 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
Adjustable Passenger Foot Pegs by Kuryakyn
September 23, 2009
|
|
| Editor Ratings * | |||
| Quality |
|
9 | |
| Style |
|
9 | |
| Comfort |
|
9 | |
| Portability |
|
10 | |
| Convenience |
|
10 | |
| Price |
|
10 | |
| Value |
|
10 | |
| Overall | 9.6 | ||
| Spectacular | |||
| A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks. | |||
| *Out of a possible 10 points | |||
|
| |||
Introduction
After 8,000 miles of riding on the back of our 2007 Ultra Classic, with my “sofa” like back seat, selectable music and my own volume control, the ability to communicate via intercom with my husband and my very own comfy footboards, you might think it could not get any better. Trust me, it could. If only I could just get rid of those leg cramps. So I went in search of a solution. I finally found what I was looking for - The Kuryakyn 4571 Retractable Passenger Pegs.
First Impression
After my pegs were installed, my husband immediately noticed that the rubber foot pads did not match the existing front and rear footboards and highway pegs. Now he thinks he can justify going out and spending all kinds of money to match them. Like that will help my leg cramps!! Fortunately, he stayed focused on the issue at hand - my leg cramps.
After installation, we went on a multi-state ride. I was pleasantly surprised at the elimination of my leg cramps as a result of being able to vary my foot positions while riding. Early into the ride, I knew I was going to like my new pegs.
.JPG)
Features
Each of the pegs clamped effortlessly with 3 bolts to each of the stock rear foot boards mounts. Fortunately the boards were already installed at the required middle position, so no prior adjustments were necessary. The pegs have 4 positions (see photos). The first is the fully retracted position where they lie horizontally, facing the rear of the bike and at the same height as the passenger foot boards. Then there are 2 lockable mid-positions to accommodate personal riding taste and length of passenger’s legs. There is a maximum forward position that I assume can be used, but does not lock. This is the position I wanted to use, but my husband said that my feet would get in the way of his legs during stop and start riding.
Operation
Other than moving my feet back and forth between the pegs and foot boards, there is nothing to operate while in motion. In fact, Kuryakyn’s big disclaimer is that the pegs should not be adjusted while riding. This makes a lot of sense and is really not necessary. Kuryakyn warns not to stand on the pegs since they are only footrests. Their final warning is to not adjust the pegs when the engine is running or has recently been run due to the risk of getting burned by the extremely hot exhaust pipes (been there-done that!).
To adjust each peg before riding, simply retract the spring-loaded sliding lock bolt and position it into the lock slot (see photo), set the desired swing arm position and then release the lock bolt. Then move the swing arm very slightly back and forth until each lock bolt snaps into place. That all there is to it!
While riding, I place my feet on the foot boards or on the foot pegs. I am even able to comfortably rest the backs of my calves on the pegs. I even use different foot/leg positions on each side. The ability to vary positions is the key to me avoiding leg cramps. A significant bonus is that I am able to move my legs away from the intense heat coming from the engine/exhaust, especially during slower or stop and start riding (a common occurrence with the ultra lean fuel/air mixture of the stock ’07 Ultra to which I am eternally grateful to the EPA – not!!)
In addition to solving my leg cramps, my husband is delighted with the “side effect” of these pegs. It is called “arm rests”. When my feet are on the pegs, my husband is able to use my legs as an arm rest (one at a time of course). The only negative feature is that my boots make contact with his calves when my feet are on the pegs and he puts his feet down in stop and start traffic. This is a little disconcerting for him, but not unmanageable when prepared. It’s a small price to pay for all of the upside. I try to remember to place my feet on the foot boards when I know he’s about to stop.
Value
At $179.95, Kuryakyn Adjustable Passenger Foot pegs are an excellent value, especially given its utility – plus they look great! It is a small price to pay to eliminate leg cramps while adding more features and “fullness” to the bike. This product can be viewed and purchased at www.kuryakyn.com.
