Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: scjaws on October 08, 2011, 02:32:56 PM

Title: Farkles and Heli Horizon replacement bars
Post by: scjaws on October 08, 2011, 02:32:56 PM
Put the Heli Bars on (for my shoulder\back), changed from a Givi T-480 to a T-489 (the Heli Bars hit it), turned my MC Cruise control panel upside down (it hit the bag), remounted my Garmin SP 7200 (the old mount went with the Heli Bar risers), and just noticed in the pic that the angle of the bars is different on each side.  Back to the garage.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: Gsun on October 08, 2011, 02:41:43 PM
Can you take pics from the side so we can see the bars? Can you see your gauges?
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: scjaws on October 08, 2011, 03:45:23 PM
Nope, can't see  gauges when the Garmin is mounted. Suggestions?
Pics from side will follow.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: redbarber on October 08, 2011, 03:54:41 PM
Nope, can't see  gauges when the Garmin is mounted. Suggestions?
Pics from side will follow.
Suggestion #1, try to find some more stuff to mount in that cockpit area.
Suggestion #2, get rid of that big-screen TV, and you'll be able to see the gauges again.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: scjaws on October 08, 2011, 05:23:49 PM
But if I get rid of the Garmin I'll be lost.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: scjaws on October 08, 2011, 05:25:13 PM

Pics from side will follow.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: Gsun on October 08, 2011, 05:42:26 PM
Nope, can't see  gauges when the Garmin is mounted. Suggestions?
Pics from side will follow.
Not an expert - don't have a GPS. Maybe put it in the map pocket of the tank bag?
Those bars look good. Pls do a follow up on them. It looks like you may have a problem seeing your mirrors too.
I take it you had to get longer lines.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: GVmerle on October 08, 2011, 07:39:52 PM
Could someone be pulling our leg a bit?
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: redbarber on October 09, 2011, 07:36:28 AM
On the off chance that this is a sincere post, and not just someone jerking us around, here's what looks like the only real answer.  Obviously you don't want to get rid of that beautiful and expensive Garmin.  I think that you'll have to go with a MUCH smaller tank bag, maybe just enough to hold a wallet, set of keys, and a small handgun.   Then the GPS could be mounted much lower in the view, and allow you to see the gauges.  The C14 has pretty good space in the saddlebags, and if you don't have one already, you could add a topcase to get more storage. 

I've toyed with the idea of mounting my Garmin above my gauges, behind the middle of the windscreen.  It's not like I'm ever looking through it at that level anyway.  That would also allow me to glance at the Garmin without taking my eyes off the road ahead, which is a plus.  With a GPS as big as yours, you might be able to use it INSTEAD of a windscreen.  (okay so I couldn't stay completely serious, sorry).
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: timbo on October 09, 2011, 08:58:56 AM
I also just installed the Heli Horizon bars and love them!
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: scjaws on October 09, 2011, 09:17:03 AM
. Maybe put it in the map pocket of the tank bag?
. Pls do a follow up on them. It looks like you may have a problem seeing your mirrors too.
I take it you had to get longer lines.
1. In the map pocket you have the problem of the power cord when you gas up.
2. The bars come with extensions for the brake and clutch lines.  They are ugly and will be replaced at some point.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: scjaws on October 09, 2011, 09:24:19 AM
On the off chance that this is a sincere post   I think that you'll have to go with a MUCH smaller tank bag, maybe just enough to hold a wallet, set of keys, and a small handgun. 

I've toyed with the idea of mounting my Garmin above my gauges, behind the middle of the windscreen.  It's not like I'm ever looking through it at that level anyway.  That would also allow me to glance at the Garmin without taking my eyes off the road ahead, which is a plus.  With a GPS as big as yours, you might be able to use it INSTEAD of a windscreen.  (okay so I couldn't stay completely serious, sorry).
Post is serious, but your idea of using the Garmin as a warm weather windscreen has some merit.
That's a Givi tanklock bag. The smallest one they have doesn't have a map pocket ( I love maps.  Cartography minor in college). I do have a Shad trunk, but only use it on trips.  My saddlebags stay off most of the time too.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: Gsun on October 09, 2011, 12:07:19 PM
I also just installed the Heli Horizon bars and love them!

OK, let's see yours!
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: Shadowofshoe on October 10, 2011, 07:06:41 PM

   That may beat some Beemer cockpits on the busy-ness end of the spectrum............but it looks like you built it...good job!

           Mike
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: IBA42214 on October 16, 2011, 06:14:29 AM
Went to Biketoberfest and had the Helibar Horizons installed for free.  The ride home was about 120 miles.  The bars are incredible, if you think your comforatable on the c14 now you will not believe how you'll fell after you put these on.  First thing I noticed right away was my elbows were bent and all the pressure on my wrists was gone, it always felt like my right wrist had more pressure on it and my hand would go to sleep.  second, I was sitting up straight and with a disk problem in my back this was the difference betweem keeping the connie or selling it because my back hurt so much.   I also have a Nomad 1600  and my sitting position is as comfortable with the Horizons as it is with the nomad.

Many people balk at the 695 price tag and before I had back issues I would have said the same thing, now the 695 is the best investment for my situation.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: maxtog on October 16, 2011, 07:10:24 AM
Went to Biketoberfest and had the Helibar Horizons installed for free.  [...]

I also just installed the Heli Horizon bars and love them!

