Tip Hazard

[oKLRider]

It never even crossed my mind in the ~8k miles or so that I've had the bike, but it became all too apparent the other night as I was falling to the ground!

Upon coming to a stop sign on a side street, I went to put my left foot down...but couldn't. Something had a grip on my leg, and the more that I tried to free it, the faster she fell! ::010:: As it turned out, my pant leg had become hung on the u-joint cover. Never really noticed before, but the sob sticks out a decent amount. Researched aftermarket replacements, liked the AltRider version, but decided to try my hammer out before dropping the coin. While researching here I found some old posts where a few other guys experienced similar results, so at least now I don't feel so special.

Below are before/after pics for comparison. All it took was a couple blocks of wood, a vice, rubber hammer, and about 15min. The first thought was to simply bend it while installed on the bike, but the mounting tabs weren't up for that kind of abuse. If you go this route, be sure to check your swingarm clearance. I added the holes with a unibit for some flair. ;D

 

[JonnyCinco]

One word. Altrider

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[Poohbear]

I don't really understand this problem as both my leathers and my textiles fit tight around my leg. My leathers are inside my boots whilst my textiles fit tightly on the outside of my boots. neither could get caught on the plate that you are talking about ???

 

[oKLRider]

I don't really understand this problem as both my leathers and my textiles fit tight around my leg. My leathers are inside my boots whilst my textiles fit tightly on the outside of my boots. neither could get caught on the plate that you are talking about ???

I didn't understand it either, until it happened. I'm usually wearing work pants, or Levis, which are a lot more loose than what you're running....but nothing I'd call 'baggy'. It shouldn't happen again though! ::001::

 

[oKLRider]

One word. Altrider

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I came from a KLR, need I say more? ::024:: ::025::

 

[dave6]

I have had it happen but was able to free my foot before the complete tip over. I think I have a habit of lifting my leg a bit before putting it down now.

 

[oKLRider]

I have had it happen but was able to free my foot before the complete tip over. I think I have a habit of lifting my leg a bit before putting it down now.

This was a quick, slow rolling, turning to the left, touch down type thing....so it all went fast. In hindsight, had I approached slowly it probably wouldn't have been a problem; but I'd rather not have to worry about it. ::26::

 

[gmtech]

i put my right foot down only.. 90% of the time am i weird? ::016::

 

[oKLRider]

^^^ Nope! My bobber has a foot clutch, so I can relate....this just happened to fall (yes, that was a pun) in that other 10%.

 

[trasbeck]

I haven't caught my left leg on anything (yet) but have snagged the RIGHT side several times. No falls yet. I'm sure this problem varies widely by what kind of pants one is wearing. After visiting the great crew at Alt-Rider at the NYC bike show last weekend, there will soon be a box of goodies arriving, some of which will solve this potential problem.

 

[snakebitten]

I have had it happen but was able to free my foot before the complete tip over. I think I have a habit of lifting my leg a bit before putting it down now.

Same here. And after the second time of "wth?", it's etched into my mind. I subconsciously check for foot-freedom while coming to a stop.

Humans adapt. An amazing species.

 

[EricV]

Both sides have the potential for this if your pants are loose enough. One of the reasons I sprung for the AltRider guards right off the bat. I've heard of people having similar falls due to boot laces, (people not wearing riding boots, but lace up hiking boots). Makes for a 'Oh Sh*#" moment pretty quick.

For the KLR owners, you just spent $12-14k on the Super Tenere, consider it retail therapy and buy some farkles. Don't be shy, you have TWO pistons now!

 

[gmtech]

hey im a recovering klr owner too
i keep feeling the erge to carry around a bottle of rottela 15-40 in my side case
and i always check my oil

 

[WRW9751]

I and my friend have both had this happen. Both times the bikes was loaded and we were unable to catch them in time. Both bikes suffered some plainer rubs. Mostly embarrassing, but a dumb design none the less. Both sides are capable of tipping you over, in our case the kickstand side got us both. Tourtech has the fix.

http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/3321/PN-046-0640/Heel-Guard-Left-Side-Yamaha-XT1200Z-Super-Tenere

 

[oKLRider]

Tourtech has the fix.
http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/3321/PN-046-0640/Heel-Guard-Left-Side-Yamaha-XT1200Z-Super-Tenere

I like Touratech's price better, but that big gaping void in the middle is just asking for a stick to puncture my joint's boot. At least that'd be my luck! ???

Maybe it's more protected than it looks though?

 

[oKLRider]

hey im a recovering klr owner too
i keep feeling the erge to carry around a bottle of rottela 15-40 in my side case
and i always check my oil

You mean I'm not supposed to use Rotella in this one, too?!

 

[tubebender]

I've heard of people having similar falls due to boot laces.

Happened to me. Laces got caught around the shift lever as I moved my bike in a campsite.

 

[djm_ct]

Laces caught of the foot peg. Was able to make the save just before the point of no return. Barely.

 

[zamfield]

Never had that issue but checked out the Altrider covers & had to have them... In Black! ::012::

 

[limey]

I like Touratech's price better, but that big gaping void in the middle is just asking for a stick to puncture my joint's boot. At least that'd be my luck! ???

Maybe it's more protected than it looks though?

I replaced mine with Touratech and it no better than the original .