has the telescoping feature that the Horizons lacks. But the Horizons can adjust the grips in more ways.
I have never seen either in person.
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Thanks for all the excellent info and pics! Sounds like they have made a lot of improvements, especially by offering the correct *SILVER* color now, too. Especially like the splined adjuster and the raised/tilted main eyelet. I still like the looks of the Helibars Horizons much more, though. The Precision has the telescoping feature that the Horizons lacks. But the Horizons can adjust the grips in more ways.
I have never seen either in person.
Ya, I thought you'd like that they are now available in slower silver Max, I remember that being one of your complaints on their previous bars. ;) :)
As for adjustment points these bars have all the same adjustment points as the Heli Horizons, including that grip position adjustment, rotate em in or out, see pic below. 8)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/9765027B-71EA-4779-9924-EF4BBCDD16B6-2412-000001D4BE8ED2EF_zps5a4cb9ff.jpg)
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As for adjustment points these bars have all the same adjustment points as the Heli Horizons, including that grip position adjustment, rotate em in or out, see pic below. 8)
You might be right, although I was thinking of the tilt function, which might actually be pretty useless. Hard to describe what I am thinking (it is 3d and complex!) In silver they are probably more attractive (to me anyway) but there is something about that angled joint at the grips that just turns me off for some reason. Also, for something that expensive, it is a shame they don't at least have a RAM ball mounting for the GPS.
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it is a shame they don't at least have a RAM ball mounting for the GPS.
I ordered up one of these today Max, problem solved. :thumbs:
http://www.motorcyclelarry.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=46_59&products_id=260 (http://www.motorcyclelarry.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=46_59&products_id=260)
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Were these sent at no charge as replacements or as an upgrade decision on your part? Are you keeping the originals for the parts bike you're building? ;)
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Were these sent at no charge as replacements or as an upgrade decision on your part? Are you keeping the originals for the parts bike you're building? ;)
Inquiring minds want to know.
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I tried the original ones and sent them back. There were very few positions that worked without hitting the tank a full turn. I wanted the bars closer but not higher. I provided some feedback to them as well. Looks like they improved the product for those who don't want risers. I ended up with a sargent seat that put me closer to the tank and I am happy with the riding position but haven't done multiple 400+ mile days in a row yet.
If I am not happy with the riding position after a long trip, I will probably trade the Connie off for an Adventure touring bike.
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ZG your always finding a way for us to waste more $$$$$$$
I've got the LSL bars and like them but you got me thinking of wasting more $$
Have you noticed any less buzz in the right hand grip , between the grip puppies and gloves it's under control ( I road 12 hours in one day but it was in the 80mph range)
WHERE is the GROUP BUY ??????????????????????
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Would you post a photo from the side so we can see the resulting riding position?
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Phil,
I'll take some more photo's when my new GPS mount arrives, I had to pull them back off until then because they won't fit with my Heli risers on and that is the only way I have to mount the GPS which I need for tunes/phone/etc, should be later this week. :)
Cuda,
Thanks for bringing up the group buy question.
If there are folks interested in these I can ask PE about any potential group buy/discount, chime in on this thread if you're interested so I can gauge interest and approx qty.
These guys really do great quality work, I've gotten to know them well over the past year on other custom pieces. :thumbs:
GP, you know me, I'm always upgrading, Zanadu waits for no one bro. ;) ;D :chugbeer:
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Oh sure... improve them AFTER we had that group buy last year! >:(
ZG, could you inquire if they'd be willing to offer a trade-in discount for those of us who purchased in the last 12 months (and would consider an upgrade)?
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Oh sure... improve them AFTER we had that group buy last year! >:(
ZG, could you inquire if they'd be willing to offer a trade-in discount for those of us who purchased in the last 12 months (and would consider an upgrade)?
Will do RQ, that's a good idea, I'll ask...
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I tried the original ones and sent them back. There were very few positions that worked without hitting the tank a full turn.
I suspect that is one reason they raised the main eyelet the way they did.
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Any less BUZZ in the right hand ???????????????????
Than before , the truth now , I know your a salesman , so ...
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Any less BUZZ in the right hand ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ?
Than before , the truth now , I know your a salesman , so ...