I do wish someone would outline the installation procedure for those things...  I am curious what reaches, what doesn't, and what is included or not.  There is very little info on Helibars' site.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: IBA42214 on October 16, 2011, 02:28:30 PM
I'll try to take a picture and show you the brakes lines which is the only thing that does not reach on it's own.  They have a brakeline extension for lack of a better word.  You remove the line from the bottom of the clutch and front brake levers, bolt the extension line on, then bolt the other end of the brake line to the extension which comes with a small aluminum block.  The small aluminimum block needs to be tie wrapped to the helibar itself which looks fine. Then bleed the clutch and brake.   Everything else fits with minimal reouting of the throttle cable.   You only have to remove your glove box (if you have one).   It took them about 1.5 hours to install it.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: gPink on October 16, 2011, 03:03:04 PM
I do wish someone would outline the installation procedure for those things...  I am curious what reaches, what doesn't, and what is included or not.  There is very little info on Helibars' site.
Try this.....http://www.helibars.com/how-to-install (http://www.helibars.com/how-to-install)   C14 is listed.  PDF. Pics.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: maxtog on October 16, 2011, 05:01:49 PM
Try this.....http://www.helibars.com/how-to-install (http://www.helibars.com/how-to-install)   C14 is listed.  PDF. Pics.

I saw nothing about installing the Horizons on a Concours.  Of course, the page is a mess, but I did use search, and I did open every file that looked remotely relevant.  Nada.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: gPink on October 16, 2011, 05:16:53 PM
http://www.helibars.com/sites/default/files/install_instructions/HST04058%20Installation%20Instructions%20for%20Web_0.pdf (http://www.helibars.com/sites/default/files/install_instructions/HST04058%20Installation%20Instructions%20for%20Web_0.pdf)
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: maxtog on October 16, 2011, 05:41:39 PM
http://www.helibars.com/sites/default/files/install_instructions/HST04058%20Installation%20Instructions%20for%20Web_0.pdf (http://www.helibars.com/sites/default/files/install_instructions/HST04058%20Installation%20Instructions%20for%20Web_0.pdf)

Thanks!  That was very informative!
Ug, it looks like a LOT more work than I thought.  No wonder it took experts 1.5 hours!  I am especially put off by the idea of trying to totally remove the heated grips and throttle assembly.  Man are those nice looking bars, though.  I bet they would finally make my riding position perfect.
Title: Re: Farkles
Post by: gPink on October 16, 2011, 06:27:29 PM
Thanks!  That was very informative!
Ug, it looks like a LOT more work than I thought.  No wonder it took experts 1.5 hours!  I am especially put off by the idea of trying to totally remove the heated grips and throttle assembly.  Man are those nice looking bars, though.  I bet they would finally make my riding position perfect.
Yeah,and they had to act like they knew what they were doing too.
Title: Re: Farkles and Heli Horizon replacement bars
Post by: ConnerNA on October 30, 2011, 04:52:08 PM
Put the Heli Bars on (for my shoulder\back), changed from a Givi T-480 to a T-489 (the Heli Bars hit it), turned my MC Cruise control panel upside down (it hit the bag), remounted my Garmin SP 7200 (the old mount went with the Heli Bar risers), and just noticed in the pic that the angle of the bars is different on each side.  Back to the garage.

I have been looking at getting a givi tanklock bag but they don't show the connie as compatible with the tlock system. I was looking at the TPH02 TANKLOCK. Did you have any issues installing it?
Title: Re: Farkles and Heli Horizon replacement bars
Post by: 556ALPHA on October 30, 2011, 05:25:52 PM
How do these bars effect turn into tight turns?

I have a Chase Harper 650 Magnetic Bag for trips but for around town I have a Bags Connection Vina QL that is just the right size for small things.  It does not touch the tank as seen here on my other work bike.
Title: Re: Farkles and Heli Horizon replacement bars
Post by: gPink on October 30, 2011, 06:28:23 PM
Interesting other bike.
Title: Re: Farkles and Heli Horizon replacement bars
Post by: curly on October 30, 2011, 06:58:21 PM
I too have the Horizons. Install took me pretty much half a day because I went slow and meticulous. Bleeding the lines after install is a pain and I was using a Mighty Vac.

As for comfort, took about 3 weeks at diffirent angles to find what I liked, but after I did all pain and numbness is gone.

For me it was pony up for these or trade the bike and take a big loss. These make ridding fun again. I'll try to post up some pictures.
Title: Re: Farkles and Heli Horizon replacement bars
Post by: maxtog on October 30, 2011, 07:43:13 PM
I too have the Horizons. Install took me pretty much half a day because I went slow and meticulous. Bleeding the lines after install is a pain and I was using a Mighty Vac.

As for comfort, took about 3 weeks at diffirent angles to find what I liked, but after I did all pain and numbness is gone.

For me it was pony up for these or trade the bike and take a big loss. These make ridding fun again. I'll try to post up some pictures.

Please do.  Thanks for sharing your experience.  With so much adjustability, I can see why it would take so long to figure out what works best... lots of things to try.  I am jealous.
Title: Re: Farkles and Heli Horizon replacement bars
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 31, 2011, 12:16:25 PM
I may be going this route next year.  Any lean or pressure from my right hand causes serious neck pain for me.  It may be that or stop riding.  I'm willing to take a $695 hit to stay riding.
Title: Re: Farkles and Heli Horizon replacement bars
Post by: 556ALPHA on October 31, 2011, 12:22:35 PM
Interesting other bike.

Yea, R1200RT and fun in its own way if you see the details.  I am curious to see how these bars effect input in reference to getting the bike to turn into curves.  I removed the Wedges because I did not like the way they effected the turn in.  Any input is appreciated.
Title: Re: Farkles and Heli Horizon replacement bars
Post by: curly on October 31, 2011, 12:33:22 PM
Well, the way I looked at it was I can give up some turn-in and handling just to be able to ride pain free. I don't think the bars affected handling but I'm no racer and lean angles aren't important to me.

All I can attest to with these bars is that now I can ride without my hands going numb and it is fun again.