MX Boots and Gear Shifting

[slc]

Howdy

New to the site, just picked up a F650GS Dakar this weekend, and its fantastic.

I do however have a small problem. I have a pair of AlpineStar Vector boots. The are new, but I have worn them around the house for a bit, however they are far from worn in. I put them on to go for a ride the other day, and before setting off realised that gear changing will be impossible with them, as they simply cant get under the gear lever ( due to the angle that my foot rests on the footpeg, the stiffness of the boot and the size of the boot).

Should I raise the gear lever a notch or 2, or are there any other suggestions on how to make gear shifting with these boots possible?

Thanks

S

 

[Pondboy]

slc,

Yup, move the gear lever up. I can only just get my toe under the gear lever with my Sidi Black Rain boot and they are very skinny compared to your Vectors.

Drop in and say hello at Trevor's F650 forum www.f650.co.uk. (Although it seems to be down at the moment)
Have a great Christmas.
PB

 

[G.C.]

Yep I'm with PB , move it up a notch or two, the only alternative is a heal change, fine off-road for a while. Not sure about long term wear though ?

Slc, welcome to the magnificent world of the 650, good choice

G C
(Highlander)

 

[Schtum]

Yep I'm with PB , move it up a notch or two, the only alternative is a cluchless (sic) change or a heal (sic) change, both are fine off-road for a while.

I think Sir must be somewhat confused. Not using the clutch isn't going to make any difference as to whether or not he can get his toe under the gear lever.

 

[G.C.]

I think Sir must be somewhat confused.

Doh ! Confused, me, on Christmas eve ?

I stand corrected :cockeye

When off-road I use heal / clutchless gear change coz my fingers are sometimes the only thing keeping me on the bike.
Fixed it now.

(Must engage brain prior to keyboard.)
G

 

[Spout]

slc,

I had exactly the same problem. A tad embarassing setting off and having to stay in 1st

Moving the gearlever up one spline was then too far for my commuting boots (and felt a bit awkward stood up off road).

I solved the problem by purchasing the folding Touratech gearlever, it is half a spline out to the original!

OK sat down or stood up

 

[Taff]

May be able to help you here. Now I'm not certain about these Alpine Star Vector boots, but I think they have a wider than normal eg 7mm "lip" where the uppers are sewn to the sole. I had the same problem as you (Dakar bike and very stiff brand new borrowed boots), on the off road course, but I was told to use the inside lip of the boot - rather than the toe - to lift the gear lever. It took a bit of getting used to, but it worked with the boots I was given.

Let us know if it works for you.

 

[dazzer]

replace the gear leaver with the Touratech one,this should sort out your problem

 

[slc]

Update:

Hi all

Well I Finally got round to installing the Touratech Footpeg kit. I installed the gear lever a little higher than the stock lever, and has made all the difference. Boots are still a little stiff, but they will bed in properly soon ( might take them for a jog around the block

Installed a centre stand at the same time.

Cheers

Seth