HeliBars worth the Big Bar Tab?

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10-19-2018, 11:19 AM
oldxtreme

HeliBars worth the Big Bar Tab?

I know that this is an open ended question but need some first-hand opinions. I am considering Helibars but am wondering if Helibar owners would do it all over after riding with them.

I just completed my first 8,000 mile road-trip, averaging 500 miles a day. No real issues with neck pain but the bars could come back and down for a more natural arm position. I usually ride one-handed on the open road so I am able to switch hands for many of the miles. It is not like a hatchet in the back after a couple hundred miles but I feel it more in my lower back after a day's ride.

The bike is basically stock with an angry Stad shield, highway pegs and a stock seat, with a cheap $20 Costco pad. It works but probably not as good as a $600 RDL.

So, just wondering, based on your actual road experience, does the Helibars make this GREAT bike even GREATER?:confused:
10-19-2018, 11:33 AM
2wheelsforme

I thought the Helis were too expensive at first. Risers helped somewhat. After the RDL seat moved me higher the bars needed help even more than before. I tried to look at several ways to change the bars and everything was also expensive or too complicated. In addition to wanting a higher handlebar I desired my wrist to be at less of an angle and more of a straight forward grip. I bit the bullet and found the install was really easy compared to what I was expecting and mounting on top of the risers was no problem. The adjustability is a huge improvement in comfort, I could have used another inch or two up for my liking but really apricate the ability to adjust where my hands are now located and at what angle. The hardware is all top quality stuff and the cross bar is not nearly in my way as much as I thought it would be. So yes I would say it is worth the money if hand position is important to you.
10-19-2018, 01:48 PM
olegoat345

In my opinion, a Russell Day Long & a pair of Helibars is the best money you'll ever spend on your B...…………….or any bike.
My bike came with a Ultimate, great saddle! It too is costly. This is my third RDL, my butt's always smiling when I ride. Check out their site.
With cold weather right around the corner, now's the time to get on RDL's seat list. Jay will answer all your questions & help you in any way he can.
With Helibars, a RDL on a B, you'll be a happy rider.
10-19-2018, 01:49 PM
Xrider57

It was definitely with it to me!
10-19-2018, 02:37 PM
Rickc

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2wheelsforme

I thought the Helis were too expensive at first. Risers helped somewhat. After the RDL seat moved me higher the bars needed help even more than before. I tried to look at several ways to change the bars and everything was also expensive or too complicated. In addition to wanting a higher handlebar I desired my wrist to be at less of an angle and more of a straight forward grip. I bit the bullet and found the install was really easy compared to what I was expecting and mounting on top of the risers was no problem. The adjustability is a huge improvement in comfort, I could have used another inch or two up for my liking but really apricate the ability to adjust where my hands are now located and at what angle. The hardware is all top quality stuff and the cross bar is not nearly in my way as much as I thought it would be. So yes I would say it is worth the money if hand position is important to you.

I think you have been through this once but, You had enough cable to install the Helibars on top of the risers? When I installed the risers (a while back) I thought I used up all the slack in the cables. Did you have to re-route anything?
10-19-2018, 03:46 PM
2wheelsforme

I think I remember the only thing I had to do was remove one clamp that was holding down all the cables up toward the front of the gas tank and behind the upper triple tree.
10-19-2018, 04:00 PM
Rickc

Okay...Thanks!
10-20-2018, 09:18 AM
DaWadd

'all/right'Worth every cent. And you need a lot of them,lol. Adjustability is endless. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Being able to adjust wrist angle is the best part IMO.
10-20-2018, 02:42 PM
BIGLRY

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldxtreme

I know that this is an open ended question but need some first-hand opinions. I am considering Helibars but am wondering if Helibar owners would do it all over after riding with them.

