Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: TJ on May 21, 2012, 04:14:56 PM
-
Been thinking of buying a 2012 Concours and after sitting one on realize it would require adding Helibars for me to be comfortable.
How difficult is it to install theses bars? I would consider myself a basic mechanic. If I need to have the shop do it how long should it take them?
Thanks
-
Been thinking of buying a 2012 Concours and after sitting one on realize it would require adding Helibars for me to be comfortable. How difficult is it to install theses bars? I would consider myself a basic mechanic. If I need to have the shop do it how long should it take them?
1) You didn't say WHICH Helibars risers
2) Wrong forum- you want the accessories forum
3) There are plenty of existing threads (use search first)...
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4215 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4215)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6870 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6870)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8721 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8721)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1463 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1463)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7739 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7739)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6590 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6590)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=821 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=821)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8723 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8723)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8703 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8703)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6252 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6252)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2336 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2336)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1123 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1123)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=5279 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=5279)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=986 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=986)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7441 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7441)
etc, etc
-
Thanks, but not interested in the risers. I would like to install the Helibars.
I'll take a look thru the threads you posted.
-
Thanks, but not interested in the risers. I would like to install the Helibars.
I'll take a look thru the threads you posted.
Helibars is just a company name, they make risers, bars, and some other stuff. But do look, there is tons of useful info on the site.
-
The Helibar handlebars, the one's for $695! Ouch.
But I figure I might as well do it once and get it right the first time if I buy this bike. Am 90% sure I'll be joining your ranks soon.
-
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4215 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4215)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6870 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6870)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8721 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8721)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1463 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1463)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7739 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7739)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6590 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6590)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=821 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=821)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8723 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8723)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8703 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8703)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6252 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6252)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2336 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2336)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1123 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1123)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=5279 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=5279)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=986 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=986)
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7441 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7441)
etc, etc
So much for the search feature, who needs it when we have Max... ;) :chugbeer:
-
Funny, I looked at 80% of those threads presented to me and none of them addressed how long it took to install the Helibar handlebars or how much shop time it required. Most of been in the 20% I did not read.
-
Funny, I looked at 80% of those threads presented to me and none of them addressed how long it took to install the Helibar handlebars or how much shop time it required. Most of been in the 20% I did not read.
The handlebars themselves do not take long to install, maybe a half an hour. But you need to either replace the brake/clutch cable or add the hydraulic line extensions. Either requires bleeding the lines, which will depend on your skill level as to how fast they are done. Adding the extensions shouldn't take very long, and replacing the front brake lines are easy and didn't take long. Replacing the clutch line is another thing all together, as you have to remove all the plastic on the left side, then figure out how to remove the old line, then snake the new line inside the frame. That process is neither easy or quick... I'm not an expert mechanic, average at best, and I was able to do the entire project myself. I didn't keep very good track, but I had it done in two evenings of about 3 hours each...
-
Mal,
Thats exactly the answer I was looking for. Never bled a clutch line before but have done brakes.
Sounds like it is either 6 hours to try it yourself or maybe 3-4 shop hours.
Do you consider the investment worthwhile in terms of riding comfort?
-
Funny, I looked at 80% of those threads presented to me and none of them addressed how long it took to install the Helibar handlebars or how much shop time it required. Most of been in the 20% I did not read.
Again, Helibar is a company name, not a product or model. Are you talking about Horizons? There are plenty of threads about them (which would show you the different kinds and issues and such). Not sure which might have exactly how long it takes to install them, though. My point was that you could have posted on one of those threads which would be cleaner than starting a bunch of new threads (and shown that you had searched some).
-
Mal,
Thats exactly the answer I was looking for. Never bled a clutch line before but have done brakes.
Sounds like it is either 6 hours to try it yourself or maybe 3-4 shop hours.
Do you consider the investment worthwhile in terms of riding comfort?
Absolutely, if you don't like the leaned over riding postion...
-
Funny, I looked at 80% of those threads presented to me and none of them addressed how long it took to install the Helibar handlebars or how much shop time it required. Most of been in the 20% I did not read.
It took me 1 hour to install the Horizon ST's. Make sure you have all the tools you need before you begin. The instructions that come with the bars are all you need. If you know general mechanics then you should be fine.
-
Thanks Mike. After reading Helibars web page again I see where they call these bars Horizons.
One hour? Wow, makes me feel like I can do it in two:)
Going to be my first purchase once the bike comes home next week.
-
After reading Helibars web page again I see where they call these bars Horizons.
::)
-
Do you have to order the Horizons from Helibars or does anyone know of another company that sells them at a discounted price?
-
I've seen them on Ebay with free shipping, but that's about it. You will still pay $695 for them.
As to your other question, the guy who said it only took an hour must be a master mechanic. It took me about four hours. The easy part is the removal of the clip-ons and placement of the new bars. The hard part is the line extensions (if you go that route) and bleeding the system. I have never seen a brake system that is so finicky about being bled.
The next block of time is getting them set where you want them. So many adjustments, it will make your head spin.
Anywho, Virginiajim owns mine now and is dragging his feet getting them installed and posting up pictures ;)
-
The hard part is the line extensions (if you go that route) and bleeding the system.
With the Horizons, I don't believe that is optional. My understanding is that the lines are simply not long enough.
-
Heli makes a replacement line for the brake side but doesn't for the clutch side. Looks a bit Frankensteinish if you ask me but I'm hoping I can get to it this weekend. I also have to power wash part of the house and replace my Prius accessory battery. Also have to clean all the K&N filters I have. Also have to drink beer which takes precedence over all things. May even have a martini or two or three or four.
