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Hey Coffee Brake,
I think I asked you a question a few months ago about handle bar risers and you mentioned that I needed to check how much space was available in the wire lines. Well I had to take my bike to the shop to have the back tire replaced and I asked them to check. Apparently it looks like the biggest risers I could get are 1" and I don't know if that would be enough. My handle bars sit low and it causes me to hunch my back and I end up with a sore back after riding for a bit. I did get a back rest but because I have to hunch over some I don't get the full use of it. So what do people do to be able to put bigger risers on when there's not enough length in the wires? Would they have to rewire the bike with longer ones?

My other thought was maybe to lower the back end some and then put the 1" risers on and maybe that would be enough.

Just want to see what you think.

Some info: bike is 2000 Honda Shadow 600 VLX and I am 5'8.75" tall.

Thanks.
Lisa

I know I'm intruding, but if you look at mini-apes. Something like 8 inch mini apes are usually REALLY comfortable and you don't look like you're hanging from them. You would have to get longer wires/cables for them, but it might just be worth it.

Yep, longer throttle cables, and longer clutch line. Also if the choke is on the handlebars, longer choke cable.

I do NOT believe that your bike came with cables with so little room. I've never seen a cruiser that didn't have enough length in the lines to go up more than an inch.

I'd get another rider who's done this before to measure them for you. Sounds like maybe they want to sell you cables.

Yes, risers would be easier, but if you must change the cables, then just get the bars you want. Sit some other cruisers at bike night or at the dealership, you may find some with a different angle that feel better. Me, I can't tolerate anything that isn't almost straight across. They can be pullbacks, wide or narrow, but where my hands go must be almost flat.
So give some more bars a try.

If you like the 650, it will be worth every penny to get the bars you want, and the lines to make it fit.

But I think you should be able to go up an inch and come back an inch AT LEAST on the stock lines.

Thanks for the replies I think you're are right Coffee brake, I just ordered the 1' risers which will actualy give 2". It's 1" up and then 1" towards me so that should work fine. It said in the description that it should work with regular cables.

Thanks again.

That sounds reasonable and I think it will make a big difference for you. Risers are VERY easy to install, consider doing it yourself. Just cover your tank with some nice thick towels to prevent scratches, or take the tank off completely.

And use good quality screwdrivers, like Craftsman, there's nothing like rounding off a bolt or screwhead and making the job twice as hard, when an inexpensive good quality tool will prevent it. DAMHIK....

Hey Coffee Brake,
I got the risers installed this weekend (I had my nephew help me as I needed some strenght to loosen some bolts and I wanted to give him some mechnical experience that he'd never learn from his dad) and boy what a difference. I can definitely see me going for longer trips now. I've been wanting to take the bike for some distance rides but when I've done just 100 miles my back would bother me Now with the back rest and risers that shouldn't be a problem any more. I'm looking forward to riding my bike again

Anyway thanks for the advise.

Lisa

Fantastic!

Now, watch those bolts for a few hundred miles, make sure they aren't vibrating loose. DAMHIK, it was a brake caliper and quite a story!

Obviously you know not to overtighten those steel bolts into the aluminum parts, they strip out easily.

So glad you are getting comfortable on your bike!
If you pack your luggage on the passenger seat, it will make a great backrest.....