An Observation & Opinions

[rmrc51]

I don't know about most of you, but I have one heck of a time being comfortable on the Valkyrie with it's standard seating position having your feet straight down as compared to being stretched out in front of you like other bikes. 

Maybe it's my physical makeup, but I find that I have to force my feet to face fully forward instead of their normal outboard position in order to work the shifter and press on the rear brake and that's really uncomfortable!! So much so it has caused me to develop cramps in my hip. Recently, I tried mounting a GoldWing Trike and found that I have the same problem due to the Wings seating position. (which seems basically the same as the Valkyrie)

I've ordered the Interstate Forward Controls from Barry of Big Bike Things in the hope that these add-ons will correct my issue.

Has anyone else experienced the same problem/discomfort and what did you do? I love my Valk but in it's standard configuration, riding is a painful and possibly dangerous experience!

[Black Dog]

I agree on the seating position, but with the Big Ol' Boxer 6, there ain't many options for where to put yer feet.  I too, get the dreaded hip cramps, but think that is more of an age thing 

Many folks have done things to make the beast more comfortable...  Risers, seats, foot pegs, and like you, the forward controls.  I took some time and the use of a friends metal fabricating business, and made a set of floor boards that I call 'Dragon Wings'.  Great for the long haul, and one of a kind.



Another option for leg comfort would be 'Micko Pegs'.  I've not tried them, but I know some that have, and love 'em.

Get creative, and make yourself comfortable 

Black Dog

[rmrc51]

lol,,, yeah,,, It's definitely an "AGE" thing!!!!! Unfortunately. 

I took a look at the Nicko Pegs but they are only for resting your legs in a forward position, not controlling shifting or braking.

BigBf's forward controls do both. They should arrive shortly. Hopefully,,, this will be my answer!   

By the way,,,,,, GREAT looking floor boards!!!!!!!!!! 

[hubcapsc]

It is wretched to have to ride the Valkyrie a long way with no place other than the OEM
footpegs to put your feet.

I got the forward controls, and I love them, but I cut off their footpeg mounts
and use Kuryakyn 4050 pegs way back on the curved part of the
small tube of the OEM crash bar.

Comfort isn't just in the extra set of pegs, some kind of back rest is needed too...

I didn't come up with these ideas, I talked about it here first like you're doing,
and I've got a very comfortable bike now...





I know one guy who rides faster than me in the twisties who had a close
call with the new "first place to drag" that the forward controls introduce
into the equation, so be aware...



-Mike

[Hog Killer DS0048]

I had the same problem with my knees. I'd ride 100 miles or so and could hardly get off the bike. Old age and arthritis is a killer. As much I loved my Valk, I traded for a 2008 Victory Vision. It is easily the most comfortable bike I've owned.

[Valker]

Guess I'm weird. I hate feet forward which is the first reason I looked at a Valk. That is the only one I found with mid set pegs. I'm in my mid 50s and have arthritis and no ligiments in either knee. Forward controls just kill me.... ???

[SANDMAN5]

I don't know about most of you, but I have one heck of a time being comfortable on the Valkyrie with it's standard seating position having your feet straight down as compared to being stretched out in front of you like other bikes. 

Actually, I'm just the opposite! I have difficulty riding with my feet sticking
straight out in front of me, put's too much pressure on my lower back. That's
another one of the things I love about the Valk....you're not riding something
"like other bikes". I may get some highway pegs someday...maybe not.

[Scott in Ok]

I personally prefer the riding position with my feet under me.  Especially in any sort of aggressive riding situation.  I  feel much more balanced and in control with my feet under me.  However, for long distance riding, I have Kuyrakyn highway pegs, and the fantastic Mick o Pegs. (For three different foot positions)

I rode a 1100 Shadow for awhile that had foot pegs that stretched me out front.  That thing was a killer because I couldn't change my foot position.  The key isn't one way or the other, it is having BOTH options.

-Scott
  

[junior]

i have the cobra clasic boards they let me turn my feet outwards when riding

[elgato]

The Valk seating position is ideal for this fat boy. I can ride till the tank runs out of gas on my Valk, on the other hand i can only ride 60 miles max on my Trump, and i have to get off (which happens to have the forward peg seating).

[Oss]

i have the pegs way forward on the crash bars and mick o pegs and rivco floor boards

for a long ride the mickopegs are the bomb  its like sittin on a barstool no pressure on your back at all but they aint for tight turns  They are spring loaded and will let you know you need to move off em  1st couple times it happens you will figure it out lol

Also have a russelldaylong with backrest

Moving your feet from one position to another once in a while sure helps keep the calf's and hips loose

[Normandog]

I can't agree with ya there 'cause I have never ridden a bike with them installed. 

