The truth about handlebar risers

After a full day of fitting and measuring riser to confirm what I have learned teaching riders over the past 27 years this video is about everything you need to know before choosing to put risers on your motorcycle.
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[@BretTkacs]

If you want text notification for new videos, text "Tkacs" to 888-306-7782 (now say that 5 times fast... "text Tkacs to"

[@BigRockMoto]

Bret: cut the bike in half and weld it back together to make it longer. not happening. KLR riders: hold my beer

[@ssfd739]

Perfect time to add the hoodickey and the thangamajob!

[@bryanp8010]

I’m going to disagree. I’m 6-3 and I don’t want to lean forward on long trips. I want the bar back toward me and a bit higher. I didn’t buy a crotch rocket for a reason. I’m coming from cruiser and dirt bikes and I got a tenere 700 now and for an adventure bike I’m leaning in too much

[@PhilipBeresford]

This is some FortNine level physics, good stuff! Being a short guy, I had recently stumbled across the benefits of using risers as a method of bringing the bars closer to me. Happy to see my anecdotal findings backed up by math and a professional!

[@Apollyon67]

They made a lot of difference for me on a Wee Strom. I really wish they made a decent Adventure bike for shorter riders.

[@PhilipBeresford]

@@Apollyon67 That is exactly how I found out they worked, by fitting risers to my wee strom! Totally agree that there isn't much option in the ADV market for shorter rides. The Wee and the Tiger are the best ones I've found - and even they feel like big bikes to me

[@Apollyon67]

@@PhilipBeresford After I bought my Wee, Suzuki sent me a survey. I filled it out and added into the comments that I would like to see them offer a proper Adventure bike to their lineup for shorter riders. I doubt it will do any good, but you never know. Do you have any advice on how to handle the bike better?

[@PhilipBeresford]

@@Apollyon67 I fitted the accessory Suzuki low seat and 2" rox risers. I didn't want to lower the suspension at all since its already low on ground clearance. Otherwise its just practice. I only use one foot down, not two. I slide one cheek off the seat a bit to get a flat foot on the ground. Otherwise I try and keep moving, keep momentum, keep my feet on the pegs. With reverse parking I just hop off and push it. No shame in that. 🤘

[@Apollyon67]

@@PhilipBeresford So far this has been my strategy. I did lower mine and used the lower Suzuki seat so I could at least one foot it. Once I get more used to riding it, I may raise it back up. I have had short cruisers up until now. The Wee is a whole different bike. LOL. I love it when I am moving, but the center of gravity change is a lot to get used to when I am stopped or trying to maneuver her in a parking spot. Thanks for the tips, I will give them a try today!

[@santiagocamacho866]

So, great many advice for tall riders, but what advices about short riders. At the begining of the video you said "that f you are short riders and never thought to use risers, this will be an error". But iin the video only enter for the tall rders. many of us usin the low versions of 120 1250 GS becuse we are short rders. ¿You will made part two of this around short riders? ¿which are your advice in numbers to reduce the cockpit? ¿Which risers could be more usefull?. you point over the riders skill, and think that mi rders skill are good but the defaults, for me, ever found a little bit forward. i actually using Touratech risers that made 35 mm high and approach 20 mm to me. But still foud not completelly perfect. In the cristna example, ¿who taller is she? i´m 1,68 mts (5,5 feets)

[@tjzulu1]

So, why does the "goal" of the video have to be setting up the motorcycle for "tall" riders when the majority of motorcycle riders are of average height?? I've been riding motorcycles for the majority of my life. I started riding when I was 11 years old and I'm 70 now and I'm average height. Most riders I speak with just want the riding position to be comfortable. You should have titled this video "The Truth About Handlebar Risers For Tall Riders" since you speciffically stated that was your focus in this video.

[@adrianmathe3578]

Now this is what i call a serious analysis of the topic! Just the full, detailed process and explaining, is so comprehensive and clear! Keep them comming, you are one of the best KZbin channels for adventure tips/info/lessons!

[@hdk6187]

I'm 6'3" and on my GSA in the stock configuration I felt I was reaching for the bars with straight arms even though I was sitting next to the tank. I added ROX risers and brought the bars back closer to me and up. I now have the proper bend in my arms and am more comfortable. I do feel this comfortable position for sitting compromises my standing position.

