Lowered footrests on a Commando

Previously Dave Broadbent wrote:

Being a bit tall, with long legs, the Commando has always been a tight fit for me, and with the passing of years it is becoming more of a problem as hips and knees are starting to complain much quicker than they used to. I have recently put some time in to modifying the seat mounts and probably claimed about 40mm increase in height without it looking any different to a casual observer. My next plan is to lower the footrests.

By removing both lower bolts of the three that hold the footrest to the Z plate on each side, the footrest casting can be rotated forward around the upper bolt and hence lower the footrest. The limiting factor is the kick start on the rhs, but I can still get the footrest almost 40mm lower. It means weld filling the existing zplate holes and drilling and tapping new ones, but it would be worth it for me.

My question is whether anybody else has tried this before and with what result? I am no Valentino Rossi, so lack of ground clearance shouldn't be an issue, but I am all too well aware that these are fixed footpegs....

Dave

I have a similar problem so fitted rearsets, it took three attempt's before I got the position right. I would make some Z plates from plywood changing one side at a time, then when you get the position right make some new z plates out of Ally plate.

Having had a look at my footrest pictures have you considered an adaptor plate to be bolted using coutersunk allen screws to the existing mounting holes, then reposition footrests to the mounting plates. The mounting plates would move the foot rests slightly out thus enabling exhaust clearance. If you have a rear drum brake could you not remove footrest pegs and fit lowering brackets to remount the footpegs lower. One plate each side of the arm screwed into the arm peg thread each side then a spacer between the plates lower and use a rear footrest, you could use rear footrest spacers. Just a thought.

I have made my Commando to fit me with my long legs and big feet. My email is cwinsby at hotmail and its .co.uk ( I was told not to put email addresses as you type them)

Any way happy to share idears and pictures but picture files too big for here.

Previously Dave Broadbent wrote:

The rear sets option is interesting, I had previously dismissed this as I imagined it would not actually give me more leg room - just give me a riding position like Lester Piggot! Do you have a picture of your bike with these fitted? Direct shot from the side would be useful.

Regarding modification of Z plates; the movement of the casting required is only about one full hole diameter, so very difficult to achieve the necessary movement without weld filling and starting again. Unless I just made completely new Z plates of course.

As to using the existing peg mount in the end of the cast arm - I think the rear brake pedal would be a problem. Moving at the Z plate end allows the whole assembly to be lowered which eliminates the problem. Maybe I should rotate the casting on the brake side and fit a lowering bracket on the gearchange side?

I will ping you an email....

Which model do you have? No problems just challenges.

Joke:- You could always go Easy Rider with Ape hangers and feet stuck out front.