After persevering for a few weeks with the riding position of my new to me 916bip i have reluctantly recognised that i need to do something to raise the height/position of the bars, it doesn't affect my wrists or back as with other riders - the craned position of my head and neck is the problem, to the point where its giving me a headache after a ride. Been looking at the Gilles Variobar VB-53-B , suitable for my bike in black, my question is has anyone fitted these and if so how straightforward is it and what kind of difference do they make? ,i'm also mindful that i don't want to change the aesthetics of the bike too much...i assume the top yoke will need to be removed to facilitate fitment even though the stock clip-ons are hinged? Advice please...Thanks.
Ducabike make some that are variable from the standard position to a less extreme position. It’s a long time since I fitted mine but iirc it’s easier to loosen both top and bottom yokes,after removing the wheel, drop each fork leg individually and slide then bars onto the forks as you push them back into the top yoke.
One can normally remove the top yoke safely and leave the forks clamped in the bottom yokes. No need, in my experience, to support the bike, remove wheel and slide the forks down.
Ok Thanks, i would have been reluctant to drop the forks thru the yokes cos i don't have the facilities to support things - i'll buy myself a pair and see how i get on.
Good to hear. I did it recently on a 749 and had no probs at all. Obviously while the top yoke is off one ought to limit moving the bike around, plus, make sure the bottom yoke bolts are properly torqued before you start!
I’m struggling with my wrists on my 916. I used to be uncomfortable while riding slowly but recently my wrists ache for about a week after every ride. I’m considering changing the bars and wondered if there is any problem with clearance between clutch and brake reservoirs and the fairing?
I use Fast By Ferracci bar risers which are pretty old and now, I imagine, no longer available. They raise the handlebars by about one inch which is about the maximum before you get problems with clearance. They do make a lot of difference. These were just the risers and not the bars as you used the originals and were\are very easy to fit.
Yes, anything above 1" will require different (lower) brackets for clutch and brake reservoirs. Worth it, imo. I posted these pics of my 916 a couple of weeks ago showing 2" risers which greatly improves riding comfort:
Has anyone fitted the Ducabike 35mm rise adjustable clip ons? Did they fit, need things modified and did they make a difference?
I've got Cyclecat adjustable bars on mine. They can give as much as around 2" of lift though I've only set them around an inch (any higher and you get clearance issues on full lock), they are also angle adjustable by eccentric which is good but the biggest benefit I found is that they are longer, meaning your arms are splayed out wider and that, to me is much more comfortable so much so that it is my most comfortable bike. Did have to fit a longer throttle cable though due to the combination of rise and extra length as the original is barely long enough for the standard setup and can't manage with any extension. Unfortunately Cyclecat are no longer in business but my advice is, regardless of height or angle - get some longer bars.
