| Floorboards vs Pegs | Rate Topic |
| Moderated by: redbaron, Patch, MDKramer, AZgl1500 | Page: 1 2   |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Author | Post |
| Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 06:05 pm | 1st Post |
|
|
Hey everyone... I'm a new GL1500 SE owner and just took the bike on a 420-mile spin yesterday through all kinds of roads (freeway, mountains, twisties, etc). She rides like a charm except those dang floorboards scrape even at low speeds on the twisties  I tend to be a distance rider, and am doing a Bryce Canyon run (from Los Angeles) in May, so floorboards are definitely nice - especially since we'll be doing about 500 miles the first day and about 350 miles per day afterward. But on those twisties, those floorboards are downright scary - even at low speeds, they fold up and pinch your feet! I don't know what brand is on there, the bike came with them. The heel/toe shifter is awkward but I got used to it with no problem. Its the brake pedal that I'm having a hard time getting used to. I'm just not used to lifting my entire foot up to get to the brake (or to the shifter... but I can live with the shifter). Just seems like it takes longer reaction time to hit the foot brake. I've seen some discussions on this forum and there seems to be two types of people - those who love floorboards and those who hate it. As it is, my feet (on the floorboards) are placed farther back than I'm used to which is causing some fatigue on the longer rides. Never had a bike with pegs and can't imagine being stuck in one position for hundreds of miles. So without giving in to the temptation of responding with the "floorboards are for whimps" response, can someone really give me some great advice on what to do? Someone suggested Progressive fork springs and 416 shocks. Advice like this is what I'm looking for. But those fork springs & 416 shocks are pricey... if they really help I'll go for it. Thanks in advance everyone... - Chuck
____________________ Current bikes: '96 GoldWing GL1500 SE '04 Suzuki Burgman 650 Sold '00 Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter for the 'Wing! |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 06:14 pm | 2nd Post |
|
|
e-Bay is a beautiful thing! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-Goldwing-Progressive-fork-springs_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35599QQihZ008QQitemZ180221287681QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
____________________ Scott 1982 GL 1100I "Phoenix" 1984 VF 1100 Magna (rocket ship) CMA- Romans 8 Riders RI. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 06:17 pm | 3rd Post |
|
|
Floorboards should be a matter of comfort. Myself, I need the pegs so I can rotate my feet & get cramps out of hips, knees, etc. I have highway boards instead of pegs & thought I'd hate 'em, but their great....I put my feet up all the time. Floorboards vs pegs are probably an either/or choice. Raise bike enough & center of gravity is off. Last edited on Mon Mar 10th, 2008 06:18 pm by Popeye ____________________ Craig Patriot Guard. PGR. NRA Life Member. http://www.kanwings.com KANWINGS / Wild Rhinos 97 1500SE Black/Chrome |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 07:19 pm | 4th Post |
|
|
I had floorboards on my 1100 and hated them. Bernie
____________________ Work for tomorrow, live for today. Live life like you mean it! GWRRA, Tenn. Chapter T Patriot Guard Rider Member Vietnam Veteran 68/69 MSF Instructor |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 07:49 pm | 5th Post |
|
|
Popeye wrote:
Higway Boards??? Haven't heard of those but I like how that sounds! Where are they mounted? So that means you have the standard pegs in the standard location AND highway boards mounted somewhere else?
____________________ Current bikes: '96 GoldWing GL1500 SE '04 Suzuki Burgman 650 Sold '00 Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter for the 'Wing! |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 07:50 pm | 6th Post |
|
|
Scooter 7 wrote: e-Bay is a beautiful thing! Thanks!
____________________ Current bikes: '96 GoldWing GL1500 SE '04 Suzuki Burgman 650 Sold '00 Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter for the 'Wing! |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 09:18 pm | 7th Post |
|
|
chuck807 wrote: Popeye wrote: I have regular pegs for sitting upright, shifting, etc., but smaller highway boards where the highway pegs go...for puttin' your feet up on on trip. I need the regular pegs so I can point my feet up/down as needed to change the position of my hip joint, knees, ankels, etc. on longer rides. They are all over eBay. They look about the same as floorboards & come in many variations.
