[Dennis in NH]

Hi, I just got some floorboards for my V Star 650 Custom and like them so far. I noticed that with the floorboards, the instructions said to raise the brake pedal and adjust the shifter pedal -- both of which I did. The trouble I had was that when I came to a stop (thankfully, right next to my driveway) I took just a few more milliseconds to get my foot onto the ground -- I slowed down too quickly and wanted to just get my foot on the ground. I tipped the bike and could not rescue it and ended up gently placing it on the ground. Gently -- that is, I didn't slam on the ground and no real injuries, scratches -- except for minor scratches on the end of the right handlebar (no big deal). My foot thought there was a peg and could just drop to the ground -- instead, there was a floorboard there keeping my foot from the ground.

So those of you with floorboards, did you have these kinds of issues? Specifically, did you have to retrain yourself on how to put your foot down? -- also, I'm back learning how to smoothly shift again. My foot is in a different position for shifting and now I have to think about it -- I'm back to the clunk shifting I just got rid of in the past week. I spent some time today on empty streets learning quick shifting again.

It almost feels like when I went from straps on my (pedal) mountain bike to clips. You had to think about unclipping yourself or you fall off -- which is what I did.

I'm hoping this is just a practice thing and it's not dangerous to have floorboards on the bike -- esp. since my feel feel more comfortable.

Thanks,
Dennis

 

[Capt.]

Floorboards have been around longer than any of us. Yes, it will take some time to get used to the new configuration. But in good time you can remove the "note to self" and not give it a second thought. It's part of the DUH factor we all wrestle with.
Capt.

 

[Guy]

Give it a week's worth of riding, and you'll forget they're there and react properly.

 

[TFee3]

I'm amused by your talking about bike clips. I put them on my bicycle and took off to the mall area in Washington, D.C. I hadn't ridden with them before and was pretty proud that I hadn't fallen down while getting there. Just as I was crossing in front of the capitol building, my seat broke off. I couldn't unhook myself from the clips, because I had no way of taking the pressure from my feet. I stopped and fell on my side. A tourist walked over and asked if I were ok. I said yes, I was just doing my evening acrobatics. He laughed and walked away!!! I was REALLY embarrassed.

My C90T is the first motorcycle I've ever had with floorboards, and at first, it felt REALLY awkward. When stopping, I kept pushing the right floorboard and couldn't figure out why the back wheel wasn't helping me stop. That was on the right side. I left our driveway ok, but when I began going down the road, I gave my bike a little gas, and all I got was a roaring engine! When I put my left foot on the floorboard, I set it down on back of the gear shift and shifted the bike into neutral. So, there is an adjustment period! You'll get used to it.

 

[Dennis in NH]

Thanks for the advice everyone -- been several days now and I feel better. Shifting is different -- I guess it feels more casual and not as sporty with just the pegs. I haven't had any drops or near drops either.

I would say that anyone wanting to put floorboards should use caution until you get used to them -- bad things can happen due to the change as what happened to me. However, floorboards definitely improve the comfort of the ride. I feel less fatigued after a ride and more comfortable during the ride. Ask me a month ago and I'd say these are an unnecessary luxury. Today, I find them indispensable.

Thanks again,

Dennis

 

[TFee3]

Dennis, do you already have casing guards and highway pegs? I bought highway pegs for my casing guards, and then bought heel rests for them. Boy, that REALLY made a difference. I used to get cramps using the highway pegs, but not since I added the heel rests. It's just natural to put my feet there now.

 

[Dennis in NH]

Dennis, do you already have casing guards and highway pegs? I bought highway pegs for my casing guards, and then bought heel rests for them. Boy, that REALLY made a difference. I used to get cramps using the highway pegs, but not since I added the heel rests. It's just natural to put my feet there now.

I don't have the casing guards (I think same as engine guards) or highway pegs. When you put your foot on the highway pegs (during highway speeds), do your feet kind of get blown around until you get positioned?

I'm holding off highway pegs because the floorboards are comfortable for me.
If I do get the highway pegs, I'll be sure to check out the heel rests too.

Dennis

 

[TFee3]

One of the things I noticed, rather than the wind blowing my feet, I get a little off balance, because I'm not careful and jerk my legs up. Since then, I've become accustomed to shifting my weight a little to not do that. We used to call engine guards (or casing guards) crash bars when I was a kid. Now, the dealer tells me that's not a socially accepted term!