Foot Pegs vs Footboards

[Michelle]

I intend to use my bike for long club cruises and so I'm wondering if footboards would be better for those long rides as I think my feet would be in a more comfortable position. Does anyone have an opinion having tried footboards?

[ViragoJoe]

I intend to use my bike for long club cruises and so I'm wondering if footboards would be better for those long rides as I think my feet would be in a more comfortable position. Does anyone have an opinion having tried footboards?

I myself haven't used them. Some swear by them, others don't.

Here's an article by Mike Risk from January, 2006
https://www.viragohelp.com/virago-owner ... oorboards/

Sent you an email regarding floor Boards.

[geezyrider]

Michelle,
Went from Blaine WA to Spokane WA, to Glacier Nat park and back 2 years ago. A little over 1600 mile round trip with my son and son in-law. Great cruise with nary even the slightest of discomfort from the foot pegs.
The Geezy Rider

[Michelle]

Probably just me then. I'm very new to riding bikes and have only had three lessons so far (Every Monday). But my first ride was on my Virago and it was horrible. She was ok for the first 20 minutes then began to backfire and pop and even stall at intersections. Since then I have replaced the carbies and and use the Trainer's bike (a very nimble 250cc). Have not yet ridden the Virago a second time.

I also found that my ankles hurt, especially my right ankle as I was always trying to cover the foot brake. Just my inexperience I guess, but I was thinking that foot boards would encourage me to sit straight and with my feet flat and properly placed. Anyhow, I've ordered some and will fit them and see how they go. I have noticed that many police-bikes have foot boards and I've been told that cruisers do well with foot boards over foot pegs.

I also find that both my hands and wrists hurt after each riding lesson. I'm way too tense on that bike, I know. On my next lesson my instructor wants to take me out of the carpark and around the block a few times, while all I want to do is just to practice figure eights. I so wish I could just head off to a carpark on my own and practice, but not permitted in this country unless I have a qualified other rider with me

Saw an awesome video on Youtube of this guy on a big Harley Cruiser doing figure eights so tight that he was scraping the foot boards with each turn. Was so jealous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQwYVidIUOs

[ViragoJoe]

Michelle,
Don't worry you will soon learn how to do that and even make the figure eights tighter than the ones he is making. He's dragging his floor boards cuz Harley's aren't really made for tight corning. After all they are big cruisers and made for the open road.

Your wrists and hands are sore because you are having a death grip on the bars. In time, you will learn to relax and not grip the hand grips so tight. When we try something for the first time we over compensate. The same goes for your ankle on the foot brake. Just give it time you will get the hang of it.

[rbig1]

I love my boards also have the heal toe shifter. The highway boards on crash bar are very comfortable. When you start riding you have to train yourself not to slouch. I had to install pull back handle bars. But that was from old injury. My shoulder would kill me after 300 mile ride. Welcome to riding its a blast. When group riding the rear of the group is a lot easer. The ones in front tend to ride harder. enjoy

[ViragoJoe]

I love my boards also have the heal toe shifter. The highway boards on crash bar are very comfortable. When you start riding you have to train yourself not to slouch. I had to install pull back handle bars. But that was from old injury. My shoulder would kill me after 300 mile ride. Welcome to riding its a blast. When group riding the rear of the group is a lot easer. The ones in front tend to ride harder. enjoy

rbig1,
Where did you get your heal Shifter? We use to have "Choppin" who made a Great Heal Shift and Forward Controls, but has retired from making them. We need another source.

Could you post pictures of your Heal Shifter and Floor Boards?
Thanks.

[Michelle]

Yes. I also would be interested to know about this "heal-toe shifter" thingy. I have my next lesson this Monday. I'll try to relax more. Truth is... I'm scared to death of that bike

[Michelle]

Something like this?
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Yamaha-V-St ... 2650372872
And would that fit a 1988 XV535 or XV400?

[rbig1]

yes the eBay one is correct. I must apologize I was talking about my royal star venture. the virago's here bars are adjustable. I miss under stood you thought you said you ordered a set. There are quite a few bike recyclers. My favorite one is in Trare Iowa. There on eBay only way you can buy from them. I bought a lot of parts from them to put the two viragos back into shape. Also Mr. Monkeyclaw on the bay site. If you buy floor boards make shure there spring loaded as they will drag once in a while. sorry again.

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you notice on the virago has bigger around handle grips my hands needed bigger grips.