Tall Rider seat and footpeg options for Interstate

[Serk]

So, I'm tweaking my new to me Interstate to fit me better, and getting to the big ticket decisions...

I've got a Hartco custom on my standard and I love it, but open to going another direction on the Interstate. Which of the more common after market Interstate setups lifts the rider up and back as much as possible? I feel like my knees are crammed up by my ears on the stock seat, that has to change.

On my standard I've got extended arm Kuraykyn ISO pegs on the engine guards, they're.... okay... but with the pods on the Interstate, and me wanting to set her up for long distance mile eating, I keep hearing I should go Mick-O pegs...

How good are the Mick-O pegs for taller riders? I keep hearing they're awesome, best thing since sliced bread, but that's generally from short folks, 6'2" and under. Anyone 6'5" or taller using Mick-O and have some comments before I drop the cash on 'em?

Thanks. I know this topic has been beaten to death over and over, but the vertically gifted rider angle makes it a little different...

[Valkorado]

Serk, I recently purchased another beautiful Interstate.  Had the Mick-o pegs installed.  Threw my Hartco seat on it as well.  While I'm not as Sasquatchean as you, the pegs are the best thing since sliced bread!  They're well suited to your stomping grounds, as you always wanna remember to get off of 'em before entering anything with a semblance to twisties!  I still may consider some gyno pegs just for another stretch position, but Mick-o pegs absolutely rock!

I'm 6' 2" so YMMV considerably.

[vanavyman]

I had a Hartco custom made for my Interstate and it is awesome.  Most other seats are at least twice the price.  I got my Driver seat, driver backrest/bag, and passenger seat for under $600 2 years ago. Mark made them exactly as we requested.  Trish had him make her passenger seat wider and taller.

Dan

[Jess from VA]

Brian, pull the seat off the IS and swap that existing Std Hartco over to the IS driver's position.  It should fit no problem.  I forget now what is done (in back) to stick dual seats on interstates (I have a dual Ultimate lowboy on one interstate), but it is not a big deal (probably covered in the Ultimate website).

It is not a big deal to swap seats, and the rear on your std will probably go on the IS too (once you figure out the little workaround for the rear IS mount).

Even if you want to go ahead and get another seat for your interstate, trying your Hartco is a good temp fix, and can give you ideas.

Short of another custom Hartco rider's solo (with something for the passenger added), you would probably like the Ultimate King boy (full set for rear too, I don't think the King solo is compatible with any other rear pillion), but a lot more money.

I know everyone loves Day Long, but bring money.

I know you have the peg lowering kit on the std, you probably want that for the IS too. (Mark T)

If you want to spend for the MickoPegs fine, otherwise you would probably be happy with simple Kury Quick Clamps to Dually pegs right at the 3 and 9 Oclock on the engine guards.  IF you need to go further forward, add in some 4" offsets to put the pegs ahead of the engine guards.

You mostly have to buy Kury HWY pegs for Valk piecemeal rather than kits (cheaper) because of the 1 1/8" inch clamps (all the kits are for 1 1/4" clamp Harleys).  There may be some kits with 1 1/8" clamps (like the 4050s that clamp underneath on the low guard (but you should cut the IS scoops off if you use those), but to mount pegs to the engine guards direct, you will need 1) 1 1/8" quick clamps, 2) clevis, 3) offsets (4" I think not 6"), and 4) the pegs of your choice (either Duallys or Small ISO pegs, but you do not want Large ISO pegs for HWY pegs; they stick out too far and the small are big enough for any foot size)

I've never used the MickoPegs.  I know they move up and down in-use (which I would never want).  What I would want to know if I was you would be how far down will they go at full extension (for tallest long leg riders), and how much lean does it take at that lowest position for your heels to hit/drag the pavement?  I've had my feet drug off both my floorboards and HWY pegs before in hard leans, and it was a painful knee twisting experience, and scraped up my boot badly too.  I know to get off my HWY pegs in twisties, but many times have been on them for long periods when suddenly I have a sharp turn to make, and that's when it happened.

