Halfway rearsets anyone? (2020)

This is the OP on the steed in question.

Perhaps this is a better way of showing the ‘lower legs in line with torso’ theory. Certainly looks to be potentially more comfortable to me. Upper leg angle would have to change too if stock footrests mounts were to be used as a basis.

Halfway rearsets anyone? (2020)
 
Perhaps this is a better way of showing the ‘lower legs in line with torso’ theory
Thanks Nigel - your analysis shows the "theoretical ideal" foot position (for me) is about halfway between "stock" and "available rearset".
I think I'll have to find a way to use swooshdave's advice and go further than a static mock-up and test that position.
Stay posted!
 
Keep in mind the handlebars have a big factor in this too. And they are cheaper to replace.

Based on the above photo I’d say the standard rearsets would work.

The “leg line” intersects where the rear set peg would be. If you want to argue it’s forward of that I’ll point out the bike is at an angle and you have to adjust for perspective.
 
From a Fast Eddy’s picture, I’d say the Hyde rearsets would be a good match. I compared their position to my Mick Hemmings PR setup and they sit at the same height and about 2 1/2” further forward. Just have to figure a way around the poor kicker positioning required with the Hyde’s.
 
The artwork is fine and I completely understand your proposal now.

Personally I’ve always found that if I can comfortably carry my weight with my legs, similar to riding a horse, I feel best. Obviously I’m not always using my legs but just knowing my legs can take the weight feels better.

would wager you began riding dirt bikes .... and I have to agree with your written description ....used to be a internet site , that you could enter your height , inseam etc. then pick a bike from list and see how you got on it , sadly no Nortons or any vintage bikes made list , still an interesting exercise to compare with once you have comfy bike ....
 
would wager you began riding dirt bikes .... and I have to agree with your written description ....used to be a internet site , that you could enter your height , inseam etc. then pick a bike from list and see how you got on it , sadly no Nortons or any vintage bikes made list , still an interesting exercise to compare with once you have comfy bike ....

Worse, I rode a lot of trials. :D
 
Swoosh, I just saw your pics in the gallery, I didn’t realise you had such a rear set / handle bar combo. How about a pic or two of you seated on the bike, might help Rob with his ideas...
 
Now this is of particular interest to me. I’ve just bought a rough pair of footrest hangers and intend to go down this route. The left hand side will need some thought as shortening the brake lever with reduce its mechanical advantage so the cable pulling arm will need to be lengthened to keep the same ration, or a slightly enhanced ratio, compared to the original set up, this als means that the lever to cable abutment with be wrong so some modification will be needed there. I’m fortunate that I have a lathe and mill and a good pal whose a pretty handy welder so no real issues around that. The other problem is that the rear brake light switch will need relocating, again not a major issue. On the right I have an RGM kickstart lever so there is enough room to accommodate a folding foot peg and I intend for the gear lever pivot to be inboard of the roof peg hanger, I think there’s enough room but I may have to get creative... the linkage will be a rose jointed affair so again fairly straightforward.

Oh I meant to say the reason I need to go short of the usual rear set offerings is that I ride with a pillion most of the time, with panniers some of the time and with the rear sets mounted directly off the ‘Z’ plates there is simply not enough room for two pairs of feet. Mine is an Interstate and the foot pegs are just too far forward to be comfortable for any distance, the biggest issue for me is the wind getting inside your legs and trying to force them apart and with your feet so far forward it’s too much effort for any length of time especially if you need to blast up the motorway (best avoided I know but sometimes needs must).

Anything glaringly obvious that I’ve missed?

Dave
 
I think you have your brake lever plans wrong. To maintain the mechanical advantage you would need to shorten the part that attaches to the cable if you shorten the pedal part. This means more movement needed to operate the brake though. However, I did try rearsets with a much shorter pedal and similar to standard length upper rear part and the brake worked fine. I didn't stick with the rearsets though as, like you, I ride with a pillion and they are too far back. They also create a problem with getting tangled up with the kickstart. Footrest arms that are half the length of the originals would be just right I reckon. Good luck with your attempts.
 
I have to say it is more than just the angle of the leg. It includes the bars, the seat, the tank and your
SHOE SIZE. And not to forget where and how long you ride. Comfort at 50 isnt going to be the same at
and above 70. When I put the Inter tank on with the Euro bars the foot rest situation dramatically changed and not for the better.
 
