What's involved in lowering foot pegs?

[Tigadee]

Say I have a bike that I really like, fits my wants in every way except that the foot pegs feel high for me, so my legs are bent too much for my liking/comfort.

I could raise my seat (pad it to make it thicker/higher) but what's involved in lowering the foot pegs? Is it a mechanical impossibility? A financial black hole?

Anyone had experience doing this? Care to share? Specifically to list out what needs to be done to what...

Thanks.

[nzspokes]

Depends on what bike it is.

[ducatilover]

Custom rear-sets.

Or get used to it?

My CB400 had an odd seat-to-peg distance and I can understand what you mean, I found it horrible on anything more than a 100km trip.

[Blackbird]

Yep, it does depend on what bike you have. I fitted a lowering kit to my old Blackbird which was inexpensive (around $80) and have attached the instructions so you can see what's involved in case you can do anything similar. Some other motorcycle pegs (e.g some model Buells) have a cranked design already and a fewBlackbird owners fitted Buell pegs to get the same effect. Maybe it's been covered on any forum for your bike. Whatever you do, you'll almost certainly have to adjust the gear change and rear brake positions too.

[Tigadee]

Let's say it's a Yamaha FZX250 Zeal. 251257

[ducatilover]

An engineer can make adapters.
But, you'll have to get your shift linkage set up for the new geometry.
I managed to change the position of the shift lever on the 600, had to due to different riding position and lower bars.
It's do-able. But, is it uncomfy because you're uber tall, or because you're not used to it?

[Tigadee]

I'm 6' 1" and have thick legs, so they get squished up real good with sports-style bikes (not that the Zeal is so much towards the extreme end of the sports style of bikes)... When I get off those kind of bikes, I can feel the blood rushing back down into my legs!

[blackdog]

Keep your Scorpio and get your 6F. In 11 months when LAMS come in the Zeal will only be worth tuppence.

[ducatilover]

Keep your Scorpio and get your 6F. In 11 months when LAMS come in the Zeal will only be worth tuppence.

This is a very fair point.

The ZXR250 and Hyoflungdung seem to be the most accommodating of the smaller bikes and their value will be screwed when LAMS is in play.

[p.dath]

Keep your Scorpio and get your 6F. In 11 months when LAMS come in the Zeal will only be worth tuppence.


This is a very fair point.

The ZXR250 and Hyoflungdung seem to be the most accommodating of the smaller bikes and their value will be screwed when LAMS is in play.

Why do you two think that current 250cc (and under) bikes will suddenly change downwards in price because of LAMs? A sudden price drop would indicate a change in consumer demand, and just because there are suddenly bigger engined bikes - of similar power - doesn't explain it to me.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Let's say it's a Yamaha FZX250 Zeal. 251257

Looks like it has 8mm footpeg pins? Get yourself some Buell XB12SS footpegs which drop an inch. Sorted, and they're cheap as chips.

[nzspokes]

Keep your Scorpio and get your 6F. In 11 months when LAMS come in the Zeal will only be worth tuppence.

Thats what ive said before as well. Just ride what you have and enjoy.

[Mental Trousers]

You'll end up having about 4 goes at getting the peg positions right so the best bet is some fully adjustable rear sets. You can't get them right without actually riding the bike so you'd need to make multiple adjuster plates.

[ducatilover]

Why do you two think that current 250cc (and under) bikes will suddenly change downwards in price because of LAMs? A sudden price drop would indicate a change in consumer demand, and just because there are suddenly bigger engined bikes - of similar power - doesn't explain it to me.

More later model bikes with prettier options, versus the already declining value of CBR/ZXR/FZR/GSXR older bikes. As much as I liek the older bikes over the newer ones, I think the introduction of many newer bikes to the market will see a drop in value.
A ZXR is (in theory) not as good as a restricted Hyo 650 is it? The Hyo is newer (for those that like that) and more user friendly as it has more than twice the torque, all over the rev range.
The Bros650 is in the same bucket, although, arguably not as good an all round package as the Hyo, which has fairings, pretty USD forks and more pep/bigger brakes.

Many new riders are already opting for the Hyosung 250 models and the EX250 Ninja. Those bikes will drop in value when the bigger ones are available as the bigger ones are simply better in every way and also cheap.

