Are my feet too big?

[jamesvini]

Hi,
Be gentle with me i'm a virgin to the forums and a bit of a Learner.
I recently upgraded to a Honda VFR from a trail bike as i wanted to get in to some sports biking fun. On the test drive it was a dream to drive very peppy so i took it but on the way home i noticed it was a real tight fit between the peg, my boot and the gear lever. making changing gears very awkward.
I knew it was going to be different from my old bike but i was just wondering do i need new boots? (i use old army boots) will i just get used to it? Can i buy new longer pegs? or am i just being supid and i should sell the bike and buy a wheelbarrow? : )

any comments would be helpful

Cheers
-James

[avgas]

Did they have a V4 250?

Either change your riding style and keep the boots, or change the boots for those slim toe kick boots.

I changed my riding style to suit my sz12 steeltoes

[quickbuck]

It's your boots mate.
As tempting as it is to ride in Combat Boots (Especially when they are issued) DON'T!

They offer NIL protection of the ankles in a bin, or even if your foot clips the armco.

A proper motorcycle boot is much thinner, and will fit in there very well.
If you are 6'4" and size 13 I doubt the VFR(and I take it that it is actually a 400) is too small for you.
VTR250's (which it could also be) are little as well... But I can ride them in my size tens no worries.... Something I wouldn't be able to do in my combat boots.

Another point, the BALLS of your feet should be on the pegs at all times unless changing gear, or using the rear brake..

Oh, and we RIDE motorcycles, not drive them........

Hope this helps.

[hayd3n]

+ also if you wanna be a cheap ass, the shifter can be moved to accommodate big feet
big feet does not equal big meat

[centaurus]

Most people underestimate the value of brake and gear changer pedals adjustment. If they are not adjusted properly for YOUR feet/legs, it will always feel awckward changing gears and breaking no matter what you do.

For the gear level, the way I adjust it is to put the bike on the centre stand (or make it stand vertical by other means if you don't have centre stand), then sit on it in the same position I ride, with my feel on the pegs, outside the pedals. In that position, the gear shifter knob (the part that you are supposed to push/pull with your foot) should be just above the sole of the boot. It should jam between the sole and the boot (the place where the boot is sowed or glued to the sole). This ensures than in the resting position, the gear lever is exactly parallel with your foot so you will need to move the foot equally both up and down in order to change gear.

[jamesvini]

Thanks for the Replys they are all very helpful, especially that one about the Big feet not equalling the size of meat (I was lied to this whole time).
I am looking for some new boots now, looking at my army boots they arent that well protected and i have seen some nicer looking pegs that would fit a bit better.
As for the VFR250 thing, the guy i got my bike from blew up the stock 400cc engine and replaced it for a 250cc from a vtr i belive (madness) but i can drive it on my learners and it looks cool so im happy.

Quickbuck: some day i hope to ride a motorcycle. Untill i get better i will just have to drive it every where. ;)

thanks every one!

[lankyman]

I had an NC30 and also used to ride in code 5's until I invested in proper gear. I never had any problems and I have a size 13 foot! is there any way you can lower the brake and gear hangers at all? from memory the NC30 has high and low brackets for them on the frame...correct me if I'm wrong

[quickbuck]

As for the VFR250 thing, the guy i got my bike from blew up the stock 400cc engine and replaced it for a 250cc from a vtr i belive (madness) but i can drive it on my learners and it looks cool so im happy.



Ahh,
The plot thickens!
I'm guessing the VT Engine installation into the VFR frame has sort of moved the gear leaver position well away from what Mr Honda ever designed into it.

You may well have to do some fiddling around with other Honda parts to get this right....

Hope it all works out, and would be quite interesting to see some pics of the bike someday.

I'm wondering if a good man by the name of John Boote is operating down Brougham Street still?

[Number One]

welcome to KB and riding :sunny:

You should be able to adjust the gear lever to accomodate your boots.

I rode my SV in hulking great motorcross boots to begin with and there was no way I could get my boot under the gear lever at all if on the pegs.

Sweet as - quick adjustment and we were away - few months later when I got my Sidis a quick flick flick and the gear lever was back where it was originally and good as gold.

[jamesvini]

well i did think putting another motor in the bike would very much change the dynamic and sizings of it, i willhave a geez tonight and see whats what, i have tried to have a fiddle but i didn't want to screw around with any thing just in case i broke it :)
im prettty sure im just being a bitch and i need new boots. But i will take it to the grease monkey to look at.
Cheers

[MSTRS]

It's your boots mate.


Another point, the BALLS of your feet should be on the pegs at all times unless changing gear, or using the rear brake..

Agree with the first, but not the second...that's a matter of personal choice.