Here's the Ultimate PDF on interstate OE dual-tour to double seats:  https://ultimateseats.ca/installation/is-cmb.pdf

BTW, stock risers?  You'll want 4" or a riser spacer.

 

[gordonv]

Not being as long legged as you, I've always found it comfortable just moving and planting my butt on the passenger seat, and riding for a time that way to streak out. 

Very hard to have a passenger tho, but for single riding an option. Make up a single seat on an IS pan as far back as you like.

Now I just want to get some risers that'll move the handle bars back a little.

[Serk]

Even if you want to go ahead and get another seat for your interstate, trying your Hartco is a good temp fix, and can give you ideas.

My goal is to have two fully functional, independent Valkyries. I might move the Hartco over to the Interstate just for testing, but I know my butt likes the Hartco for long distances. Might call them up and see about their Interstate seats. I'm a little concerned about how much they've changed in the almost 20 years since I bought the Hartco for my standard though.  The fact that he won't do e-mail, ONLY phone calls is a bit of a turnoff, but I might force myself to suck it up and give him a call.

For those who have one, are the Hartco Interstate seats one piece like the OEM seat?

Short of another custom Hartco rider's solo (with something for the passenger added), you would probably like the Ultimate King boy (full set for rear too, I don't think the King solo is compatible with any other rear pillion), but a lot more money.

I don't mind spending the money, if the quality is consummate with the money spent. (To a point, of course.)

I know you have the peg lowering kit on the std, you probably want that for the IS too. (Mark T)

Damnit! I wish I'd known MarkT makes a version of the peg lowering kit, would have much preferred keeping my money stateside instead of ordering the one I did from Poland. But yeah, peg lowering kit is on the way.

Also, the Interstate came with Cobra floorboards... I'm undecided if those are staying or if I'm going to switch back to stock OEM pegs. I'm used to the pegs. The floorboards are nice and all, but they restrict my movement and make it harder for my gorilla feet to get to the shifter peg (Even after I adjusted the peg.)

If you want to spend for the MickoPegs fine, otherwise you would probably be happy with simple Kury Quick Clamps to Dually pegs right at the 3 and 9 Oclock on the engine guards.  IF you need to go further forward, add in some 4" offsets to put the pegs ahead of the engine guards.

I've got Kuraykyn on my Standard and they're.... okay... But by the time I piecemeal a Kurakyn setup together that's halfway acceptable (Keeping in mind I need extended extra long arms) I'm financially a decent part of the way towards Micko... So, if the Micko would work for someone 6'7", I'd rather go that way. I'm also concerned about their cornering ability, but generally it's the long freeway mostly straight stretches where I wanna get comfy. If there's twisties, I'm enjoying the road too much to get uncomfortable.

BTW, stock risers?  You'll want 4" or a riser spacer.

I must be a freak of nature (In many ways) but I've got the stock risers on my standard, and have never felt the need to get higher risers.  Somehow, once I get the seat and pegs setup for my freakishly long appendages, the handlebars seem to "Just Work."
 

Not being as long legged as you, I've always found it comfortable just moving and planting my butt on the passenger seat, and riding for a time that way to streak out. 

I've actually done this some, just for short term comfort... But I REALLY like having a backrest, which would preclude this on a long term basis, also I like having one of my spawn on the back as a passenger, which would also make this solution rather untenable in the long term.

Thank you, sincerely, for all the comments and suggestions, please keep them coming!

[Jess from VA]

Also, the Interstate came with Cobra floorboards... I'm undecided if those are staying or if I'm going to switch back to stock OEM pegs. I'm used to the pegs. The floorboards are nice and all, but they restrict my movement and make it harder for my gorilla feet to get to the shifter peg (Even after I adjusted the peg.)

I have the Cobra boards and Rattlebars kickshifter (on both bikes).  I have 8 1/2 feet, and my shifter side foot is always crowded on my board.

Really, I don't know how anyone with the floorboards can use them without a heel toe shifter.  That tiny peg sucks for lifting, esp with floorboards.  Of course, there is a way to make that peg longer.