[@dhbwveitschenk9592]

same here ... 6'3" clearly isn't "tall" enough in Bret's books;-) Kidding aside: arm-length is probably just as important as body-height. For me now not only do the arms feel better/relaxed, but also cornering is soooo much more fun;-)

[@NeuroticLobster]

Thanks for posting this. I just bought a GSA and I’m the same height as you. I feel like I’m leaning forward about 1-2” to reach the bars from a neutral seating position , just ordered the 2” Rox pivoting risers.

[@fairdinkum9454]

Wait, what… No helmet-hat transitions…!? 😁

[@BretTkacs]

No distractions from the lesson today 🤠

[@BigRockMoto]

I am going to watch this twice at least. Thanks Bret!

[@elindenstein]

At 5'7", most bikes are really tall for me. I put ROX Risers on my Super Tenere last summer and it was amazing how much of a difference it made in comfort because my traps weren't so sore from reaching so far all day, however, control of the bike was not at all optimal. I met Joselin Snow at an event about a month ago and of all things I could ask her, I asked her about her opinion on Risers and she said she never uses them; she is way smaller than me! I pulled them off after that and the bike feels so much more agile and better geometry without; my traps are going to hate me on really really long rides, but having better control matters to me more.

[@amitkrupal1234]

So those riser bought the handlebar closer to you, did they also increase the height. Did you tried adjusting the handlebar's angle? What problem did you faced after using riser.

[@elindenstein]

@@amitkrupal1234 Mostly it was steering not feeling as tight, like the turn radius felt like it was lacking when they were added. I actually have since put the seat in the high position and rotated the bars just a bit and my elbows have a bend in them now that they didn’t have before

[@amitkrupal1234]

@@elindenstein cool

[@f.c.9132]

Different strokes for different folks. I have a m90. Short arms at 5'7". I am looking to bring it closer to me to get more comfortable with my cruising. If motorcycling isn't enjoyable, then why bother.

[@elindenstein]

@@f.c.9132 Well the reach to the M90 bars is like a half mile from the seat

[@nose2wind872]

Great stuff. One thing not mentioned is lowering the pegs. This can help in that you don't need as much rise, plus you benefit in the knee to footpeg distance comfort. Cable length can be an issue when using risers and lowering the pegs can impact shift/brake lever position. It all has to work together.

[@dansivertsen6862]

Thank you. Can you put the short person version video out?

[@terrystratford1235]

Just hold your phone higher😅😄😃🤣

[@JohnBhaktul]

Well I guess what we can take away is that short riders should use risers. The funny thing is when shopping for a motorcycle as a new rider, people say to look at seat height but nope, I need to look at the distance to the handlebar or else I am hunched over while riding.

[@kimmosuomalainen9945]

The way I have set bars of my adventure bikes is quite close to my racing bikes (EXC & TE), that is, quite high up (even if I am quite short, 176 cm or 5'9"). Target has been to reduce need for muscle power when accelerating & braking, thus having hands high up rather than close to pelvis (think about push-ups having your hands on your shoulder line vs. close to your waist). This works for me, for my riding style.

[@saabsly1]

Interesting vieo that explains a lot of things that I think are pretty obvious, but many people still don't get it without you explaning it all to them. If I may give you a friendly advice thou... As a professionnal presentation maker. Your board will all the numbers is.... well it feels super nerdy, is not really user friendly, and a bit boring to say the least. While not really giving all the answers viewers would like. If i were you, I would stop displaying numbers that doesn't really mean anything to most, and I would use sketches instead. For instance, taking into account the measurments of the bike (no need to display them), you draw the bike from the saddle to the handles/risers, and what the rider looks like on that setup. That way, we intuitively understand the effect of the changes. Longer/shorter cockpit, higher/lower handles, and most importantly: how does that affect the body like more or less leaned (effects on the back, neck and wrists), arms higher or lower (effects on the shoulders and wrists), and even the height of the head (more or less buffeting wind). As a practicle example, I like to sit upright, but with my hands as low as I can because I have had injuries to my shoulders and if my hands are too high, all the weight of the arms rests on my shoulders and it hurts after while. In other words, the perfect answer for me would be to have my hands as near to my knees as possible. Only with your board, its ver hard to visualize what would be the best combination or rise and tilt. While with a simple sketch, there you go! Keep up the good work.

