Helibars vs Genmar riser

Making the FJR yours - what have you done, want to do, plan to do, and how?
Post Reply
Bigfoot
Casual Rider
Posts: 66
Joined: Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:06 pm
FJRModel: 2008 AE
x 21

Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by Bigfoot »

Pros and cons of each type, other than the Genmar being less than half the price?
1982 XJ1100
1984 FJ1100
2008 FJR1300AE

The voices in my head are giving me the silent treatment.
Bigfoot
Casual Rider
Posts: 66
Joined: Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:06 pm
FJRModel: 2008 AE
x 21

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by Bigfoot »

Well, now that I have started looking, I see there are more options, Helibar have a two piece setup like the Genmar. Looking for opinions as to whats the best.
1982 XJ1100
1984 FJ1100
2008 FJR1300AE

The voices in my head are giving me the silent treatment.
User avatar
Redfish
Veteran
Posts: 2522
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 10:26 pm
FJRModel: 2014A and 2015ES
Location: Prairieville, Louisiana
x 4975
x 4909

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by Redfish »

Best? You cannot be serious!

What HeliBar offers now (as far as I know) is only the Bridge. It offers a LOT of setback and rise plus allows you to open or close the angle of the bars as you adjust the fore and aft setting.

GenMar offers a 7/8 inch rise and the setback is mostly due to the rearward angle of the forks.

Motorcycle Larry (if they are still in business) offers blocks similar to the GenMar but are a full inch high.

The MV Motoradd is similar to the HeliBar Bridge.

GenMar riser blocks on my '15 ES:

Image




HeliBar Bridge on the '07

Image

Image
Never run out of real estate, traction and ideas all at the same time.
rbentnail
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1128
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2013 4:54 am
FJRModel: 2007A, 2013A
Location: Asheboro, NC
x 375
x 1123

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by rbentnail »

If you keep an eye on ebay you can pick up an olde style Helibar bridge instead of the bolt on Heli risers. I got one over the winter, brand new, for less than original average retail.
User avatar
Uncle Hud
Veteran
Posts: 3575
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 1:52 pm
FJRModel: 2015 ES, with new fairings!
Location: Smyrna, metro Atlanta
x 7246
x 2757

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by Uncle Hud »

MV Motorrad works mighty fine on my bike. Easy install, too.
*** You can't get into trouble in second gear. ***
IBA 62517
User avatar
El Toro Joe
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 4314
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 3:22 pm
FJRModel: 2016ES
Location: North Coast of Ohio
x 8520
x 3186

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by El Toro Joe »

Uncle Hud wrote: Wed Mar 29, 2017 10:25 am MV Motorrad works mighty fine on my bike. Easy install, too.
does it require brake line extension, like the helibar bridge?
"RIP Beemerdons", "RIP Petey", "RIP JWilly", "RIP 1911"
User avatar
Redfish
Veteran
Posts: 2522
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 10:26 pm
FJRModel: 2014A and 2015ES
Location: Prairieville, Louisiana
x 4975
x 4909

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by Redfish »

El Toro Joe wrote: Wed Mar 29, 2017 11:13 am
Uncle Hud wrote: Wed Mar 29, 2017 10:25 am MV Motorrad works mighty fine on my bike. Easy install, too.
does it require brake line extension, like the helibar bridge?
No. Which tells me that it does not have as much setback as the HeliBar.
NTXFJR loved this
Never run out of real estate, traction and ideas all at the same time.
User avatar
Uncle Hud
Veteran
Posts: 3575
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 1:52 pm
FJRModel: 2015 ES, with new fairings!
Location: Smyrna, metro Atlanta
x 7246
x 2757

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by Uncle Hud »

El Toro Joe wrote: Wed Mar 29, 2017 11:13 amdoes it require brake line extension, like the helibar bridge?
No, no extensions. It's been a while, but I remember THAT'S the reason I purchased the MV version: no extensions to anything. During assembly, you wrestled the brake line through a special adapter, and there's just enough slack to get things adjusted and bolted together.

The handlebars aren't "set back" from the factory position -- or if they are, it isn't much. The MV allows them to pivot a lot, though. Mine are adjusted them such that my elbows are almost at my ribs as I go smiling down the highway.
*** You can't get into trouble in second gear. ***
IBA 62517
User avatar
wheatonFJR
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 19782
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013-Jwilly Special LD Delivery
Location: Travelers Rest
x 40734
x 18011

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by wheatonFJR »

Uncle Hud wrote: Wed Mar 29, 2017 1:00 pm
El Toro Joe wrote: Wed Mar 29, 2017 11:13 amdoes it require brake line extension, like the helibar bridge?
No, no extensions. It's been a while, but I remember THAT'S the reason I purchased the MV version: no extensions to anything. During assembly, you wrestled the brake line through a special adapter, and there's just enough slack to get things adjusted and bolted together.

The handlebars aren't "set back" from the factory position -- or if they are, it isn't much. The MV allows them to pivot a lot, though. Mine are adjusted them such that my elbows are almost at my ribs as I go smiling down the highway.
...so you like the "driving the wheelbarrow" stance, ala the 1940s Harleys?
There's no better therapy than a ride - petey
User avatar
Uncle Hud
Veteran
Posts: 3575
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 1:52 pm
FJRModel: 2015 ES, with new fairings!
Location: Smyrna, metro Atlanta
x 7246
x 2757

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by Uncle Hud »

wheatonFJR wrote: Wed Mar 29, 2017 1:05 pm ...so you like the "driving the wheelbarrow" stance, ala the 1940s Harleys?
You say tomato, I say tomatoe .... but yes, it's very comfortable.
*** You can't get into trouble in second gear. ***
IBA 62517
User avatar
LKLD
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 2738
Joined: Sun Feb 03, 2013 10:26 am
FJRModel: 2016 ES
Location: Central Flatistan
x 5203
x 3363

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by LKLD »

Uncle Hud wrote: Thu Mar 30, 2017 8:27 am
wheatonFJR wrote: Wed Mar 29, 2017 1:05 pm ...so you like the "driving the wheelbarrow" stance, ala the 1940s Harleys?
You say tomato, I say tomatoe .... but yes, it's very comfortable.
Says Uncle Quayle. :lol:
Uncle Hud loved this
Being alive, is not living. R.I.P. Don,Petey, & Jason レイクランド
BruinFJRguy
Casual Rider
Posts: 142
Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2018 5:40 pm
FJRModel: 2015 FJR 1300 A
x 232
x 74

Re: Helibars vs Genmar riser

Post by BruinFJRguy »

Can someone give me advice?

I'm thinking about the Helibar bridge. I DO NOT like too much "pull-back," though. In fact, the angle of the stock setup is irritating. I wouldn't mind the bars being just a little higher and slightly more perpendicular to the bike; in the stock position I feel like I'm twisting my wrists cockeyed in an uncomfortable way.

For perspective, I find the stock bar position on an FJ-09 or Super Tenere much more comfortable. I'd like something closer to that on my FJR, without sacrificing handling in spirited twisty rides.

Anyone have any advice?
Post Reply