Balls Of Your Feet

:laugh:   Can already see where this is going to go, but seriously how many of you ride on the balls of your feet on the pegs and why? Tried it a few times and kinda debating it, can see it on roads with  curves but the super slabs put em where ever is the most comfortable. Anyone care to chime in?

Balls of feet most of the time, on toes on the inside foot during a turn. Reason: Ground clearance, and easier to move around on the bike.

Commuting = arches
Twisties = balls

Same as the rest....Clearance,and side to side movement..... But would also add that there is a added reason for me, My feet(arches)don't hurt after 3/400 miles, and I feel less vibration. And if I keep my "footballs" on the pegs,that means I have to plan ahead, and moving them also keeps them from getting as tired as just leaving them in the same place for hours. Kind of goes with not feeling as tired on the turns, as just sitting while on slabs.

Always balls of my feet, city or twisties (although most of my miles are twisties). Maybe a minute on long stretches on the arches just to change up.

Just got in the habit and kept it.

[image: View Post]landlover, on Aug 1 2009, 06:36 PM, said:

:laugh: Can already see where this is going to go, but seriously how many of you ride on the balls of your feet on the pegs and why? Tried it a few times and kinda debating it, can see it on roads with curves but the super slabs put em where ever is the most comfortable. Anyone care to chime in?
If I have the potential of dragging a toe such as a corner, I shift to the balls of the feet. Like anything sitting in the same place all the time can be annoying, so I'm not as the balls of the feet all the time.

On the balls of my feet almost 100% of the time, unless on the highway, then I switch up as needed for comfort, or, when in town, for easier shifting/rear braking and faster reaction times for said controls.

On balls of feet:
#1 for agility on the bike
#2 makes it easier for me w/ my 32" inseam to grip the tank with my knees, so I can take all my weight off my wrists(comfort + easier/better handling)
#3 ground clearance
#4 comfort overall, I spent a lot of time bicycling, so I have developed the "balls of foot" muscles, which allows me to absorb bumps in the road with my legs instead of with my back
#5 it works for me

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on Aug 1 2009, 08:19 PM, said:

On the balls of my feet almost 100% of the time, unless on the highway, then I switch up as needed for comfort, or, when in town, for easier shifting/rear braking and faster reaction times for said controls.

On balls of feet:
#1 for agility on the bike
#2 makes it easier for me w/ my 32" inseam to grip the tank with my knees, so I can take all my weight off my wrists(comfort + easier/better handling)
#3 ground clearance
#4 comfort overall, I spent a lot of time bicycling, so I have developed the "balls of foot" muscles, which allows me to absorb bumps in the road with my legs instead of with my back
#5 it works for me
A big +1 on what everyone said.  Do what is comfortable for you.  However, ground clearance when going around a corner IS a big deal.  If you drag a peg feeler, no big deal, if your toe touches down, it could get caught between your peg and the ground... I'll leave the visuals out.  
One of the first steps in the Lee Parks 10 steps for cornering fast is to move onto the balls of your feet.  The reason is that you should move your body BEFORE the corner, and not have to shift your weight during the corner, which could upset the bike.  

Do what's comfortable, but slide that foot back before the corner.

This reminds me, what do you guys who use the rear to "trail brake" do about this?  Obviously you can't be on the balls of your feet and on the brake at the same time...?

I never touch my rear brake while actually riding! (not counting coming to a stop & parking lot manuevers as riding)

Balls of my feet when in the mountains and especially when on the track. For commuting or boring roads I ride with the arch of my foot on the pegs. I've never had great knees since playing football and since I had surgery for a torn meniscus in my right knee last year, it starts to get sore more quickly if I ride on the balls of my feet for a long period of time. Just that extra little bend really does a lot for comfort.

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on Aug 1 2009, 09:14 PM, said:

This reminds me, what do you guys who use the rear to "trail brake" do about this?  Obviously you can't be on the balls of your feet and on the brake at the same time...?
I never use the rear brake unless in a parking lot or at a stop light. I do all the trail braking with the front brake both on the street and on the track.

