Adding lower footpegs

This modification is to enable the long-of-leg to get a more comfortable seating position on their 250. These pegs sit about an inch lower and an inch farther back than the original pegs.

Notes

• This will decrease ground clearance. If you normally do a lot of sport riding, you might want to think carefully before you install these pegs. Whatever you do, don't ride aggressively before you learn the limits of your bike.
• Even after adjustment, the shifter and rear brake levers may end up being a little too high.
• You probably won't be able to stand up on the new pegs without touching the exhaust. This is not a problem in normal riding, but just be aware that the pegs are closer to the exhaust. Ironically, our man found that if he keeps the balls of his feet (size 11) on the pegs, they are less likely to accidentally touch the cans than if he gets lazy and cruises with the arches on the pegs.

Part numbers

The pegs used are Buell footpeg part #N0006.1AD The cardboard package says: "Fit 2003 and later XB9R and XB9S models".

Modification and installation

The Buell footpeg hole is about 1/16” too small in diameter (roughly 1.5mm). Likewise, the whole peg "mount" is about 2mm too thick to fit the bike. Some grinding and filing are needed. You could likely do this mod with only two tools: a small diameter round file (for the mounting hole) and a coarse flat file (to grind off the sides of the pegs). However, having an electric grinder can probably save hours of work.

Mount the footpegs in a vice, or similarly hold them in place. Use your file or grinder to take material off the peg with a hand-held grinder. The aluminum is soft and will grind away quickly. One side of the peg has really chunky, curved metal underneath. Our basement mechanics took the easy route and only ground the one side. You may want to try doing both sides.

You'll need to take about 1mm off each side. Since this one was ground on only one side, that side is pretty narrow, although the owner has reported no problems in the first 1000 miles.

With the peg still in the vice, use a small diameter round file and burrow out the hole. Given the curve of the pegs, you may not be able to use a drill. Here is the left side (with shifter adjusted for the lower peg).

Right peg closeup from a different angle (notice how thin that one wall of the peg is).

Left

Left again. Notice here that lowering the pegs (and moving them back a little) has brought the peg in closer contact with the exhaust:

The final product

Rider thoughts at 1000 miles

The pegs are pretty fabulous. They afford quite a bit more legroom, which translates into a different, more relaxed feeling throughout your entire body. With a beadrider pad (which adds 1/2 inch or so in height) and these pegs, my bike feels like a new machine. I definitely like the feel.

Even though I had to grind the sidewalls of the pegs pretty thin, I have yet to bend or snap any metal.

The pegs force your feet slightly further away from the bike, but I do not find that difference very noticeable.

The extra leg room can be felt in my back and arms. The bike just feels more spacious and comfortable. I give the pegs a big thumbs up for anyone wanting to roomify their bike.