However, after you stick the peg lowering kit on, the floorboards (which I believe will fit with the lowering kit) may not be so restrictive on reaching the shift peg anymore.  BUT, the peg lowering kit already drags too soon for my taste, and the Cobras lowered will drag even sooner than a peg (just a bit sooner though).

Don't forget the Kuryakyn Iso Wings as another peg choice.  You get more than a peg, but plenty of room for shifting without a heel toe shifter.

[vanavyman]

Mark owns Diamond Custom and Hartco.  Really good guy to work with.  I put a 2 piece Hartco seat on my Interstate that allowed us to get the seats the size each of us wanted.  Not sure he makes a one piece for the Valkyrie.  Have a Diamond Custom on my 09 Goldwing that is one piece.  The 1 piece for the Goldwing costs quite a bit more than the 2 piece seat set for the Valkyrie.  During Wingding (Knoxville) over Labor day we are taking my Wife's Valkyrie Interstate Trike so she can order a new 2 piece Hartco seat.  She has very specific requirements for him.  Another nice thing about his seats is he makes his own pans so you don't have to send him a seat. 

Dan & Trish.

[Willow]

... I feel like my knees are crammed up by my ears on the stock seat, that has to change.
...

It's simply the price you pay for choosing to grow unreasonably long.     

Seriously, take your time.  Have a conversation with TJ.  Long distance riders understand what others only speculate.

[Oss]

IMHO Mickopegs are great, in the twisties they just come up with contact, you figure out when to move your feet pretty darn quick

As I have said I took off the rear peg on the kickshifter to make room for my feet which are wide but probably not your size . I love banging down on the metal

The only problem I noticed, well other people have told me is that sometimes my danged feet when on the boards are also on the rear brake. That is a big reason I am often on either highway peg or mickopeg

If I could lower that brake pad that might help but I have no idea how to do that   That said I get about 40000 out of a rear set of brakes (only on my 3rd set at 108k) so I must not be doing more than contacting the switch with my toesal area

[ridingron]

 toesal  

Is that a real word?

[ridingron]

I talked to Russell about moving the seat pocket up 2" and back 2". They said no problem. You start getting into the rear seat if you move back too far. It comes down to how big are your passengers?

Some one made brackets to move the trunk forward (to the rear seat area), I suppose brackets could be made to move the trunk rearward.    I wouldn't move it far, it looks like it's just hanging on where it sets now.   

[Disco]

I rode many miles with 5_19 when he had his Standard.  He had Mick-O pegs on it and used them a lot.  

[Serk]

Long distance riders

Nice double entendre!

I rode many miles with 5_19 when he had his Standard.  He had Mick-O pegs on it and used them a lot.  

That sounds like a good testimonial to me!

Thanks... still researching and thinking (And saving my pennies)

[Rams]

While I'm not as Sasquatchean as you, the pegs are the best thing since sliced bread!  They're well suited to your stomping grounds, as you always wanna remember to get off of 'em before entering anything with a semblance to twisties!  

Mick-o pegs absolutely rock!

I agree that Mick-O-Pegs Rock!  

IMHO Mickopegs are great, in the twisties they just come up with contact, you figure out when to move your feet pretty darn quick

I also agree with Oss on this.   There have been times I went into a turn and did not take my feet off the MOPs.  The micro-second they make contact, your feet will be headed to the rider's pegs and the spring loaded MOPs rise up.    Scrapping pegs is not an issue if one is so inclined.   Been there, done that...  Love my MOPs!  

Rams

[Foozle]

Even if you want to go ahead and get another seat for your interstate, trying your Hartco is a good temp fix, and can give you ideas.

My goal is to have two fully functional, independent Valkyries. I might move the Hartco over to the Interstate just for testing, but I know my butt likes the Hartco for long distances. Might call them up and see about their Interstate seats. I'm a little concerned about how much they've changed in the almost 20 years since I bought the Hartco for my standard though.  The fact that he won't do e-mail, ONLY phone calls is a bit of a turnoff, but I might force myself to suck it up and give him a call.