____________________ Craig Patriot Guard. PGR. NRA Life Member. http://www.kanwings.com KANWINGS / Wild Rhinos 97 1500SE Black/Chrome |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 10:56 pm | 8th Post |
|
|
My 1200 came with floorboards on her, so I can't compare what it would be like having a road recliner with regular foot pegs! I do know that I scrape them too, but have done several long rides and do enjoy the floorboards. The P/O had highway pegs on the engine guards, but I just couldn't find a spot they would fit right to fit my short legs.  So I took them off!
____________________ "The Duke of" Earl. PGR member IBA member #32000 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Mar 11th, 2008 01:52 pm | 9th Post |
|
|
I am 53 years old......have ridden since age 17 daily.......yep used to be somewhat like Yellow Wolf......but can tell he is much better than I ever was.........so at this age do all of you actually take the twisties fast enough to scrape the floorboards? Must be I am getting calmer!! I do not ride that way now......just a gentle easy ride....enjoy the ride for the ride.......left all the youngster stuff behind...... Floorboards are nice.....if you have smaller feet.....that is the clue.....the main consideration......if you have size 10.5 and smaller floorboards are great.......and I also use the highway pegs that have the heel rest......just got a pair of them.....they are great. Also installed a heel rest that fits on the brake side......had to remodel it bit.....for the floorboard......but also a great addition.........I do know and have observed smaller feet fit between the heel/toe shift and do work fine.......and those who have bigger feet do not seem to like them much. Kit
____________________ The 1800 is my bike. The very best motorcycle ever made. I was enthralled with my first test ride on this machine. It is a great bike. A crotch rocket with storage bags.............As for oil I use the slick kind, and I like round tires, but as of late I have found square ones work best on the rear. Kit |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Mar 11th, 2008 02:01 pm | 10th Post |
|
|
I had floorboards on the 1100, was always scrapping them, and they got in the way anytime I put my feet down on the ground, didn't like them, took them off and put pegs back on, much better IMO. I never even considered floorboards for the 1500, have the highway boards mounted on the engine guards, that is good enough for me. if your short legged, the floorbards just get in the way too much. Gene 
____________________ Gene Lester Present Bikes: 2005 GL1800 Pearl Yellow "Banana Bike" 1981 GL1100 "Loud pipes don't save lives, they just annoy everyone" "My Remington shotgun says I don't need an excuse" |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Mar 11th, 2008 02:43 pm | 11th Post |
|
|
Hi chuck807, I have the stock pegs with shifter and brake levers but also have highway pegs for stretching out. The highway pegs are mounted on the crash bar down tube. Personally I like the highway pegs over boards as I can place my feet in a number of positions on the pegs.
____________________ Dan 1978 GL1000 (returning to stock) 1998 GL1500SE in Pearl White. Forum official CookBook thread http://goldwingfacts.com/forums/forum3/53153.html Order form here http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/drwCustom.php?page=cookbook_pay |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Mar 11th, 2008 02:52 pm | 12th Post |
|
|
I use the boards, heal and toe shifter along with highway boards also. I really like them and would never go back to pegs. I have size 12 feet and have no problems. Different strokes for different folks. I sold my zoom splats years ago and just enjoy the twisty's at a slower somewhat pace. I do touch the boards sometimes which reminds me to behave. Besides deer alerts don't work on those roads.
____________________ 02 1800-PEARL CHROMIUM PURPLE ( ILLUSSION BLUE ) ____________________________________________________ Tony or Anthony if your mad at me |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Tue Mar 11th, 2008 03:26 pm | 13th Post |
|
|
My 1100 came with floorboards and I don't like them. The brake issue is one I can't get used to. It does take time to lift a foot and find the pedal and that can't happen in traffic. They are in the way at signals and my ankles are taking a beating moving the bike around in the driveway. The twisties are another concern. I'm 62 and love the love canyons so the `boards are coming off when I find the right (stock) pegs. My KZ1000 is better suited for fast tight turns but I love the feel of my naked `Wing. Actually, if all I used this bike for was freeway driving, I would leave them on. It's 15/85 freeway/town for me, but that may change as this is the largest bike I've owned so far. My main riding has been dirt bikes and this thing is a far cry from my 400 Husky! I'll save the boards in case I change my mind.