[Tigadee]

Looks like it has 8mm footpeg pins? Get yourself some Buell XB12SS footpegs which drop an inch. Sorted, and they're cheap as chips.

Thanks, I'll look into that...


Keep your Scorpio and get your 6F. In 11 months when LAMS come in the Zeal will only be worth tuppence.

Maybe but I think I am happy enough to be a commuter, so a 250cc will serve me well enough, even if I have the 6F. Family obligations prevent me from touring anyway in the near to medium future...

And perhaps once the craze of buying larger-than-250cc once LAMs kicks in is eventually over, prices will stablise, all the junk mid-range bikes will have been snapped up and the good ones will start coming into the market.

[FJRider]

Say I have a bike that I really like, fits my wants in every way except that the foot pegs feel high for me, so my legs are bent too much for my liking/comfort.

I could raise my seat (pad it to make it thicker/higher) but what's involved in lowering the foot pegs? Is it a mechanical impossibility? A financial black hole?

Anyone had experience doing this? Care to share? Specifically to list out what needs to be done to what...

Thanks.

Try a nice THICK sheepskin ... it may supprise you ...

[ducatilover]

Maybe but I think I am happy enough to be a commuter, so a 250cc will serve me well enough, even if I have the 6F. Family obligations prevent me from touring anyway in the near to medium future...

.
A Zeal is not the answer then. They're not a super long lasting engine, they're not very torquey at all, like you want in a commuter. They need to be revved.
You might enjoy commuting on a VT250 Spada or VT250 more as they don't need all the revs.
The Zeal isn't exceptionally good on gas either being a small 4cyl, my 600 will be as good/better on gas.
I'd recommend a step to a Suzuki GSF400 Bandit, SV400, RF400. Honda CB250 Hornet, CB400. Kawasaki ZZR400 or something similar.

The Scorpio is theoretically a better commuter than the Zeal, lower maintenance and less petrol usage.

Try a VT250 Spada for size, it's better for commuting than the 4 cyl bikes and mine returned 4L/100km over 130,000km of my bad riding.

[nzspokes]

The Scorpio is theoretically a better commuter than the Zeal, lower maintenance and less petrol usage.


I did a 1000k ride in a group on the weekend, 2 of the bikes were Scorpios and they went great.

[ducatilover]

I did a 1000k ride in a group on the weekend, 2 of the bikes were Scorpios and they went great.
They go surprisingly well. Much better than a GN250 to ride too.

[tigertim20]

Why do you two think that current 250cc (and under) bikes will suddenly change downwards in price because of LAMs? A sudden price drop would indicate a change in consumer demand, and just because there are suddenly bigger engined bikes - of similar power - doesn't explain it to me.
the options open up. look at all the people on 250s cos the law says they have to, that complain about size issues, lack of power for longer highway commuting, or lack of options when it comes to a larger person. Of course, even with lams, plenty of people will still opt for the 250's. but those people in my opinion will be the minority. there will be shitloads of 250's sitting around, and the only way to sell them will be to drop the price far enough that its worth it to save the coin over a bigger bike.


I did a 1000k ride in a group on the weekend, 2 of the bikes were Scorpios and they went great.
Im sure they did, but come the time those people try a bigger bike, they'll more than likely find that while the scorpio was a good 250(ish) cc bike, when compared to something bigger, its awfull.
Great in their own right, but fall down when in comparison

[tigertim20]

forgot to add, look into what aftermarket adjustable rearsets will bolt directly onto your bike would probably be the best bet

[nzspokes]

the options open up. look at all the people on 250s cos the law says they have to, that complain about size issues, lack of power for longer highway commuting, or lack of options when it comes to a larger person. Of course, even with lams, plenty of people will still opt for the 250's. but those people in my opinion will be the minority. there will be shitloads of 250's sitting around, and the only way to sell them will be to drop the price far enough that its worth it to save the coin over a bigger bike.


