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al v
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« on: May 02, 2012, 09:16:41 PM » |
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Now that its getting warmer and I have been able to start riding the valk regular for a few weeks, I noticed that I was starting to have a lot of pain in the back of my right leg just below my rear. So much so that the pain wasn't going away when I stopped riding. It finally occurred to me that the position of the rear brake pedal was the culprit. When I got the bike, the rear brake pedal was set so that it is level with the foot peg at rest. I'm guessing that's the stock position. The foot pegs are already a little further back than one would prefer cuz of that monster engine and apparently I was actually injuring myself straining to point my toes down to apply the brakes.
The fix was super simple and my leg is almost back to normal again. I adjusted the brake pedal as high as it would go. Fully applied, the pedal now stops at the level position. Braking is so much easier using the natural weight of my leg.
I posted this with the thought that it might benefit someone else as well.
Adjusting the pedal really couldn't be easier. I had thought of doing when I first got the bike, but figured it wouldn't be possible with a hydralic pedal. To make the adjustment, remove the cover which is just one bolt at the bottom, remove the cotter pin holding the pin on the top rear of the lever, pull the pin, losen the lock nut on the rod going to the master cyclinder, spin the pin holder out to the end of the rod (till it is even with the end of the threads), tighten the lock nut, put the pin back, put the cotter pin back, and put the cover back. I had to hold the pedal down to put the cover back on. The pedal will now rest really close to the cover, but it shouldn't touch. That's it.
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2012, 04:36:47 AM » |
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Just dont let the increased leverage cause you to use more back brake than front.
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BonS
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« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2012, 06:13:02 AM » |
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The adjustment mechanism is certainly there for the reason that you tweaked yours. Everyone's built a little differently and that adjustment is one that must be right for comfort as well as appropriate rear braking action. Mine is adjusted below the OEM height to keep me from accidentally pressing it while I'm just riding. Ergonomics. It would be interesting to see how many folks have adjusted theirs one way or another; or even know that the adjustment is available.
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RudyF6
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« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2012, 08:02:00 AM » |
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I popped a chrome pedal cover on mine for the same reason/solution.  |
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You can never be lost if you don't care where you're going!
98 "Tourerstate" (Std. with I/S bags/trunk)
98 Tourer solo ride
81 CBX
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jer0177
Member
Posts: 556
VRCC 32975
Pittsburgh, PA
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« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2012, 08:10:51 AM » |
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It sounds like you may benefit from some daily leg stretching exercises to increase flexibility as well: http://www.livestrong.com/article/524327-a-daily-leg-stretch-routine/Not saying that the bike shouldn't be adjusted to the rider because I'm 100% behind that - it falls in line with the right tool for the right job - and I have tweaked every bike I have ever ridden, but foot extensions shouldn't cause hamstring pain. |
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RTaz
Member
Posts: 1319
Michigan...Home of InZane X -XI
Oscoda, Michigan
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« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2012, 08:18:44 AM » |
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Try taking your wallet out of your right rear pocket. |
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 RTaz |
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Dozer
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« Reply #6 on: May 03, 2012, 08:58:03 AM » |
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Try taking your wallet out of your right rear pocket. You hit the nail on the head. Thats exactly what my Dr said to me. I thought he was being silly but it worked!!  |
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al v
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« Reply #7 on: May 03, 2012, 10:03:53 AM » |
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Try taking your wallet out of your right rear pocket. I always empty my pants pockets. Wallet and cell phone go in coat pockets. It sounds like you may benefit from some daily leg stretching exercises to increase flexibility as well I'll start adding some hamstring exercises to those that I already do to keep my shoulders from hurting. The good news is that since I've starting riding the Valk with risers and a backrest, I haven't had any shoulder issues. |
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ricoman
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« Reply #8 on: May 03, 2012, 01:17:47 PM » |
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al, you have any problems adjusting the brake light switch to work with the new pedal position?
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take personal responsibility and keep your word
98 Tourer, black and chrome, added 8/11/10
98 Std, yellow/cream, totaled 8/3/10
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al v
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« Reply #9 on: May 03, 2012, 04:26:08 PM » |
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Oops. I forgot to mention that you have to adjust the switch. The switch has a threaded adjustment and is connected to a spring that attaches to the break pedal. Just tighten the adjustment until the break light is off at rest and on when applied. There were no problems doing this.
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valkyriemc
Member
Posts: 392
2000 blu/slvr Interstate, 2018 Ultra Limited
NE Florida
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« Reply #10 on: May 03, 2012, 05:14:06 PM » |
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I did the same to mine. Much better slow riding, i.e., parking lot control.
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Veteran USN '70-'76
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GreenLantern57
Member
Posts: 1543
Hail to the king baby!
Rock Hill, SC
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« Reply #11 on: May 03, 2012, 06:50:55 PM » |
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Raised my pedal and adjusted the light too! I felt like I was having to point my toe too far down to be comfortable.
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Romeo
Member
Posts: 1612
J.A.B.O.A.
Romeo, Michigan
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« Reply #12 on: May 04, 2012, 02:23:22 PM » |
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Try taking your wallet out of your right rear pocket. He can't do that Taz, he's got everthing he may ever need in there. Mint candies, old theatre tickets, evry business card anyone has ever given him. You know the drill  |
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Romeo
Member
Posts: 1612
J.A.B.O.A.
Romeo, Michigan
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« Reply #13 on: May 04, 2012, 02:26:11 PM » |
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BY the way Al, you fit right in with us RogueRiders. J.A.B.O.A. |
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