:o Salesman?? :rotflmao:
Hahaha.... I'm far from it Cuda, just ask Gumby, I'm definately a buyer not a seller, trust me I hate selling anything, once I make the decision to sell toys I price them so low that they're gone within days. Nothing worse than dealing with tire kickers IMO, make the decision, price it low, and be done is how I roll bro!
:chugbeer:
As for buzz, I didn't have anything excessive with the prior set, so I'd have to assume the new version wouldn't either but I'll let you know after I put some miles on em.
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OK lets put it this way
Was their ANY reduction in vibrations in your right hand when you switched from your factory set up to your present Precision Eng bars? or was everything the same ?
Did you ever have any issues with the stock set up?
Thanks jj
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OK lets put it this way
Was their ANY reduction in vibrations in your right hand when you switched from your factory set up to your present Precision Eng bars? or was everything the same ?
Did you ever have any issues with the stock set up?
Thanks jj
I didn't have any excessive vibs with my stock bars either C, sorry bro... :-\
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Only vibration was in the Ether, reverberating in shock as ZG changed his bike color from black to Kawi green....
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Only vibration was in the Ether, reverberating in shock as ZG changed his bike color from black to Kawi green....
:rotflmao: :battle:
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Oh sure... improve them AFTER we had that group buy last year! >:(
ZG, could you inquire if they'd be willing to offer a trade-in discount for those of us who purchased in the last 12 months (and would consider an upgrade)?
I just heard back from PE, see what they said below:
To all who purchased the first design Precision Engineering bars are eligible for a 50% discount towards the purchase of a new set of 2nd design Precision Engineering bars.
:thumbs: :thumbs:
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I just heard back from PE, see what they said below:
To all who purchased the first design Precision Engineering bars are eligible for a 50% discount towards the purchase of a new set of 2nd design Precision Engineering bars.
:thumbs: :thumbs:
Anyone who purchased first design and not interested in upgrading let me know and I'll buy your upgrade if they allow you to keep your current ones. :):):)
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I just heard back from PE, see what they said below:
To all who purchased the first design Precision Engineering bars are eligible for a 50% discount towards the purchase of a new set of 2nd design Precision Engineering bars.
That is quite generous. The question then is, of course, do you have to return to the old ones, or are those yours to keep? Because you could sell them at half price to someone else and get your upgrade for free.....
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I tried the original ones and sent them back. There were very few positions that worked without hitting the tank a full turn. I wanted the bars closer but not higher. I provided some feedback to them as well. Looks like they improved the product for those who don't want risers. I ended up with a sargent seat that put me closer to the tank and I am happy with the riding position but haven't done multiple 400+ mile days in a row yet.
If I am not happy with the riding position after a long trip, I will probably trade the Connie off for an Adventure touring bike.
I am in your boat, love the C14 but I must do something to help me with the bar comfort. I am very much debating the Super Tenere as my next steed, the ADV bikes seem to hit all the right buttons for me. 8)
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I am in your boat, love the C14 but I must do something to help me with the bar comfort. I am very much debating the Super Tenere as my next steed, the ADV bikes seem to hit all the right buttons for me. 8)
I see them for sale on the cheap, brand new and all farkled up. i wonder why there are so many
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=859265 (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=859265)
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I am in your boat, love the C14 but I must do something to help me with the bar comfort. I am very much debating the Super Tenere as my next steed, the ADV bikes seem to hit all the right buttons for me. 8)
You need both. I've ridden my friends Super Tenere. Not as good off road as my DR-650 or my son's KLR and not nearly as good on road as my C14. And for the price of the Tenere with panniers and such you can have both. ;)
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That is quite generous. The question then is, of course, do you have to return to the old ones, or are those yours to keep?
Yes, they said the original set must be returned for the 50% discount.
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Yes, they said the original set must be returned for the 50% discount.
Hey- it was worth a try!
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You need both. I've ridden my friends Super Tenere. Not as good off road as my DR-650 or my son's KLR and not nearly as good on road as my C14. And for the price of the Tenere with panniers and such you can have both. ;)
Of course if you replace the C14 with the Ducati Multistrada with the skyhook suspension you will get a more comfortable bike that is just as fun on road as the C14 and can still handle the light off road work that I currently use my Versys for. I also like the Triumph Explorer. The Super Tenere would be a good choice if I really wanted to go off road exploring. I myself am looking for more long distance comfort without having to muck up the looks of the Concours by putting cruiser seat and bars on the bike. :o
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I'm interested in the group buy. Can we get a cost?
