[leftfoot]

>have your wife measure to the palm of your hand using a large T square or something.

Ya, that's how I came up with the numbers I'm interested in .
I did something similar, and using a square to get a sense of where things are.

LOL, this is a hard topic to write out. A guy who has done this or who is familiar with addon parts could explain this and know exactly what the other guy wants by spending 5 minutes together.

In the end, I've not been able to describe it any easier than... I've got 2" risers and since I can't find the original post, I can't confirm how much pullback they offer.
But, I had my wife measure where I'd like my hands to be and that would be another 3 1/2" back from where the grips are now, with the 2" risers.

 

[Rubbe]

I personally don't have apes because I like 80mph on the highway, don't like windshields, and am not sure how the wind would be - but I'd like to find out someday how the wind and handling would be affected with Apes simply because of the comfort

With apes it's almost a must with either shield (yuk!) or backrest. I went with the latter, obviously. :glassesti

 

[Conmar]

Something else you might want to consider would be seating options. The Mustang will scoot you a little more forward. With the Mustang, Mapam FC's, and the 2" risers it feels pretty darn comfy. I'm not sitting perfectly upright when I'm riding, but I actually prefer it that way. I tried the KewlMetal risers, and the bars feel not high enough and a little too far back. Sitting still it felt about right. While I was moving was a different story. It actually felt like I was leaning back a bit. Awkward. The HR2 risers don't have the 10* down angle like the KM ones do, so the bars would be a little higher than stock, but still further back.

 

[leftfoot]

Something else you might want to consider would be seating options. The Mustang will scoot you a little more forward. With the Mustang, Mapam FC's, and the 2" risers it feels pretty darn comfy. I'm not sitting perfectly upright when I'm riding, but I actually prefer it that way. I tried the KewlMetal risers, and the bars feel not high enough and a little too far back. Sitting still it felt about right. While I was moving was a different story. It actually felt like I was leaning back a bit. Awkward. The HR2 risers don't have the 10* down angle like the KM ones do, so the bars would be a little higher than stock, but still further back.

Yup, I've considered that too for sure. I must have weird arms because the seat made no difference .

When I had my wife measure, I found that where things are now are perfect, cept I'd like the grips back another 3 1/2" or so. Putting the grips a little closer to me also allows me to bend my arms for when I want to lean forward but to sit up a little straighter (not straight up) when my hands start getting too sore on longer rides.

I just want the grips closer to me.

 

[Arizona Streake]

With apes it's almost a must with either shield (yuk!) or backrest. I went with the latter, obviously. :glassesti

Huh, never thought of the backrest when I saw your pic - makes sense, thank you for the input. If I ever do get a second bike (naked bike like the FZ8 or newer FZ9) then I think I'll copy what you have going on with my Meanie.

 

[Arizona Streake]

Yup, I've considered that too for sure. I must have weird arms because the seat made no difference .

When I had my wife measure, I found that where things are now are perfect, cept I'd like the grips back another 3 1/2" or so. Putting the grips a little closer to me also allows me to bend my arms for when I want to lean forward but to sit up a little straighter (not straight up) when my hands start getting too sore on longer rides.

I just want the grips closer to me.

Okay, so you've got the measurements and found the right position. The rest is the funner part. Go on E-bay and find the pullback and height you want. Start with Drag bars and see if you can find them (you should). If not, then other styles with measurement. You may have to get creative, combining different risers with different bars. For example, Friscoes (which I'm fond of, but didn't hit the measurements I wanted) can be turned inward or upward - so you can make a mock set-up of them (if you like them) with the dimensions you can find and then see if there are risers that will bring it to the right dimensions.
I recommend getting something with a return policy so you can put them on (carefully) and see if they still are what you want when you get them.

 

[leftfoot]

So far, that's the problem, not knowing exactly what size I'm after.
The only thing I know is that with the 2" risers, it made some, but not a lot of difference for me. I can't find the info on those risers so I'm not sure what the expected pullback is on those once installed with the stock bars. I suppose if I knew that, then I could add the 3 1/2 inches to that and I'd know what I'm looking for in terms of pullback.

However, the pullback measure isn't where the grips are right? I'm measuring where my hands go, on the grips.

LOL, it's too weird trying to understand this in forums maybe.

