Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: seajay on May 14, 2012, 07:22:48 AM
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I'm kicking around the idea of springing for a set of the HeliBars Horizon ST bars (http://www.helibars.com/product/new-multi-adjustable-handlebars-c14 (http://www.helibars.com/product/new-multi-adjustable-handlebars-c14)).
I know that there are at least a couple of people here that have these installed, and I'm looking for feedback on your experiences. I'm expecting largely positive, but especially interested in anything negative that you may have come across and that I should be aware of.
Any issues with the install? Did you DIY, pay a dealer/other third party, or go to one of their install events?
Any riding issues or unexpected negative handling effects?
Anything you wish they had or did but now realize that they don't?
I've currently got Murph's risers and wedges installed, but I still start feeling pain in my neck and shoulders after a couple of hours, and I'd like to not have that happen. Basically, I'm looking for someone to talk me out of getting a set. Yep, I know, it's a LOT of coin to be dropping, but if these things are as good as they seem, I'm getting comfortable with that trade-off. Better yet, she-who-must-be-obeyed has signed off on the purchase. ;D
Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.
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I have the same setup as you Jay, and am starting to get a numb feeling in my right hand after an hour or so. I also am interested in some feedback from others who have the ST bars installed. Although the risers are far better then the stock setup, I stiil find myself scooting towards the tank for a more upright position. They are pricey, but maybe woth it in the long haul.
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I'm kicking around the idea of springing for a set of the HeliBars Horizon ST bars (http://www.helibars.com/product/new-multi-adjustable-handlebars-c14 (http://www.helibars.com/product/new-multi-adjustable-handlebars-c14)).
I know that there are at least a couple of people here that have these installed, and I'm looking for feedback on your experiences. I'm expecting largely positive, but especially interested in anything negative that you may have come across and that I should be aware of.
Any issues with the install? Did you DIY, pay a dealer/other third party, or go to one of their install events?
Any riding issues or unexpected negative handling effects?
Anything you wish they had or did but now realize that they don't?
I've currently got Murph's risers and wedges installed, but I still start feeling pain in my neck and shoulders after a couple of hours, and I'd like to not have that happen. Basically, I'm looking for someone to talk me out of getting a set. Yep, I know, it's a LOT of coin to be dropping, but if these things are as good as they seem, I'm getting comfortable with that trade-off. Better yet, she-who-must-be-obeyed has signed off on the purchase. ;D
Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.
I had the same setup and was quite satisified with it until I went to the Russell Day Long seat. This past Friday evening I installed the Advanced Sports Touring pull back risers with wedges. I did not get a chance to put enough miles on to make a definitive claim, but I will say that they seem a lot better with the RDL and incredibly better when I switched back to my Spencer modified stock seat. If these don't work for me, I will be going for the Heli's, despite the cost!
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I'm kicking around the idea of springing for a set of the HeliBars Horizon ST bars (http://www.helibars.com/product/new-multi-adjustable-handlebars-c14 (http://www.helibars.com/product/new-multi-adjustable-handlebars-c14)).
I know that there are at least a couple of people here that have these installed, and I'm looking for feedback on your experiences. I'm expecting largely positive, but especially interested in anything negative that you may have come across and that I should be aware of.
Any issues with the install? Did you DIY, pay a dealer/other third party, or go to one of their install events?
Any riding issues or unexpected negative handling effects?
Anything you wish they had or did but now realize that they don't?
I've currently got Murph's risers and wedges installed, but I still start feeling pain in my neck and shoulders after a couple of hours, and I'd like to not have that happen. Basically, I'm looking for someone to talk me out of getting a set. Yep, I know, it's a LOT of coin to be dropping, but if these things are as good as they seem, I'm getting comfortable with that trade-off. Better yet, she-who-must-be-obeyed has signed off on the purchase. ;D
Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide.
Make sure you spring for the longer cables. Yes, it's an extra $50 but you get both the front brake and the clutch cable, and they also include the small cable that goes from the right front caliper to the left front caliper. They look like black braided line and are far, far better looking than the cable extenders that come with the kit.
I cannot offer any reason, other than the price, to NOT go with the Helibars. They are very high in both quality and appearance. I can now sit all the way back on my seat and still ride upright with little to no pressure on my wrists and hands...
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http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6870 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6870)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8159 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8159)
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Thanks for your input, Mal and Max. I did see the posts that Max linked to, and it's good to see the positive reviews.
What I was fishing for, though, was maybe there's someone that installed these and didn't like them for some reason, but has remained quiet. My search came up empty for the negatives, but if that situation exists, I'm hoping to hear about it so that I can make the most informed decision possible.
I do seem to hear a lot of silence when asking about the negatives, so maybe that's my answer. :)
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I'm sure someone may have a negative. I think once you get a pair and adjust them for your riding style you'll be hard pressed to find a negative. My .02
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I love mine. I have a Russell seat, and the Heli's really work well with it. The upright riding position lets you sit on the Russell in a way that gets the most out of it. Went riding with a friend last weekend, and he said it looks like my riding position is the same as a BMW touring bike. Upright, but not "cruiser."
