I've never heard of them flexing and don't see how they could(high grade bolts, ss spacers, and nylon insert locknuts). The top plate that the bars bolt to is a thin aluminun casting, it can't flex(it mounts seperately to the upper triple clamp). It is also only flush mounted around the bolt locations, so you aren't really giving up strength and rigidity by having the bolt spacers as opposed to the full spacer. The full spacer looks better and I'm sure it's support around the edges would add some strength.
I however have never had any flexing, cracking, or issues of any kind with mine. My spacers have about 10k miles on them(they were 1.5" until I got the heli-bars and had to cut them down), and the heli-bars have about a third of that mileage. My bike sees lots of wheelies, stoppies, rough roads and deep corners too, if I can't break them, it's not going to happen.
No worries!
I too have heli bars and have wondered if adding 3/4 risers would lessen the "sport" feel to it or make it harder to carve corners etc. Did it make much difference??
It sounds like you ride like me!!
There's no traffic on weekdays either.
No difference in handling that I noticed(I'm 5' 10" and flatfoot the bike). It is more comfortable for me though, there's less pressure on my wrists and the 2 combined make my back feel alot better. I can actually ride better just because I'm more comfortable. I've got a Corbin seat too, and Vortex rearsets are on my list.
I'm about 3 hrs south of you, come see for yourself. We can ride the BRP and some really good curves getting there, might even drag a knee or two
