Straighten up and ride right (handlebar swap)

[Thorak]

After two weeks on my 2007 FZ6n S2 I have found the handlebars to be too low and too swept back. My palms hurt after just a few minutes from the angle and after about an hour my back feels strained from the forward position. The solution seems to be swapping the bars for something more comfy.

I've seen many on this forum change the stock bars to the FZ1 bars, but all those mods have been FZ6-S riders who want a more agressive riding position. I want to do the opposite. As I have gathered the FZ6n bars are lower than the S model, so switching the FZ6n bars for the FZ1 might be a good idea, at least to solve the angle issue. But the original Yamaha parts seems to be difficult to get a hold of here in Euroland, at least at a decent price.

The question is, what specific handlebars would suit the task but not require me to re-wire the controls? Price is not so important, and if possible I would like to move away from the boring stock matte silver color of the original bars. I've been looking at Renthal and Rizoma but It's difficult to compare angles and bar height and even more difficult to determine if it will fit at all.

Any ideas?

 

[wolfe1down]

Have you tried looking at bar-backs / risers? I have a set on my '05 from TwistedThrottle. They are made by SW-Motech and have a 1.3" offset. This allows me to sit more upright and combined with HVMP bar ends, significantly reduces arm fatigue.

Here's the link to what I have installed. You could get these, then simply paint your bars the colour you want...

TwistedThrottle.com : Handlebar riser barbacks & top clamps (BMW, Ducati, Gas-Gas, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM LC4, MZ, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha) - pair, 1" rise & 1" pullback - LEH.00.039.152

 

[Erci]

Since you want both higher bars AND less sweep, my suggesting would be combination of wolfe1down's bar riser + FZ6R bar. This bar has the same rise and with as FZ6 bar, but not nearly as much back sweep.

There is no difference between FZ6S and FZ6N, as far as bars go.

The #1 reason I suggest this over any aftermarket aluminum bar: vibration. Plenty of people use alu bars and love them. I used one for a season and while the angle / with was perfect, I experienced more vibration even with heavy HVMP bar ends.. which technically are not recommended for alu bars.

 

[jamesinoregon]

I have just installed factory handlebars from the FZ8.
They are back a bit more and a bit higher. They do not have the threads inside the bars to mount our bar weights. I will be ordering the expandable inserts from Yamaha and will modify my weights to fit.

 

[TeacherJoe]

I have just installed factory handlebars from the FZ8.
They are back a bit more and a bit higher. They do not have the threads inside the bars to mount our bar weights. I will be ordering the expandable inserts from Yamaha and will modify my weights to fit.

How do you like this change? If the FZ8 bar is up and back, without the awkward bend, then it may work for me. Those Motech risers are pricey.

Joe

 

[slymjym350]

I ordered these:
1" up 1.25" back Handlebar Risers Yamaha FZ1 FZ6 | eBay
a couple weeks ago. I have yet to receive them. I will post before and after pictures when I get them installed.

 

[FZ6771]

This is the best set up for touring

 

[BamBam77]

I'm afraid my hands would get in the way of the mirrors:noworries:

 

[wolfe1down]

Those Motech risers are pricey.

Joe

They are pricey, but they work very well. I ride in a very relaxed, fairly upright position now. SW-Motech is a well know/respected brand name, with a proven track record. I personally would be kinda leery about purchasing cheaper knock-off components from less respected/experienced companies.

YMMV.

 

[TeacherJoe]

They are pricey, but they work very well. I ride in a very relaxed, fairly upright position now. SW-Motech is a well know/respected brand name, with a proven track record. I personally would be kinda leery about purchasing cheaper knock-off components from less respected/experienced companies.

YMMV.

I absolutely agree. I just put them on my wife's new GS500. Before I go with risers and the FZ1 bar, I am trying to determine if the FZ8 bar might accomplish something similar without the risers.

Joe

 

[WarriorDog]

How about this for an inexpensive way to get the bars up and back.
It won't do anything for the sweep but that would only be fixed by replacing the current bars anyway.
I put them on wifey's '07 FZ6 when she got it over two years ago - NO Problem - except the brake lines were too short. Got that fixed and now she sits up straight.

We've done two track days at Jennings and Roebling Road with these risers on her bike.

PowerMadd :: Handlebar Risers & Cables :: ATV Handlebar Risers :: PowerRiser 475

 

[Thorak]

As a first step I tilted the stock bars back a bit so that the bars point more downwards. That really evened out the pressure on my palms, but it made the riding position even more forward. I got a pair of bar risers but I'm not sure they will fit without modifying the brake line.

Largeish pictures:

http://i.imgur.com/5bGcOh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/gs5Vhh.jpg

 

[jamesinoregon]

Sorry, I was away for a bit and then my computer crashed on me.
Virus!!!???!!!

I like the feel of the FZ8 bars much better. I haven't had a chance to ride with them very much. I am not sure yet if I will want to add about a 1" riser.

I will post again when I have had a chance to ride more.

 

[slymjym350]

I finally got the ebay risers in the mail. it sure took long enough.

Before:

Before:

After:

After:

They took maybe 15 min to install. 10 of which was finding my tools. I feel like I sit more upright on the bike now. I think they would be great with the fz1 bars installed as well. The stock bars have always felt like my elbows were inward.

I'm not upset about the $50 spent. My next purchase will be fz1 bars for sure.

 

[slymjym350]

I rode the bike a few times this week. It sure handles different now. I feel like im zipping around on a scooter. maybe cause ive shifted my weight back more? I'm very pleased with the results.

 

[QwickFliCk]

I rode the bike a few times this week. It sure handles different now. I feel like im zipping around on a scooter. maybe cause ive shifted my weight back more? I'm very pleased with the results.

hows the vibration in the handlebars compared to b4?? i want to get a set of these too! did u have to get any longer lines??

 

[QwickFliCk]

I rode the bike a few times this week. It sure handles different now. I feel like im zipping around on a scooter. maybe cause ive shifted my weight back more? I'm very pleased with the results.

hows the vibration in the handlebars compared to b4?? i want to get a set of these too! did u have to get any longer lines??

 

[iSteve]

I put 1" up 1" back risers on last week with stock bars. I feel the same way as slymjym350 it seems to change the handling I thought it felt like I had more leverage like a dirt bike at low speeds made it fun zipping around town and was more comfortable on long rides. The pain in the palms went away maybe because of less pressure from less body lean.

 

[Grim Chemical]

That's crazy, do you ride with your elbows touching? looks like the wrist angle is insane on those bars, although I've always pondered that set of bars on a sport bike...thanks for curing that wonder.

 

[LeeFZ]

Hi guys, I want to do the same thing. After riding 5 hours today, my palms hurts so bad. I need to raise my handlebar 1" back 1.25" or 1" back 1". But the thing is does it affect the cables when you raise it?