____________________ 1981 GL1100 Naked 2001 DR650 Dual Sport |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Wed Mar 12th, 2008 04:02 am | 14th Post |
|
|
Nothing wrong with floorboards if you like the vile things on a beautiful Goldwing. Heel and toe shifters are also good for the infirm. But if you want the most out of your 'Wing she needs pegs. If you needed floorboards Mother Honda would have issued them to you. I have Progressives front and rear on my '93 and the original pegs. I ride like a grampa but it's not that unusual to feel the peg hitting the road in a curve, a floor board would hit much sooner and make lots of ugly noise. Also shifting with the simple lever makes for quicker, cleaner shifts. I don't laugh at those old fellows who need the prosthesis like floorboards and H&T shifters, well... maybe I snicker a bit but I try to turn my back so's not to shame the poor guys.
____________________ If you can't ride, fly or sail it, why bother? Paul W. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Wed Mar 12th, 2008 05:14 am | 15th Post |
|
|
I had floor boards on my GL1100 when I got it, but switched to pegs. I didn't like lifting my feet up off the boards to brake and shift. I prefer having my feet on something all the time. Also that scraping when you aren't expecting it is a little scary at times. Once in awhile on longer rides I miss the boards a little, but still prefer the pegs for most of my riding.
____________________ 81 GL1100 Interstate, 82 GL500 Interstate, 83 Kawasaki KZ750 LTD Twin, 81 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD, 83 Suzuki GR650 Tempter, 83 Yamaha Venture |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Wed Mar 12th, 2008 05:46 am | 16th Post |
|
|
I don't like the boards around town. I feel like I'm trying to stradle a semi at stop signs. I deal with this because on cold nights I like the way my floorboards force my toes directly under the cylinder heads for warmth. (Froze my toes when I was 5 yrs old.)
____________________ The object of life is to slide into death on your back sides through the pearly gates. Get up and say,"Thanx God, what a ride." |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Wed Mar 12th, 2008 06:18 am | 17th Post |
|
|
I had the use of a Harley Road King for a weekend and it had boards and it suited the Harley, cause with it's comparatively 'top heavy' handling characteristics, unhurried, relaxed touring was a 'way of life'.  I wouldn't want them on my wing, as the pegs get in the way enough as it is, never mind if it was 'sportin boards'! 
____________________ Ken - 1992 GL1500 Aspencade. "It's never too early to plan and never too late to go!" - Dusty Boots Hmm ..... wonder where that stretch of blacktop leads to ...... What has Dusty been up to |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Wed Mar 12th, 2008 11:39 am | 18th Post |
|
|
exavid wrote: Nothing wrong with floorboards if you like the vile things on a beautiful Goldwing. Heel and toe shifters are also good for the infirm. But if you want the most out of your 'Wing she needs pegs. If you needed floorboards Mother Honda would have issued them to you.  Hum........this is my first Goldwing.......it is the new 1800 and my new fancy shiny safety chrome floorboards fit and work well....but actually I am curious....must be they have been re-designed? Sit up higher? I can and do sometimes if with an experienced partner have a little fun in the corners......so far....way over......have never scraped anything but the bend on the center stand......at this point it is border line between common sense and pushing the envelope........and mine even have a strip of rubber ....a bumper mounted under them....maybe for just in case? I really do no think mine will hit.....I think by this point you would be upside down anyway..........
____________________ The 1800 is my bike. The very best motorcycle ever made. I was enthralled with my first test ride on this machine. It is a great bike. A crotch rocket with storage bags.............As for oil I use the slick kind, and I like round tires, but as of late I have found square ones work best on the rear. Kit |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Wed Mar 12th, 2008 12:05 pm | 19th Post |
|
|
Everyone will have an opinion. Do what suits you. I will not have boards because I like corners too much and boards scrape too easily. I scrape my mufflers regularly so boards are out. I also believe that reaction times suffer a little with boards. If you are going to ride gently, you may love the boards. It's a personal thing. John
____________________ Dadoo 82/83 GL1100I built from Ebay parts "Chrome is no substitute for horsepower" |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Posted: Wed Mar 12th, 2008 03:36 pm | 20th Post |
|
|
Thanks everyone for you great replies!! For the most part, I agree with all of you who went from boards to pegs, as I'll be doing the same. Having to lift my feet to shift/brake just doesn't cut it with me. I'll be doing the peg route along with highway boards. That should just about cover it all!
____________________ Current bikes: '96 GoldWing GL1500 SE '04 Suzuki Burgman 650 Sold '00 Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter for the 'Wing! |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Current time is 02:35 am | Page: 1 2 |
| Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums > Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums > General Motorcycle Discussion Forum > Floorboards vs Pegs | Top of Page |
Copyright © 2007-2008 Data 1 Systems