Can you post the installation instructions?
Thanks
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I'm interested in the group buy. Can we get a cost?
Can you post the installation instructions?
Thanks
We'll have to wait and see if there is enough interest regarding any group buy discount, seems so far there are only a few folks interested... at least as far as I can tell from this thread. :-\
I'll scan in the instructions but I don't currently have them with me, I'll do it later though.
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ZG, quick question about these, is it an instant adjustment to go from relaxed HWY position to an aggressive twisty position? Appears to be a 5 minute task if the right tools are onboard the bike?
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ZG, quick question about these, is it an instant adjustment to go from relaxed HWY position to an aggressive twisty position? Appears to be a 5 minute task if the right tools are onboard the bike?
2 allen bolts to adjust the height (telescope the arms in/out) and one bolt to adjust the angle up/down, shouldn't take more than a couple minutes Steve. 8)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/0F48E29C-9262-4CF2-981C-080048CAA02F-2412-000001C88A8DFF4F_zps0e329b60.jpg)
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So are the adjustment distances listed the max? or with longer lines do they adjust further? Also, can they match the adjustment distances of the Heli Horizons?
I like the telescoping of these which is missing on the Horizons.
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OK lets put it this way
Was their ANY reduction in vibrations in your right hand when you switched from your factory set up to your present Precision Eng bars? or was everything the same ?
Did you ever have any issues with the stock set up?
Thanks jj
I had issues with the stock setup sending my right hand to sleep and a 600km day would leave me with such fatigue in my right hand it was weak as a kitten's to the point where I would struggle to do my pants up (expanding waistline wouldn't help).
Installed the original PE handlebars last year, did a week long tour upwards of 3,000kms and had no problems with hand fatigue.
ALTHOUGH, installed 06/07 ZX14 headers and dual Two Bros mufflers at Christmas, and there are hints of increased vibration back with tingling in my right hand around town. Jury is still out as to why, but I have a feel it has to do with no cats in the system anymore and no mid-point bike mount for the exhaust is causing a layer of resonation.
That said, did a weekend of advanced rider training last weekend which involved incredibly hard braking over two days, was shown how to use my core when braking like the MotoGP guys, no tingly hand.
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So are the adjustment distances listed the max? or with longer lines do they adjust further? Also, can they match the adjustment distances of the Heli Horizons?
I like the telescoping of these which is missing on the Horizons.
I'm not sure Chris, I'll have to take some measurements and get back to you.
I think you have the Heli Horizon bars right? What are the measurements for those?
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Yep, I've got the Horizons. According to Heli here are their adjustments
Height: +2.5 to 4.5 inches depending on forward/backward adjustment
Set-back: up to 6 inches depending on forward/backward wrist angle adjustment
Width: 27” to 28.5 depending on forward/backward wrist angle adjustment
I'll see if I can measure where I have mine set tonight.
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Yep, I've got the Horizons. According to Heli here are their adjustments
Height: +2.5 to 4.5 inches depending on forward/backward adjustment
Set-back: up to 6 inches depending on forward/backward wrist angle adjustment
Width: 27” to 28.5 depending on forward/backward wrist angle adjustment
I'll see if I can measure where I have mine set tonight.
Are those adjustments with the line extensions?
On the PE site they list it as "These risers will allow 3" of adjustment rearward, 3" adjustment forward and 1.5" upward with out adjusting the hydraulic lines."
When my new gps mount arrives at the end of the week I'll take some measurements with them calapsed and fully extended and post em up, I already have 2" longer lines on the front so maybe I can get even more than what they list on their site, TBD... :-\
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That would be an expensive set of bars (800.00 ballpark) with the original cost and then another cost on top of it.......even at a good discounted rate. But they do look good.
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Ok, this should help to clarify...