Commuting or around town, I'm usually around the arches since I'm shifting and braking often.

In the twisties I'm back and forth, tho usually on the balls.

During long stretches on straight roads (or interstates) I'll move my feet around, avoiding one position for long periods of time so my feet don't fall asleep.

Most of the time I'm just commuting and I like having the brake and shifter in easy reach. The -1/+2 change has me shifting like mad around town, so I keep on the arches most of the time. If the road is getting interesting I'll shift to the balls of my feet.

As for the brakes: I do most of my trail braking with the lever just because it's easier. Using the rear brake still causes a little dive anyway, so why not. Don't usually ride hard enough for that kinda technique to come into play very often though.

I'm the exact opposite of pigeon toed, so when on the balls of my feet it does two things for me...
1) Stops the outside of my boot taking the place of my peg feeler; (don't laugh, one time I almost dragged the front of the boot, which would've meant SNAP!) and turns my foot inward.
2) It keeps me away from the rear brake pedal which I used to use way too much. Besides, the brakes are linked anyways.
Greg :laugh:

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on Aug 1 2009, 09:14 PM, said:

This reminds me, what do you guys who use the rear to "trail brake" do about this?  Obviously you can't be on the balls of your feet and on the brake at the same time...? I wouldn't recommend this. Use your front brake for braking.

If you are headed into a turn and braking, the throttle will be closed, causing a significant amount of engine braking, plus the tire has to deal with lateral load from the turn, and you are now asking for more traction by using the brakes, all the while reducing weight on the tire, reducing traction.

90+% of your braking is from the front wheel, whether you are going in a straight line, or turning. Using your front brake on turn in also compresses your front suspension, reducing rake and trail, making it easier to turn the bike at higher speeds, and increases traction at the front by putting more weight on the tire, as long as you don't overload it by braking too hard/fast.

A common complaint is that using your front brake in a turn causes the bike to want to stand up. If you apply it gradually it does not, or better yet, be on the brakes before your turn in point, it will be easier to turn.

Same as the rest.   I commute 50 miles one way and the arches allow more upright seating without the compression of my calves and thighs.  When sporting about, I, like the rest, spend most of my time on the balls of my feet.  And veefermadness, although the brakes are linked, you can lock and slide the front due to the piston action of the front lever and the unweighting of the rear in a panic stop.  Though our scoots brakes are linked, it isn't equal braking front and rear with the front lever only :laugh: .

[image: View Post]jeremy556, on Aug 1 2009, 10:13 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on Aug 1 2009, 09:14 PM, said:

This reminds me, what do you guys who use the rear to "trail brake" do about this?  Obviously you can't be on the balls of your feet and on the brake at the same time...? I wouldn't recommend this. Use your front brake for braking.

If you are headed into a turn and braking, the throttle will be closed, causing a significant amount of engine braking, plus the tire has to deal with lateral load from the turn, and you are now asking for more traction by using the brakes, all the while reducing weight on the tire, reducing traction.

90+% of your braking is from the front wheel, whether you are going in a straight line, or turning. Using your front brake on turn in also compresses your front suspension, reducing rake and trail, making it easier to turn the bike at higher speeds, and increases traction at the front by putting more weight on the tire, as long as you don't overload it by braking too hard/fast.

A common complaint is that using your front brake in a turn causes the bike to want to stand up. If you apply it gradually it does not, or better yet, be on the brakes before your turn in point, it will be easier to turn.
Good Wisdom--thanks.  I don't trail brake, but it is good to finally learn why I do or don't do something, lol.

Balls of the feet for me, most of the time, even on the slab.  

I'm not enough of a peg dragger to really worry about my feet touching down, but it's more comfortable with my feet placed that way, and I feel like I have better control.  Also, I've owned some sport boots in the past that have been too flexible in the soles, to be mashing my arches into the footpegs, especially since I have trouble with the circulation in my feet anyways.