 

[Arizona Streake]

The part that will get frustrating is that measurements will not be exact from the bar you get with the advertised measurements and when you put it on your bike due to the rake/angle of the top clamp - but it will be close (expect maybe 1/2" more pullback if getting 9+" rise - and maybe 1/4" - 1/2" less height if compared to a Harley.
The actual measurements will be the end of the grips for pullback, so no need to research to find what you have now.
using the PVC handlebars you made that give you the perfect feel: with your front wheel pointed forward/straight as though you are riding a straight line take something straight and run it across your triple tree touching both risers. Now that an L shaped T square or make one from PVC and put it in an L shape so that one end is at the tip of the grip (of your PVC handlebar) and the other is touching the straight edge you have running across the triple tree. See what the measurement is on the bottom L and then subtract or add 1/2 the diameter of the riser of your bars (since you ran the straight edge behind or in front of those risers). Now you have your pullback measurement.
If you leave some room on the PVC bars to pretend the grip is there and sticking out further than the end of your hand then you'll be as close as you can get. You'll have to account for that when you see the pullback on advertised bars - that they measure to the tip of the bar - and if you get anything that has a fatter diameter that tapers to a 1" for the grips the grip may stick out further if they are longer than the 1" area for the grips (like mine).
Like I said, rather than stress too much get something with a good return policy so you can quickly attach them and see if they feel right - if not return them.

 

[leftfoot]

>Like I said, rather than stress too much get something with a good return policy so you can quickly attach them and see if they feel right - if not return them.

Ya, that's the best point of all, thanks. You're right, no need to stress over this, get some idea of what you want, then find it, try it, return it or exchange it at worse.

Cool, I have a plan. Thanks very much for all of this info. Soon, there will be another MS owner out there who's more comfortable with his ride

 

[leftfoot]

I've ended up with a large number of other costs, including needing a new rear tire so looks like bars will have to wait a couple of weeks or so. I'll certainly update this thread once I'm back on this however.

 

[leftfoot]

For anyone else going through this, here are the factory specs. Sorry for the mess.

-Model -Kawasaki Description -Year -Bar Diameter -Height -Width -Pullback -Center -Clamp Area -Factory #
VN 2000 Vulcan 2000 Classic, Classic LT 2004 - 2011 1" 8-1/2" 34-1/2" 14" 7-1/2" 46003-0047
VN 1700 Vulcan 1700 Voyager 2009 1" 8" 35" 15" 6-1/2" 2" x 5"
VN 1700 Vulcan 1700 Voyager 2010 - 2013 1-1/4" 8" 33-1/2" 16" 6-1/2" 2" x 5"
VN 1700 Vulcan 1700 Classic LT 2009 - 2010 1" 8" 35" 15" 6-1/2" 2" x 5"
VN 1700 Vulcan 1700 Nomad 2009 - 2013 1" 8" 35" 15" 6-1/2" 2" x 5"
VN 1700 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero 2011 - 2013 1-1/4" 10" 33-1/2 15" 7-1/2" 2" x 5"
VN 1600 A1/A2 Vulcan 1600 Classic 2003 - 2005 1" 6" 33" 14" 9" 2" x 5" 46003-0011
VN 1600 Vulcan 1600 Classic 2006 - 2008 1" 8" 34" 14" 8" 2" x 5"
VN 1600 Vulcan Mean Streak (Weld Risers 7"Hx4"PB) 2006 - 2008 1" Drag Bar 29" 6" 8" Welded Risers
VN 1600 Vulcan 1600 Nomad 2006 - 2008 1" 8" 34-1/2" 14" 7" 2" x 5"
VN 1500 L5 Vulcan 1500 Nomad 1999 - 2005 1" 6" 33" 14" 9" 2" x 5" 46003-1544
VN 1500 Vulcan 1500 1999 - 2001 1" 6" 33" 14" 9" 2" x 5" 46003-1551
VN 1500 N1-N3 Vulcan 1500 Classic / Classic Anniversary 2002 - 2008 1" 6" 33" 14" 9" 2" x 5" 46003-1479
VN 1500 R1-R4 Vulcan 1500 Drifter 2001 - 2005 1" 5" 33-1/2" 14" 6-1/2" 2" x 5" 46003-1556
VN 1500 P1/P2 Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak 2003 - 2005 1" Drag Bar 29" 6" 8" Welded Risers 46003-1560
ZR 1200 A1-A3 ZRX 1200R 2001 - 2003 7/8" 3-1/2" 27" 7-1/2" 5-1/2" 2-3/4" x 4-3/8" 46003-1572
ZR 1000 A1/A2 Z 1000 2003 - 2007 7/8" 3-1/2" 27" 7-1/2" 5-1/2" 2-3/4" x 4-3/8" 46003-1594
Z 750 S 2005 7/8" 3-1/2" 27" 7-1/2" 5-1/2" 2-3/4" x 4-3/8"
VN 900 Vulcan 900 Custom (Weld Risers 7"Hx4"PB) 2007 - 2013 1" Drag Bar 29" 6" 8" Welded Risers
VN 900 Vulcan 900 Classic / Classic LT / SE 2006 - 2013 1" 7" 34" 14" 8" 2" x 5"
VN 800 A1-A11 Vulcan 800 1995 - 2005 1" 5" 32-1/2" 12" 7" 2" x 5" 46003-1459
VN 800 B7-B9 Vulcan 800 Classic 2001 - 2005 1" 5-1/2" 32-1/2" 12" 7" 2" x 5" 46003-1458
VN 800 E1-E4 Vulcan 800 Drifter 2001 - 2006 1" 5" 33-1/2" 14" 6-1/2" 2" x 5" 46003-1558
VN 750 A1-A21 Vulcan 750 1994 - 2006 7/8" 8" 31" 11" 5-1/2" 3" x 5" 46003-1179

So, in my case for example, the specs are as follows. The Height don't make sense unless it's some sort of standard.

