The right footrest system for maximum lean angle

Fancy lower lean angles & more control on the track? Then it's time to take a closer look at your footrests. A footrest system is not only a visual highlight, but also your direct point of contact with the bike.

The basis for vehicle control & cornering speed

How do you really steer your motorcycle? That's right, via the footrests. Pressure on the inside peg initiates the turn, pressure on the outside peg stabilizes the bike. If this feedback is spongy, you lose time and confidence. A play-free system from the accessories transmits your impulses directly to the frame. The result? You hit the apex more precisely & can push your cornering speed noticeably.

Why the standard system quickly grinds on the asphalt

Do you know the scraping noise at full lean angle? Original systems are designed for the average rider & everyday use. They hang low, offer comfort, but rob you of the decisive degree of lean angle freedom on the racetrack. If the detent hits hard, in the worst case scenario it will leverage out your rear wheel. An absolute no-go when you're riding at the limit.

Individual ergonomics - adjustment of height & offset

Every biker is built differently. So why live with a standard setting? High-quality accessory systems, such as those from gilles.tooling, can be adjusted in many ways.

• Higher: More ground clearance in extreme lean angles.
• Further back: Puts more weight on the front wheel & improves your feeling when accelerating out.
• Combinations: Allows you to adopt an aggressive but ergonomically sensible body position.

Stiffness & grip - milled pegs for maximum feedback from the rear wheel

Rubberized original pegs dampen vibrations, but also absorb important feedback. CNC-milled aluminum pegs with proper knurling, for example from the Bonamici Racing range, literally bite into your boots. You don't slip, no matter how hard you brake or how much you pull on the cable. You can feel exactly what your rear wheel is doing & where the grip limit is.

Fixed pegs vs. folding pegs - advantages & disadvantages on the track

Opinions differ here. Which suits your riding style better?

• Fixed pegs: The clear favorite in racing. They offer zero play & often act as a kind of crash pad that protects the frame & swingarm in the event of a skid. Premium brands such as LighTech offer uncompromising racing solutions.
• Folding footrests: Fold up on contact with the ground. This protects the system in the event of minor bumps, but offers less protection for the bike in extreme cases.
• Important note: Many uncompromising track systems come as pure racing parts without road approval. When selecting a product, pay attention to whether you only want to use the part on the track or also on the road.

Integration of automatic shifters & reverse shifting in the system

Do you want to shift up smoothly and without interrupting traction? Most sports peg systems are already prepared for the installation of an automatic gear shift (quickshifter). Even more important on the track: reverse shifting. When accelerating out of a low lean angle, you often can no longer slide your foot under the lever. With reverse shifting (first gear up, the rest down), you simply step on it from above & the next gear is in place.

Tips for finding the perfect setting for your height

How do you find your sweet spot setup? The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

• Start with the middle position of your new system.
• Ride a few turns & pay attention to your knee angle. Do your thighs burn immediately? Lower the footrests slightly.
• Do the toe sliders grind too early? Set the system higher & further back.
• Take your time to fine-tune the shift and brake levers. The path must be short & intuitive.

The prerequisite for perfect hang-off

A good hang-off doesn't start with your shoulders, but with your feet. You can only shift your weight effectively and bring your knee to the ground if your outside foot is stable on the catch. A grippy, perfectly adjusted peg system gives you the support you need to hang off the bike like a pro and drastically lower your center of gravity.