In search of some relief from some of the stress of extreme cycling, I thought I’d try one of the HeliBars Tour Performance Handlebar Lifters. The lifter positions the handlebars 2 inches higher and 2 inches closer to the driver, significantly altering the driver’s handlebar-seat-legs triangle.
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The handlebar position on many adventure bikes is positioned to accommodate both occupants and riders when riding in reverse and traveling through technical terrain. Even on the sidewalk, I find it helpful to get up when traveling through small towns to give my driver a chance to get some health back.
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On my 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America, with my 31-inch inside diameter, when standing on the pegs, the original handlebar position requires me to bend my knees or slouch a little, which is stressful. for my lower back. This driving posture can become tiring and uncomfortable after off-road driving on rough terrain. After an hour or so, my legs became quite weak.
Related: 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special | Review the first trip
Enter the HeliBars Tour Performance Handlebar Lifter. Installing the HeliBars lift bar is very simple. Remove the original handlebars, release some of the ties that secure the brake and wire ropes to the handlebars, reposition the wires behind the handlebar bracket, then install the HeliBars lift bar on top of the original handlebar holder. Then simply reassemble the original handlebars on the new fork using the bolts provided by HeliBars and screw them to the proper specifications. There is no need to remove anything from the handlebars and all the original lines are retained.
On a recent trip in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, I tested people standing on the Santa Ana Division Trail. It is quite rugged with some rock slides and water crossings that require frequent standing. The HeliBars lift bar not only provides a more comfortable sitting position, but also helps control the Pan Am and its considerable weight. While I previously preferred to sit down for most of the trip, I found it equally comfortable standing on the long stretches of deep sand and rutted two-wheeler roads.
During long periods of sitting in the saddle, the new lift bar minimized strain on my arms and shoulders, reducing fatigue and some of the post-ride soreness we’re all familiar with. One downside of the new steering wheel position is that it can partially block your view of the TFT panel depending on your height. For example, now I have to lean forward a little to see the watch because it’s in the lower left corner of the screen.
The HeliBars Tour Performance handlebar lift bars are machined from a single piece of 6061 T6 aluminum with fine craftsmanship and their sturdy design to reduce curvature. They’re functional, stylish, and made on American soil in Cornish, Maine. The Harley Pan Am lift kit costs $199 — or $209 with the optional RAM ball mount. HeliBars also manufactures replacement handlebars and handlebars for a variety of other motorcycles. For more information, visit Website HeliBars.