When I need to shift gears or use the rear brake, I move my foot forward to do it, then move it back.

[image: View Post]DarkKnight, on Aug 1 2009, 11:19 PM, said:

[image: View Post]jeremy556, on Aug 1 2009, 10:13 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Ryanme17, on Aug 1 2009, 09:14 PM, said:

This reminds me, what do you guys who use the rear to "trail brake" do about this?  Obviously you can't be on the balls of your feet and on the brake at the same time...? I wouldn't recommend this. Use your front brake for braking.

If you are headed into a turn and braking, the throttle will be closed, causing a significant amount of engine braking, plus the tire has to deal with lateral load from the turn, and you are now asking for more traction by using the brakes, all the while reducing weight on the tire, reducing traction.

90+% of your braking is from the front wheel, whether you are going in a straight line, or turning. Using your front brake on turn in also compresses your front suspension, reducing rake and trail, making it easier to turn the bike at higher speeds, and increases traction at the front by putting more weight on the tire, as long as you don't overload it by braking too hard/fast.

A common complaint is that using your front brake in a turn causes the bike to want to stand up. If you apply it gradually it does not, or better yet, be on the brakes before your turn in point, it will be easier to turn.
Good Wisdom--thanks.  I don't trail brake, but it is good to finally learn why I do or don't do something, lol.

Though not related to foot positional at all really, just wanted to share the most significant thing I learned from Ed Bargey:
A motorcycle has a particular radius it will achieve at a given lean angle and speed. Therefor, to go fastest through a turn, set your lean angle (maximum allowable by ground clearance) at initial turn in, then adjust your speed via brakes and throttle to make the radius (line) of the turn, which means slowing as you approach the apex, and accelerating from the apex.

[image: View Post]DarkKnight, on Aug 1 2009, 11:15 PM, said:

Same as the rest.   I commute 50 miles one way and the arches allow more upright seating without the compression of my calves and thighs.  When sporting about, I, like the rest, spend most of my time on the balls of my feet.  And veefermadness, although the brakes are linked, you can lock and slide the front due to the piston action of the front lever and the unweighting of the rear in a panic stop.  Though our scoots brakes are linked, it isn't equal braking front and rear with the front lever only :dry: . You are correct, but along with LBS, I have ABS.
Did an 'offroad' a couple weeks ago and when I took pictures the next day to learn what happened, I couldn't believe that there was only treadmarks through the gravel. And now that I think of it, I'm pretty sure I still didn't use the rear brake! :dry:
Close, but no cigar........ :blush:    :fing02:
Greg :warranty:

Have you guys noticed however, that most of the MotoGP riders have the arch of their outside foot on the peg nowdays, not the ball of the outside foot?   Next MotoGP race, watch Rossi's and Stoner's outside foot very close.  They are on the balls of their feet with the inside peg, but on the arch of their foot on the outside peg.

Haven't figured that one out yet.  I've tried it and it doesn't feel natural at all in the twisties.  Although I have to admit when you ride that way (dropping the inside foot back to the ball of the foot and the outside foot stays on the arch), it actually puts a slight twist to your body that makes getting your head out over the mirror easier.

Good excercise - the next time you're doing your sitting down business in the bathroom, drop one foot back about 6" behind the other.  You'll lean in the direction of the foot you've dropped back.  Maybe there's something to it.

[image: View Post]jeremy556, on Aug 1 2009, 11:13 PM, said:

90+% of your braking is from the front wheel, whether you are going in a straight line, or turning. Using your front brake on turn in also compresses your front suspension, reducing rake and trail, making it easier to turn the bike at higher speeds, and increases traction at the front by putting more weight on the tire
:warranty:

Trail brake with your front brake.  It will make the bike "hook" right into a corner - for all the reasons Jeremy listed above.  Rear brakes are good for getting you into trouble.