[@Harloweqbumfuque]

I recently bought a Honda crf300l and thought I needed risers. I wound up rotating the bars forward (not sure how many degrees) and it made all the difference. I'm 6'2" but with a very long inseam. (36") Thanks for posting.

[@jeremywhittler8591]

At 6 ft I am a fairly tall rider . (I have a gsx-s 750) I have a neck injury and use bar risers to sit almost completely straight up . I have them facing aft closer to my body and fiind it helps with the pain . Math aside , even though i have long arms i find gripping the bike with my legs is more important for bike control than anything to do with the bars in a corner. I feel riding comfortable for you with less fatigue is better and helps you focus more regardless to angles as expert riders say hold the grips like a baby chick anyways.

[@CaptainNelson230]

As a 6'7" tall rider...now I need to remove my risers and rotate my bars forward and see how that is. Thanks for the detailed video Brett!!

[@BretTkacs]

Let me know what you end up with and why...

[@Technics19]

@@BretTkacs I think he took your advice, then died in a crash and couldn't reply. 😃

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

Nice and good to know, but don’t you have too many GS’s 🤣🤣👍👍👍

[@InternetzVideoz]

I had the same experience on my wr250r. I'm 6'4" and was running 1.5 risers. It made the bike feel cramped and was tight on the wiring harness. After looking at various bikes, I noticed that some bikes offered multiple mounting locations, offset bar mounts, or both. I ended up going with offset mounts, mounted forward, and a CR high bend bar, rolled forward as in your vid. The bike feels more spacious now, and is easier to handle because it's set up for my body size/geometry.

[@court2379]

Been looking to do something on my wr as well, same height. But looking at the cables they probably won't be long enough. The brake being hydraulic is easy to deal with, but the clutch, do you get a custom cable made? I looked at converting it to hydraulic, but the space is so tight at the case that the actuator wouldn't fit. How did you deal with the clutch cable?

[@CaptainDangeax]

On my previous bike, a Suzuki Vstrom the angle of the handlebar was to close for me and it gave me ants in the forearms. Before buying risers I applied forward rotation and I had a far better position. I suspect the vstrom angle to be more than 19 degrees though

[@BretTkacs]

I owned a DL1000 and changing Handlebars made a huge difference

[@Antizou]

Thanks Bret for all your contribution to help us be better off road riders.

[@Sup_ERS_Tar]

Great information, I'm 5'11.5" and my 2005 650 v-strom always felt like a little bit of a reach when sitting but perfect when standing off road. The rise on my bars is huge, and rotating them made the grips down swept and not good for holding on to, would you recommend risers in this case?

[@jeevanrohtak4185]

I'd reckon the downsweep is desirable , ergonomically.

[@Im_Perseus]

Very helpful, I'm 6'2" and was confused with block risers and angled block risers for my ktm adv 390.

[@leonperdomo33]

Same bike here, same problem. I’m 6,3. I set normal risers and 10 degrees forward rotation. After watching the video I’m so confused. Apparently I did all wrong 😑

[@FirstnameLastname-pe3ky]

Thing that doesn't seem to get discussed in this very interesting video is standing. When sitting I'm perfectly fine at 6'4. But I simply cannot reach the handlebars properly when standing, I'm too high up, I have to bend down like crazy if I want to reach them. It's downright dangerous when I break, I'm at risk of falling over to the front. Am I concluding correctly that the way to go about this would be to install rox risers that pivot and pivot them forward to put them at the same distance as they were before, just higher, and leaving the handlebar at the same angle?

[@BretTkacs]

This may answer your tall rider questions kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmSvg5hmf65pZ9E

[@glossblack1098]

Thanks for a great video Brett. I rotated the bars forward on my new Husky 300 and this made it more comfortable (I am 6-2). Then I rotated them a bit more but the steering/handling was completely different, very twitchy and dangerous, so I rotated them back again. I'm glad you mentioned that you shouldn't over-rotate the bars and to stay under about 10 degrees. I think some people might rotate the bars too far forward just to get a bit more comfort, but that over-rotation can make the bike a lot more unstable. When the grips sit forward from the line of the forks, things become a bit more twitchy. Do you know why this happens and the physics behind it? Cheers

[@SubuShrestha]

I've learnt so much from Bret over the last two years. I am very thankful for that. But this is one topic I wish Ryan from FortNine would cover. He would definitely add a creative flair to this and make it entertaining while also being educative.

