Are your hands not at the right height on your motorcycle? Do your shoulders get tired after 30 minutes of riding? The solution is probably to replace your risers. These two small parts between your fork crown and handlebars radically change your riding position—and the look of your bike. But you still need to choose the right ones. This guide gives you all the information you need to make the right choice.
What is a motorcycle riser?
Un riser (or handlebar riser) is a metal part that mounts between the triple tree of your motorcycle and your handlebarIt serves two purposes: (1) to raise the handlebar position relative to the triple clamp, and (2) to provide one or more centimeters of rearward movement to bring the handlebars closer to your torso. The result: you straighten your back, relax your shoulders, and the motorcycle immediately takes on a different feel.
On Harley-Davidson choppers and bobbers, risers are a key customization element: they range from 2 inches (basic) to over 12 inches for the famous "apehangers." On a café racer or scrambler, a shorter riser is preferred, sometimes in a "clip-on" style. The most important thing is consistency with the rest of the build.
The 3 measurements that matter: rise, pullback, diameter
To choose a riser, you must carefully read three numbers.
Rise (height)
Le riseThe rise is the vertical height the riser adds between the triple clamp and the handlebars. It's expressed in inches or millimeters. A short rise (2 inches / 50 mm) will give you a sporty, café racer-style riding position. A medium rise (2,5 to 4 inches / 63-100 mm) is the comfortable range for a chopper or a versatile custom motorcycle. Beyond 6 inches, you enter apehanger territory: spectacular but tiring on long journeys.
The Holdfast reference point: a 63 mm (2,5″) rise, as on the KustomTech Deluxe risers, is the sweet spot between comfort and style for 80% of chopper/bobber projects.
Pullback (the recoil)
Le pullbacksThis refers to the horizontal pullback. It's what brings the handlebars closer to your torso. The more pullback you have, the more you can relax your arms. For urban riding or touring, a 1-inch (25 mm) pullback is more than enough and already radically changes the feel. On motorcycles designed for long-distance touring, some riders go for 2 or 3 inches.
Handlebar diameter (22 mm or 25,4 mm)
The inner diameter of the clamp that secures the handlebars is a parameter determinantTwo standards dominate the market:
- 25,4 mm (1 inch) — the Harley-Davidson standard and most American customs. 1″ handlebars are visually thicker and more robust.
- 22 mm (7/8 inch) — the European/Japanese sport standard: BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Honda… The 22 mm handlebars are thinner and suitable for clip-on type reverse controls.
Measure the diameter of your handlebars with calipers before ordering, or consult the manufacturer's documentation. A 1" riser cannot be mounted on a 22mm handlebar, and vice versa.
How to choose your risers according to your motorcycle style
For a chopper or a bobber
Opt for a riser 25,4 mm with a rise between 2,5″ and 6″. Polished brass or chrome finishes naturally complement the vintage aesthetic. Deluxe Polished Brass Risers (25,4 mm) or the Deluxe Raw Brass Risers (25,4 mm) These are the typical choices. For a more assertive look, you can go for an apehanger, but from 10 inches upwards, ergonomics suffer: best reserved for short journeys.
For a café racer, a scrambler or a brat
Favor a 22 mm with a short rise. The Deluxe Chrome Risers (22 mm) or the Deluxe Polished Brass Risers (22 mm) They add presence without disrupting the sporty lines. If you're riding with clip-ons, risers aren't necessary — clip-ons attach directly to the fork tube.
For an all-rounder build or a custom heritage
Satin finishes (Satin Brass 25,4 mm ou Satin Chrome 25,4 mm) offer a less flashy finish than a mirror polish. Perfect when you want a neat but not ostentatious bike.
The Deluxe KustomTech line: 10 models compared
At Holdfast, we distribute the Deluxe KustomTech line, made in Italy. All risers share the same technical specifications (63 mm rise, 25 mm pullback, 1/2″ x 13 screws included) and are available in 5 finishes for 2 handlebar diameters, i.e. 10 references.
| Finish | 25,4 mm handlebar | 22 mm handlebar |
|---|---|---|
| Polished Brass | Read the fact sheet | Read the fact sheet |
| Satin Brass | Read the fact sheet | Read the fact sheet |
| Raw Brass | Read the fact sheet | Read the fact sheet |
| Chromium | Read the fact sheet | Read the fact sheet |
| Satin Chrome | Read the fact sheet | Read the fact sheet |
Le raw brass is the most vibrant finish: it develops a patina over the miles and with your hands. Each pair becomes unique. chromium The classic choice remains if you're looking for consistency with the other chrome parts on your motorcycle. polished brass is the best compromise of a chopper style heritage neat.
Installation: 15 minutes, a torque screwdriver
Assembling the Deluxe risers is within the reach of any motorcycle DIY enthusiast.
- Dismantling : remove the clamps from your current handlebar, loosen the cables (brake, clutch, throttle) without disconnecting them, then remove the original handlebar.
- Removal of old risers : unscrew the two bolts that attach them to the fork crown.
- Installation of the new risers : position the Deluxe KustomTech on the tee, apply a medium threadlocker to the threads, tighten the two 1/2″ x 13 screws to the torque recommended by your manufacturer (usually 35-40 Nm).
- Reassembling the handlebars : install your handlebar clamps on the new risers, make sure the controls are in the correct orientation, tighten.
- Cable check Turn the handlebars left and right, and check that no cables are overtightened or hoses are strained. If you've changed the geometry, you may need cable extensions.
The KustomTech Deluxe risers They are supplied with 1/2″ x 13 bolts compatible with Harley triple clamps and compatible custom triple clamps. For a specific triple clamp (Triumph, BMW, etc.), check the thread pitch before ordering, or contact our team in Marseille.
Match your risers to other KustomTech parts
A coherent build is one where each part "speaks" the same aesthetic language. If you choose polished brass risers, aim for... Vintage Deluxe handles in polished aluminum and brass matching, as well as KustomTech levers and switches from the same line. For an all-black chopper build, combine risers Satin Chrome with Vintage black and brass handlesKustomTech's Deluxe sub-brand was designed to create coherent sets: you can mix without a single false note.
F.A.Q
How long does a KustomTech riser last?
The risers, forged from brass or chrome-plated steel, are made to last the lifetime of the motorcycle. The finish evolves (the raw brass develops a patina), but the mechanical strength remains unchanged.
Should the cables be changed at the same time?
Not necessarily. A gain of 63 mm in rise and 25 mm in pullback remains within the tolerances of most original Harley cables. For an apehanger, it's different.
Can 25,4mm risers be fitted to a 22mm handlebar with reducers?
Technically, yes, using reducing rings, but the mechanical strength is less reliable. We recommend choosing the correct part number directly.
Do the KustomTech Deluxe risers have a homologation?
These are custom mechanical parts, not individually CE approved, but conforming to custom industry standards. For vehicle inspection, check local regulations (in France, motorcycle inspections accept standard risers if they do not excessively alter the approved geometry).
Ordering from Holdfast: the French advantage
As the French distributor of KustomTech risers, Holdfast guarantees you:
- Shipping within 48 hours from our workshop in Marseille
- Zero customs, zero surprises — Prices shown include VAT
- Free return to a parcel relay point in metropolitan France
- Human advice in French via WhatsApp, email or store
- Free delivery on orders over €150 price
Route the Complete collection of KustomTech risers or contact us for personalized advice on your project.