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Handlebar risers

8K views 24 replies 10 participants last post by  vitesse 
#1 ·
I recently aquired a 99 Sprint ST, with 25K miles on it. Runs like a champ, love this bike! Only one issue- I have some neck/left shoulder problems, and riding for any length of time begins to hurt. I'm thinking about a set of risers. I understand Gen-Mar makes a good set for my bike, but the photo on their website shows a different stock bar cap than the one on mine- mine's got a big screw adjustment on top of each, in place of the chrome caps.
Any thoughts? Could definitely use about 32mm rise for more comfortable riding.
 
#2 ·
Hi Rob,

T117 are the Genmar risers for your bike.

If you are referring to the cap in the pic, that actually fits over the preload adjusting screw.

I have the T118 on my bike ST 01 and they did make a big difference to shoulder and wrist pain for me.

Cheers,
Dan
 
#3 ·
Yup, seconded, knackered neck vertebrae........Genmars 1.25" risers made a world of difference to my RS....one caveat..........the chrome finish........and the general fit( machining) leaves a bit to be desired, but, mechanically, they do the job...................
 
#4 · (Edited)
I may be wrong but I always thought 28mm were the max risers out there.
A lot of people have had to do this as the same complaint with nearly every 955i rider who is a certain height or over.
I'd say 5' 11" and above suffer this problem.
Here is an image of one set for your bike.
These are a straight fit and you don't need to change any brake hoses or clutch cable as these don't cause any grief in this department like some other risers.
Another problem is the rear sub-frame which holds your seat.
After riding for some time, lift your bum slightly and only use the footpegs. See if suddenly you feel like you are in a better and more central position and the shoulder and arm feels better also.
If this is the case, then you need to look at your rear sub-frame as it is off to one side.
It is held to the frame by 4 bolts which have a fraction of movement.

You also need to check your footpegs are 100% free from wear and tear.
The rubbers have to be perfect and not show signs of wear and the alloy of the foot pegs also has to be free from corrosion.
A couple of millimeter difference will not show but to the human body this will wreck havoc on it.
 

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#5 ·
See if there is an LSL bar conversion. It is by far the best, One one cable change and a true upright riding position. I had the risers and they did make a difference but not enough. The grip angle was still forward leaning and down, the LSL are in a natural (for me) sit up and beg position.

They say wisdom comes with age but I found a lot of other stuff tacked onto it.
 
#6 ·
I hated the LSL/Streetfighter bars, no F end feel at high speeds/cornering.

Genmars 1.25" deffo the way to go..........fyi I'm only 5'8" but still needed the Genmar's......though RS bars are a good bit lower than ST to begin with !!!!
 
#8 ·
Low speed/town control upto 110 was excellent......high-ish speed, especially cornering ( 95+) felt vague, and got vaguer.........

With Genmars......rock steady upto 157 (GPS) and high speed sweepers are too!!!!!


mind you, was very easy to wheelie, even in 2nd with the LSL/Streetfighter bars!!!!

and generally, I'm rubbish at wheelies!!!!!!!!
 
#12 ·
I hear you.....I'm not much of a 'hooligan' these days....but, I don't see the point in owning a vehicle unless you ( sometimes) use it's full potential.........

I wouldn't own...

A gun, and just use it to club someone....


A knife and pull my barmcake ( bagel) apart by hand..


A wife and just have her to cook my meals.......


A shower and just take a bath..........


An 'Adventure' bike and just go down the shops on it............

:)
 
#20 ·
My smashed sprint, before this one has risers on it and I stupidly sold them.
I remember I had to use a different clutch cable, as the original from triumph was getting pulled and yanked too much on left hand lock and the L bend was getting battered.

I also need a new set for the new Sprint ST my end (955i) as I know it will kill me in the shoulder and arm department with-out them.
The older sprint also has different clip-on bars to the 2002 onwards.
I don't know if this was a design change by Triumph or they were just using up loads of stock from the factory.
 
#11 ·
My bike came with the LSL kit installed.....I ended up removing it cause the risers were making slight contact with the tank on full lock. I went back to the clip-on's with genmar risers, and found that I prefer the way the bike handles with the stock bars and genmars.

My Multistrada has an upright seating position, not like riding a cruiser, but it is pretty upright. The Sprint offers a nice change from that when i want it.

Different strokes........
 
#18 ·
Fellow Multi owner possible Sprint GT owner




I was looking at threads on handlebar risers as I am about to pull the trigger in a 2011 Sprint GT and I have never owned a "leaned over" bike. I have a 2011 Multi and a F800 GS so that is what I am used to. Do you split the time between the Duc and the Triumph? Are the different enough to justify having both?
 
#13 ·
Great insights all! They answer my questions, for sure. After looking more closely at the pics, I see the chrome cap on the T117 GenMars covers my preload adjustment screws, not replaces them. According to the website I found them on, they raise the bars a full 1 1/4" (32mm) over stock. I think that will suit me much better. Anyone know a great site to buy them on, do dealerships have access to order them for you, or do I have to order directly from GenMar?
 
#14 ·
I just googled Genmar....got them from some place that sells Bike/Aviation stuff........

Only downsides to me are, the chrome is very thin,( on the supplied Fork cap covers) and the machining, of the actual 'block' ( aesthetically) is poor........mechanically, they do exactly what they say on't tin, and fitted fairly easily.......

I'm sure someone with good engineering skills/access to a milling machine and aluminium could knock some up that were at least as pleasing..................

Your mileage may vary, but Genmars suited me, and the RS perfectly.........
 
#17 ·
HeliBars doesn't seem to make a set for my bike. My local Triumph shop can't order them for me, so I'll have to find the best price I can online somewhere.
 
#19 ·
I usually say this in most "bar riser" threads;

I suggest that unless you have a back injury or health problem that you ride your bike using the stock bars for a few months and try to get used to the position.
Use your core muscles and grip the tank with your legs to take the weight off your wrists when needed and lighten your grip on the bars.
The latter will also improve handling.

Each to their own and all that I know.................. just a suggestion :)

cheers
Dave:AustralianFlag
 
#21 ·
Well said, I am just too far down the road to bend like that anymore but it is exactly how I rode the ST before it got painful.
It was me not the bike, they are designed for that position. If one tries a"sports bike" like a CBR or similar it ain't meant for the agedly challenged.
 
#23 ·
Thanks again for the feedback. Really torn on this bike. My other bike purchases have been easier. This is a 2 year old ( albeit "new" ) sports touring bike and not in demand at all. I love the motor and part of me wants to have the "sports" position while I still can age wise. I am also wondering how this bike will trade in when I want a new Trophy in a couple of years? It seems by then this type of bike will be horribly outdated? I notice they are still selling them in the UK tho..
 
#24 ·
If you want a Trophy, buy a Trophy. Modern Triumphs have very little resale value. (As opposed to the retro models. Those sell for stupid money used.) Bottom line, buy it to keep, not to sell.

Cheers,
-Kit
 
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