[@damianapple]

Well done! The first not to curse the handlebar risers. The default of 'you need to be over 6ft to justify' is so narrow minded. what about if your arms are not as long - as in my case. I always have to have my first cuffs shorted by 2cm because my arms are 'shorter'. Watching this video, mounting 25mm handlebar risers made me feel much more comfortable - not only sitting and reaching my handlebars, but also when standing I don't fee to hunched over. Good on you Bret!

[@jeffmiddleton2100]

Good video! I had bought risers (not installed) because I’m 6’2 and wanted the comfort of height but have always thought about having the bars too close to me. I’m going to rewatch this and make some measurements before I commit to the setup. Thanks!

[@HASANERKANANLAR]

Great info. Thanks

[@CoryRoy]

Thanks Bret! I found this quite interesting and appreciate your scientific, measured approach. I bought a used bike that came with a riser installed and recently removed it and the difference was amazing. I'm a small rider, 5'4", but the bike is also small, TW200 and I found the fit much better and felt more in control without the riser. Certainly bar setup makes a large difference in comfort and control!

[@skytower309]

I'm 6'6" on a Super Tenere. I couldn't stand up without leaning way forward with knees bent too much. I looked ridiculous. With the ProTaper ADV High bars, I'm in a better position. Though I needed longer brake/clutch lines.

[@MotoGPfan3987]

Great video. To anyone that is tall and doing touring or sport touring you also have to think about how risers are going to put you more straight up and down. I got risers for my K1600GTL thinking it would help bring up my arms. And it did but what that did was lean me back to straight up and down or maybe even a little past that. What that did was put all kind of pressure on my tailbone. After even a not too long ride my butt was aching. It turns out having the bars lower at stock level made me lean forward off of my tailbone.

[@kshitijgenext]

Loving that moustache and beard, Brett! Never take it off!!

[@pontypete7357]

I am a short rider so I need my bars up and Back towards me this will give me a straight sit up position and take the weight off my arms rests and shoulders is this idea correct ?

[@BretTkacs]

Very likely yes

[@pontypete7357]

Useless anser !

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Rox doesn't make a riser for the Yamaha Bolt. I emailed them about one that would take some of the vibration away from the handlebars as my clutch hand goes numb even with gel gloves on. I bought a hollow drag bar to use with Bar Snake as the stock tracker bar has solid end caps. I have to make up for the two inches of rise I lose going with a drag bar.

[@urielutter7194]

Bret, I've got an experience maybe you could shed some light on... You might remember my goofy tall ass from one of your instruction weekends in Oregon about 5 years ago on a basically new Africa Twin and zero off-pavement experience. I'm on a Gen 2 KLR now (hurray drunk drivers), and after watching this video I put some Rox risers on it. It felt twitchy, nervous, and generally unstable. Combined with my limited skills it was terrifying off asphalt. On the suggestion of a tall ride buddy, I took the risers off mid-ride, of course right after the tough part of the climb up. The difference was magical, even though I was a little less stretched out on the bike. Brought my smile back, saved me loads of fatigue and worry for the next 65 miles of our 80-odd mile ride that day. Could just be a KLR issue, could be a me problem, do you have any thoughts on the physics (angles, distances, etc.) that may have contributed to the difference in feel?

[@LevinsThe]

Thanks for metric from rest of the world

[@SupermotoCentral]

Interesting, as a 197cm rider my stock 701 was no fun to ride when standing up, I added 25mm lower footpegs which helped a lot but the bars were still too low. But added 20mm risers rotated the bars forward and bam standing up was actually comfortable. I also tried 35mm rox risers before all of this and it was horrible to ride with.

[@123shaunstodd]

Thank you as a 1.85m with gibbon arms, did what you said on my 2021 African the rotation not quite 10° was enough to make it far more comfortable and gained more control standing.. BTW I have bad knees so the "only stand when needed " video helped me alot. Never to old to learn new stuff.😄😉 Recently turned 60, still riding big bikes of tarmac, however maybe a little less 'progressive '..

[@tonysilva5558]

At 5'6" I felt like I was reaching for the risers which gave me a bad riding position. I put on Helibars risers and while I wish it had a little more pullback it is more comfortable and gives me a better riding position. I've always thought that risers were probably looked down upon so I never mention it to anyone, thanks for the video and confirming I'm doing the right thing!

[@jh9855]

What a great video. A lot of detail and great informtion. Thank you!

[@emanuelperez2329]

I have a Triumph Street Twin 2020. I am 1,64m tall. I feel unconfortable on long rides, because my body must be leaned forward, to be seated in the wider and more confortable part of the seat. Two Motone risers were installed, but the handlebar is stil far from me. After less than one hour I can feel pain in my hands and disconfort in my shoulders. Disconfort and some times pain is what I feel also in my lombar often. With the handlebar risers the cables are in the maximum safe lenght. Is there any solution that allow me to seat more vertically, with the arms slightly bent and relax in any ride? Thank you in advance.

[@waterhouse235]

I'm 5' 4" and looking to get another big bike, may consider this.

[@montanari1969]

Very good job. Thanks

[@bernardhossmoto]

Thanks for all the work you did. I am 6'2" and run the stock handlebar on my 790 Adv R in the most forward of the 6 factory positions and tilted slightly up (1st line).

[@Colorado-Tinkering]

Thanks for bringing up the ability to move the bar clamp forward/backward on the KTM. This wasn’t even mentioned even though it would have only lengthened the vid by an hour. 😉

[@mavericksdad050]

Great video! I have a 2014 GSA with stock bars. I’m 5’8” with a 30” inseam. My hands go numb within minutes of riding. I’ve ridden the R18 and no numbness. It feels like my GSA’s handlebars sit low and because I’m on the low setting of my seat, I seem to be resting my weight on the bars. What would you recommend? I’ve owned the bike for 10 years, but have always had my hands go numb from day one. Thank you!!!

[@stiingya]

Rox rotating risers with slightly lower than stock bars was a really good change for me. Put the bars slightly higher than stock and WAY more forward! Also I'd argue that rotating past "plum" is not the steering disaster you alluded to. Sure it's different, but different isn't always bad!! I've played with plum and as far forward as possible and ended up somewhere between.

[@GirtsIvdris]

hi, thank you for good explanation! Just came to my mind, there are bar risers which in the same time as rising, are moving bar closer to rider. What will happen if those UP-CLOSER bar risers install oposite way (turn arround 180 degr) and they become UP-FAR? There will more space for rider and in the same time more hight for bar. Hope you will find my late comment :)

[@StanForAdventure]

Great piece of content....S.F.A.

[@wnicklas]

Really sorry you didn't make this video six years ago.... But satisfied we come to the same conclusion. 👍🏻 I'm 6'5, and like gravel with my Honda. By adjusting handlebars and risers, I gained about 10 mm high, and 13 mm in space from my body. But.... I had to buy 3 types of handlebars and five types of risers before conclusion was satisfying/confirmed. And now I also ride a KTM and will be happy for how you describe, count and use. Reminder. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jimbean8202]

Being 6'9" it's tough out there to find a decent ride. Went with the African twin and this video has made me understand the physics with bars. Appreciate the indepth details. My arms are longer than Michael Jordan so hopefully ill figure it out here soon 😂

[@SWATT101]

What gets me sore on long rides were my wrists were at a funny angle...I had to fiddle with the bars and risers and now 500 mile days are not so bad.

[@naushadchathoth4349]

How we will decide whether We need a riser, especially for riding on the Honda gold wing 2022 and triumph thunderbird LT

[@wardje53]

Hi sir, what do you think of the sw-motech Bar back variable risers for Ø28 handlebars?

[@BartoszBanachewicz]

For people thinking that those small changes are irrelevant - they absolutely aren't. The bar being 1cm too close to you is like having a 1cm pebble in your boot. It destabilizes the whole riding triangle, making it much more fatiguing to stand up. Once i corrected my setup (my bike has adjustable handlebar mounting, you can literally make the bike longer) i went on a road trip and didn't want to sit down. Different handlebars aren't expensive either, if your run out of adjustments.

[@00cpo70]

I recently purchased a new 2023 1250 GS. At 5’8” I find the reach to the handle bars a bit too far by about an 1”. I order a set of Wunderlich Ergo+ 38mm risers. Looking to bring the bars back more then up. Maybe you could do a video more focused on shorter riders. Thanks!

[@RayzGarage]

This video plus your tall rider video spoke directly to me. I always tried to bring the bars up closer to me for a more upright stance. After watching your videos I set them on the furthest point away from me took out my peg pads and rose my seat by an inch and it made all the difference in the world . Now I feel that I can do challenging first gear maneuvers in Terrain that I might fear otherwise. Thank you so much!

[@elionh4532]

So its best to be in attack (hunched forward) position rather than upright?

[@MKA63]

I'm not sure I understand. You repeated several times that a taller rider is looking for more space? I'm 6'2" but what I would be looking for is a straighter back - less reach - less hunching forward and less leaning on the hand grips to hold myself up when cruising. Also, the angle of the hand grips on the GS are vastly different, and a much more natural angle when compared to the Tiger. Anyway, all I'm saying is that I don't want to have to prop myself up too much by having to lean in to the handlebar to reach it. I'll certainly experiment with it, and there's nothing wrong with the calculations. I am just putting a question out there about the assumptions.

[@hectorkidds9840]

I'm 5'11", Tiger 800xc, bike came with 1.5" riser, made me slump onto my tailbone when sitting, made the bars feel too close to the pegs standing. Took them off and rotated the bars forward and much more natural. I'm mostly a cyclist, so naturally I want my bars level or lower than the seat with body closer to horizontal, but don't think clip on bars would work on the Tiger!

[@Ironhawx]

LMS copied Mythic Games Hel campaign for the Breach, I distinctly recall reading everything’s ready on their KS campaign. The problem is us backers/gamers/sheep…we have become used to chasing higher level pledge ceilings (remember that SFG campaign based on the popular IP?)…and willing to pay for exclusives and more plastic that will make Pamela Anderson blush.

[@BlockCylinder]

I appreciate the effort that went into this video but there are about 100 errors that negate its usefulness. Erroneous measurements and methods, ambiguous language, tripping over your own script... I know you can do so much better. I wish you would revisit this topic, and involve an engineer with practical experience in measurements, calculations, GD&T, machine shop work, or some other relevant thing. And involve an actual tall rider. I'm 6'8" and I can tell you 90% of this video rings false for me.

[@azzers78]

Excellent explanation Brett thanks! I'm a taller GS rider and initially bought risers. At a bmw affiliated training course they told me to chuck the risers but couldn't explain exactly why. The instructor was way taller than me and didn't have risers, so figured he had a point. I seem to remember then saying something about the rake and screwing up geometry, and making it dangerous for sand (which I was about to do alot of) I was sold. Glad I did, don't miss them at all. Did rotate the bars up though. Again great video.

[@iangoodwin345]

Same here Shaun. had risers on, but did not feel comfortable standing (sitting was OK). Went to the BMW GS course and the instructor was about my height. He did not use risers and suggested I do some circuit laps of the paddock on his bike. (made the same comments about bike geometry). Found his bike much more comfortable when standing. He told me about the rotation gauge on the handlebars, and he is set for just over the 10 deg mark. I removed the risers, re set the rotation of the bars and the result was a much improved body position for me.

[@breesej]

Hmmm, the trigonometry here doesn't appear to add up. The hypotenuse length can never be shorter than any of the x or y lengths when the X and Y planes are perpendicular to each other. So a 1.5" Rox riser can NEVER provide more than 1.5" of Vertical rise or more than 1.5" of horizontal reduction. A Rox pivot riser, plum will have 0 increase in length and the stated increase in rise. The big flaw in Bret's measurements is the tank in not 100% parallel to the ground, a longer or shorter reach moves the reference point on the tank, which can be higher or lower to the horrizontal plane of the handlebar mount. Using Trigonometry with riser specs will provide the most accurate estimations of bar placement.

[@roywacko13]

hi does rox riser barback 3R-B17R-15K fit versys 1000.(model 2022) .. rox is not responding...😊

[@Angry-Lynx]

I had old Africa twin with extremely high handlebar. I wasn't too concern about that but that one one of first things i noticed when first riding it. Handlebar was so high i felt like riding a chopper. It was weird at the beginning but i liked it. All proper/not proper discussion aside, it was the most comfortable bike i had and ergonomics where fantastic, it felt right when sitting AND standing. My current 640 KTM adventure is exactly the opposite of that. I adjusted all controls and it still feels like crap in terms of ergonomics. Did handlebar risers+4cm and its better but still could he higher. But thats not that big deal, the worst is oeg situation and triangle butt-knees feet. Knees are bend way over 90* unless i seat on basically pillion but then handlebar is too far --.-- Its really terrible bike in ergo terms, will now modify seat to allow me to seat further back to reduce legs angle and then will try to move handlebar back. Its so bad that when sitting in rider spot-max forward in this case, my feet on pegs are almost 45* rotated toward front, making reaching for brake impossible

[@StevenHood-hx6ve]

unfortunately this is geared towards ADV riders, not cruiser riders looking for a more comfortable seating position.

[@SuperCheesyMan]

Im 5'5, and had to install some Rox risers on my Multistrada as my arms are not long enough. it makes it uncomfortable over time. Its perfect now as I needed to get the handlebar closer to me and rotated down a bit.

[@rvrebel2209]

Hi. I suffer from Dyslexia. So I had to run your Video numerous times to follow what you were saying , In fact once taken in, by me , it is extremely obvious as the forks and the head are already at an angle of say 15 degrees back , so to raise them does shorten the cockpit. Being 6ft 8 myself from your ( Dyslexic view point ) repetitive numbers I eventually understood. I ask if you were to re do this video you used visually explanations, The closest I can quickly think of is a small length of bike chain. Clap a bit of chain in a vice , and the next links you could manoeuvre to show the difference of just lifting a handle bar and actually rolling it forwards , which lifts and give more room in cockpit Thanks 😊😎

[@johngrutschnig4278]

I cann't believe you spend so much time on this issue. You can do whatever you want but handlebars are a personal issue. I absolutely hate really high bars that some Harley riders like. What ever pleases a person and works for them is fine by me. You and all your b.s. doesn't mean a damn thing if it doesn't feel right to the person that owns the bike. Each and every person is different and they will choose what they want never mind all your measurements and b.s. Find something else to occupy your time, like go for a ride.😠

[@adviate]

6'5" here. I just added a 2" above stock seat to my 22' KTM 890 Adventure S and rode it a bit but it feels low especially when standing. I ordered the Rox anti-vibration 2" risers in addition but seeing this video... maybe I made the wrong choice???

[@ClaymorePvP]

I recently purchased a cbr500r as i like the sportbike look, but not the ergonomics. What should i do? Im 6'1 and i dont like how leaned forward i have to be, it hurts my up and lower back because i have to reach so far for my handlebars, i want them to be closer to me by like 5 inches and higher up by like 4 inches

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

Thanks for this video it helped me suss out how to make my CRF150R expert comfortable to stand up and ride on

[@abubakarhussein5197]

Am 5'10" with a DCT and tried rotating the mount but still got fstigue in 50km off road stretch. Added a 0.75" riser n its much better now. Is it that i havent set it properly?

[@michaelhazen8658]

I'm 6'5" with a lot of inseam. I stumbled on the rox vs block conclusions you found through very unscientific experimentation. without risers I find Im fighting to find a neutral stance that didnt have me in a literal wall-squat when I found it necessary to get up off the seat. block risers, as you saw, made it worse for both sitting and standing. I now have ROX risers set roughly 5 degrees forward of plumb. and the bars are rotated probably a lot further than you specify here (which I may revisit) I do find that this set up is very positive for me on the street and off. I had to make a 700 mile day back to Seattle for reasons and I was surprised how much I had left in my personal tank at the end. I was tired, but not wiped out. Standing I find I have better throttle control because Im not fighting as much of a a weight bias front or rear. and I can get my hips underneath my shoulders when I want to (well more underneath, anyways) Just a data point. Its nice to see numbers confirming things Ive experimented with. I appreciate your delving into things useful for us sasquatch.

[@kevinmccaffrey5923]

JUST CAUGHT YOUR VIDEO. I SPEND 20 YEARS RIDING YZF AND YAMAHA. WITH A FEW OTHER BIKES HERE AND THERE. I HAVE A GSXR THAT I JUST PICKED UP. I LOVE THE BIKE AND IM DEF FAR FROM A NEW RIDER. BUT IAM VERY UNCOMFTABLE WITH MY HANLE BARS. AT SPEEDS BELOW 70, I HAVE TO MUCH WEIGHT ON THE BARS AND GRIPS. ANY HELP PLEASE SUGGESTIONS?????

[@ajc-ff5cm]

Closing space a bit actually makes sense to me because I don't want to put so much pressure on my back.

[@franks4103]

It’s not clear what a 10% rotation actually means! What is the reference plane, what are the measurements, how is this calculated? I think you’re assuming that everybody knows what this means. Would be helpful to unpack this please! Cheers!