My feet are all over the place..  depending on the situation of course. I even put my heels on the pegs and point my feet down on long stretches  just for a stretch & change in position.   But last time I checked I always ride on my balls...   :warranty:

[image: View Post]Pete McCrary, on Aug 2 2009, 12:37 AM, said:

Rear brakes are good for getting you into trouble. Good for slowing/stopping off road too.

[image: View Post]Pete McCrary, on Aug 2 2009, 12:31 AM, said:

Have you guys noticed however, that most of the MotoGP riders have the arch of their outside foot on the peg nowdays, not the ball of the outside foot?   Next MotoGP race, watch Rossi's and Stoner's outside foot very close.  They are on the balls of their feet with the inside peg, but on the arch of their foot on the outside peg. I'm no expert rider, so excuse for me asking, but aren't we supposed to push on the outside peg while leaned over?  Seems to me it's easier to push against the outside peg with the middle of your foot than with the ball of your foot.  More leverage/weight on the outside peg is my guess.

Balls of my feet almost 100% of the time, for almost all the years I've been riding.
I do move my outside foot a little bit so it's more on the arch area when I lean for a turn, but it goes right back to the ball of the foot at the end of the turn.
Best feel and the quickest foot position to react to any conditions on the road.
Because of this, all my boots are more worn at the balls of the feet area than wnywhere else.

Beck
95 VFR

Balls of my feet nearly all the time. Maybe changes to arches on a tour sometimes just to be different. My reason is that, when I started riding, in the early 70's most bikes had such dreadful ground clearance that, even on mild corners, it was easy to drag your foot if it was placed correctly on the footpeg. So, without consulting anyone, I just thought of the idea of shifting my foot up onto the balls just so I didn't get bloody toes. A habit begun has stuck.

Foot pegs?  Is that what those things are for?  After many years on and around Harleys I thought that those things were for hanging a helmet on when you were in the bar.   :warranty:   I am usually on my arches (short 30" inseam and 42/9.5 foot in most boots).  Also, I don't usually get leaned to the point that toe contact is an issue - I have slowed down dramatically in my old age and after seeing and reading about so many of "us" who have ridden down the road sans use of the bike (me included).

[image: View Post]Pete McCrary, on Aug 2 2009, 12:31 AM, said:

Have you guys noticed however, that most of the MotoGP riders have the arch of their outside foot on the peg nowdays, not the ball of the outside foot?   Next MotoGP race, watch Rossi's and Stoner's outside foot very close.  They are on the balls of their feet with the inside peg, but on the arch of their foot on the outside peg.
Much easier to do on a bike that has what, an inch between the top of the seat and the top of the peg? :warranty:

In order to get my knee down (in a manner I'm comfortable with), I have to put the balls of my feet on the pegs, so that the crook of my outside knee ends up "hooked" on the outside corner, which I've found allows me the most freedom at the bars due to being able to brace myself with that inner thigh for braking pre-corner, and stability/line changes/body adjustment during cornering.

If I had my foot flat on the peg, I wouldn't be able to do all that as well.

[image: View Post]TimC, on Aug 2 2009, 02:25 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Pete McCrary, on Aug 2 2009, 12:31 AM, said:

Have you guys noticed however, that most of the MotoGP riders have the arch of their outside foot on the peg nowdays, not the ball of the outside foot?   Next MotoGP race, watch Rossi's and Stoner's outside foot very close.  They are on the balls of their feet with the inside peg, but on the arch of their foot on the outside peg. I'm no expert rider, so excuse for me asking, but aren't we supposed to push on the outside peg while leaned over?  Seems to me it's easier to push against the outside peg with the middle of your foot than with the ball of your foot.  More leverage/weight on the outside peg is my guess.

Depends on your needs. If you want the bike to tip in(lean in more), weight the inside. To straighten the bike up, push on the outside. Good thing to remember when you need to avoid a patch of sand or gravel or dead rodent midcorner.