Helibars smack fairing, won't raise as much

I've had my 02 VFR for about a year now. Love it. Mostly.
I bought it at a dealership, and the previous owner added pretty much every desirable aftermarket part. Staintune exhaust, Zero Grav screen, helibars, PC, Sargent seat...

Okay, so, I thought, EXCELLENT it has bar risers (HeliBars) so I'll be able to raise them higher for a little back-saving comfort.
Well, not exactly. When you turning the handlebars far right or far left the brake/clutch reservoirs boink into part of the fairing.
So great... Really can't raise the bars up as much as I'd like to.

So, the question becomes:
Are there any tricks to either 1) 'Shaving' some of the fairing out of the way so the handlebars have full motion full left and right
or 2) repositioning the offending fluid reservoirs so they don't go bonk?

Thanks dudes and dudettes.

Try swapping them out side to side(L-R, R-L). That would bring them back towards you and allow you to raise them a bit, *but*, I'm not sure if they'll hit the tank or not. Might not if combined with a raise. You may also have to re-drill the holes for the switchgear & controls if you do this.

Heli bars already give you I think is an Inch back and 1 1/2" higher over stock and there are NO locating pins so you can rotate them as much as you want. I've been running them for the last 70k miles and they have never hit the fairing, just loosen the pinch bolts and rotate them down a bit. I usually run about 2 fingers away from the tank when in Full Lock on each side measured at the bar end weight.(two fingers thick not long) :rolleyes:

Thanks Bailey, I'll give that a try... rotating them about the fork tube about an inch and a half from the tank at full left/right.
It does seem excessive to carve away some of the fairing...

Let me ask you, though, Bailey: how much of the handlebar stem do you see extending downward below the clamp? I'd love it if I could push the helibars all the way up so the bottom of the helibars are flush with the bottom of the handlebar clamp hole.
But I can't push them up that far, at least not so far, the best I can do is about 1.5 inches extends below the clamp.

Pitchers would prolly help here, I bet.

[image: View Post]Donnie1967, on 14 March 2010 - 04:27 PM, said:

or 2) repositioning the offending fluid reservoirs so they don't go bonk?

I actually dremelled off the locking tabs on my fluid reservoirs to make them fit better. It will allow you to adjust the angle. I thought Helibars required this, though? Has it already been done?

The instructions should actually say to dremel the locking tab off of the reservoirs and to angle them downward, I'm guessing this is your problem.

I've got Helibars and have had no problems with clearance. I'm in the Seattle area, PM me and we can get together, compare, and find out what the problem is.

Hey code, how high do you have your bars? Are you able to set them up as far as safety allows, i.e. vertical bottom of the bar stems are flush with the bottom of the bar clamp?
And I appreciate your offer for assistance.

[image: View Post]coderighter, on 15 March 2010 - 12:26 AM, said:

I've got Helibars and have had no problems with clearance. I'm in the Seattle area, PM me and we can get together, compare, and find out what the problem is.

[image: View Post]Donnie1967, on 15 March 2010 - 12:36 AM, said:

Hey code, how high do you have your bars? Are you able to set them up as far as safety allows, i.e. vertical bottom of the bar stems are flush with the bottom of the bar clamp?
And I appreciate your offer for assistance.

[image: View Post]coderighter, on 15 March 2010 - 12:26 AM, said:

I've got Helibars and have had no problems with clearance. I'm in the Seattle area, PM me and we can get together, compare, and find out what the problem is.

I can move them from the bottom to the top, no problem. I did extend my clutch and brake lines, but I think that is due to ABS. Never a fairing clearance problem.

I took two pics of what's going on.
First pic shows where/how the reservoirs knock the inside of the fairing:
http://dongarber.com/images/helibar2.jpg

Actually, it doesn't hit the fairing; the bar is raised as high as it will go and clear the fairing.
And at the other end, here's how much of the bottom of the helibar that extends below the clamp:
http://dongarber.com/images/helibar1.jpg

There's about half to three-quarters of an inch that I could raise the bar, but can't because of said reservoir/fairing bonkage.

I did check out the clearance of my bar ends to the gas tank: There's barely a finger's width there... someone suggested that theirs has about two fingers' width, so there's something I can adjust I shleppose.

I thought the Helibars were fixed? Do they make an adjustable version? Or are those not Helibars, but rather ConvertiBars?

Those are convertibars. Their install sheet mentions the possibility of contact. It also looks like yours are mounted to put the bars quite far forward (although, that's why they're adjustable, right?).

