BillJones270
12-26-2005, 11:12 AM
Previously, Dan Vessel's highway pegs have been positively reviewed on DL650's, here's a (full) review for the DL1000! Pics from receiving the package to full installation, to rider position can be found on my website:
http://thejonesnetwork.net/bike/highwaypeginstall/
Below I will try to walk you through what I went through installing them.
I. Delivery & Packaging
I was very impressed with the packaging. Upon opening up the box, I saw that everything was individually wrapped in bubble wrap. Included in the box was a set of instructions, contact information and a separately wrapped set of 'hardware' (bolts & washers). Also included was a separate mini-catalog of other things Dan manufactures & sells. Very nice: 10/10
II. Initial Product Exam
First impressions of the product were very good. It appeared to be put together very well -- no initial assembly required on my part, I could immediately visualize the product installed and all the hardware matched (bolt for bolt, washer for washer, etc). Also, I noticed that there were replacement bolts included (to replace the stock bolts you may strip out) -- and even an extra set of bolts for fit customization (one short / one long). Also, I could tell that there was quite a bit attention to detail -- for instance, all ends of the bars were capped, the product was already assembled, everything matched, it 'looked' nice, etc. So far, so good: 9/10
III. Install
Firstly, I was excited to see detailed instructions with included pics. Thumbs up on that. Now, let's get to the bike. The bolts that need to be removed to put the highway pegs in place are held with some sort of NASA Loctite. I ended up using a monster breaker bar. Once the breaker bar method was utilized the rest was a breeze. By far, the hardest part of the install is getting the stock bolts loose. Once loose, common sense tells you where everything should go, coupled with good directions, pictures and a perfect bracket fit, I had no initial problems. In fact, I thought the highway peg install was quite a bit easier to figure out (common-sense wise) than the Motech Center Stand.
Since this is one of the first setups for the DL1000, Dan made my bracket with 2 different mounting holes for a customized fit. I went with the hole that pushed the pegs out further towards the front, resulting in greater head pipe clearance and the 'crossbar' mounted on the front of the side support bars (the pictures explain better than I do). Future versions will have only one mounting hole, allowing for optimal head pipe / front fender clearance.
Ease of install: 9/10 --> point lost b/c of the tough to remove stock bolts
Fit: 9/10 --> the perfect mounting hole for the brackets was actually in the center of the 2 holes provided, this has been corrected for future models. The fitment on the bike was 10/10, you can tell it was custom made for the DL1000.
IV. Conclusion & Ride Results
I'll be honest, initially I was unsure whether or not I 'needed' the highway pegs. I was used to being stretched out before the Vstrom, and thought that I just needed to get used to the new riding position of the Vstrom. However, after riding with them, I cannot do without them!
Ride results: The foot pegs worked great! Firstly, I had no problems 'finding' the pegs, and I had no problems with any cornering ground clearance issues or vibration up to 80 mph (indicated) -- and I could move the pegs up and down easily during the ride (up and out of position / down and in position). Changing foot positions and leg angles really makes travelling any amount of distance much more tolerable.
I think the pics on the link posted above really do all the talking!
http://thejonesnetwork.net/bike/highwaypeginstall/
Below I will try to walk you through what I went through installing them.
I. Delivery & Packaging
I was very impressed with the packaging. Upon opening up the box, I saw that everything was individually wrapped in bubble wrap. Included in the box was a set of instructions, contact information and a separately wrapped set of 'hardware' (bolts & washers). Also included was a separate mini-catalog of other things Dan manufactures & sells. Very nice: 10/10
II. Initial Product Exam
First impressions of the product were very good. It appeared to be put together very well -- no initial assembly required on my part, I could immediately visualize the product installed and all the hardware matched (bolt for bolt, washer for washer, etc). Also, I noticed that there were replacement bolts included (to replace the stock bolts you may strip out) -- and even an extra set of bolts for fit customization (one short / one long). Also, I could tell that there was quite a bit attention to detail -- for instance, all ends of the bars were capped, the product was already assembled, everything matched, it 'looked' nice, etc. So far, so good: 9/10
III. Install
Firstly, I was excited to see detailed instructions with included pics. Thumbs up on that. Now, let's get to the bike. The bolts that need to be removed to put the highway pegs in place are held with some sort of NASA Loctite. I ended up using a monster breaker bar. Once the breaker bar method was utilized the rest was a breeze. By far, the hardest part of the install is getting the stock bolts loose. Once loose, common sense tells you where everything should go, coupled with good directions, pictures and a perfect bracket fit, I had no initial problems. In fact, I thought the highway peg install was quite a bit easier to figure out (common-sense wise) than the Motech Center Stand.
Since this is one of the first setups for the DL1000, Dan made my bracket with 2 different mounting holes for a customized fit. I went with the hole that pushed the pegs out further towards the front, resulting in greater head pipe clearance and the 'crossbar' mounted on the front of the side support bars (the pictures explain better than I do). Future versions will have only one mounting hole, allowing for optimal head pipe / front fender clearance.
Ease of install: 9/10 --> point lost b/c of the tough to remove stock bolts
Fit: 9/10 --> the perfect mounting hole for the brackets was actually in the center of the 2 holes provided, this has been corrected for future models. The fitment on the bike was 10/10, you can tell it was custom made for the DL1000.
IV. Conclusion & Ride Results
I'll be honest, initially I was unsure whether or not I 'needed' the highway pegs. I was used to being stretched out before the Vstrom, and thought that I just needed to get used to the new riding position of the Vstrom. However, after riding with them, I cannot do without them!
Ride results: The foot pegs worked great! Firstly, I had no problems 'finding' the pegs, and I had no problems with any cornering ground clearance issues or vibration up to 80 mph (indicated) -- and I could move the pegs up and down easily during the ride (up and out of position / down and in position). Changing foot positions and leg angles really makes travelling any amount of distance much more tolerable.
I think the pics on the link posted above really do all the talking!