MBL Handlebar Risers on Trikes

[Gold Rush]

After all the thousands of miles I rode my GL1800s as two wheelers the need/desire for other then OEM bar position was never even a thought to me. Since converting to my Motor Trike Adventure three years ago and installing the 4.5 degree rake kit, I've considered it many times but never acted (until last week). I purchased a set of MBL risers (the narrow version, P/N 1803S) from http://www.mblinnovations.com/ . Yesterday when I got the Wing running again I immediately felt a significant improvement in comfort but never realized what a HUGE change for the better handling would be.

Installing the rake kit drops the hand grips a long way which causes the rider to be pushing down as well as out while steering. After the MBL risers are installed the grips are very close to the OEM position. WOW WHAT A DIFFERENCE. The rake kit and MBL risers should be a must on any GL1800 triker's want list.

 

[Missouri Charley]

I agree with everything you said, makes a HUGE improvement.ThumbUp

 

[skuuter]

The Kuryakyn Version works well also on Gold Wing Trikes.....ThumbUp

 

[StorminNormin]

Do they have a version for the GL1500?

 

[tbear]

just a thought; instead of tearing apart your Handlebars,fairing, etc, why not just buy a SEAT that puts you "down,closer" which would be a lot cheaper and differently easier!?? would the Seat do the trick? I was thinking of this for the Triglide, any suggestions etc? I am one of those short armed,height type of guys that would like to know......:Coffee::Shrug:

 

[skuuter]

just a thought; instead of tearing apart your Handlebars,fairing, etc, why not just buy a SEAT that puts you "down,closer" which would be a lot cheaper and differently easier!?? would the Seat do the trick? I was thinking of this for the Triglide, any suggestions etc? I am one of those short armed,height type of guys that would like to know......:Coffee::Shrug:

Sometimes, this may put the Foot Controls too close or in an awkward position, and/or too much knee bend, etc. .....generally it is better to work directly on the area affecting Your comfort on a Motorcycle, if all other areas are fitting fine......ThumbUp

 

[Calgary]

just a thought; instead of tearing apart your Handlebars,fairing, etc, why not just buy a SEAT that puts you "down,closer" which would be a lot cheaper and differently easier!?? would the Seat do the trick? I was thinking of this for the Triglide, any suggestions etc? I am one of those short armed,height type of guys that would like to know......:Coffee::Shrug:

Handlebar risers are inexpensive but a little labour intensive to install. A new seat is significantly more expensive - BUT the solution to comfort is frequently found by finding yourself a replacement seat that is comfortable for your body type and build as well as installing risers that put your arms at the right position. Combined they can turn you comfortably into an Ironbutt rider! :clapping:

 

[Gold Rush]

Do they have a version for the GL1500?

I don't remember seeing risers for 1500s on MBL's web site. I can't believe nobody makes them though. Hopefully someone knows.

 

[oahe]

I'm short & stocky with arms to match. Don't need or want a rake kit on my Motor Trike Adventure but put the MBL risers on about 2 weeks ago and it made a BIG difference. Now I don't have to hold on to the ends of the bars my natural reach is right at mid-grip!

 

[TwoBye]

Do they have a version for the GL1500?

EXACTLY what I had on my mind! I haven't found any yet so I hope someone on this forum knows where they might be. I'll be listening, er wait, make that watching

 

[Gold Rush]

http://www.jpcycles.com/1989-honda-goldwing-gl1500/handlebar-risers

Here is one place I found. Just Google GL1500 handlebar risers.

 

[Veritas44]

The "Key" to making Any Bike/Trike comfy for the Individual Rider is not in just one Point of the Operating Triangle (Hands, Butt, Feet). Ya gotta dial-in ALL three. This can be difficult on a GL as 2 of the 3 (Hands & Butt) have several options, variations, and Suppliers that address those. The Feet,,, not much at all except RS Comfort Controls which only give one option and a singular Mod Point.
Like Skuuter said, just changing the Seat (Butt) will help but in turn will probably throw off one or both of the other 2 Points leaving you with the same or more of a problem in another comfort crucial area.
Given that, with or without the Comfort Control modification, you start from the Foot Point as it is the most Static and unchangeable. Then you can go either way (to the Hands or the Butt) and dial that in. Great start and as others have said the difference is definitely noticeable and seemingly better. However, if you don't continue on dialing in the last Point to match the other 2 with your unique Ergonomic needs you will still be left with issues and discomfort. Actually, changing just 1 can end up being worse in the long run over time. May "seem" better at first but after a few miles might find it was merely different and not better. Probably find that although it solved the Hand, Arm, Shoulder discomfort it left you with an equal or worse issue in the lower Back, Buttocks, or Hips & Thighs.
The Heli-Bars show great promise in that they allow the Operator to dial in all 3 facets of the Hand position (Rise, Pullback, and Width) to meet the needs of the Individual. The MBL and Kury Risers allow only one to two distinct positions for Rise and have only one or two options to adjust Width. However, when combined with individualizing the Butt Point/Seat can do the trick for many.
Seats have tons of Options to "make it your own" but as said, it sure ain't cheap to do it right. Definitely worth it in the long run but still quite taxing on the Wallet.
In Ergonomics and Comfort on a Bike, focusing in on the Tree (just 1 Point) and not the Forrest (All 3) isn't really a Fix. It's Just a Start.

 

[rmrc51]

In order to finally "morf" my trike into a comfortable seating position for me, over time, I've added;

• MBL Risers
• Roadsmith's Comfort Controls
• Removed the heel/toe shifter and attached floor boards. Now I just use the Roadsmith Wing Boards for more leg room.
• Hartco Pro-Tour seat
• Air Hawk-R seat cushion
• Kuryakyn Ergo Pegs / 4.5 inch arms

And I'm probably forgetting something else, lol.

Yeah,,, talk about an over-all expensive process. But at least now, I'm finally comfortable for a lengthy ride!

 

[yooteeayud]

So glad I found this thread...I installed my MBL Risers this afternoon, then took my trike for a 50 mile "Break-In" ride...I honestly wished I had done the mod a year ago...Absolutely WONDERFUL!!! Total relaxation in the arms and no longer have to 'reach' or 'stretch' when turning.