I just got off the phone with Mark at Hartco - ordered a driver's seat (no backrest) with studs and rain cover for $450 shipped.  Not chump change, to be sure, but probably still a bit less than some of the comparable alternatives.  I have the Ultimate King Big Boy and like it, but have found it to be a 2-3 hour seat (for me, anyway).  Bladder permitting, would love to be able to sit between ~8 gallon fill-ups.

Mark is the consummate salesman and likes to bend your ear - which may be why he prefers phone calls.  However,  it's also pretty clear he's serious about making each customer the most comfortable seat he can.  I even got a personal call-back asking for some additional measurements.  I won't know the end result until I actually get the seat, but the process thus far was pleasant and professional.

Incidentally, there's a pair of Mick-O-Pegs on eBay (I have no affiliation).  Not sure what they sell for new, so this may or may not be a deal:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mick-O-Pegs-for-2001-2017-GL1800-Goldwing-2014-and-Up-F6B-PRICE-REDUCED/192610669128?hash=item2cd87d9248%3Ag%3AuFMAAOSwfaFbWz1i&_sacat=0&_nkw=mick+pegs&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313

Terry

[Serk]

Thanks for the input! Ordered my Mick O Pegs today.

Unfortunately, the eBay listing isn't the right kind for a 1999 Valkyrie, or for that price I'd be all over it, but thank you!

Incidentally, there's a pair of Mick-O-Pegs on eBay (I have no affiliation).  Not sure what they sell for new, so this may or may not be a deal:

Still noodling on the seat. I'm leaning towards Hartco just because of how much I've loved it on my standard (Over 100,000 miles with my butt in that one), funny how much people change though, the biggest hangup for me isn't the money, it's having to pick up the phone and talk to someone.

I'll give it some time and see if I can work up the courage to call HartCo about an Interstate seat set.

And then it'll be time to start thinking about a bigger windshield. But I wanna get the seat and pegs settled first so I have a better idea of just how tall I need it.

I was about to wire in a phone charger under the seat but stopped myself, ordered an Eastern Beaver relay'ed fuse box and will wait, I'd rather wait a while and do the wiring right the first time. THEN I'll wire in a phone charger under the seat, maybe a wired garage door opener, and who know what else.

Then maybe a paint job..... Banana yellow maybe? Goblin Green? Pearl White? Maybe even try to get it to match my factory blue and ivory on my standard.... So many ideas, so little money...

[vanagon40]

Hartco seat and Mick O Pegs.    I'm only 6'1", but find the combination very comfortable. I never use the Kuryakyn pegs.

Not the best photo to show the Mick O Pegs:

[Serk]

I put on my big boy pants and called Hartco... Nice guy, nice chat, seat ordered (Driver, rider, w/ backrest, $629+ shipping these days.)

Looking like about a 30 day lead time, but it's too $*(@) hot to ride much right now anyway.

Thanks ya'll, she's coming together nicely!

[Jess from VA]

Sticking with what you know is almost always better than taking what's behind door number three.   

[Valkorado]

I put on my big boy pants and called Hartco... Nice guy, nice chat, seat ordered (Driver, rider, w/ backrest, $629+ shipping these days.)

Looking like about a 30 day lead time, but it's too $*(@) hot to ride much right now anyway.

Thanks ya'll, she's coming together nicely!

Don't know how he does it but I purchased the same Hartco setup for about half that, custom made to our sizes, from an eBay seller called porkydogg.  Only drawback is the vinyl option was plain black.  That and he only offers the seats during the winter off season.  Most comfortable seat I've owned!

[semo97]

Had a diamond made for the IS it is not much better then a stock seat. I went with  Russell. I have it on my tourer now. My son went super valk with the IS and a solo corbon. He is 6'5"" and wants the Russell back. I have a passenger diamond  with very little use if you want to try it, sold the driver seat 6 yrs. ago. I am not to far east of you near Pittsburg. To bad you posted after your trip to Atlanta about the seats , but you didn't know at the time. You could have tried my Russell on the tourer, I used to be 6'2" but with age you shrink.