Im sure they did, but come the time those people try a bigger bike, they'll more than likely find that while the scorpio was a good 250(ish) cc bike, when compared to something bigger, its awfull.
Great in their own right, but fall down when in comparison

I never said Scorpios were the best ever, but a real good starter bike. I agree that the value of 250s will drop. Really would you buy a 250 when you could have a 500/600? I would jump in a second if allowed. I know of an old XJ600 that I would love. :love:

Im happy in the fact that I doubt I will loose much if any when time comes to sell, Owes me about 1k and I reckon a motorbike with wof and reg should be worth about that.:niceone:

[p.dath]

the options open up. look at all the people on 250s cos the law says they have to, that complain about size issues, lack of power for longer highway commuting, or lack of options when it comes to a larger person. Of course, even with lams, plenty of people will still opt for the 250's. but those people in my opinion will be the minority. there will be shitloads of 250's sitting around, and the only way to sell them will be to drop the price far enough that its worth it to save the coin over a bigger bike.

Well, the additional bikes wont be any more "powerful". They all have the same 150kw/tonne restriction. And some current 250cc and under bikes wont be allowed for learners any more (already too powerful). LAMS just levels the playing field to restricting learners to comparable bikes.

Yes, they can get a bigger bike, but if the bike has a heavier frame the engine will have to have less power output, to still meet the same 150 kw/tonne restriction. Or shall I say, a gutless 400.

So I don't see LAMs presenting that many different options. But yes, it does effectively allow some larger less powerful bikes.

[Tigadee]

Try a nice THICK sheepskin ... it may supprise you ...

Thanks, but thinking of the time and energy it'll take me to tie down the sheep on my seat after the struggles, plus riding down the motorway with an automatic bleater "Baa-baaaaa" all the way to work would make that idea a bit hard to implement. I might get fined for littering the motorway with sheep pellets too. :laugh:

[ducatilover]

Well, the additional bikes wont be any more "powerful". They all have the same 150kw/tonne restriction. And some current 250cc and under bikes wont be allowed for learners any more (already too powerful). LAMS just levels the playing field to restricting learners to comparable bikes.

Yes, they can get a bigger bike, but if the bike has a heavier frame the engine will have to have less power output, to still meet the same 150 kw/tonne restriction. Or shall I say, a gutless 400.

So I don't see LAMs presenting that many different options. But yes, it does effectively allow some larger less powerful bikes.

More torque, less revs = easier to ride and learner friendly.
A CB400 is better to ride and learn on than a 250cc 4cyl.
A GT650R is better yet.
More torque = win.

[Latte]

More torque, less revs = easier to ride and learner friendly.
A CB400 is better to ride and learn on than a 250cc 4cyl.
A GT650R is better yet.
More torque = win.

Yep Torque spread vs peak HP.

Also everyone young male learns everything there is to riding within about a week, and is ready to step up to a litre bike straight away. When you add that to CC rating being directly related to how fast it is (weight and engine configuration make no difference) then of course the larger capacity bikes will be in more demand.

Seriously I wonder what the market for sub 250cc bikes is like for existing LAMS states in Oz ? Will be a good indicator how it will be for us compared to now.

[ducatilover]

Yep Torque spread vs peak HP.

Also everyone young male learns everything there is to riding within about a week, and is ready to step up to a litre bike straight away. When you add that to CC rating being directly related to how fast it is (weight and engine configuration make no difference) then of course the larger capacity bikes will be in more demand.


This is true, I wish my 600cc thing was as fast as an ER6f, cos the ER6f has a scooter more power and stuff.

It all comes down to what the wombles want.

[LankyBastard]

Yep Torque spread vs peak HP.

Also everyone young male learns everything there is to riding within about a week, and is ready to step up to a litre bike straight away. When you add that to CC rating being directly related to how fast it is (weight and engine configuration make no difference) then of course the larger capacity bikes will be in more demand.

Seriously I wonder what the market for sub 250cc bikes is like for existing LAMS states in Oz ? Will be a good indicator how it will be for us compared to now.

You find in all the OZ bike mags that both the Ninja 250 and Hyo 250 claim to be the best selling bike. So that says something!

[nzspokes]

You find in all the OZ bike mags that both the Ninja 250 and Hyo 250 claim to be the best selling bike. So that says something!


That they are a lot cheaper than they are here?

[ducatilover]

You find in all the OZ bike mags that both the Ninja 250 and Hyo 250 claim to be the best selling bike. So that says something!
That at least one of them is lying? :laugh:

[tigertim20]

Well, the additional bikes wont be any more "powerful". They all have the same 150kw/tonne restriction. And some current 250cc and under bikes wont be allowed for learners any more (already too powerful). LAMS just levels the playing field to restricting learners to comparable bikes.

