Kawifast
Expert Class
Posts: 184
|
posted January 25, 2012 12:03 PM
Heli risers on 2012 zx-14R?
I got a set of these from Heli after asking them if there were any fitment problems on the 2012 zx-14r from prior years. Their response was that they would fit fine and I see no reason to doubt that, however when attempting to install them last night they were VERY tight to fit over the fork tubes. So tight that I stopped and bolted the bars back on without them, (going with the never force a part concept  ) Question is: has anyone else bolted on these 3/4" risers on a zx14R? I assumed they would fit firmly but these really did not want to go on the bike. I've emailed Heli but haven't heard back yet. All this and not even sure I will keep them on given how comfortable I already find the bike, but would like to at least try them.
Thanks!
____________
2012 Kawasaki ZX14-R
2012 BMW S1000RR
2012 BMW K1600GT
  
|
dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
|
posted January 25, 2012 01:52 PM
measure the fork tubes with a vernier caliper, I bet kawi went bigger than 50mm on top tubes,
(old zx14 was 50mm)
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
|
ZX14 Montana
Novice Class
Posts: 44
|
posted January 25, 2012 02:52 PM
I took mine off of my 2011 ZX14, and with my new 2012 ZX14R, they went right back on... have to put them on rather even/flush when first starting to slide down toward the triple tree. Double check surfices, clean, lube with something like silicon spray...you probably did these things right...could be a manufactures' mistake? Hope it works.
|
Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
|
posted January 25, 2012 04:04 PM
Mine fit on the 2012..... Just used a little of WD-40 and they slid on... a little snug but just push slowly and keep them level
____________
2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
|
Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
|
posted January 25, 2012 04:07 PM
BTW, you can use a little emery cloth on the inside of the risers to give you that little extra room if they are that tight.... Mine did go on easy enough with no banging, taping or hitting
____________
2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
|
Nixter
Expert Class
Posts: 152
|
posted January 25, 2012 08:53 PM
Mine worked fine too. They should slide on fairly easy.
____________
2012 ZX14R - Black
|
BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
|
posted January 26, 2012 05:42 AM
 Edited By: BobC on 26 Jan 2012 13:46
I wouldn't use silicon spray or WD40 to fit the Heli risers, you need them to grip tight after you slide them on. If the two parts are an interference fit it's better to use isopropyl alcohol which will work just as well to aid fitting and will evaporate afterwards.
This reminds me of an unfortunate friend who bought one of the last ever Laverdas. He fitted some smart new handlebar grips but nobody told him to use compressed air, so he used soap. Inevitably one day he was left holding the rubber grip and the bike was on the floor. 
____________
Candy Thunder Blue 2006 ZZR1400
Stock wheelbase
Max: 205.4 mph in 1.25 miles
2012 ZZR1400 in Golden Blazed Green
Brock CT Full System. etc
Max: 203.1 in 1 mile (so far)
|
Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
|
posted January 26, 2012 05:51 AM
Edited By: Seno on 26 Jan 2012 13:52
BobC, Sorry about your friend but I disagree with you.... Were comparing apples to oranges, unless your friends grips had bolts securing them. The risers are tight to start and made from aluminum not to mention that there are two 8mm X 50mm bolts securing them in place. If anyone was ever concerned about their risers loosening up you could use a little locktite to make sure the bolts would never come loose.
____________
2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
|
BobK
Expert Class
2012 ZX14R SE
Posts: 195
|
posted January 26, 2012 08:02 AM
I'm just hoping that the lock set is not too different so I can mount my LSL bars that I took off my 07 in anticipation of getting the 14R.
|
Kawifast
Expert Class
Posts: 184
|
posted January 26, 2012 01:09 PM
Thanks guys. I think a combination of a little lubricant, and putting them on rather even/flush when first starting to slide down toward the triple tree are going to be key. Since so many of you have retrofitted from pre 12 years, I doubt there is anything wrong with them. They are just tight in their fitment, which I recognize needs to be the case. I think I need to pay more attention about getting them even and flush as I twist them down more than anything.
____________
2012 Kawasaki ZX14-R
2012 BMW S1000RR
2012 BMW K1600GT
|
Flame On
Needs a life
Fuel Air & Spark
Posts: 17104
|
posted January 26, 2012 01:32 PM
I have switch mine 3/4 riser bake & forth a few times hand tight both sets of aliens bolts never had them come loose pushing 70 k on a 06 14
____________
77 RD 400
80 GS1000 GT
06 ZX14
|
Kawifast
Expert Class
Posts: 184
|
posted January 27, 2012 06:50 AM
I went ahead last night and "attempted" to complete this incredibly easy, or so it appeared, install. As I mentioned, to me the fit felt "too" tight for normal but I was encouraged by those who have moved them from their pre 12 bikes to their new R's. Today I have a right hand that looks like a canned ham after working the risers down over the fork tube only to become stuck a 1/4" to flush. I had finally had it and decided to take them off, box them up and put them on the shelf. Well...guess what? They aren't coming off now. After 2 hours of just about everything I could think of, removing the windshield for better access and leverage, gentle tapping on any part of the riser block than could be accessed, and lacking any kind of solid grip tools, my right hand looks like a canned ham, the riser block ain't moving and I have a bike with no right bar attached. I will resort to calling the dealer today for suggestions to get the damn things off for good, but I mean they are REALLY stuck. Not even sure why I'm posting this other than to say that for my 2012 these risers don't fit and I have not heard back from Heli. Hell I don't even want them on the bike that bad, and now I have a bike that can't be ridden till I figure this embarrassing problem out.