[Serk]

Why didn't anyone tell me about these Mick-O pegs before?!?!?!

(Kidding, I've heard them mentioned many times, never thought they could be THAT good... They are!)

Got 'em, got 'em installed and took a quick ride around the neighborhood (Barefoot no less, I was in such a hurry to try 'em out) and oh my, where have those been all my riding life?!?!?!

Edit to add - Anyone know why the directions tell you to disassemble 'em before installing 'em? That was totally unnecessary as far as I can tell, at least on a Valk install?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Barefoot 

[Serk]

Barefoot 

Well technically I did have my socks on, and they're re-enforced with Kevlar, so there's that at least...

[Oss]

I dont know Serk but I can tell you DONT STAND on them while passing a truck on a right handed downhill at 75mph or so.

The pin sheared off and almost dumped the bike as I lost control for a moment (Funny how time slows down at times like that).

Fortunately having attended to the 3 s's before the ride there was no damage to any clothing

Cant say Jim did not warn me when he did the install at americade as he did warn me.  It is only held with an allen screw after all  I had offered to let you try them at Roanoke

[Serk]

I had offered to let you try them at Roanoke

I do appreciate that, I've had several people offer to let me try those out over the years, I honestly just didn't believe something could be that awesome...

Thank you though! And yeah, they're definitely for highway cruising only (Or going around the neighborhood in socks ) not for on the twisties and not to be stood on either...

[ridingron]

How about a couple of pic's of the pegs, up and in use? Socks optional.

[Serk]

How about a couple of pic's of the pegs, up and in use? Socks optional.

Left side with Mick-O Pegs stowed:



Left side with Mick-O Pegs deployed:



Right side with Mick-O Pegs stowed:



Right side with Mick-O Pegs deployed:

[Cracker Jack]

Looks like your pegs are mighty close to the front of the floorboards as is mine. I have my floorboards as forward as possible on the peg lowering plates and the Mic-O -Pegs as far forward as possible without cutting the scoops off.

So far, doesn't work for me as the boards hinder the deployment of the Pegs then hit the back of my legs when deployed. I have considered cutting the Mic-O-Peg arms off a few inches to give more room. They really don't need to go as low as they do nor raise up as high as they do. Shortening the arms will restrict the up and down limits but I don't see that as a problem.

I don't recall anyone mentioning that as being a problem for them.

[ridingron]

Serk-Thanks for the photos. That looks promising.

[Oss]

mine are also all the way forward 

thought about cutting the side of the scoops but didnt

[Jess from VA]

If you need to, just cut the scoops off.

They do nothing (but cause conversation).

[Serk]

Looks like your pegs are mighty close to the front of the floorboards as is mine. I have my floorboards as forward as possible on the peg lowering plates and the Mic-O -Pegs as far forward as possible without cutting the scoops off.

So far, doesn't work for me as the boards hinder the deployment of the Pegs then hit the back of my legs when deployed. I have considered cutting the Mic-O-Peg arms off a few inches to give more room. They really don't need to go as low as they do nor raise up as high as they do. Shortening the arms will restrict the up and down limits but I don't see that as a problem.

I don't recall anyone mentioning that as being a problem for them.

I've been a little concerned, since my peg lowering kit hasn't arrived from Poland yet. But so far, and I took my first real highway test ride with 'em today, the Mick-O pegs are awesome enough I will MAKE them work, if the peg lowering kit and the floorboards interfere with the Mick-O's, I'll swap the floor boards out for regular OEM foot pegs to make it work.

Most of my height is in my legs, so I really wouldn't wanna shorten the arms on the Mick-O's any, I want as much length as I can get to stretch my legs out as much as possible.

My Mick-O's are also as far forward as I can get 'em without cutting bits off the bike. So far this looks like it will work, especially once my HartCo custom seat comes in which should lift me up and back a few more inches from the stock seat. From the pics it doesn't look like my feet are moved very far from their position on the floorboards, but from riding it those few inches make a WORLD of difference.

