[Nox]

so it was 50+ degrees in chicago today and i took my SV out for the first time since hibernation. Rode with my usual riding buddy and i noticed that he and i have our feet in different positions on our pegs while riding. he has the pegs under the arches of his feet, basically up against the heel of his boots, while i ride on the balls of my feet. Maybe it's just preference and doesn't matter, but being a relative n00b to riding and i have only logged about 500 miles since i got my sv in october (first bike), i'm wondering if there's a benefit or drawback to either. he says it makes it a lot easier to shift and break. i say i feel like i have more control of my weight and can shift one way or another more easily. like i said i'm still relatively new to motorcycles, so i feel like if there is a benefit to one way or the other i can still change my habits before i become set in my ways. insights?

i would create a poll but i'm not very forum board savvy

 

[Lost1888]

I ride with the balls of my feet on the pegs. Reason being it is more comfortable and a lot safer. If you get used to having your toes hanging down, witch I see a lot of riders do, in a turn you have a chance of catching you toe and pulling yourself of the bike. Or a least coming close to having a bad circumstance. If you read just about any book about or discussing riding technique they say you should have the balls of your feet on the pegs.

You are doing the right thing and should keep it up. Your toes that is!;D

 

[Cut]

Agreed. Balls of the feet is the way to do it. You do have better control.

 

[mullerjd]

there is no righ or wrong way really. For cruising around, do what's comfortable, in the twisties, it's best to ride on your balls

 

[Michelle]

I do both (I won't be dragging my toes) because I find on long commutes, the multi-positioning helps my joints from getting to cramped (got some joint issues). I've never been told to stay away from either position.

 

[Nexus242]

If you're cruising down the highway at 75mph or riding into town or to a friends house then put your feet where ever you want, sit where ever you want, just get comfortable. Now if your being more aggressive, riding faster, leaning into turns and want more control, then yes the balls of your feet are best.

 

[Rockin SV]

If you're cruising down the highway at 75mph or riding into town or to a friends house then put your feet where ever you want, sit where ever you want, just get comfortable. Now if your being more aggressive, riding faster, leaning into turns and want more control, then yes the balls of your feet are best.

Absolutely agree with this. A guy I was following on an FJR had his feet set so that his was on the arches and he caught a foot on the pavement while cornering aggresively. Luckily he didn't do much damage, but if you're cornering hard definately be on the balls of your feet or you may suffer the consequences.

 

[andyauger]

I pretty much agree. If you're going to be dragging parts it's best to be on the balls of your feet. All other times, whatever's comfortable, EXCEPT if you're on very rough surfaces it's best to have the pegs at your instep against the heels of your boots.

 

[SDRider]

I ride with my balls on the pegs.

Seriously though, balls of the feet go on the pegs.