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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: MattyC on November 29, 2003, 07:11:40 PM

Title: Adjusting gearshift lever and rear brake pedal?
Post by: MattyC on November 29, 2003, 07:11:40 PM
Wondering if anyone here has adjusted the gearshift lever and rear brk pedal positions for better comfort. I noticed that while riding I have to keep my feet pointed up slightly to avoid putting pressure on these levers. Seems it would be more comfortable if I could drop them a bit.  I was also reading in Ienatsch's book that he recommends adjusting the rear break pedal down so that it takes more ankle motion to compress the rear break making it less likely that you'd lock the rear. I'm assuming these things are adjustable right? Anything I should watch out for?

Thanks
Title: Adjusting gearshift lever and rear brake pedal?
Post by: glenn9171 on November 29, 2003, 07:26:21 PM
They never got in my way, but I always rode with the balls of my feet on the pegs instead of the arches.  I agree with the lowering of the brake pedal as to keep it from locking up as easily.  I also know people who purposely let a little air into the rear brake line to help with this.  

By the way Matt, how is the bike doing?
Title: Adjusting gearshift lever and rear brake pedal?
Post by: MattyC on November 29, 2003, 07:39:18 PM
Hey Glenn! I'm loving the bike. Daylight savings is killing me though because I'm not too keen on riding at night yet, so the only good mileage I've been able to put on is over weekends. I'm going to have to start commuting to work with it because weekends aren't enough.

I also had a setback on the road this week when a large drillbit punctured the rear tire. So, I'm sidelined until I get that replaced this week.
Title: Adjusting gearshift lever and rear brake pedal?
Post by: krushchev on November 29, 2003, 08:55:28 PM
an easier way to deal with it is to ride with your feet pointing outward slightly, while still touching the levers with the inside of your foot.

not exactly above or below, but to the side with your feet touching the levers.
Title: Adjusting gearshift lever and rear brake pedal?
Post by: Cal Price on November 29, 2003, 10:16:07 PM
I tend to do the same as kruschev does, in the past I had a lot of problems with inflamation on the left foot and the gear lever position is simple enough to adsjust.
Title: Adjusting gearshift lever and rear brake pedal?
Post by: Bob Broussard on November 30, 2003, 12:18:19 AM
You can pull the shift lever off and move it down a notch on the shaft.
On the brake lever you need to adjust the rod going to the mastercylinder.
Loosen the locknut and turn the rod to raise or lower the pedal.
Then practice riding with the balls of your feet on the pegs. If you keep your feet hanging down or out,it could be hazardous when cornering.  If you catch your foot on a reflector or something it could break your ankle or pull your foot of the peg. Keep it tight.
Riding with the balls of your feet on your pegs helps with steering the bike when you push on the pegs. Stand on your heels and rock side to side. Then do it on your toes and you'll see how much difference it makes :thumb:
Title: Adjusting gearshift lever and rear brake pedal?
Post by: MattyC on November 30, 2003, 09:28:02 PM
Thanks for the tips.  :thumb:
Title: Adjusting gearshift lever and rear brake pedal?
Post by: alerbaugh on December 01, 2003, 08:19:04 AM
For the gear shift lever you need, I think 10mm.  Take the screw all the way out, pull of the lever and rotate it to your desired location.  I raised mine because I'll start wearing boots over the winter and moved it to accomodate larger shoes.  Worked for me ;) .