Model: VN 1500 P1/P2
Kawasaki Description: Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak
Year: 2003 - 2005
Bar Diameter: 1"
Height: Drag Bar
Width: 29"
Pullback: 6"
Center: 8"
Clamp Area: Welded Risers
Factory #: 46003-1560

 

[Vegasmean]

Just got my 2" risers today from Fuller does anyone know what size and length the bolts are to bolt them to the trees are?

 

[T-Meanie]

Vegasmean.....I may be taking a look at getting those Fuller risers too maybe, you can take the risers to your local hardware store, (I go to ACE)....and they can find allen head bolts that will fit into the inner threads on the risers. Next, get longer bolts that you can custom cut to the right length after a test fit and measurement. Works every time.

 

[detonate69]

Hardware to install fuller risers are M10x1.25x35. If you can't find 35mm long bolts you can get 40 then cut them like I did or use a couple washers.

 

[Diamond Jim]

Isn't it fun fitting handlebars?!?! The bars Arizone Streake got from ebay are sweet. In the past, when doing a fitment for a whole new riser/handlebar setup, I would use a piece of 3/4" PVC pipe. I would heat and bend the pipe for desired grip pullback the suspend the pipe via rope over the bike, adjusting the bike position and ropes until I got what I felt was the best setup feel. Then, using a yardstick and a level I would measure the setup to get my height and pullback measurements.

This has worked well for me in the past. But also remember what Conmar said about what felt right while stationary didn't necessarily feel right while riding.

 

[speedracer]

Bars cut 1.75" on each side with 2" risers

 

[Conmar]

But also remember what Conmar said about what felt right while stationary didn't necessarily feel right while riding.

Here's my brief riser history. Bought a set of the 2" risers. I let my vanity (preference for chrome) get the best of me. It was one of the first sets that had a brushed look similar to the original top tree. I had a Show Chrome top tree cover, so I didn't want to potentially mark the cover with a set that wouldn't like the looks of.

I sold those and bought a set of chrome KewlMetal risers that are 1 1/2" back with a 10 degree back angle. I thought they would keep the bars at about the same height, but bring them back. It actually laid them down flatter than stock. As far as looks go, with the windshield, it made the gap between it and the bars threw off the look for me. On top of that, it was almost a pain reaching up under the bars to put in/take out/turn the key. The biggest deal killer was how they felt. Like Diamond Jim said, sitting still in my garage, they felt right. But I couldn't ride for long without getting a pain in my lower back and never feeling quite comfortable.

I bought a set of 2" off Boscoe that he never got around to installing, but they still weren't shiny enough. Paul was kind enough to swap me the unused ones for a pair he polished highly for me. You can't tell they're not chrome! I waited till I got these and another chrome cover before trying again. This time I put the risers on before swapping the chrome cover with the KM riser impressions in it. I LOVE the feel and look of the 2" risers! I can ride all day with them without the back pain, and they look and feel just right.

Note about the chrome tree cover. It attaches with super sticky two sided tape, to eliminate vibration rattle. I scratched up the OEM tree and destroyed the cover getting it off to swap for a new one. I still taped the new one down, but I knew I wasn't going to be playing with risers anymore. Oh what I do to feed my chrome addiction!

 

[T-Meanie]

Hahah....Conmar, chrome can be addicting. At one point I was thinking that I was getting maybe too much of that on the bike. I have switched a little to more black, trying to achieve a balancing point between the two. Sounds like Paul's risers are getting the position right for us back pain types, I just polished the top tree on mine to a high-gloss aluminum finish that sounds like it would match Paul's risers real well. I think one time I looked at that chrome top tree piece and it stated that it fit the 1600 meanies only. Anyone know if that is true? Are they actually a little different from the 15s? Detonate.. thanks for those measurements for the new riser bolts...very helpful!

 

[Conmar]

Hahah....Conmar, chrome can be addicting. At one point I was thinking that I was getting maybe too much of that on the bike. I have switched a little to more black, trying to achieve a balancing point between the two. Sounds like Paul's risers are getting the position right for us back pain types, I just polished the top tree on mine to a high-gloss aluminum finish that sounds like it would match Paul's risers real well. I think one time I looked at that chrome top tree piece and it stated that it fit the 1600 meanies only. Anyone know if that is true? Are they actually a little different from the 15s? Detonate.. thanks for those measurements for the new riser bolts...very helpful!

As far as I know the trees are the same.