+ & - Effects of a taller Riser

[richracer1]

For those smarter than me about this stuff, what effects will a taller riser have on steering and handling. I replaced the stock 5 1/4" (I think) riser with an RSI 7" using the stock STD '09 RMK handlebars (NOT the Dragon bars). I have a 6" RSI riser as well.

 

[Toad face killah]

It all depends on how tall your handlebars are now. I like to stand up and ride all day so I raise mine so that in a comfortable stance i can reach and control the bars. I dont like going over moguls while bent over to reach the controls.

 

[RmkMtnRider]

+'s: More comfortable for standing
Easier to throw your sled around
Looks cool

-'s: Arn't comforable for sitting down
Puts a lot more stress on your steering post, plan to buy a wildchild or chromolly post
Can add some weight but not really enough to matter


I really all comes down to how you ride and what you prefer. I run 7's on mine like you do. It's comfortable for me as I'm 6' 2". I rarely am on my seat so I'm very happy with the height. But just from my stock bars i slightly bent the steering post. So I strongly reccommend an aftermarket, or get a flat top post and find a socket extension to shove down in their to re-inforce it. I did this to my old edge and I ran 7" risers for three years and never had a problem.

Hope this helps!

 

[Trenchmaster]

One other affect of a taller riser is that your hands are not in behind the windshield, much colder hands. I use the Skinz hand guards and it helps with this.

 

[thefullmonte]

Adding a riser is about customizing the fit of the sled to you and your riding preference. Whether you like to stand up all the time, sit and stand or primarily sit. These all play a roll in how much rise you want.

I prefer to have my bars just high enough to put a slight bend in my elbows when standing. Basically this is the same position as my dirt bike. This gives me good comfort if I ever decide to sit down too. Doesn't usually happen. lol

Going too tall with the bars and you will loose leverage when tipping the sled and doing a side hill. You still want the ability to pull the sled towards you and not already have your bars in your chest.

As stated taller rise can put more stress on the steering post.

Having a riser that is lower will encourage a sitting position as it will have you either hunched over or very bent kneed when trying to ride. This can give you an amazing amount of leverage, but also make it more difficult to maneuver from one side of the sled to the other.

This chassis is really designed around a stand up riding style. The sled reacts better to body input and being tipped than trying to actually steer it.

 

[stem]

Since I'm 6'6" I use a 8" riser and this gave me the following experience:

+ Just lovely to use when boondocking and really took the strain of my back, I'll never go back. You utilize the power times arm principal to the fullest with a riser suited for your height

- While sidehilling the handlebars came too close to my chest forcing me further back on the sled, this was easy to fix by adjusting the handlebars to tip forward so you get further forward on the sled.

 

[FatDogX]

I think it really comes down to what "you" like and what feels good for "you".

Another negative to taller bars is that when your in a side hill with tall bars, and get bucked or hit something, the sled can have more leverage to pull on you.

I think really comes down to finding a nice balance and comfort.