Risers... yes or no.

[curtis73]

I lurk here but rarely post. I think it's because I just ride. I love my Nomad and it never needs anything but maintenance.

I got the bug recently to do some mods. It's pretty stock except for V&H pipes, jet kit, and a tour trunk. My goal is to make it a better tourer in addition to puddle jumper. So I picked up some highway pegs, a cruise control, better grips, and eyeing up a Corbin saddle. Also splurged and got a batwing fairing.

Do I want risers? Need risers? I'm sure it has to do with my reach, height, etc, but how do I tell? What fatigues first if the bars aren't in the right spot for you? I'm not going for a specific look, I'm going for comfy.

[redjay]

Sit on the bike with your arms and back where you feel the most comfortable and compare that position to where the grips are, then make the appropriate changes.

[DragonLady58]

I lurk here but rarely post. I think it's because I just ride. I love my Nomad and it never needs anything but maintenance.

I got the bug recently to do some mods. It's pretty stock except for V&H pipes, jet kit, and a tour trunk. My goal is to make it a better tourer in addition to puddle jumper. So I picked up some highway pegs, a cruise control, better grips, and eyeing up a Corbin saddle. Also splurged and got a batwing fairing.

Do I want risers? Need risers? I'm sure it has to do with my reach, height, etc, but how do I tell? What fatigues first if the bars aren't in the right spot for you? I'm not going for a specific look, I'm going for comfy.
What RedJay Said!... Long ride, Arms aching? Back and Shoulders tired and hurting? Wrist and forearms feel like you've been beaten with a hickory stick? Handlebars....the stock bars turn the hands and wrist in such a position it strains the wrists forearms shoulders and back. This is not a uncommon problem, thats why theres so many other types of bars.

For me, 10" Bagger Apes cured it, You could add risers. I know several that installed Meanie bars and they loved them.

Alot of us suffer from bad posture, add a handlebar that puts our wrist in a funky position....our posture can go to hell....not saying thats a cause, but its something to keep in mind.
Sit on your bike, sit up straight, arms straight out in front, level. Feel Better? Possibly try a set of bars that has a couple of inches for rise....like say the older harley buckhorn bars off the early shovelheads (Superglides)
Butt Hurt?...sorry....thats the seat....

[duffy]

As the previous posters stated.....I find that relief can be found by just adjusting the bars. Some bikes really need risers however. When I purchased the Versys LT the bars were just too low, it's an upright seating position with a slight lean forward ala sport bikes. My lower back didn't like that so I went with the tallest riser block I could get without having to change hoses/cables/wiring. Works well now.

This is just my experiences......taller or shorter folks may have different experiences.

[TrapperAH1G]

I installed 2" Rox Risers so I'd have some adjustment leeway. I love 'em.

[curtis73]

Thanks for the thoughts. I think my main problem is the stock saddle. I've been eyeballing a Corbin, but it seems strange to put a $700 butt rest on a $2000 bike.

Most of my fatigue is from gripping the bars and using my arms/hands to help maintain the posture I want. If I could lean back, I'm not sure I'd have that issue.

Maybe saddle first, then see if I need to change the bars?

[redjay]

Have you looked for a used aftermarket seat ?

[The Black Knight]

Sit on the bike with your arms and back where you feel the most comfortable and compare that position to where the grips are, then make the appropriate changes.




:tup::tup::wave:

[Tortuga]

Thank goodness I trailered my '06 Nomad home when I bought it, 80 miles from my house. On my first ride I had to quit within the first 20-30 minutes because of the pain in my neck and between the blades. I'm short (5' 7") and the reach caused me to have to hunch over. I bought Phatt 2 risers and ended my back problems.They brought the bars up and back a few inches.

[MAS Tequila]

What bike do you have?

I may have a Corbin Dual Tour that will fit.

[curtis73]

99 Nomad 1500.