THE BACK END | PRODUCT EVALUATIONS
If you are a taller rider, the standard position
of the footpegs on a Suzuki DR650SE
can be a little high. Opening up the riding
position not only makes for increased
comfort on those big days when it’s a long
way between outback pubs but it also makes
it a little easier to move from sitting to
standing. After years of falling off bikes and
skis, my knees aren’t the best, so a more
comfortable sitting position was desirable.
The footpeg lowering kit offered by VSM is a
quick and easy fix.WE LIKED
DELIVERY The kit arrived from Inverell,
NSW, promptly by post and contained
everything needed for a quick bolt-on except
a coldie. Every well-equipped shed should
have its own sticker-encrusted beer fridge so
that this doesn’t become a problem.
INSTALLATION The kit contained the
lowering plates plus the necessary bolts
and self-locking nuts, along with a set of
instructions with clear diagrams on how tofit them. It’s not a long job and you barely
even get your hands dirty. The original ’pegs
with the mounting arm attached come off,
the plate goes on in their place and then the
mounting arms, complete with footpegs, are
attached to the lower holes in the plate.
LOCATION The new footpeg position is
about 30mm lower and 25mm further
rearward. A small change perhaps but a
worthwhile one and all that was needed
after bolting the VSM footpeg lowering kit on
was a quick adjustment to the gearlever and
brake pedal positions.
COMFORT On the Finke Desert Expedition
I covered 5800km. Nothing vibrated loose,
my dodgy knees never gave any discomfort
and it was noticeably easier to stand on the
Suzuki when required.WE DIDN’T LIKE
BOLT HOLES Nothing not to like about the
VSM kit, but I have to put something here
to fill the space so I’ll mention that the bolt
holes were a little snug and required a quickrub with a round file for the bolt shanks
to fit right through. Nothing really, mere
seconds of work to rectify, maybe the drill
which was used to make my set was due for
a sharpen.VERDICT
If like me, you live at higher altitudes
then opening up the riding position with
these plates is a worthwhile exercise and
necessary for long-term comfort.
It’s a quick and easy option and, at $45,
a pretty cheap one for the added ease it
gives. It certainly made the Suzuki a more
comfortable conveyance over Outback
corrugations.
Warren JackVSM FOOTPEG LOWERING KIT
$45, Vince Strang Motorcycles, vincestrangmotorcycles.com.au, (02) 6721 0650120 | APRIL 2016 http://www.adbmag.com.au