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Thruxton R - Raise footpegs

4K views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  MrH 
#1 ·
Recently got a new 2017 Thruxton R. Generally like it but struggling to adapt to the riding position. I think I've figured out that the problem is my knees don't come up to the tank -- they actually hit at the cooling fins. This means I can't use my knees to brace myself when braking, resulting in pressure on my wrists. I've read this is a common problem.

I think raising the footpegs 1-2" will push my knees up to the tank and give me something to grip onto. Is there a pre-made kit, or aftermarket rearset, that allows me to do that, or can I swap parts from another similar bike, etc? Any other thoughts? Am I approaching this right?

This is my first cafe racer and eager to get it set up right so I can start enjoying it!
 
#2 ·
Congrats on the R. You are in fir a treat.

How tall are you?
Modified rear sets might work. Place some blocks on your pegs and see if it helps. If so, that's the direction to go.
Another option might be to raise the seat height. But, then you increase distance to the ground. Maybe not too good if you are short.

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#4 ·
I would that that at 5'10" there wouldn't be a problem. Strange.

As for rear sets, no I don't know who makes them. I have seen a bike, probably here, with a set on. Maybe in the "what did you do on your thruxton today" page?

Still, I'd prop a few blocks on the pegs to see if it helps before spending the hundreds on a new rearset.
 
#6 · (Edited)
I thought it might matter if you rode with the balls of your feet vs arches, but I just went out and tested on my bike and it's the same either way. I'm 5'-4 and my knees press into the bottom of the tank, so we're doing something different or we're built different.

At your standard height, you should be able grip the tank.

Maybe worth going back to the dealer and explain the problem, let them watch you do a slow ride-by and see if they can point out what's going on. If you're accustomed to bracing yourself with the tank, knee pads tank would be a quick/cheap fix...

It may sound counter-intuitive, but lowering the height of the the bars with Triumph's 'Low Bar Kit' solved my wrist/shoulder discomfort (I was in a lot of pain after 20 minutes in the stock-bar position and thought I'd need higher bars like the 1200 Bonneville but on a whim I tried the lower bars and now can ride for hours and hours in complete comfort - plus the low bars look proper ; -)
 
#7 ·
A person's height depends on torso length and leg length. It is quite possible that a taller person has shorter legs and longer torso than most. As a matter of fact, I have a friend with this exact type of build. He often has problems with lack of headroom on cars, but he's not taller than average.
 
#8 ·
Thanks all. Based on feedback here I went and took another ride. It seems my issue was I was sitting too close to the tank. I guess I'm used to that position from my Speed Triple and sport bikes before that. By sliding back ~6", my leg angle changes to make my knees hit towards the bottom edge of the tank. Tank pads should help me in this case. Now I just need to see if I can adjust to sitting so far back!
 
#9 ·
I'm 5 10 and my knees don't hit the tank in the right spot either. Sliding back won't help.....eventually you'll always end up back in your natural default position. I'll put rear sets on when they become available.

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#10 ·
The further forward you place your feet on the pegs the higher your knees will be. Sit on your seat in the preferred position, now place your feet on the balls fist, then arch, finally with your heels on top of the pegs. Your knees should progressively move up the tank. I had a first year Thruxton, and at 6'3" I know what you mean about having yours knees on the cylinder head...hence the wire guard placed on early models. I wouldn't limit myself by thinking just because there are cutouts in the tank that my knees are required there.

You could look into if T120 footpegs mounts could be installed/adapted for use on the Thruxton. These would move your feet a few inches further forward (and knees upward). But will likely require a lot of new parts purchased, especially rear brake pedal side.
 
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