Measuring from the center of the bar from the center of the "O" that the actual handlebar (that yer grip is on) mounts into down to the bottom center where it bolts to the upper triple clamp is about 12" fully extended, not extended is about 10&1/4". So depending where you have the rotation set (where the arm connects to the base) you can just take a tape measure and put it to yer upper triple clamp and aim towards you at the angle you would like. Does that make sense?? :-\
FYI, their prior design measures in at 9&1/4" fully extended.
Does anyone have a stock bar that they can do this measurement?
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/C7A2F977-2D64-49D6-8AAC-C0187B7B69D1-786-00000076E77B73B9_zps2a09e009.jpg)
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Stock bars on my '11 look to be ~8"
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Stock bars on my '11 look to be ~8"
Thanks bro, I knew I could count on you! :)
Now go back to yer beer... ;D :chugbeer:
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I am in your boat, love the C14 but I must do something to help me with the bar comfort. I am very much debating the Super Tenere as my next steed, the ADV bikes seem to hit all the right buttons for me. 8)
BMW's 2013 R1200GS is lookin very nice!
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Looks are in the EYES of the beholder :P
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I'm with Steve I like the Idea of being able to change riding style , I like the clip on style for around town sprinting then changing for the long ride.
Picture of Steves old girl.
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Got my new GPS mount on Friday and Saturday re-installed the new bars! :)
Unfortunately ran into a little bit of a snag, got em on and all adjusted into the perfect position for me, pulled the bike back and realized a bit of a problem... If you have an 08/09 (with the storage compartment on top of the tank) when you turn the bars the new angled bases hit that storage box, my guess is they didn't take the 08/09 center storage box into consideration which is taller in that spot then the 10+ model years... :(
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/PE1_zpsf0a610c1.jpg)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/PE2_zps27627a84.jpg)
Oh well, an easy fix was to just put my risers underneath them which then made them clear that storage box just fine. :)
When I had them on without the risers I had the arms telescoped all the way out, but now with my risers under them I have the arms collapsed down to their lowest position. Went for a ride and absolutely love em, I was very happy with the prior set but this set is even better, I'm very comfy and it pushes me back in my Corbin and zero strain on my back. :thumbs: :thumbs:
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/PE8_zps7092b1e0.jpg)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/PE7_zps6afa697d.jpg)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/PE4_zpsf4d9a79c.jpg)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/PE3_zpsab5a5f9c.jpg)
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Jay, how tall are your risers? What do you think is the shortest riser you would need to clear the box?
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Jay, how tall are your risers? What do you think is the shortest riser you would need to clear the box?
My risers are 2", I think even just a 1" riser would work though GP.
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ok, thanks
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Nice! If I didn't already have my Horizon's I would definitely check these out.
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ZG, can you see all your gauges with all that in front of you?
Read an article this week comparing the Concours, FJR, Trophy SE, and GT1600. They considered the Concours the sportiest riding position and the GT or Trophy the sporty TOURING bikes. Look like you have created a bike that is somewhere leaning towards the touring side of the sport touring category, and still haven't spent the money it cost to own a BMW.
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Looks are in the EYES of the beholder :P
I love the look of the adventure bikes. Love the ride even more.
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ZG, can you see all your gauges with all that in front of you?
Yep, I can see everything perfect when I'm on the bike. :)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/PE9_zpsfc252e43.jpg)
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install directions attached...
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Thanks ZG, looks like an easy install. I didn't want to mess with taking the throttle off. Looks like the whole throttle assembly is taken off and on with one bolt.
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Thanks ZG, looks like an easy install. I didn't want to mess with taking the throttle off. Looks like the whole throttle assembly is taken off and on with one bolt.
Can' say with these specifically but I installed the Horizon ST bars and taking the whole throttle assembly off the stock and putting it on the new bars was just a few minutes. The most difficult thing by far was replacing the lines and bleeding the clutch. Bleeding the front brakes was no problem but the clutch took a bit with a MityVac bleeder.
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Thanks ZG, looks like an easy install. I didn't want to mess with taking the throttle off. Looks like the whole throttle assembly is taken off and on with one bolt.
I have the 1st gen PE bars, but yes... one bolt to pull the controls from the stockers to these, and didn't need to unhook any of the lines (other than the block down near the top triple). Pretty easy from that aspect.
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Would like to throw my name in if the price is right for a group buy/discount.. Thx!
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It didn't like enough interest for a group buy, I ordered a set last week.