Update: The Heli Bars arrived so I could add them as a 2nd 3/4" level of rise, on top of the single layer I have now. Well, I installed the left side first, no problem, very fast / very easy, and no steering contact issues, but ... it made very little difference. Plus, I found that while part of the first level slips over the fork tube and benefits from that fact 'strength-wise', the 2nd level is entirely above the fork tube, and so at that point it's down to only the 2 bolts securing the clip-on and that actually allows for some forward-rearward rotational play ... did not like! ... and it felt to me like I could fairly easily pull up on the grip and prob snap the bolts Hot damn, how exciting would that be while riding?!! OK, I don't actually know why you'd ever do that, but maybe ... accidentally? Nonetheless, since I already had them and was already into it, I decided to continue on and install the right side, 'just to see', but immediately found not nearly enough slack to insert another 3/4" in there. I can't believe how tightly the clip-on fits atop the single riser. There's def no slack for more height. Anyway, even if it had gone on, due to what seemed a very minimal improvement, and with me being concerned about the overall integrity with them in place, I have already returned them.

That said, if anybody else wants to try this ... the 50 mm long bolts included with the Heli Bars are too short, so I bought a 10-pack (fewest offered) of 70 mm stainless bolts from McMaster-Carr ("18-8 Stainless Steel Socket Head Screw M8 x 1.25 mm Thread, 70 mm Long") ... if you want 4 of 'em, let me know.

Prob moving on to handlebars next, after all ...

I added the ABM kit to my ZX14R and it made a world of difference. After an hour of fiddling with it, I finally got the bars to barely touch the fairing at full lock.

* Last updated by: lee113 on 7/18/2023 @ 7:41 PM *

Hey lee113 ... Lookin' good! I think I'm convinced to go for the bars ... Hankszx texted me quite a few pics:

* Last updated by: extrapolator on 7/18/2023 @ 11:02 PM *

I did. It's great. Combined with the lowered pegs and touring screen it feels like a Concours now. Takes a little fiddling to get the position right but worth it.

Convertibars gave me 5" higher and 4" back handlebars location. I had to replace only the brake hose. Everything else was untangled and rerouted. I used 2-1" Genmars spacers from 2013-15, then switched to Converitbars in 2016.
I used Buell Uylsses foot pegs. Now I have more room than a FJR1300.
I have neck problems, so I need to an upright riding position.

https://calsci.com/ has moved to Missouri and I want to visit them to see if they can make me a taller screen.

* Last updated by: doubleD on 8/9/2023 @ 9:33 AM *

Getting older can change your mind.

03/31/16 12:24 PM
Dixie - From time to time I think the C14 is the mature bike I should have, but I agree the ZX has the riding posture that suits me. I've ridden my bud's C14 a couple times, and I just don't like that upright posture.

=x+rap01a+0r

@doubleD ... HA! Good catch! / Reminder! Of course had forgotten all about posting that! 7 years later ... Hmmmm ...

All those smilies said ... I still like the sport bikes' aggressive lean forward position, and in fact I've decided I'm gonna give it another go! ... not changing to handlebars before our mid-Sept NC trip ... gonna see if I can take it ... or how long I can take it ... then reevaluate again once home I'm def intrigued by the handlebars ... just obviously not sure I'm ready to commit to 'em. If I do try 'em, I wanna do it here in FL around our local roads, rather than in NC where I could possibly ruin my trip riding a bike not setup the way I'm used to and maybe really prefer. Might require a little pain!

With the 200/55 installed I can twist the throttle immediately to 100% from a slow roll in 1st/2nd gear to get the rear tire to spin, and noticed that TC has some lag before it initiates and sometimes it doesn't kick in if the rear wheel gain enough traction and balances out with the front wheel. Head back to the house and installed the wheel with the stock size tire on it and repeat the same exercise and TC intervenes immediately.

With the 200/55 installed I can twist the throttle immediately to 100% from a slow roll in 1st/2nd gear to get the rear tire to spin, and noticed that TC has some lag before it initiates and sometimes it doesn't kick in if the rear wheel gain enough traction and balances out with the front wheel. Head back to the house and installed the wheel with the stock size tire on it and repeat the same exercise and TC intervenes immediately.