Helibars Horizons! My new favorite farkle!

[Rhino]

Pricy I know but for anyone like me looking for a luxury touring bike with high end sport like performance a C14 with helibars is the best accessory you can add. Very well engineered and well made. The adjustability allows you to dial in the perfect comfort. After going through 4 different seats I now wish I had started with helibars then pick an aftermarket seat. It's been many decades since you could buy a car without having an adjustable seat. All high end bikes should have adjustable bars IMHO.

[PH14]

All high end bikes should have adjustable bars IMHO.

All bike used to have adjustable bars. Many still do, but not as adjustable as the Helibars.

[Armyguns]

Pricy I know but for anyone like me looking for a luxury touring bike with high end sport like performance a C14 with helibars is the best accessory you can add.


Could not agree more.  Had the Horizons installed by Helibars at Laconia this year and I absolutely love them. 

[FIX UR CRITTER]

Hi All,

Quick history so you know where i am coming from.. Riding for 35 years, had about 30 bikes, including last model FJR. The c14 is the best bike I have owned, though of course it is not perfect. I have never had one of those.
 I am generally cheap and try to do any modification myself before spending too much. well once i decided i will not find a better bike for under 25k - i decided to throw down some $$ to upgrade the c14 to make it perfect for me...

 I tried many seats before going with a $600 russell.. problem solved.. well worth the money.
 Next were the handle bar height and angle.. tried risers and they helped- but not perfect.. next went big with $700 heli handlebar replacements. problem solved - not only do they eliminate (with manic salamander heavy bar end weights) any and all vibe in throttle  - but they have so many possible adjustments and so easy to adjust - i can now ride all day and night with little to no discomfort. Link is below - the only negative is i wish they hand like a ball adjustment so grip angle could be adjusted in any angle. 

 The other item was the biggest wind screen i could find- which was the 7 jarock.. it is not for everyone though because it is huge- but my wife and i can speak through our communication device at 90+mph with little effort. also no buffeting. I am completely happy with my connie now.. if it was about an inch shorter and 100 lbs lighter it would be perfect.. but some of that is my average stature.. 5'10, 29" inseam, 185lbs. I love my connie for short trips and for cross country.... i think for the $$ it can't be beat.. will be at the gap week of April 20th. would love to hook up with someone


https://www.helibars.com/product/kawasaki-c14-multi-adjustable-handlebar-replacement-system

[twowheeladdict]

So, to make the bike perfect for you, you changed a SPORT touring bike into a sporty TOURING bike.  I think I would have just bought a wing and removed the trunk. 

Just messing with you 

Personally, I am more comfortable leaned forward, so my perfect setup is stock handlebars, lower windscreen, and firmer seat that sits me a tad higher than stock.

[maxtog]

Glad you got the bike the way you wanted it   Sometimes spending some money is the easiest way to transform something from good into great, especially since no two people are the same.  The Helibars Horizons are very impressive and something I would have probably gone for, if they were available before I spent the time and money on regular Helibars risers and Phil's wedges.

[gPink]

<snip>

 The other item was the biggest wind screen i could find- which was the 7 jarock.. it is not for everyone though because it is huge- but my wife and i can speak through our communication device at 90+mph with little effort. also no buffeting.

I've not heard of this shield. Must be huge if it's bigger than the v-stream sail.

[VirginiaJim]

+1 http://www.7jurock.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=241

[Rhino]

So, to make the bike perfect for you, you changed a SPORT touring bike into a sporty TOURING bike.  I think I would have just bought a wing and removed the trunk. 

Just messing with you 

Personally, I am more comfortable leaned forward, so my perfect setup is stock handlebars, lower windscreen, and firmer seat that sits me a tad higher than stock.

Exactly! Still 200 lbs lighter than a wing and way more power. 900 miles days and can still thrash it in the twisties.

[twowheeladdict]

All high end bikes should have adjustable bars IMHO.

The Voyager XII had adjustable bars.  You could move them back and forth and there was also a pivot near the grips where you could adjust them out and in.  Took a lot of adjusting to find that sweet spot for me. 

Going to rallies, it was interesting to see how the different riders set up the bars.  Everything from a dirt bike posture, to a 60s chopper bars coming almost straight back at you.

[Rhino]

Imagine a car that had a fixed seat, not even forward and back, and a fixed steering wheel. That's what most bikes a like. I think higher end bikes should be adjustable from the factory.

[mikeb2411]

I've not heard of this shield. Must be huge if it's bigger than the v-stream sail.

You should try the Aeroflow...bigger than the VStream. Moves a bit more in the wind but it blocks much more wind than the VStream does...at least for me and my riding position. I'm 6'1" and ride tall so there was much more buffeting with the VStream (I know it's off-topic but had to throw my 2 cents in)

[Doenitz]

I have the V Stream and bar risers, but found the buffeting much reduced when I went to a Schuberth helmet.
I would suggest that the first farkle would be to change the stock tires to PR3 or 4's.  The Bridgestones lasted 3,500 KM ( about 2,200 miles).

[mikeb2411]

I'm switching to the California Scientific XL Windscreen...should be here tomorrow! Agreed on the tires! I went to the PR4 GT's and love them! I'm on my second set now.

[mikeeitup]

I want them really bad. I feel like I need them to experience the bike fully but I cannot bring myself to spend over 20% of my bikes worth on handlebars!
Mike

[Deziner]

I want them really bad. I feel like I need them to experience the bike fully but I cannot bring myself to spend over 20% of my bikes worth on handlebars!
Mike

If they make your bike 30% more comfortable,  they're a bargain. I spent nearly $500 on tires that will wear out in a season, Helibars will last as long as you have your bike. Longer if you mount them on your next Concours.   

[mikeeitup]

If they make your bike 30% more comfortable,  they're a bargain. I spent nearly $500 on tires that will wear out in a season, Helibars will last as long as you have your bike. Longer if you mount them on your next Concours.   

Stahp it with your much better reasoning! I'll have to wait 'til my next return.
Mike

[Deziner]

Stahp it with your much better reasoning! I'll have to wait 'til my next return.
Mike

It's not better reasoning, it's called JUSTIFICATION.  I've gotten very good at it over the years. With my lack of common sense I need a motorcycle that will go 150+ like I need a box of hair ties. (I'm nearly bald.)  I bought the Concours because it was water cooled and had hard bags. Yeah, right....

[FIX UR CRITTER]

I want them really bad. I feel like I need them to experience the bike fully but I cannot bring myself to spend over 20% of my bikes worth on handlebars!
Mike

i felt the same way as you - and dragged my feet for a long time. now i only wish i would have done it sooner. I figure, not only does it add dramatically to my enjoyment of the bike - i can add them to my next connie - or sell them on e-bay when done.. call them and ask if they have a money back guarantee if you don't love em...

[Rhino]

i felt the same way as you - and dragged my feet for a long time. now i only wish i would have done it sooner. I figure, not only does it add dramatically to my enjoyment of the bike - i can add them to my next connie - or sell them on e-bay when done.. call them and ask if they have a money back guarantee if you don't love em...

+1 When I bought the bike I knew before I got it home I needed tall, further back bars for long distance. I did risers, then designed and fabricated my own pull back risers. And finally bit the bullet and spent the $700. Made this bike all day comfortable for me.