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Make sure you spring for the longer cables. Yes, it's an extra $50 but you get both the front brake and the clutch cable, and they also include the small cable that goes from the right front caliper to the left front caliper. They look like black braided line and are far, far better looking than the cable extenders that come with the kit.
$50 for both lines? Full lines master cylinder to caliper? That's a great deal. Of course more install time... But definitely worth it.
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I've had quite a few long rides on mine since the install.
I took mine to the dealer for the install.
Pros are almost everything. Adjustability is phenomenal...I thought I'd be able to rotate the grip angle to some degree (like between 3 and 4 o'clock), but that's the one adjustment you can't quite get. But I'm comfortable, so I'm pretty happy.
Only real downsides to me are in inability to reduce the length back to the rider. I wish they offered a version that was maybe 1-1/2 or 2 inches shorter. They come a bit closer to me than I think is ideal. I feel like I need to move a bit farther back on my seat, but I can't. I'll address that with my new seat. Other than that, I think the looks still aren't great. But I bought the bike to ride, not to be looked at. ANd I can ride much farther, much more comfortably.
Handling feels even better to me now, as the grips and reach are better than stock. I took it up to the mountains last weekend for the first time and I was very, very happy.
If you can afford it, do it. And I definitely agree on the longer lines. That's what I did, and they look great and feel great.
Joel
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I installed mine...real easy to do. I have just the line extenders, which don't look great, but the install is a lot easier than doing the longer lines since a full bleed is not necessary.
As far as comfort, it is 1000% better than when I had murphs risers, just wedges, wedges and risers. Nothing worked until the Horizons. Now I can ride for as long as my butt will allow (seat to come next) without any problems in my wrist/arm/shoulders. Nice comfortable neutral sitting position now.
My only negative is the same as Billyzoom's. I would like them to be adjustable to shorten the extender bars. I am 6'2", with long arms and an inch or two shorter would be great when hitting the twisties. Now, on WVA ride last year, I had no problem leaning into the bars, but I felt my arms where just a bit too bent when really leaning in.
There is another option out there that may work. http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=12644.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=12644.0)
Wish I had the $ to get a set and test out. I'll just stick with my Horizons, and work on getting a new seat done.
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I tried a number different set ups to cure my numb right hand. I solved my numb hand with a carpal tunnel release surgery. Some people have more issues with carpal tunnel.
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I have a set that I installed. I replaced both full lines and the clutch was a PITA to bleed, otherwise it is pretty simple. As stated the adjustment is great. I can understand how some feel they could be a little close but that just allowed me the ability to get into the comfortable portion of my Laam seat. I spent a lot of time and money on other options and in the end I should have just bought the Horizons first. I cannot think of any reason not to purchase them.
Also take a look at ZG's option. They may work better if you have long arms.
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc110/2007electraroad/2012-12-18HeliInstalled010.jpg)
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I have them, did not install them. Got the longer line too. With the stock seat, which puts you close to the tank if you have long arms you might feel crowded. When I changed to the Corbin Seat it got me a few inches off the tank and I Think it is a perfect set up. I really love the ergonomics of the bike now. I say the bars are well worth the money.
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Ok, I suppose I'm the only person here who has bought a set and sold them. My problem was the numbness in my right hand. I tried risers, grip puppies, etc before the Heli's.
I bought the Heli's installed them myself and rode for a month with every imaginable position they would adjust too and still got the numbness in my hand. So I chalked it up to either the bike has a problem or I do. Most likely it is me because I got the numbness from every bike I have ever owned.
I sold them and went back to the totally stock bar set-up and now use a Kaoko throttle lock and a cramp buster. This set-up makes riding pretty tolerable for me.
Long story short I would say the only negative to the Heli's is the price of admission.
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Just received my ST's and longer lines. There is a small brass bead that appers to fit in the female end of the line. However, the male end has the same contour?? Doesnt look look like it will fit with the bead. Also got 4 copper crush washers...2 on the banjo, what are the other 2 for??
Thanks
Mike
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Uhhh, silly question, but are there instructions?
Maybe call the manufacturer?
We have no clue, you haven't told or shown us anything about the parts in question, or what they are intended for.
Just a guess, but I have no idea about the brass bead... but as the mc for both the clutch, and brake, use crush washers, you should have 4, at least...
Maybe download the installation manual???
https://www.helibars.com/resources/guides/582/en/HST04058_WEB.pdf (https://www.helibars.com/resources/guides/582/en/HST04058_WEB.pdf)
Or view online?
https://www.helibars.com/resources/guides/582/en/HST04058_WEB.pdf (https://www.helibars.com/resources/guides/582/en/HST04058_WEB.pdf)
So, I have no life, nor do I have a $700 set of parts that are sitting in front of me, while I type a question asking someone to tell me what's what...