I'm impressed enough with the Mick-O's, once the dust settles I'll probably be getting a second set for my other Valk... (It's nice owning multiple Valks, but dang it can get expensive putting all the necessary farkles on both of 'em! I've put almost the price of a used Valk into my new one just to make her mine, and I'm not finished yet, but I knew that was coming and have zero regrets... )

[3fan4life]

I'm glad to see my old girl getting so much love!!


I'm thinking Mick O Pegs for the ST as well.

But, I'm a cheap SOB and looking around for a used set first.

[baldo]

All this yakking about the Mick O Pegs got me interested in a set for my old girl. They arrived today, I'll install them in the next couple of days. I'm leaving on a trip to Nova Scotia next Tuesday, they should come in pretty handy.....

[Serk]

Looks like your pegs are mighty close to the front of the floorboards as is mine. I have my floorboards as forward as possible on the peg lowering plates and the Mic-O -Pegs as far forward as possible without cutting the scoops off.

Keeping in mind my peg lowering kit hasn't arrived yet (It just cleared customs in NY it seems), but without it and with Cobra floorboards, this is what the clearance looks like between my floorboard and the Mick-O. I THINK it'll still work once he lowering kit is installed, but frankly if it doesn't I'll just buy stock pegs and replace the floorboards to MAKE it work.

I'm glad to see my old girl getting so much love!!

Likewise, I'm glad to see the ST finally getting some love and attention! Always made me sad seeing such an awesome bike just sitting, but she just didn't fit me, the spousal unit had hung up her helmet, and if there's any motorcycle LESS appropriate for a teenager to start off on than a Valkyrie, it's an ST1300!

Kind of bittersweet, yesterday I re-arranged the garage so that my standard is parked in the harder to get in and out of position and the Interstate is in the easier/quicker to get in and out spot. Almost eighteen years as my primary ride, and now she's relegated to secondary status, but she'll always be my first love!

All this yakking about the Mick O Pegs got me interested in a set for my old girl. They arrived today, I'll install them in the next couple of days. I'm leaving on a trip to Nova Scotia next Tuesday, they should come in pretty handy.....

If you like 'em half as much as I like 'em, you'll be glad you bought 'em. And if you don't, PM me, I'm looking for a 2nd set at the right price to equip my standard Valk with!

[Serk]

Small update - my peg lowering/relocation kit finally arrived from Poland today, and was promptly installed.

As I did on my original Valkyrie I opted to mount my pegs in the middle of the three possible positions, and this is the clearance of the Mick-O pegs with the floorboards with the pegs lowered and moved forward. Still, for me at least, well within acceptable tolerances:



Somewhat related question, now I'm thinking about a bigger windshield. When they list the sizes of windshields, is that measured as mounted from the fairing, or some other measurement location?

[Jess from VA]

Serk, the OE IS shield is 15.5", and only that half inch goes below the chrome trim on the front of the fairing to the four bolts inside the fairing.  

The Clearview (and other sites) post total lengths of IS shields, including the half inch to mount.
 

My question is, would those pegs mount further forward if you cut the scoops off?

In your picture, it looks like you are holding the arm down a little.  It looks like the Micko peg would sit nearly even with the shift peg when at rest, and possibly interfere/impede toe movement to the shift peg.  Maybe it's just the angle of the shot

[Serk]

My question is, would those pegs mount further forward if you cut the scoops off?

In your picture, it looks like you are holding the arm down a little.  It looks like the Micko peg would sit nearly even with the shift peg when at rest, and possibly interfere/impede toe movement to the shift peg.  Maybe it's just the angle of the shot

I'm pretty sure it could be moved further forward if I were to hack the scoops off, but I'm okay with 'em where they are, at least so far.

I am holding the peg down in the picture, I was trying to hold it in position as close to the front of the floorboard as it could get. In the "resting" position it's pretty far up from there, next to the engine itself. I'd go get a pic of it in the resting position, but the bike's are all snuggled up in the dry garage and it's raining again.

This pic is from a few days ago, before I got my peg lowering kit, and from the brake side, but gives you an idea of where the pegs sit in their non-deployed state: