Helibars vs Rox risers Second generation ST (2014+)

[eram310]

I am looking at either one to solve sitting on the front part of the seat that I am having being 5’7” 30 inch inseam and short reach.
Either one will move the handlebar closer to me. I am leaning towards the Helibars, the $25 price difference isn’t an issue.
I have had Helibars on my 2001 SV650S for 17 years to sit more upright and been very happy with them.
I have also used Rox on my Tiger 800 to move the handlebars closer to me, and was happy with that too. The ST replaced the Tiger in 2015 and I don’t get the numbing in my hands after a long riding day like I did with the Tiger, but my bottom is really sore on the ST. More than any other bike I have owned and I have owned plenty.

Thank you for your comments.

 

[Next]

I've got the regular Rox Risers, not the extended version, on a 2014 and they work very well. No issues.

 

[JamesGang]

I selected the Helibars risers. Very happy with the change (shoulders and elbows are more relaxed when seated and easier to reach when standing).
Although the brake line extension is functional, I really don't like the look of it aesthetically. I will eventually replace it with one of the proper length.
Regards,
JG

 

[eram310]

Thanks,
Just about to pull the plug on ordering the Helibars .

 

[ballisticexchris]

Another vote here for Helibars. I always do the "close the eyes and drop hands test". My hands consistently dropped slightly above and back the OEM bar position. Even when standing.

Helibar engineers got it right! This is a super comfortable riding position seated or standing!

 

[eram310]

So it really is necessary to extend the brake line.
Well function over form. Thanks for the picture.

 

[ballisticexchris]

So it really is necessary to extend the brake line.
Well function over form. Thanks for the picture.

You do have to extend them and move the clutch line a bit as well. It's really not that bad at all. I was worried about getting air in the line. Was not enough to worry about. Just follow the step by step instructions in order and it's a very simple install:

https://www.helibars.com/resources/guides/638/en/HR09109_web.pdf

I will say I added one additional step at the end. I put my bike on it's side stand, turned and locked my bars to the left, and lightly zip tied the brake lever to the bar. I then tap the lines from calipers to the bars and let it set overnight. In the morning you will have a solid front brake.

 

[eram310]

I need to bleed the brakes anyway. I don’t know why my 2015 is already so dark. (and failed my brake fluid testers test)
My 2013 WR250 a 2013 bought new in 2015 is the same. I think the last time I changed brake fluid on my SV650 was back in 2010 and the color is much brighter although the tester (water content) results are marginal but not as bad as the two Yamahas that are much newer.

 

[smalls78]

I am looking at either one to solve sitting on the front part of the seat that I am having being 5’7” 30 inch inseam and short reach.
Either one will move the handlebar closer to me. I am leaning towards the Helibars, the $25 price difference isn’t an issue.
I have had Helibars on my 2001 SV650S for 17 years to sit more upright and been very happy with them.
I have also used Rox on my Tiger 800 to move the handlebars closer to me, and was happy with that too. The ST replaced the Tiger in 2015 and I don’t get the numbing in my hands after a long riding day like I did with the Tiger, but my bottom is really sore on the ST. More than any other bike I have owned and I have owned plenty.

Thank you for your comments.

I’m curious to know your thoughts going from a tiger 800. Regrets? That is exactly what I am about to do. And yes, I too have had some numbing to my hands after long rides on the tiger. Hoping that the 2017 S10 will certainly take that away. Similar to what you describe.

 

[loftybob]

So it really is necessary to extend the brake line.
Well function over form. Thanks for the picture.

No its not, I have just fitted another set of 2" ROX risers to my 2016 ES. If you buy the fitting kit ($12 Aussie) and follow the You Tube fitting video, there is no reason to extend any lines.

Regards Lofty

 

[loftybob]

I am looking at either one to solve sitting on the front part of the seat that I am having being 5’7” 30 inch inseam and short reach.
Either one will move the handlebar closer to me. I am leaning towards the Helibars, the $25 price difference isn’t an issue.
I have had Helibars on my 2001 SV650S for 17 years to sit more upright and been very happy with them.
I have also used Rox on my Tiger 800 to move the handlebars closer to me, and was happy with that too. The ST replaced the Tiger in 2015 and I don’t get the numbing in my hands after a long riding day like I did with the Tiger, but my bottom is really sore on the ST. More than any other bike I have owned and I have owned plenty.

Thank you for your comments.

I solved the seat slope problem by fitting a seat concepts foam/cover kit. Much more comfortable to sit on as the rear of the seat is dished and a little wider than stock. The foam is kinder to my butt cheeks as well.

 

[eram310]

The Tiger 800 is much lighter and more flickable and I didn’t have to pay attention to where I parked. It doesn’t have the freight train feeling of the Tenere. My ex-girlfriend felt much more comfortable on the Tenere than the Tiger 800. Wind and rain protection is superior and so is the low-end torque. The Rox riser resolved my numbing of the hands on the Tiger. My nerves in my arms are sensitive. They go numb on the hand rest of airplanes on long distance flight. I have to make sure they are not on the rests.
I rode and still enjoy sports bikes and since the arms are lower. I never had numbing issues even riding covering clutch and brake lever constantly. On the ST, I can’t cover all the time. My right hand will go numb if I do.

I’m curious to know your thoughts going from a tiger 800. Regrets? That is exactly what I am about to do. And yes, I too have had some numbing to my hands after long rides on the tiger. Hoping that the 2017 S10 will certainly take that away. Similar to what you describe.