Yes, they can get a bigger bike, but if the bike has a heavier frame the engine will have to have less power output, to still meet the same 150 kw/tonne restriction. Or shall I say, a gutless 400.

So I don't see LAMs presenting that many different options. But yes, it does effectively allow some larger less powerful bikes.

performance is never accurately measured by a figure on a piece of paper.
nearly all the 600cc options will have a higher top speed, get to the speed limit faster, stop in a shorter distance, and probably be more comfortable than the 250cc options.

so on the same license you can have something similar to an SV650, or a cbr250. The choice between
A) a little cramped thing that needs 6k rpm just to leave the lights without stalling, is cramped to ride, has difficulty passing on the open road, and takes ages to get to the speed limit,
and
B) a full sized bike that a 6foot + person can ride comfortably, that can travel at the speed limit at low RPM, can over take on the open road without difficulty etc etc etc
IS going to clear cut for most people.

You say they fit the same 150kw/tonne bracket, but frankly thats the ONLY thing the bigger options will have in common. You probably dont need me to point out the disparity that will be highlighted in a heads up road comparison of the current 4T 250 options, and the bigger capacity options that will become available to learner riders.

[Tigadee]

We're going off-topic now but I just want to add a thought I had: If the 250ccs' prices drop once LAMs comes into effect, and the LAMs-approved larger-than-250cc bikes get snapped up and rise in prices, that means there will be a big void until more LAMs-approved big bikes get imported into the country or are sold by current owners in the country.

I've been looking at the LAMs-approved list and there don't seem to be very many of those models here in this country in the first place. And looking at suitable 400-600cc bikes, there don't seem to be a whole lot unless brand new and at stinking high prices.

So will the envisioned large drop of 250cc prices drag market prices for all bikes down or will the soaring above-250cc prices keep 250cc prices stable or only drop slightly?

Dealers certainly won't lend a helping hand as they want to keep prices same or even higher to maximise profit and minimise the impact on existing stock, won't they?

[tigertim20]

We're going off-topic now but I just want to add a thought I had: If the 250ccs' prices drop once LAMs comes into effect, and the LAMs-approved larger-than-250cc bikes get snapped up and rise in prices, that means there will be a big void until more LAMs-approved big bikes get imported into the country or are sold by current owners in the country.

I've been looking at the LAMs-approved list and there don't seem to be very many of those models here in this country in the first place. And looking at suitable 400-600cc bikes, there don't seem to be a whole lot unless brand new and at stinking high prices.

So will the envisioned large drop of 250cc prices drag market prices for all bikes down or will the soaring above-250cc prices keep 250cc prices stable or only drop slightly?

Dealers certainly won't lend a helping hand as they want to keep prices same or even higher to maximise profit and minimise the impact on existing stock, won't they?
I think youll find a few more people will import the bikes themselves if it comes to that.
Having said that, if (when) the demand for those bikes rise, someone will start to import bikes to satisfy the demand if there's a dollar to be made.

[ducatilover]

We're going off-topic now but I just want to add a thought I had: If the 250ccs' prices drop once LAMs comes into effect, and the LAMs-approved larger-than-250cc bikes get snapped up and rise in prices, that means there will be a big void until more LAMs-approved big bikes get imported into the country or are sold by current owners in the country.

I've been looking at the LAMs-approved list and there don't seem to be very many of those models here in this country in the first place. And looking at suitable 400-600cc bikes, there don't seem to be a whole lot unless brand new and at stinking high prices.

So will the envisioned large drop of 250cc prices drag market prices for all bikes down or will the soaring above-250cc prices keep 250cc prices stable or only drop slightly?

Dealers certainly won't lend a helping hand as they want to keep prices same or even higher to maximise profit and minimise the impact on existing stock, won't they?
You can get the majority of the LAMS bikes here now, but, when LAMS comes in, someone approved will be fitting restrictor kits to the bikes (that's how it should be done)

The Hyosung 650 models will sell like mad and are currently very cheap second hand.
The SV400/650 range will also be popular, another decent bike for CBR250RR money.