ABSOLUTLY!!! 100% unequivocally YES... in a heart beat I would install Helibars again and never complain about the price. They and my RDL saddle made the B fit me like a glove. With the unbelievable amount of adjustability Helibars can be adjusted to fit 99.999% of the riders out there and if they can't be adjusted to suit you they resale real fast on the board.
10-24-2018, 11:22 AM
Ixol Phaane

Yep! :)
10-24-2018, 01:05 PM
tenxxx

OMG! you just talked me into pulling the trigger.... This spring. RDL too.
10-24-2018, 03:41 PM
Rickc

This forum is the best sales tool some vendors have, as I too might have to start saving for a set.
10-24-2018, 10:11 PM
olegoat345

RDL has been booked 2-3 months out, you might want to get a build date ASAP
10-25-2018, 04:02 AM
taxfree4

The RDL/Helibar combo is the perfect setup for medium/long distance riding. Before I had them I was looking forward to the tank running down so I can get off and stretch and shake the hands out. After installing, thanks to BIGLRY's recommendations, you wish the tank was larger so you wouldn't have to stop. The longest day ride was 720 miles and it was EFFORTLESS.
10-25-2018, 07:43 AM
Retired Army

Custom made comfort is expensive and takes time. I purchased my Heilbars on Black Friday plus most sellers give Christmas discount also. I have the RDL saddle also and would make both purchases again.
10-25-2018, 10:34 AM
Rickc

Did you guys do the install yourself? I was looking at the install instructions and looks pretty involved. Where did you get the tool to remove the heated grips?
10-25-2018, 10:42 AM
2wheelsforme

The tool comes with the bars. It is much more easy than I was expecting.
10-25-2018, 11:45 AM
Rickc

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2wheelsforme

The tool comes with the bars. It is much more easy than I was expecting.

Okay thanks, I have installed risers but never removed grips, controls, levers, etc.
10-25-2018, 06:10 PM
grendl

The universe compels me ! I started a thread yesterday on adjusting the bars and got answers that echo this information. Next 800 bucks !
10-25-2018, 07:50 PM
oldxtreme

Just ordered my Helibars. Got them from Value Accessories. By far, the best price I found. Check them out when you get ready to buy a pair!

Thanks for your input!
10-25-2018, 08:13 PM
taxfree4

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickc

Did you guys do the install yourself? I was looking at the install instructions and looks pretty involved. Where did you get the tool to remove the heated grips?

The best, most detailed color pictures I've ever used, you cando it.
10-26-2018, 06:40 AM
F6Joe

I have them on my Wing and, as others have stated, worth every penny. Tomorrow I am picking up my, new to me, B (2015 Blue) and will see if I need them, if so I will order them the day I decide they are needed.
06-04-2019, 03:30 PM
oldxtreme

Anyone still looking at this post...I HAVE MY ANSWER...the HELIBARS ARE WORTH EVERY DOLLAR.

They let you adjust the left and right bar to exactly where you want to hold them at any given point in a long haul ride!
06-05-2019, 12:58 PM
BIGLRY

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldxtreme

Anyone still looking at this post...I HAVE MY ANSWER...the HELIBARS ARE WORTH EVERY DOLLAR.

They let you adjust the left and right bar to exactly where you want to hold them at any given point in a long haul ride!

https://www.pinclipart.com/picdir/bi...up-clipart.png
06-06-2019, 08:22 AM
olegoat345

Helibars & Russell Day Long is the best money you'll ever spend for yourself on your bike
06-06-2019, 11:44 AM
BIGLRY

Quote:

Originally Posted by olegoat345

Helibars & Russell Day Long is the best money you'll ever spend for yourself on your bike

http://englishstudyhere.com/wp-conte...ay-i-agree.png
06-06-2019, 12:07 PM
olegoat345

I agree with the above !!
07-03-2019, 07:12 PM
adventurous1

They are fan-friggen-task!! They didn't work well w/ Klockwerks and I gave my shield to BIGLRY. I have Gorilla length arms and w/ the Heli's & Klock combo, the brake lever would hit on very tight walking turns. Switched out to a Windbender. Wickedly comfortable combo (for me). Btw, did a 5 1/2 wk 11K mile trip last year w/ the Heli's. Damn, comfy.
09-16-2019, 07:41 PM
AWILLIAMS64

Just put on helibars today. Only problem is my barefoot Willie drink holder no longer fits on the clutch perch. Are any of you guys using a drink holder with these other than the one in the cubby?
09-17-2019, 04:24 AM
2wheelsforme

1 Attachment(s)

Not sure if you can see well but a SS bracket from a bolt on the bars to the barefoot willie holder. Also have a clock on their also. Attachment 6880