[@Gate3739]

interesting!

[@TimRHillard]

I put some risers on my FJR street bike to make it more comfortable. But it really jacked the handling, took too much weight off the front wheel. So, I took the risers off and had the seat reworked, that was better.

[@korigang]

or just do what we all did as youngsters, before over thinking everything in life. Buy a handlebar that fits you

[@brastdoor1231]

Do all the gs types from bmw have the same measurements for the handlebars? I mean: Are the measurements for gs 310 also? Greetings from the Netherlands, Frank

[@nguyenanh6850]

watching this, i wonder what to do for the short rider :) Would be nice if you can cover this as well, thank you!

[@GariPhishr]

5:16 You just saved me $150.00 on a pair of Rox Pivoting Risers! Who knew that a 10 degree pivot in my handlebars would pretty much solve all my issues being a 6’4” rider on a 2018 R1200GS! Thanks!

[@LayneSteighlee]

nah, im good. I am keeping my 1.5" risers on my Africa Twin.

[@durl1963]

What comes first though technique or ergonomics? I think in one of your tall rider videos you mentioned how much ergonomics impact technique

[@karl1120]

I’m 6’4” and find the R1250GS Adv to be tiny and cramped w/o risers and lowered pegs.

[@clemoniii]

I'm 60, 5'8" and just getting into Adventure riding from a lifelong love of dirt bikes. Beta 200rr is the current favorite. My new ADV bike is the 2022 850 GS Adventure, and the bar are waay to foreward for me. It's large bulbous tank doesn't allow mooching forward, so I went with w/ 2"ROX at 45 degrees. It's infinitely more bearable on longish pavement where my wrists are more comfortable in my 'ingrained' high elbow position. However, I'm not done yet. Next is videoing myself to see where weight bias is. This is a process. Thanks for pointing that out to all of us.

[@seanfrench1029]

I'm 6.5 and don't need em at all for my 990S but definitely for my XCW 300. I was always slouching with 300 initially & lower back strain on longer rides till other tall guys highly encouraged it. Made a huge difference. Obviously different frame geometry than the 990.

[@nickg2431]

I hear you. I have a 450 husqvarna. Without the risers I feel like I’m bent over trying to peer into the headlight! Lowered footrests were the best change though for me at 193cm

[@ridelifenz]

offset risers mate..basically pushes bars straight up from factory by 30 mm, then you do the roll forward with your bars abit and your sorted.

[@DeweyRides]

Good vid Bret. I think for standing, finding the right bars is the most important thing. The pull back effects the position as you say, but it also changes how your wrist aligns, and that makes a big difference standing, even as much as where the bar sits.

[@BretTkacs]

💯

[@GeezerWheels]

CONTINUED: X300: I lowered the pegs one inch, so with the riser almost vertical is fits beautifully - I stand a lot (73 yrs old, bad knees, and back surgery survivor, can’t bend knees or back for long). I use the x300 50/50 on road & off. My Vstrom 650 XT is 80-90% pavement, but I still stand more than usual. The 2” riser did not raise the bars enough, until I gut the RISER rotation AND the BAR ROTATION JUST RIGHT. it took me several tries on each bike (over 2 years of bike buying and bar adjusting) to get right what you explained in minutes. Thanks for ALL your vids !!!

[@GeezerWheels]

Brilliant presentation!!! I am 6’3” but mostly legs. I have tinkered with 2” Rox Pivoting Risers on all 3 of my bikes. My Husaberg is a tall bike and perfect with the riser almost vertical. My Kawasaki Vereys X300

[@ad78]

Downside of rotation is the lever goes down and its even more painful and kill the ergonomics. Just do risers and keep the brake reservoir flat

[@davidestroppa3759]

Hi Brett. I have tried to send you email through your website but it seems it does not work. Could you check? Thanks

[@aneeshppeter]

Rising explanations were all calculated but what about the cables, clutch and brakes what happens to them should also been have thought off.

[@МаксимКлимонтов-к9л]

Thank you so much! This is very necessary information for me.

[@ilyavoldman6508]

awsome awsome video! As a tall rider(6'5" tall) this is very helpful...

[@dsimon9s29]

Thanks for posting. As always very informative. Great job.

[@luckylotus11]

What bull shit is going on....people install handle bar raiser as per their comfort....if its comfortable ur measurement does not make any sense ...🤣🤣🤣