-
Also have to drink beer which takes precedence over all things. May even have a martini or two or three or four.
:chugbeer:
-
but I'm hoping I can get to it this weekend. I also have to power wash part of the house and replace my Prius accessory battery. Also have to clean all the K&N filters I have. Also have to drink beer which takes precedence over all things. May even have a martini or two or three or four.
You mean all that to do AFTER you set a date for the Virginia get-together? :)
-
You mean all that to do AFTER you set a date for the Virginia get-together? :)
Haven't you heard Max, the event was already held a week ago!
Shocker you didn't get invited with your charming attitude, massive potato launcher, and chrome... :o
Your invite must have gotten lost in the mail bro... ;) ;D
-
Why oh why did you have to tell him that?
-
Why oh why did you have to tell him that?
Sorry, my bad... :banghead: :hitfan: :chugbeer:
-
Hmmmmmmmmm..............sort of rethinking this pricey decision.
How many of you guys went with the risers and maybe wedgies then regretted it and went with the Horizon bars?
Thinking of just trying a 2 inch riser to start with and go from there.
Gotta love this forum.
-
I've got Phil's wedges and the 1 3/4 Heli risers. Ain't enough for me and my neck. If the neck hadn't developed a herniated disc and pinched nerve, I'd be staying with the current setup.
Absolutely, if you don't like the leaned over riding postion...
Oh my, you mean once I install these bars I can't corner anymore? All these bikes I've seen on the road with the riders sitting upright going around corners at speed has just been a mass hallucination? Maybe I won't be able to ride like Stoner but I imagine I won't have too many issues with cornering. Probably set me back to Nicky Hayden. I guess I'll have to live with that.
-
Hmmmmmmmmm..............sort of rethinking this pricey decision.
How many of you guys went with the risers and maybe wedgies then regretted it and went with the Horizon bars?
Thinking of just trying a 2 inch riser to start with and go from there.
Gotta love this forum.
I continued to get neck and back pain. I still didn't feel comfortable enough to ride all day. The thing I learned was, I should have listed to the voice in my head the first time I bought the risers and I wouldn't have spent the money and wasted my time with a set of 2" block that I just knew would not be what I really wanted. I ended up selling the risers and getting the bars anyway.
Sure it's a lot of money all of a sudden and sticker shock will eat at you for the first few days, but then when you realize how good you feel in the saddle that $695 becomes soooo worth it.
-
How many of you guys went with the risers and maybe wedgies then regretted it and went with the Horizon bars?
I've got Murph's risers and wedges on now, and currently saving up for the Heli Horizons. The current set up is better for me than stock, but it doesn't get me all the way there.
CJ
-
I am currently using the Murph's risers and wedges as well, but like VirginiaJim, I too have herniated disc in my neck and back and found this setup wasn't enough. So I ordered the Horizon bars (which should be in saturday) in hopes this will be way more comfortable. If so, then the price would be null compared to the comfort, as I do 7 - 8,000 mile trips during the summer.
I'm gonna put the risers and wedges up for sale on here as soon as the new bars are installed.
-
Thanks for the information. Since I have a herniated disc in my lower neck as well as you guys maybe I'll just ride the bike as it is pending reading about your installs and reviews once the bars are in place.
Remember to post some photos:)
-
Heli makes a replacement line for the brake side but doesn't for the clutch side. Looks a bit Frankensteinish if you ask me but I'm hoping I can get to it this weekend. I also have to power wash part of the house and replace my Prius accessory battery. Also have to clean all the K&N filters I have. Also have to drink beer which takes precedence over all things. May even have a martini or two or three or four.
??
I bought the line replacements from Heli and got the brake line, the clutch line and the small brake line that goes from the left front caliper to the right front caliper... all for $50...
-
Hmmmmmmmmm..............sort of rethinking this pricey decision.
How many of you guys went with the risers and maybe wedgies then regretted it and went with the Horizon bars?
Thinking of just trying a 2 inch riser to start with and go from there.
Gotta love this forum.
I tired the heli risers, the heli risers with wedges, and the 4" risers from Kawasaki Authority sales... none worked as well as the Heli Horizons, tho the 4" risers were close...
A friend of mine remarked after setting on the bike and trying out the new setup that the Horizon bars let you 'sit like an adult'... ;)
-
??
I bought the line replacements from Heli and got the brake line, the clutch line and the small brake line that goes from the left front caliper to the right front caliper... all for $50...
Evidently the person I spoke wasn't aware of that or I didn't say the right words. I did think it strange that they would have a replacement line for the brake side and not the clutch. At any rate it's good they do have longer lines.
-
Evidently the person I spoke wasn't aware of that or I didn't say the right words. I did think it strange that they would have a replacement line for the brake side and not the clutch. At any rate it's good they do have longer lines.
That does happen from time to time. I was very happy with the quality of the lines. The clutch line was a major pain to install, but I didn't like the look of the extensions. I know, picky, picky... ;D
-
I'd like about 1-11/2 inch rise... I dont see that much available in the cables/hoses on the current bars.. will the incert riser option work without new hoses for the brakes/clutch?
Ed
-
That was 1 to 1.5 inch rise... which helibars offer for less than $100.00.. it just looks like my hoses are tight now?
-
there is enough play in the lines for a riser. the riser will have a predrilled hole that lets you remount the lines.
-
Thanks! That's welcome news! I will go ahead and buy.. They are $88.00 now, I dont think I'll do better than that.
Ed