HELP! New Phats II Risers on Nomad-Brake line too short!

[ff68]

I just tried to install Phats II risers on my 1500 nomad and my front brake line is several inches too short even after relocating behind the tree. Most people have said that they didn't even have to relocate (as well as Scootworks). Am I doing something wrong?

[Saigon]

I'm thinking about installing Phat II risers on my 03 Nomad as well, but do not know which size, 4" or 5.5", and if I do not have to do any extra work. I heard from Scootworks that we do not need any modifications or relocating any lines. What size risers did you buy? and please post the results. Thanks.

[ff68]

I got the Phat II's which I believe are 5 1/2". From what I read of other people who put these on nomads, most didn't have any problems. At most the had to move the cables behind the tree. Even scootworks told me I wouldn't have to relocate any cables. Unfortunately, I got everything together, and the front brake line was too short. So I took it all apart. Took the tree cover off and moved all the cables behind it. Put everything back together again and the brake line is still several inches too short. I checked and doulble checked and nothing is in the way of the hose. So I guess now I have to spend another 50 bucks and get a longer brake hose. Not to mention being out of service for riding for about 4 more days, which sucks since the nice days are getting limited.

[fishbreath]

I heard that with 3" risers you don't have to.
I PM you with more info.

[NomadinTN]

The website says:

PhatRisers II™ by Scootworks- Now also available in GLOSS BLACK and Show Chrome!! - These handlebar risers were created especially for Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic, 1500 Drifter, and Nomad (due to their longer steering head moments), and for 'vertically challenged' 800 Vulcan owners . Raises the bars 2.5" and pulls your grips back 3" closer to you. Works with original cables/hoses, but requires you to reroute them behind the triple tree in some applications. These will work with all Vulcan 400/800/900/1500/1600/2000's and Nomad 1500/1600, too. Our favorite for the Nomad and 1500/1600 Classic (F.I. or Carb'd), due to their slightly longer stance. PERFECT for Vulcan 800 & 900 owners with short arms or being 5'5" or shorter. Clears the Speedometer nacelle perfectly, and allows for two possible mounting locations to fine tune your handlebars to your specific comfort requirements. Weighing in at over 1.6 lbs each, these hefty risers come with the same great features as our PhatRisers™ above! Pricing is: $114.95 (micropolished), $114.95 (gloss black), $139.95 (show chrome), $154.95 (Chrome w/Flames - out of stock) 4" overlength front brake hose kits for select models can be purchased below, though are not normally needed on the Nomads. Cables and hose for all models can be found on our 'Cables & Hoses' page.

Then you get down to the 1500 Nomads and there is links for the bike's longer brake cables specificaly:

-> Scootworks' PhatRisers II™ for 1500 Nomad-
BUY POLISHED BUY CHROME BUY BLACK (Installation Tips)
BLACK Fr. Brake Hose Kit, 4" over - $50.00 BRAIDED Fr. Brake Hose Kit, 4" over - $50.00

This is the only Phat II's Kaw bike with with links for the longer brake cables so I would think Scootworks knows they would be needed, and has chosen to let you find out the hard way........nice service with the sale guys!

[Saigon]

Thanks NomadinTN It sounds more involved than I want to do myself. Will check with local dealer see if they have risers and do the install.

[ff68]

I've checked all the different nomad forums, and most didn't have to even relocate cables. I haven't found anyone who put them on an 03 like mine, so maybe it is just a 1 year thing. All other cables are fine. So back to Scootworks to order longer brake line (plus another 5 day wait due to weekend). To top off all the misery, during 1 of the assembly/disassemblies a couple of wires came unconnected in the headlight can and I'm not sure how to hook them back up since the colors don't match up exactly. I guess I should have waited until winter to do this. It's 75 and sunny here today and all I can do is watch my ride sit!!!

[BOURBON BOY]

They told me the same thing about my VTX 1300 cables, I either had to run cables behind the tree, which resulted in the cables touching my gas tank at full lock, or getting longer cables, which I did. I bought one of Scootworks extended rear brake pedal levers and found out the splines were about .015 (1/64 of a inch) to big to go into the clevis!!!! They even told me they knew about it on the phone!! Needless to say I don't buy anything from them anymore due to lack of quality control issues. BB

[nomadfool]

Just put on the II's on my 1600 Nomad in May. Just moved everything behind the tree. Things get tight full turn right till it's locked but no big deal. Never turn that tight anyway. Wish I could help you.