Convertibars Install Sheet for the VFR

[image: View Post]Donnie1967, on 15 March 2010 - 10:50 PM, said:

I took two pics of what's going on.
First pic shows where/how the reservoirs knock the inside of the fairing:
http://dongarber.com/images/helibar2.jpg
]

There's about half to three-quarters of an inch that I could raise the bar, but can't because of said reservoir/fairing bonkage.

:+1: Those are not Heli bars. Those are infinitely adjustable which is great, you just need to play with both adjustments(bar clamp & fork clamp).
Looks like you just need to rotate the fork clamp back towards you and inch or two(?) then rotate the bar back the other way to find your liking.
Most people us these to get the bars as far back towards the rider to lesson the reach, for track work or none stop twisties they can be moved forward if desired. :beer:

BR

PS I'll trade you my Heli's for those if you want! :rolleyes:

[image: View Post]BaileyRock, on 16 March 2010 - 09:26 AM, said:

:+1: Those are not Heli bars. Those are infinitely adjustable which is great, you just need to play with both adjustments(bar clamp & fork clamp).
Looks like you just need to rotate the fork clamp back towards you and inch or two(?) then rotate the bar back the other way to find your liking.
Most people us these to get the bars as far back towards the rider to lesson the reach, for track work or none stop twisties they can be moved forward if desired. :beer:

BR

PS I'll trade you my Heli's for those if you want! :rolleyes:

I was confused by the pics as well. I've never seen these bars before but they do look like they have so much adjustment that they might hit the tank and/or fairing if adjusted too far. They don't look at ALL like any HeliBars I've ever seen!

Those are Convertibars.

Rotate the Cyclops clamps rearwards to give the reservoirs more clearance from the fairing and you should be good to go.

LH clamp: CCW

RH clamp: CW

ConvertiBars.
Yes.
Duh, Don.
And yes you guys are right, they are very movable, in like all directions.
Sorry for the confusion. Crap.

So this is interesting. I found bayarearider's convertibars orientation reversed from mine:
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1268557440/gallery_17738_4736_110263.jpg
The bar clamps are towards the rider, whereas mine were installed pointing forwards:

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1268557440/gallery_17738_4736_10369.jpg

Wonder if there's any difference...? At least in comfort...?

[image: View Post]Donnie1967, on 16 March 2010 - 10:45 AM, said:

Wonder if there's any difference...? At least in comfort...?

I bet they have almost infinite adjustablity as for the angle the bars can be set at, the forward/backward locations, as well as the height (as long as there is enough clearance of course which would be the limiting factor).

This product is new to me. I wonder how much they cost? I am fairly happy with the HeliBars but as far as flexibility of mounting options these have the HeliBars beat down to the mat, and out for the count! As expensive as the Heli's are I can't believe that these bars could be that much more. Heli will have to lower its price to compete against a product like this I would think once word got out that there is a better product out there.

[image: View Post]Serenity_VFR, on 16 March 2010 - 10:55 AM, said:

This product is new to me. I wonder how much they cost? I am fairly happy with the HeliBars but as far as flexibility of mounting options these have the HeliBars beat down to the mat, and out for the count! As expensive as the Heli's are I can't believe that these bars could be that much more. Heli will have to lower its price to compete against a product like this I would think once word got out that there is a better product out there.

$339 for the base kit without the optional brake line and wiring extensions.

Versus $279 for HeliBars.

Very competitive. Well worth the extra $60 if you ask me!

I think for FULL variety/customization, you may well need the line extensions...

[image: View Post]Serenity_VFR, on 16 March 2010 - 12:01 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Serenity_VFR, on 16 March 2010 - 10:55 AM, said:

This product is new to me. I wonder how much they cost? I am fairly happy with the HeliBars but as far as flexibility of mounting options these have the HeliBars beat down to the mat, and out for the count! As expensive as the Heli's are I can't believe that these bars could be that much more. Heli will have to lower its price to compete against a product like this I would think once word got out that there is a better product out there.

$339 for the base kit without the optional brake line and wiring extensions.

Versus $279 for HeliBars.

Very competitive. Well worth the extra $60 if you ask me!

[image: View Post]Donnie1967, on 16 March 2010 - 11:19 AM, said:

I think for FULL variety/customization, you may well need the line extensions...

