Phat Riser III install

[mflueras]

OK, my installation was a bit unorthodox so feel free to suggest ways it can be improved.

Tools needed: ½ inch drill bit, 9/16 inch drill bit, electric drill or drill press
Assortment of wrenches and sockets
Rubber mallet
Motorcycle Jack

All right, this write-up describes how I installed the Phat Risers III (that's the really long ones) from Scootworks (SCOOTWORKS Belt Drives, lowering kits, handlebar risers, motorcycle parts and accessories, chrome bolts). The installation involves drilling and cutting factory parts which are irreversible so to return to stock you will have to replace them.

I ordered the Phat Risers III for the Suzuki C50 (Scootworks does not offer direct bolt for the M50). In the box there is a pair of beautiful risers, a pair of studs half inch on the riser side and 9/16ths on the other, two nuts and two washers plus directions.

You first need to jack up the bike to remove pressure off the front end. Lay a towel over the tank to prevent scratches. Remove the speedometer and hardware. Remove the handlebars from the risers then unscrew the bottom bolts and pull the factory risers out. You may find it easier to access if you remove the headlight but I didn't.

On both sides of the upper triple tree there are pinch bolts that hold the tree in place. Loosed these bolts then unscrew the middle nut and remove it and the washer behind it. On the bottom to the tree there is a cable holder made of wire that needs to be undone. Then using the rubber mallet gently tap the triple tree out and remove it from the bike. You will notice that the mounting holes for the risers are in fact isolator bushings which will have to be drilled out to accommodate the large 9/16ths mounting studs. You may be able to remove them as my fsm says they are removable but I opted to keep them to help reduce vibrations. I used a drill press and first punched out the hole to half inch then enlarged it to 9/16ths using a hand drill and plenty of WD40. You might be able to go straight to the bigger size but that's what I did. The metal is hard so take your time and let the drill do the work. You might want to use masking tape on the triple tree to prevent scratches.

After the drilling is complete attach the studs to the risers then slide them in place. I used a piece of felt to cushion the the edges between the risers and tree but it's not necessary. On the bottom I reused the factory rubber washer and got a larger washer than what came in the kit to cover the rubber piece then used the supplied nut. Tighten everything hand tight at this point

You will have to remove the cable holder and cut the upper cable ties. The cable holder will have to be cut on one side but the other can just be bent out and the cables slid out. Carefully turn the brake hose mounting screw at the handlebar one quarter to half a turn paying close attention not to let any fluid out (and air in). Turn the hose so it will face downwards then tighten back up. Move all the cables from in front of the tree to the back then reinstall the upper triple tree with the risers attached. Remove the riser caps and place the handlebars in place. Mount the caps then wiggle the bars to make sure they are centered. Tighten the riser caps half a turn at a time until they are tight. Ensure the handlebars are straight then tighten the bottom bolts.

Speedometer mounting involves a lot of cutting and there may be a better method than what I suggest, but again, this is what I have done. Remove the rubber insert then using a hand saw cut about half an inch from both sides to make the speedometer thinner. You will have some exposed insides which will have to be covered up and waterproofed. I used hard plastic from my daughter's old tea party set cut to size and glued in place than masked everything with electrical tape. Set the speedometer over the handlebars in the center then zippy tie it three ways. Install the chrome trim piece and you're done. I hope you enjoyed the write-up, and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I will post finished pics in the morning.

[Mad50]

These are the same exact risers I want to get for my bike too!! Excellent write-up!!

Got a few Q's for you:
How do they feel compare to stock and how much height do they add?
Do you have any picture of how the speedometer looks on the bar?

Once again, excellent job!

[mflueras]

Took my first ride with the risers and let me tell you: it's like riding a completely different bike. I am actually sitting upright. I just sit on the bike, put my hands up and there are the handlebars. Cornering and leaning comes about so much easier also. Don't get me wrong the bike handled great before, but now it's much more responsive. I'll post pictures of the finished install soon.