____________
2012 Kawasaki ZX14-R
2012 BMW S1000RR
2012 BMW K1600GT
|
Nixter
Expert Class
Posts: 152
|
posted January 27, 2012 06:57 PM
Have you tried heating them up with a heat gun or hairdryer? That and a little WD40 might help. If you have any working room, a block of wood and some gentle taps with a hammer should help it along. Mine were a snug fit, but went right on my 2012, so something is not right.....obviously.
____________
2012 ZX14R - Black
|
Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
|
posted January 28, 2012 02:37 AM
Wow, your set of risers must be out of spec for sure... Patience is the key, take your time.
+1 = WD-40 / silicone spray, heat and light tapping is the answer.
____________
2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
|
BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
|
posted January 28, 2012 04:00 AM
Edited By: BobC on 28 Jan 2012 12:06
quote:
BobC, Sorry about your friend but I disagree with you.... Were comparing apples to oranges, unless your friends grips had bolts securing them. The risers are tight to start and made from aluminum not to mention that there are two 8mm X 50mm bolts securing them in place. If anyone was ever concerned about their risers loosening up you could use a little locktite to make sure the bolts would never come loose.
The story about my friends grips was just for general interest as it was about using the wrong materials for the job.
If you have used silicon on the fork tubes to fit the Heli Risers then Loctite isn't going to be of any use. Same goes for WD40, they will both contaminate the surface. If the risers are keyed so they cannot rotate it wouldn't matter but if they aren't then watch out, they could rotate on you. If you use something like isopropyl it will give enough lubrication to fit the risers and then evaporate and not leave any residue. I used this technique in the past to fit ball-bushes onto shafts that were an interference fit and impossibly tight, with some alcohol you could do it with hand pressure. It works just as well to release the parts when disassembling. Just trying to be helpful.
____________
Candy Thunder Blue 2006 ZZR1400
Stock wheelbase
Max: 205.4 mph in 1.25 miles
2012 ZZR1400 in Golden Blazed Green
Brock CT Full System. etc
Max: 203.1 in 1 mile (so far)
|
Phil
Expert Class
Posts: 420
|
posted January 28, 2012 07:21 AM
Used Genmar risers on mine, fit great but the front brake line is stretched tight as a banjo string.
____________
"Look at Dad, trying to look young again."
|
Obba
Expert Class
Posts: 455
|
posted January 28, 2012 01:01 PM
For getting them off, could you use one of these maybe somehow with a mod here or two?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Universal-Flywheel-Puller-Snowmobile-Jet-Ski-Chain-Saw-Lawn-Mower-Motorcycle-/370574498163?pt=Personal_Watercraft_Parts&hash=item5647f61973
Just trying to help.
|
Kawifast
Expert Class
Posts: 184
|
posted January 28, 2012 02:33 PM
quote:
For getting them off, could you use one of these maybe somehow with a mod here or two?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Universal-Flywheel-Puller-Snowmobile-Jet-Ski-Chain-Saw-Lawn-Mower-Motorcycle-/370574498163?pt=Personal_Watercraft_Parts&hash=item5647f61973
Just trying to help.
Thank you very much for your generous offer to help. What a nice gesture to provide that link! I appreciate it.
I did get them off after a day of resting my sore hand and going at it again fresh. I had to jiggle each end with a straight edge screwdriver unit they popped off. I now have some pretty scratched up riser blocks but I was hell bent on getting them off the bike. I'm still baffled as to why they would not fit properly and sent another email to Heli.
____________
2012 Kawasaki ZX14-R
2012 BMW S1000RR
2012 BMW K1600GT
|
Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
|
posted January 28, 2012 02:45 PM
Bobc, I apologize... It was not meant as an attack and I didn't realize it was general statement. Sorry, was trying to help also.
____________
2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
|
1badzx12r
Needs a life
Posts: 8321
|
posted January 28, 2012 03:11 PM
quote:
I did get them off after a day of resting my sore hand and going at it again fresh. I had to jiggle each end with a straight edge screwdriver unit they popped off. I now have some pretty scratched up riser blocks but I was hell bent on getting them off the bike. I'm still baffled as to why they would not fit properly and sent another email to Heli.
next time call a professional ..LOL
____________
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S06nIz4scvI
|
Kawifast
Expert Class
Posts: 184
|
posted January 28, 2012 09:20 PM
quote:
Wow, your set of risers must be out of spec for sure... Patience is the key, take your time.
+1 = WD-40 / silicone spray, heat and light tapping is the answer.
Yeah Seno...they have to be out of spec because while everyone says they fit firm but slide on easy and remove just as easy, wasn't the case with these. Now I've got scratched up riser blocks that I'm hoping Heli won't hassle me about returning. Still would like to at least give them a try. I think the stock bars are pretty comfortable actually but I sat on an 06 the other day with them on and that 3/4" really does feel nice.
____________
2012 Kawasaki ZX14-R
2012 BMW S1000RR
2012 BMW K1600GT
|
Kawifast
Expert Class
Posts: 184
|
posted January 30, 2012 10:05 AM
For what it's worth, I heard from Heli today and they told me that they had a error in their paint process on the riser blocks causing an improper fit. They had corrected and were sending me a new set of risers 2nd day air. All around good service from Heli after the mistake. More than anything I'm relieved to figure out what the problem was.
Thanks to all that replied or attempted to help!
____________
2012 Kawasaki ZX14-R
2012 BMW S1000RR
2012 BMW K1600GT
|
|
|
HOME
NEW TOPIC