footpeg physics

151
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151
Edited Date/Time 4/29/2012 6:00pm
Is anyone here educated on the effects of changing foot peg placement? I am considering relocating the pegs on my KTM. There are a couple options. I can relocate just the foot rest part of the peg and leave the mounting location on the frame as is, or change the mounting location on the frame to get the same final peg location.

How does moving in each fashion up, down, forwards or backwards effect handling?

I am assuming changing only the footrest would have less effect on handling. I would do this by using pegs with different offsets in relation to the pivot point.

And, completely changing the mounting location of the peg on the frame would have a greater effect on handling , right?
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Riesenberg448 4/18/2012 8:55am
4/18/2012 8:55am
I'll see what I can dig up for answers from our guys.

My non-technical savvy thought would be you are moving the center of gravity by shifting where you are placing the weight, but I'm not an engineer for a reason.
Falcon
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Falcon 4/18/2012 12:43pm
4/18/2012 12:43pm
Pros do this for a reason (and Kawasaki provides an option on the newest KX450.) I don't know for sure, but I'd assume that moving the pegs forward would move the weight bias forward and help in cornering at the expense of stability. Just the opposite would be true of backward movement. Going upward might help balance but make turn-in more difficult, whereas going down would do the opposite. You might also get your feet cleaned off the pegs a little easier in bottoming situations (that's bad.)

For what reasons are you considering the change? You might be able to get the same results from a different bar bend, taller/shorter seat foam, or triple clamp changes.
151
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151 4/18/2012 1:47pm
4/18/2012 1:47pm
I'm short (5'4)

I have a set of 3/4 raised yamaha pegs that actually bolt up to the KTM frame, but it appears they move the top of the peg forward about half an inch.

My other option is to cut the tabs off the KTM frame and mount yamaha style footpeg mounts. If I do this I can put them where ever I want, but I do not know where I want them.
Falcon
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Falcon 4/18/2012 4:10pm
4/18/2012 4:10pm
One half inch probably wouldn't be enough to dramatically change the geometry of the bike, so you are probably OK (I'd wait for an expert to chime in here, as well, though.)
You may also want to try any or all of the following:
-Shave your seat foam a little.
-Get a lowering link for the shock and run the forks upward in the clamps a little bit.
-make sure your bar mounts are in the furthest-rearward mountin position, if applicable.
-Cut the subframe down a bit. You don't seem phased by welding footpegs onto a frame, so I'm guessing you could do that. Don't remove so much that the tire will come into contact with the rear fender, though.

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151
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151 4/18/2012 6:15pm
4/18/2012 6:15pm
The relocating of the footpegs is mostly to close up the cockpit for me small frame. I run the lowest bars I can find and roll them back a fair amount.

I wont be welding them to the frame. I have a new set of yamaha removeable peg mounts. What I am considering is cutting the KTM "tabs" off the fram drilling holes for threaded inserts, then bolting the yamaha parts on just like they are on all yz's.

But, if half an inch is no big deal, I will just slap my IMS yamaha pegs into the stock KTM "tabs". They fit almost perfect, other than moving the peg forward that little bit.
mark_swart
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mark_swart 4/19/2012 7:07am
4/19/2012 7:07am
Think it's going to mess with your access to the shifter?
210mx
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210mx 4/19/2012 9:09am
4/19/2012 9:09am
I use IMS pro series pegs on my 2005 honda crf450r. They are much wider (wich I like) and they are 1/2 in lower and 1/2 farther back. This is good for me cause i'm on the tallish side at 6'2". One of the simplest, best, comfort, control changes I've made. Good luck finding your set up.
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151 4/19/2012 9:51am
4/19/2012 9:51am
210mx wrote:
I use IMS pro series pegs on my 2005 honda crf450r. They are much wider (wich I like) and they are 1/2 in lower and 1/2...
I use IMS pro series pegs on my 2005 honda crf450r. They are much wider (wich I like) and they are 1/2 in lower and 1/2 farther back. This is good for me cause i'm on the tallish side at 6'2". One of the simplest, best, comfort, control changes I've made. Good luck finding your set up.
Did you ride the bike before and after? If so was there a noticable change in handling or traction or anything like that?

Thanks
Riesenberg448 4/19/2012 10:43am
4/19/2012 10:43am
Just talked to Race Tech's head of R&D and was shocked with his answer...

It won't noticably affect handling, only your body positioning.
kippy450
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kippy450 4/19/2012 10:47am
4/19/2012 10:47am
I am 6'6 and have the lowered footpegs on all my bikes. Not only did it lower them but moved them back. Just 210mx they are 1/2 inch as well. Best thing I have ever done. It always me push more on the pegs during cornering and opened up the riding position. With the stock pegs I couldn't use the full power of my legs when cornering and aways felt cramped. Plus, I tired out faster. I haven't had to do anything with the shifter. Moving the pegs up should allow you to stay further forward on the bike and use your legs more in the corner. Also will make it more comfortable for you.
210mx
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210mx 4/23/2012 8:38am
4/23/2012 8:38am
I did ride it before I changed them (the stock pegs). I don't have ballerina feet. The stock pegs were not comfy for my footing at all. I changed to the IMS pegs on the advice of Gary Baily at one of his schools. I can hold the bike with my legs much better now.
tmauto769 4/29/2012 6:00pm
4/29/2012 6:00pm
I had the offset pegs on my honda as well, and did not notice any difference in the handling of the bike. It felt just a bit better when transitioning from sitting to standing, but other than that not a lot of difference.

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