Sure, I totally agree. But for that matter, for the FULL variety/customization you'll need to cut fairing parts away and put indentations into the tank. :biggrin:

I would think that there would be plenty of different bends/angles/fore-aft adjustments that do not require a change of the lines/wires -and the exact bend/rise/offset of the HeliBars could probably be exactly replicated with these (or minutely changed from that setpoint where the Heli's can't).

A handy person could alter the brake lines and the electrical themselves for a fraction of the cost too. It's not rocket science -even the brake lines could be done with the help of a good auto-parts guy at a store to find something that would work to extend them easily for a fraction of what this company wants to charge. I've found that on my Gen5 the lines are TIGHT with the HelBars unless you rotate the banjo bolts to the full extent that the positioning tabs allow and even then they are still at the edge IMHO. Perhaps later production bikes have a bit more slack (mine is a '98)

I think the lesson is that the bar riser people can charge whatever they want for their stuff since so many bike owners are desperate to get just a leeetle bit more reach and will pay just about anything. This is the case with Heli since what you are paying for a steel clip-on bar without any adjustments seems a bit much for what you really get.

I've had my 02 VFR for about a year now. Love it. Mostly.
I bought it at a dealership, and the previous owner added pretty much every desirable aftermarket part. Staintune exhaust, Zero Grav screen, helibars, PC, Sargent seat...

Okay, so, I thought, EXCELLENT it has bar risers (HeliBars) so I'll be able to raise them higher for a little back-saving comfort.
Well, not exactly. When you turning the handlebars far right or far left the brake/clutch reservoirs boink into part of the fairing.
So great... Really can't raise the bars up as much as I'd like to.

So, the question becomes:
Are there any tricks to either 1) 'Shaving' some of the fairing out of the way so the handlebars have full motion full left and right
or 2) repositioning the offending fluid reservoirs so they don't go bonk?

Thanks dudes and dudettes.

Not to Posted Image but... this thread may help someone else as well:


There are some good Utube vids on the features of the convertibars. http://www.youtube.c...h?v=Za19ma7TeKk
VERY cool, I had no idea they were this customizable. I'll need to experiment with 'em this weekend.... though I may need some line extenders to get the full range of motion in the videos.

I have convertibars on my 04 (You do too...lucky you!) if you loosen the pinch bolts and rotate the entire assembly so the bars are slightly behind the fork tubes they won't hit anything. This will also enable you to push the fork tube clamps up on the tubes about a 1/4 of an inch or so and will also enable you to push the bars up to the first line from the bottom of thier clamp...this gives you a lot of rise and you still won't hit anything...this gives you a solid 3 to 3 1/2+ inches of rise. Longer lines are a must when getting them this high though.

Convertibars also offers replacement bars (you keep the clamps you already have) that allow you to adjust the grip angle in addition to the things you can already adjust with thier bars...makes a great product even better.

If you do this you may find that will need another windscreen though because the stocker is too short...I recommend a MRA vario-touring screen and stealth edging. Combo works really good.

thanks for your input, Flightar, I'm looking forward to experimenting with my setup this weekend.

I see you have a MG Breva in your garage. How do you like it? Is that a standard, or a 'performance cruiser'?

I have convertibars on my 04 (You do too...lucky you!) if you loosen the pinch bolts and rotate the entire assembly so the bars are slightly behind the fork tubes they won't hit anything. This will also enable you to push the fork tube clamps up on the tubes about a 1/4 of an inch or so and will also enable you to push the bars up to the first line from the bottom of thier clamp...this gives you a lot of rise and you still won't hit anything...this gives you a solid 3 to 3 1/2+ inches of rise. Longer lines are a must when getting them this high though.

Convertibars also offers replacement bars (you keep the clamps you already have) that allow you to adjust the grip angle in addition to the things you can already adjust with thier bars...makes a great product even better.

If you do this you may find that will need another windscreen though because the stocker is too short...I recommend a MRA vario-touring screen and stealth edging. Combo works really good.

Not to speak for him, but pop a message to member, "Lobster". He was there tester.

So I was literally ablut to go online and purchase the helibars and then I stumbled on this thread.

I just tried to order the convtibars but then Firefox told me their online order age was not secure. Hmmmmmmmm

Hey Charlie, then try it on IE!
Posted Image

So I was literally ablut to go online and purchase the helibars and then I stumbled on this thread.

I just tried to order the convtibars but then Firefox told me their online order age was not secure. Hmmmmmmmm

I've tried calling them (convertibars.com) for the past week to order them, but no one answers the phone or has replied to voice and e-mail messages. Not sure what would happen if I just placed the order.