But, I could manage to download the instructions, which are quite good I must say... the crush washers go on both ends of the fluid hose extensions, where they meet the mc, and the coupling with a bleedervalve and new banjo bolt assembly, best to read the instructions.... its all spelled out... no idea about the brass beed tho.
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If you read the instructions, they do not include new extended lines just their extenders.
Galfers doesn't even say they offer lines for the Concours 14. No luck their either.
Its Saturday and nobody works.
The banjo bolt only takes 2 washers. Apparently 2 are spares.
Someone who has done the install with new lines will have a better understanding of what I'm referring to.
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Well, it might help if you laid all the parts out, took a picture, and posted it up, because the instructions I downloaded only show extender lines...
And my mind reading skills and machine are out of order...
(http://cdn.thedailybeast.com/content/dailybeast/articles/2014/03/02/what-will-happen-to-our-minds-in-the-future/jcr:content/image.img.2000.jpg/1393723765725.cached.jpg)
Sorry, hopefully someone has a "new" version kit, and can assist you.
As for the brass bead, I still have no clue....
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If you read the instructions, they do not include new extended lines just their extenders.
Galfers doesn't even say they offer lines for the Concours 14. No luck their either.
Its Saturday and nobody works.
The banjo bolt only takes 2 washers. Apparently 2 are spares.
Someone who has done the install with new lines will have a better understanding of what I'm referring to.
My +6 SS lines are Galfer. Check out their catalog or give them a call.
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If you read the instructions, they do not include new extended lines just their extenders.
Galfers doesn't even say they offer lines for the Concours 14. No luck their either.
Its Saturday and nobody works.
The banjo bolt only takes 2 washers. Apparently 2 are spares.
Someone who has done the install with new lines will have a better understanding of what I'm referring to.
Are you reading the instruction sheet???????
The kit comes with 2 extension lines, and an adapter to tie them to your existing lines, when they are disconnected from the master cylinders..
The photos show this clearly in the instructions I downloaded from the link I provided above....
Have you completely read the instruction sheet, and looked at the pictures?
They don't send a pair of completely new longer lines, they send extensions you have to add on....
What am I missing here in my explanation....????
Have you read the instruction sheet and looked at the extremely clear pictures of hw the extension attaches to your exiting line???
Here is the picture of what they send, showing the short line extensions, washers, and banjo bolt with a jamb nut on it used to attach the existing line, to the extension line...
(https://www.helibars.com/product_images/l/715/HST04058_web-2__86522_zoom.jpg)
I'm also confused by your statement. "Just received my ST's and longer lines"
What do you mean LONGER lines? Did you purchase longer lines seperatly? Is this why you are commenting about Galfer lines???
Where did you buy this, and what specifically did you buy? Did the seller state longer lines were included??
if you DID buy complete longer lines from someone, well, its pretty simple... remove the stock OEM line and install the new LONG line, and throw all those extra parts from your kit in the parts bin... ( those 6" extension lines are'nt cheap... they are $30 bucks each...bummer) and forget everything I was showing below... easy.
When all else fails, reading instructions helps.
here
I took the time to show you...
this is from the instruction sheet...
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u672/MAN_OF_BLUES/old%201/COG%20TECHNICAL%20PHOTOS/heli%20hose%20ext-2_zpsqdukpmhj.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/MAN_OF_BLUES/media/old%201/COG%20TECHNICAL%20PHOTOS/heli%20hose%20ext-2_zpsqdukpmhj.jpg.html)
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u672/MAN_OF_BLUES/old%201/COG%20TECHNICAL%20PHOTOS/heli%20hose%20ext-3_zpsssjrchlu.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/MAN_OF_BLUES/media/old%201/COG%20TECHNICAL%20PHOTOS/heli%20hose%20ext-3_zpsssjrchlu.jpg.html)
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u672/MAN_OF_BLUES/old%201/COG%20TECHNICAL%20PHOTOS/heli%20hose%20ext-1_zpsaara0dvi.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/MAN_OF_BLUES/media/old%201/COG%20TECHNICAL%20PHOTOS/heli%20hose%20ext-1_zpsaara0dvi.jpg.html)
best of luck on the install...
oh,
Maybe download the installation manual???
https://www.helibars.com/resources/guides/582/en/HST04058_WEB.pdf (https://www.helibars.com/resources/guides/582/en/HST04058_WEB.pdf)
Or view online?
https://www.helibars.com/resources/guides/582/en/HST04058_WEB.pdf (https://www.helibars.com/resources/guides/582/en/HST04058_WEB.pdf)
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MOB, "Full line replacements are also available at an additional cost (ABS models only), however if the line extension is tucked neatly under the riser portion of the handlebar system aesthetically there is no need to replace the lines. "
Full line replacements (https://www.helibars.com/products/HeliBars®-Horizon™-ST-multi%252daxis-adjustable-handlebars-for-Kawasaki-Concours14/582.html) mentioned in the 4th paragraph on the Helibar website.
I didn't see this when I bought mine. I called Galfer and ordered the extensions at a higher cost. :doh: :doh: :doh: