ConvertiBars

[Racefan]

I'm loving my new Sprint ST, and very happy with the power and performance on twisty roads. However, I'm not so thrilled about the pain in my hands and wrists after a relatively short ride.

I'm looking at bar riser options, since my short reach means too much forward lean for any real touring.

While the Gen-Mar risers are reasonably priced, I'm not sure the 1" or so rise would make much difference...though I'm open to hear from those who believe otherwise.

What I'd like to know is whether anyone has used ConvertiBars. I'm obviously more interested in comments about the current-gen Sprint ST, but if you've used them on another bike, comments are appreciated.

Thanks.

[mglemans86]

I was having the same problems with my new Sprint. I put on Gen Mar's . fatter foam grips, and a throttle rocker. Problem solved!!!

[Sirnick]

I've got ConvertiBars on my '01. Very different than the current design Sprints. It was a MAJOR pain on the install!
The ConvertiBars people told me they hadn't perfected an '01 kit but I figured since I'm obviously smarter than everyone else, it should be no problem......not quite! I'm happy with them now but there were a few days when I wasn't exactly sure that the bike and I would survive the installation. I've got the bars in the absolute highest position possible without having to alter the fairing. Changing the grips did make a big difference.

I'm pretty darned comfortable on my "new" '05 Sprint - at 5'8" with a 30" inseam, I have been very uncomfortable on other sport bikes like a GSXR 1000.

No problem with wrists at all, I just concentrate on gripping the sides of the tank w/ my knees and lean (more) on the tank whenever I need a change of position.

Even with a short sleeve length, I also find that I can "sit up" and stretch on this bike, unlike most other SBs I've riden.

Overall, this is the MOST comfortable MC I've ridden in quite a while.

EE

[Whisperinsmith]

Racefan,

Try to give it a little more time. I had the same issue when I first got this bike. Not only wrists, but the family jewels. After a month of adjustments to my riding position, I love this bike. The engineers got it right.

I know it sounds odd, but lean forward a little more to take the pressure off your wrists. Your back will be fine. It absorbs the shocks better with some lean as opposed to a stiff back. Hold the tank with your knees when braking suddenly.

I think of it as trying to "float" on the bike, trusting the bike to behave better than me. Hold the grips very lightly.

If you still feel you would like risers, I have the Genmar set for the '06 that I won't use. Unopened, except for a small tear in the plastic cover to measure the unit. I'll make you a great deal. But try it without for awhile.

[Racefan]

Well, I suppose I have something to think about.

I just don't remember having the same discomfort on a sportbike in the past, but my position was more neutral, while on the ST I feel a constant lean, as though I'm riding downhill.

I have tried the tricks of gripping the tank, leaning on the tank, sitting straighter, etc. At the moment I haven't gone on any real trips, but even with the tricks I can't see me going much more than maybe 250 miles before I quit for the day.

Anyway, I'll give it a while longer to see whether things improve.

[Whisperinsmith]

Racefan,

believe me, one day it just happens. hope it's soon. i know how frustrating it feels. remember, "float" and be light on the grip.

best of luck.

[iceman]

Overall I find the bike comfortable and have done 8-9 hour days on it - with a stop and stretch every couple of hours.

The only discomfort I was getting was in my right hand/wrist which tends to get a bit tingly after a while.I got a 'cramp buster' throttlerocker attachment for the throttle which solved that.It means you dont need to be hanging on to the the gas all the time and can move your hand around and stretch your pinkies while riding.
I came from a 1200 Bandit and it took a little while to get used to the lean foward position but I like it better now.

Grant

[jellero]

i tried the genmars and didn't notice any difference. installed the convertibars on my rs and it is a total change in the bike. at 65 mph i'm floating, no pressure on hands. it moves the grips up and back about 7". see photos on their site, i took 'em of my bike. j