I've tried calling them (convertibars.com) for the past week to order them, but no one answers the phone or has replied to voice and e-mail messages. Not sure what would happen if I just placed the order.

They also have them listed on ebay. Odd they aren't responding to requests though. Perhaps they are on vacation http://www.vfrdiscus...tyle_emoticons/default/smile.gif

Egads, that's not a good sign...
I'm no lawyer or accountant, but financially, if you use a credit card to make your purchase, I believe you're protected so if something flaky happens, you can get the charges reversed and remunerated.

You *could* try to get a set locally. Use the link http://www.convertib...DealerIndex.cfm to find a local dealer. they *may* actually have some in stock and can put 'em on for ya if you want.

I've tried calling them (convertibars.com) for the past week to order them, but no one answers the phone or has replied to voice and e-mail messages. Not sure what would happen if I just placed the order.

Yes I called the dealer here in Edmonton (Scona Cycle) who convertibars lists as there retailer. Scona orders throught Convertibars and they haven't been successful in contacting them either. :unsure:

That's a webmaster/technical issue of theirs. The problem is that it's not an https:// URL. It's not gonna be approved by your browser unless you go and reset some privacy settings (which I wouldn't bother doing). If their security certificate isn't kosher, I wouldn't send personal/financial data over that tube. good eye. Posted Image

So I was literally ablut to go online and purchase the helibars and then I stumbled on this thread.

I just tried to order the convtibars but then Firefox told me their online order age was not secure. Hmmmmmmmm

Here's a picture of a set of convertibars installed on our generation of VFR. Note how the cyclops clamps are oriented so towards the rider/gas tank. Yeah, closer and higher bars = comfier I bet.
[image: Posted Image]

And here's how I have mine oriented. I can see a huge difference there. I gotta try that this weekend!
[image: Posted Image]

So stop talking and fix it! Then go ride! :unsure:

:ohmy:

WITH THE PROPER HEX SOCKETS this was a snap to adjust! Yee Haw!
This first pic shows the left bar, after I adjusted its position around the fork tube. MUCH closer to me now:

[image: Posted Image]

This next image is of the right bar BEFORE I adjusted it inwards. The cyclops clamp rotates about the fork. Damn spiffy. Just make sure you tighten up real good like.

[image: Posted Image]

Great product. And it's gonna be sunny this weekend...

:unsure:
:beatdeadhorse:

So stop talking and fix it! Then go ride! :laugh:

:goofy:

Ha! Thats Larry's bike! (Note the mirror extenders, that he makes).

The white VFR is almost exactly like I have my Convertibars set...very comfy. The only drawback is the bars are a bit narrower than the stockers making it SLIGHTLY higher effort to turn. However, I got used to it in the first couple of corners making it no big deal...The bike still turns with aplomb.

Yes the Breva 750 is a nice little bike and It's had zero problems. It's not powerful but it is actually fun due to a pretty good chasis and a torquey engine. It's a standard and dosen't have performance aspirations...but it's perfect for a beginner and can be lowered to fit a 5'0" rider for around $300.00 (Spencer's seat, Hagon lowering shocks and a shortened side stand).

Still no answer on phone. I have tried emailing too.

I will give them another seven days and if I still have not heard back then I will go back to plan A- Helibars

Still no answer on phone. I have tried emailing too.

I will give them another seven days and if I still have not heard back then I will go back to plan A- Helibars

Took 5 days before I got a reply. Ordered the kit plus the longer lines. Now just waiting patiently for the Brown Truck to arrive....LOL

[image: P1010084.JPG]
[image: P1010085.JPG]

Donnie. I'm not sure just from looking at your picture,seems as your right(brake-lever)one is positioned ok, so i'm assuming your left is the same. But to the point, when you are positioned on the bike holding the grips, with your fingers on the levers, is everything from your hand(knuckels)/wrist/forearm in a straight line? If not you can rotate your levers down till your wrist are straight. That will give you more clearance for the fairing. And will be less stress on you.......... Like I said it's hard to tell by the left pic.....

I positioned them so that they're both closer towards me, and it's pretty nice!

Donnie. I'm not sure just from looking at your picture,seems as your right(brake-lever)one is positioned ok, so i'm assuming your left is the same. But to the point, when you are positioned on the bike holding the grips, with your fingers on the levers, is everything from your hand(knuckels)/wrist/forearm in a straight line? If not you can rotate your levers down till your wrist are straight. That will give you more clearance for the fairing. And will be less stress on you.......... Like I said it's hard to tell by the left pic.....