K8 Heli-Bar install

[Warchild]

I have a big write-up and about a dozen very large, detailed photos of this install, but this forum software re-sizes (squashes them down badly), so if anyone wants to see 'em, you can view them here.

There were also two items that Heli-Bars didn't mention in their generic install instructions that are kinda important, so I included them in the write-up. Any questions, ask away...

 

[CAT3]

Very good job Warchild.

 

[BigBSBusa]

Definitely a good write-up.

 

[ks-waterbug]

Nice write up...Now a quick question about something I noticed in the pic's, the Pazo levers! Did you remount them from your old bike or buy new specific to the K8? I got a set laying around and wondered if they will work or not.

 

[Warchild]

Nice write up...Now a quick question about something I noticed in the pic's, the Pazo levers! Did you remount them from your old bike or buy new specific to the K8? I got a set laying around and wondered if they will work or not.

Believe it or not, that Pazzo brake lever in that write-up was from a FJR1300; the brake levers are virtually identical; sadly, the clutch lever is not. It does bolt up just fine, but the block receiver is different to the extent that it fails to "make" the clutch safety switch, so the starter is not allowed to engage.

But to answer your question, I have been told several times the Gen I Busa Pazzo levers fit just fine on the Gen II bike, and behave as advertised. So I would keep 'em if you're going after a new K8.

 

[Tybalt71]

Nice job WAR

great read, love the bmw grips

 

[MR X]

Hey War. How much of a difference do they make with ergos??
Since you pointed out the wire and cable points tight ,probrably best not to install these AND genmar risers TOGETHER on 2008??

 

[thepushercg]

nice write up

 

[pulk]

Well, after reading up on the Helibars and then seeing War's post I'm going to set up exactly as he did. Coming off of an FZ-6 the riding position is slightly different! My back doesn't get any more sore but my biggest complaint so far is that my wrists get cramped when riding in casual mode. And I'm not talking about after some extended period of time-- within minutes I feel it. I've read numerous accounts that the Helibars will take care of that.

I know how big of a difference grips and bar ends can make on the vibes. I found the ends War referenced at FJRGoodies but it's on, well, an FJR web site! Do those fit the 08 Busa or do I need to make a special request?

 

[busacaptain]

War, great post. Looks like another mod I'll do, but exhaust is first.

 

[mike jesse]

I installed my Heli-Bars yesterday.
All in all it took about an hour.
No drama or suprises.
I did not need to loosen the cable tie like Warchild did, but I did remove the
spring steel cable guide just below the key switch.

Seems to be quite an improvement in the ergos. I'll ride it this weekend to find out.

 

[Warchild]

<div class="iF-Passage"><div class="QUOTEHEAD">Quote:[/Quote]<div class="QUOTE clearfix"><span class="quoteBegin"> </span>

I know how big of a difference grips and bar ends can make on the vibes. I found the ends War referenced at FJRGoodies but it's on, well, an FJR web site! Do those fit the 08 Busa or do I need to make a special request?[/quote]


Well, I got them at FJRGoodies and put them on the K8, so.... I'm think they fit okay.

The Heli-Bar install is no big deal.

HOWEVER..... the BMW "Sport Grips" install is not a routine, trivial install job on the Busa, due to the way Suzuki designed the throttle sleeve. You need to be committed to getting the max comfort you can, because there is a bit of work involved.

You can see exactly what is involved but looking at the photos in the Vista Cruise Throttle Lock Install article I did several weeks ago. It's not a horrendous job, but like I say, it's not quite the piece of cake it is on most bikes, either.

So examine the photos closely first before deciding if this is something you want to do....

 

[Warchild]

Hey War. How much of a difference do they make with ergos??
Since you pointed out the wire and cable points tight ,probrably best not to install these AND genmar risers TOGETHER on 2008??

I hadn't thought of doing that.... between the Heli-Bars and the Footpeg Lowering brackets, I am almost as comfortable as I was on the Blackbird, so I am pretty much set.

Too, I ordered the Spiegler lines with an extra 1" of length from standard because I knew I would be doing the Heli-Bar thang. It turned out to be a non-issue on the clutch-side, but dayumn, I am glad I got the extra length on the brake side.... a full right lock pushes the issue just a bit. Seems that stainless steel lines don't stretch anywhere near as well as the stock rubber lines.

 

[pulk]

<div class="iF-Passage"><div class="QUOTEHEAD">Quote:

<div class="QUOTE clearfix"><span class="quoteBegin"> </span>

I know how big of a difference grips and bar ends can make on the vibes. I found the ends War referenced at FJRGoodies but it's on, well, an FJR web site! Do those fit the 08 Busa or do I need to make a special request?[/quote]


Well, I got them at FJRGoodies and put them on the K8, so.... I'm think they fit okay.

The Heli-Bar install is no big deal.

HOWEVER..... the BMW "Sport Grips" install is not a routine, trivial install job on the Busa, due to the way Suzuki designed the throttle sleeve. You need to be committed to getting the max comfort you can, because there is a bit of work involved.

You can see exactly what is involved but looking at the photos in the Vista Cruise Throttle Lock Install article I did several weeks ago. It's not a horrendous job, but like I say, it's not quite the piece of cake it is on most bikes, either.

So examine the photos closely first before deciding if this is something you want to do....

[/quote]
Yeah, I could see that the ones on your install thread fit but the FJRGoodies site is not exactly the most intuitive parts interface. I was just curious if the one that I found there was indeed the same one that you used on the Busa. I know there is at least a slight cosmetic difference between the ones I found at FJRGoodies and the ones on your install thread at Busa Nation. It looks like yours have a dual-etching just before the very end of the ends and the coloring is slightly different. Either that or I've hit the bourbon a bit much tonight which is entirely possible

Yikes on that throttle lock install!

 

[Dizzy]

Has anyone commented on whether or not the rain gets you more when using Helibars? Does the fairing still deflect the wind and rain over your hands... or will you now freeze your fingers off in cold wintry weather from an unprotected blast of air?

Awesome write up warchild!

 

[adrenalinejnky]

I installed today with these instructions, very easy. I have soupys 1 inch risers and I did have to remove the brake line bracket on the forks to get more line. The top outside corners of the resevoirs hit the windscreen when bars are turned all the way in both directions (not enough to interfere with steering though). I dont think this will happen with a double bubble.

 

[High-Gain Busa]

Thanks Warchild

Just ordered them

Been contemplating for a while but the write up made the decision easier...
Now, where did you get your Footpeg Lowering brackets?

 

[bmwbutch]

I install Heli-bars along with Buel pegs this weekend. Feels better, but still need to adjust brake and shifter. The bars did move my arm out and I see even less in my mirrors.

 

[Dobieman]

I install Heli-bars along with Buel pegs this weekend. Feels better, but still need to adjust brake and shifter. The bars did move my arm out and I see even less in my mirrors.

I installed the black delrin mirror extenders and am very happy with them. Ebay link to extenders

 

[bmwbutch]

Thanks. I'll check them out.