[3fan4life]

I've never really been comfortable riding a bike that has only forward controls.

Something about it doesn't feel right to me.

On a long ride I have footrests that are mounted to the crash bars and they work just fine.

In the twisties or in heavy traffic I prefer to have my feet on the centered pegs.

I do feel that I have better control of the bike.

 

OSS I have a question for you:

Also have a russelldaylong with backrest

Do you have any close up PICS of your VALK with the Russell seat?

It looks to me that the DayLong seat would be more comfortable than the Ultimate.

But, I've never seen how one looks on the VALK.

[Tropic traveler]

Motorcycling is definitely an individual hobby! Everyones bike is tailored to it's owners comfort.  
rmc, most of the cruiser motorcycling world must agree with you on foot position preference. The overwhelming majority of cruiser bikes are Harleys & HD clones with the "feet forward" set up.
I'll have to agree with Eric {Valker} on the pure bliss of the Valk "standard" foot position. When I ride Kim's SS750 {which is a Harley knock-off} my feet & legs tire quickly from being stuck forward. I had floorboards on my Rocket 3 & as soon as the shifting was done my toes were the only part of my foot touching the very back of the boards! If I would have kept the Triumph I was going to install a set of Raask mid-controls & pegs.     But it was the comfort of the Valk that won me over.   I rarely use my front mounted highway pegs on my Valk, much preferring resting my feet on the passenger pegs for a break on long rides. Too much pressure on my 51 year old spine with my feet stuck out forwards. Kim has the exact opposite preference. Highway pegs are a must have for her to stretch out her 34" inseam long legs. During long rides she looks over at me with my feet on the back pegs, shakes her head & laughs!  



Don't sell the Valk. Do what you have to do to make it fit you & enjoy the best of everything!  

[Oss]

3fan I sent you a pic

you can email me anytime

[Master Blaster]

These boards and forward pegs do the trick for me.  Gives lots of options to change position.  I also ride a ZX14 with feet behind and the Concours 14 with more straight down position.  So the Valk stock isnt that bad for me.

[rmrc51]

Thanks for all of the replies.

It really shouldn't surprise me how so many prefer different riding positions. Even in my car I have my seat tilted back with my legs stretched out in front. Many of my family can't believe that I'm comfortable driving like that.

I had a Suzuki Intruder 1500LC (Harley look-a-like) which was VERY comfortable! I sold her to buy the Valk and I had hoped that I'd just get use to the different riding position, but, it just became worse very quickly!

I really don't have a problem with keeping my legs straight down. Its trying to use the shift lever and rear brake pedal that's the problem. I just can't pivot my feet inward to comfortably use them. That's what causes the spasms in my hip.

Again,, I hope those IS forward controls from BigBf work!!!!!!!

[Tundra]

Same problem, I've installed floorboards with heal/toe shifter. Floorboards allow me to position my feet in several differant positions. Installed Kuryakyn highway pegs and swear buy my Ultimate backrest. With all this being said, I still hip cramp when I can't change positions. My hip cramped so bad at Daytona (stuck in non moving traffic) The pain and discomfort on my face really showed, the guys I was with thought I was having a heart attack.

[rmrc51]

Same problem, I've installed floorboards with heal/toe shifter. Floorboards allow me to position my feet in several differant positions. Installed Kuryakyn highway pegs and swear buy my Ultimate backrest. With all this being said, I still hip cramp when I can't change positions. My hip cramped so bad at Daytona (stuck in non moving traffic) The pain and discomfort on my face really showed, the guys I was with thought I was having a heart attack.

Tundra,

Take a look at this web site;

http://www.bigbikethings.com/

I'm getting the Interstate Forward Controls. Hopefully, these will alleviate the problem.

[Tundra]

rmrc51, I forgot about this site. I ordered some accessories from him several years ago. Great guy to do business with. Thanks 

[hubcapsc]

BBT has two styles of forward controls. I believe the Interstate version will drag even before the
older version.

I've never dragged the older version, but know someone who has.

I agree with everyone about not using the forward pegs for twistys and such,
but it is a godsend to be able to change leg position on long rides. I rode my
97 for a year with only stock pegs and the stock seat (no backrest). When I
got back from my first Britman's memorial day ride, I ached all over.

-Mike

[rmrc51]

Ya know,,,, I fully understand why most of you would be concerned about dragging the Inter State controls on your tight turns. That's definitely something to consider!

Luckily for me it doesn't apply because my Valk is a Trike.

[Rocketman]

Again,, I hope those IS forward controls from BigBf work!!!!!!!

Side comment:
I don't believe that BigBF has anything to do with Big Bike Things, other than both being good sources of Valkyrie add-ons.