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?
A riser (or handlebar riser) is a metal part that mounts between the triple clamp of your motorcycle and your handlebars . It 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, bringing 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)
The 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, like on the Deluxe KustomTech risers , is the sweet spot between comfort and style for 80% of chopper/bobber projects.
Pullback (the recoil)
Pullback is the horizontal offset towards the rear. 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 crucial parameter . Two 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 25,4 mm riser with a rise between 2,5″ and 6″. Polished brass or chrome finishes naturally complement the vintage aesthetic. Deluxe Polished Brass (25,4 mm) or Deluxe Raw Brass (25,4 mm) risers are typical choices. For a bolder look, you can upgrade to ape hangers, but ergonomics suffer at 10 inches and above: best suited for short trips.
For a café racer, a scrambler or a brat
Opt for a 22mm riser with a short profile. The Deluxe Chrome (22mm) or Deluxe Polished Brass (22mm) risers add presence without compromising the sporty lines. If you're using 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 or Satin Chrome 25,4 mm ) offer a less flashy look than mirror polishing. Perfect when you want a well-groomed bike that isn't ostentatious.
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, for a total of 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 |
Raw brass is the most vibrant finish: it develops a patina over the miles and with the touch of your hands. Each pair becomes unique. Chrome remains the classic choice if you're looking for consistency with the other chrome parts on your motorcycle. Polished brass is the best compromise for a chopper with a refined heritage style.
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.
KustomTech Deluxe risers come 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 cohesive build is one where every component speaks the same aesthetic language. If you choose polished brass risers, aim for matching Vintage Deluxe grips in polished aluminum and brass , as well as KustomTech levers and switches from the same line. For an all-black chopper build, combine Satin Chrome risers with black and brass Vintage grips . KustomTech's Deluxe sub-brand was designed to create cohesive sets: you can mix and match without any jarring notes.
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
Browse the complete collection of KustomTech risers or contact us for personalized advice on your project.