Final Thoughts
Quality: The bolt that secures each peg to each swing arm was observed to be loose on one side after installation. This resulted in significant play on the affected swing arm. I had to remove the peg from the foot board (it was on the exhaust side, so I could not get to the bolt without disassembly) and tighten the bolt. After 500 miles, the bolt worked loose again. Looks like some Locktite will be in order here. There is no instructional reference about this bolt, so I am sure it is not supposed to work loose. With this exception, quality is impressively high in all other respects.
Style: This criterion is very subjective. I look more to the functionality. My husband likes the look a great deal and is excited about matching the existing foot boards and highway pegs as previously referenced.
Comfort: These pegs add another dimension to foot/leg positioning while riding. It is this variation that eliminates my leg cramps.
Operation: Setting the peg position is very simple. Moving my feet from the foot boards to the pegs and back to the footboards is effortless.
Convenience/Practicality/Workability: These pegs function and perform very well for the purpose for which they are designed.
Margo and Brian Goldsmith are longtime Harley-Davidson owners and riders and provided the content for this product review.
About Cycle Matters…
The staff of Cycle Matters is interested in your comments about this product review.
If you are already a member of Cycle Matters, click on “Comment” at the end of this article to add your comments.
You must be a member of Cycle Matters to add comments. Membership is free!
To become a member, click on My Garage, input your profile, and save it. You will receive an e-mail message asking you to verify your membership by clicking on the enclosed link. As a member of Cycle Matters, you are able to post your comments on this and any other article on this website. Log in and share your thoughts with the Cycle Matters community of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Product Review Comments
2/8/2009 9:38 AM
It needs to be noted that the foot pegs can't be used in all their settings when the Harley is equiped with the crash bar bags. The passenger can't put the foot pegs all the way back out of the way, and when they are forward it can hinder mounting and dismounting.
Kirk Hedgecock
It needs to be noted that the foot pegs can't be used in all their settings when the Harley is equiped with the crash bar bags. The passenger can't put the foot pegs all the way back out of the way, and when they are forward it can hinder mounting and dismounting.
Kirk Hedgecock
11/25/2008 3:44 PM
These adjustable footpegs also help when your passenger's legs aren't long enough to reach the floorboards when seated. My wife (who's 4'10") complained that she couldn't rest her feet flat on the floorboards, which can become extremely uncomfortable on long rides. Now, she can rest her feet on the raised pegs and enjoys our rides.
These adjustable footpegs also help when your passenger's legs aren't long enough to reach the floorboards when seated. My wife (who's 4'10") complained that she couldn't rest her feet flat on the floorboards, which can become extremely uncomfortable on long rides. Now, she can rest her feet on the raised pegs and enjoys our rides.
6/23/2008 11:38 AM
As a passenger on a bike equipped with Kuryakyn Adjustable Passenger Foot Pegs, I would like to affirm the information provided about this product. The ability to change leg positions while riding has long been a luxury enjoyed by those driving the motorcycle. This product provides options to the passenger as well and ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable ride. This is an investment well worth the money; one that will pay back over every mile you ride.
As a passenger on a bike equipped with Kuryakyn Adjustable Passenger Foot Pegs, I would like to affirm the information provided about this product. The ability to change leg positions while riding has long been a luxury enjoyed by those driving the motorcycle. This product provides options to the passenger as well and ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable ride. This is an investment well worth the money; one that will pay back over every mile you ride.
Add A Comment
You must be logged in to leave a comment.
|
TOOLBOX:
|
Product Review Categories
 |
Product Reviews RSS Feed |
Related Content
 |
Motorcycle Fairings Rosemead, California $579.99 In: Classifieds |
 |
Freedom-Wings: Fully Adjustable Fairing Vent System In: Product Reviews |
 |
EmpireCovers.com VIPS Cover for motorcycles In: Product Reviews |
Follow Cycle Matters |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
Copyright © 2005-2012 Cycle Matters, LLC. All rights reserved.
