Author Topic: Helibars installation (Read 12295 times)

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

maxtog · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2012, 05:16:59 PM »

Quote from: 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?

TJ · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2012, 06:28:36 PM »

Thanks, but not interested in the risers. I would like to install the Helibars.
I'll take a look thru the threads you posted.

maxtog · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2012, 07:22:36 PM »

Quote from: TJ on May 21, 2012, 06:28:36 PM

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.

TJ · « **Reply #4 on:** May 21, 2012, 08:05:30 PM »

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.

ZG · « **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2012, 08:43:20 PM »

Quote from: maxtog on May 21, 2012, 05:16:59 PM

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4215
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6870
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8721
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1463
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7739
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6590
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=821
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8723
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8703
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6252
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2336
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=1123
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=5279
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=986
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7441
etc, etc

So much for the search feature, who needs it when we have Max...

TJ · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2012, 11:57:24 PM »

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.

Mal · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2012, 09:28:07 AM »

Quote from: TJ on May 21, 2012, 11:57:24 PM

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...

TJ · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2012, 12:20:35 PM »

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?

maxtog · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2012, 01:39:36 PM »

Quote from: TJ on May 21, 2012, 11:57:24 PM

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 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2012, 02:49:25 PM »

Quote from: TJ on May 22, 2012, 12:20:35 PM

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...

Mike_M · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2012, 12:09:45 PM »

Quote from: TJ on May 21, 2012, 11:57:24 PM

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.

TJ · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2012, 01:59:30 PM »

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.

maxtog · « **Reply #13 on:** May 23, 2012, 03:33:09 PM »

Quote from: TJ on May 23, 2012, 01:59:30 PM

After reading Helibars web page again I see where they call these bars Horizons.

TJ · « **Reply #14 on:** May 23, 2012, 08:11:05 PM »

Do you have to order the Horizons from Helibars or does anyone know of another company that sells them at a discounted price?

curly · « **Reply #15 on:** May 24, 2012, 07:27:24 AM »

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

maxtog · « **Reply #16 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:11:47 PM »

Quote from: curly on May 24, 2012, 07:27:24 AM

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.

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #17 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:23:12 PM »

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.

ZG · « **Reply #18 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:47:32 PM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on May 24, 2012, 03:23:12 PM

Also have to drink beer which takes precedence over all things. May even have a martini or two or three or four.

maxtog · « **Reply #19 on:** May 24, 2012, 03:52:30 PM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on May 24, 2012, 03:23:12 PM

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?

News:

Author Topic: Helibars installation (Read 12295 times)