Thanks for your photo Dave - a little more rearward than I was thinking but food for thought.
It's also MkIII - but that'll work for some folk.
View attachment 15292
Dave & Rob,
Any photos of the left [shifter] side of your modifications? What did you use for the folding foot pegs? Are you using a Triumph T140 rear master cylinder and reservoir? How about a photo from the above position of the brake set up?

Charlie
 
I think you have your brake lever plans wrong. To maintain the mechanical advantage you would need to shorten the part that attaches to the cable if you shorten the pedal part. This means more movement needed to operate the brake though. However, I did try rearsets with a much shorter pedal and similar to standard length upper rear part and the brake worked fine. I didn't stick with the rearsets though as, like you, I ride with a pillion and they are too far back. They also create a problem with getting tangled up with the kickstart. Footrest arms that are half the length of the originals would be just right I reckon. Good luck with your attempts.
You are indeed correct, I’ve no idea where that came from, but thanks for pointing it out.

Dave
 
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Now this is of particular interest to me. I’ve just bought a rough pair of footrest hangers and intend to go down this route. The left hand side will need some thought as shortening the brake lever with reduce its mechanical advantage so the cable pulling arm will need to be lengthened to keep the same ration, or a slightly enhanced ratio, compared to the original set up, this als means that the lever to cable abutment with be wrong so some modification will be needed there. I’m fortunate that I have a lathe and mill and a good pal whose a pretty handy welder so no real issues around that. The other problem is that the rear brake light switch will need relocating, again not a major issue. On the right I have an RGM kickstart lever so there is enough room to accommodate a folding foot peg and I intend for the gear lever pivot to be inboard of the roof peg hanger, I think there’s enough room but I may have to get creative... the linkage will be a rose jointed affair so again fairly straightforward.

Oh I meant to say the reason I need to go short of the usual rear set offerings is that I ride with a pillion most of the time, with panniers some of the time and with the rear sets mounted directly off the ‘Z’ plates there is simply not enough room for two pairs of feet. Mine is an Interstate and the foot pegs are just too far forward to be comfortable for any distance, the biggest issue for me is the wind getting inside your legs and trying to force them apart and with your feet so far forward it’s too much effort for any length of time especially if you need to blast up the motorway (best avoided I know but sometimes needs must).

Anything glaringly obvious that I’ve missed?

Dave
I have an Interstate with rear sets and they are perfect. My feet are directly below my hips and it feels natural. I never have a passenger.

Halfway rearsets anyone? (2020)


If I did plan on a passenger I'd keep the rear sets and figure out how to move the passenger pegs back.
 
I have to say it is more than just the angle of the leg. It includes the bars, the seat, the tank and your
SHOE SIZE. And not to forget where and how long you ride. Comfort at 50 isnt going to be the same at
and above 70. When I put the Inter tank on with the Euro bars the foot rest situation dramatically changed and not for the better.
Yep, shoe size is more of an issue than Mr Average Foot thinks.....and....

'Comfort at 50 isnt going to be the same at and above 70'

This can be correct if you are referring to MPH or age!
 
I cut 3/4” out of the rear brake lever feels the same but I have large feet , the photo is pre chroming whilst i was it trying out.both shortened by 2”. I used a Japanese type brake light switch. More reliable than the original ,rubber kept deteriorating
 

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I like to sit up OEM style with "semi-western" bars. I don't like my arms taking my body weight and when coming to bumps I like to used my legs like springs. When I've used rearsets, I was always worried about my toes hitting the ground - size 14 shoes. I know I'm abnormal, but 6'1", overweight, and big feet makes you different from most who like European bars and rearsets. If I was normally riding fast I might see it differently, but there's no where to do that near me.
 
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I cut 3/4” out of the rear brake lever feels the same but I have large feet , the photo is pre chroming whilst i was it trying out.both shortened by 2”. I used a Japanese type brake light switch. More reliable than the original ,rubber kept deteriorating
Hey Phippsy - how about a photo of the other side?
Cheers
Rob
 
The kickstart feels ok been thinking of a fold up peg and a rgm kickstart but not quite sure if it will work gear shift is ok my large feet have no trouble more comfy then the original setup
 
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