 Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jun 2008
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OP
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Hi gang,
Need some tech support. I just installed floorboards on my 2008 America.
Question 1: Is there supposed to be a lot of free play in the floorboards? In other words are they supposed to rock up and down easily?
Question 2: I can barely fit my toe under the shift control with the floorboards on. Is there a way to adjust the shift control arm so that its higher up and there is more room between the floorboard and arm?
Any guidance is appreciated.
Joe
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948 |
There should have been some plastic spacers with the kit to make the floorboards fit flush with the mounting brackets. However, my package had a razor slit where someone apperently had removed them. The dealer was useless and took no responsibility so I went to the hardware store and found some plastic spacers and washers to make it all work.
Yes, the shift adjuster probably needs tweaking. Loosen the threaded shift rod and you should be able to raise the lever enough to fit your needs.
Good luck.
Last edited by redbike7; 05/03/2009 5:21 PM.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Yes, they need to rock up and down freely. That way they don't get shredded when you drag them in the corners.
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
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Oh yeah... they are designed to fold up a bit if necessary such as in a tight corner. And that crown nut should be installed at the front too. It is the first thing to scrape the road letting you know you are low-to-da-ground.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
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Joe, I think I know what you are talking about.
When I mounted my boards they had some front to back rocking/slop in them that just felt bad.
I had used all of the included hardware in it's correct orientation. This was not the normal hinging up and down motion.
I found some very thin stainless washers/shims at work that had the correct hold size and shimmed the mounting bolts so the slop was gone.
You would think that with what they cost the fit would be a little better.
Tony G
'03 America
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jun 2008
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OP
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Tony - that's EXACTLY what I am talking about! I was wondering if I missed something or if my kit was missing some hardware. I understand a bit of free play, but they just flop around loosely. A trip to the hardware store is in order. Thanks for your help.
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152 |
hey there, could you do me a favour when you're working on the right side? Describe for me what keeps the floorboard mounting bracket from pivoting. Mine has come loose but I don't see any bolts mentioned in the install instructions - just a "roll pin".
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152 |
Quote:
Joe, I think I know what you are talking about.
When I mounted my boards they had some front to back rocking/slop in them that just felt bad.
I had used all of the included hardware in it's correct orientation. This was not the normal hinging up and down motion.
I found some very thin stainless washers/shims at work that had the correct hold size and shimmed the mounting bolts so the slop was gone.
ok, I had a look at mine and at the instructions I used 5 years ago. The floorboards are mounted to their brackets by stepped bolts with an unthreaded part that formas the pivot and a much thinner threaded part that accepts a nut. The slop is caused because the unthreaded pivot is quite a bit longer than needed so the whole bolt can wiggle around. In my case I was able to cure the slop by putting both of the two plastic washers provided with the kit on the front mount. I only looked at the right side by the way - yours may be different.
By the way, the right hand mount (and the footpeg mount I suppose) is kept from rotating by a 5mm "spirol" pin pressed into the foot control bar. I've replaced mine with a 5mm bolt for now.
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 90
Member
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Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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The only looseness we found on our boards was the safety pivot for cornering and flop overs, but with a couple of nylon or plastic washers it was snugged up to prevent vibrating without stopping it from moving when needed.
I found that the main mounting bolt (where the peg would be mounted and is the pivot point for the controls) just attaches it to the bike, but is up to the set screw on the left and roll pin on the right to prevent the rocking forward and back, but we have never needed to add anything extra to those components then what is supplied.
Dormaar
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Quote:
I found that the main mounting bolt (where the peg would be mounted and is the pivot point for the controls) just attaches it to the bike, but is up to the set screw on the left and roll pin on the right to prevent the rocking forward and back, but we have never needed to add anything extra to those components then what is supplied.
Thanks - I found the roll pin via bike bandit. I'm sure that mine would have been fine but I've dropped the bike a couple of times on the right side and that footboard has taken a beating. Even then it would probably have been ok if I'd checked the fasteners for looseness this spring. As it is I'm concerned about the main bolt being stripped from the all the movement - it didn't feel right when I re-torqued it. I'll pull it apart again and have a look at the thread when I get the proper pin.
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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All's well. Floorboards are installed. Bought a couple of extra nylon washers to minimize the free play. Adjusted the shift control lever to give myself more space between the floorboard and toe.
HOWEVER another problem has cropped up. I can't really get to the kickstand with the floorboards in place. Very hard to reach with my toe when its in the down position to flip it back up. Very awkward positioning - almost like Triumph didn't try it out themselves before creating the floorboard kit. Bad ergo's. Anyone else notice this?
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948 |
Absolutely! In the best conditions it is awkward to get the stand down with the floor boards installed.
But after riding in a dusty area sometimes the stand itself is hard to get down. And my riding boots can't get hold of the little knob on the kick stand so I have to lean over and pull the stand down with my hand. Not cool! I admire those Harley stands that have an extension coming out the side.
Maybe Rivco will come out a bolt on extension for only $495.
Last edited by redbike7; 05/08/2009 9:53 AM.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
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It only takes a little while before you're lifting the floorboard up with the side of your boot and pointing your toes to get to the side-stand when you're ready to ride. Never had a problem getting it back down but you're quite right, it's a challenge to get to it to retract the stand the first few times
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Aug 2007
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LoL, I thought it was a bit ackward as well but never knew so many others had such issues, I just got used to it over time.
Dormaar
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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yep, it's common Wendy has trouble with hers too and I have trouble with when I'm on it to. Not all the tough once you get used to it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jun 2008
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You may want to try one of these. http://www.madss.com/eshopprod_cat_4966-3581-12486-12671_product_623098.Footfinder_Extension.htm It looks as though Triumph knows there is an issue with the boards.  But have worked out a solution of corse for a price.  Humm must have taken a page out of the Hardly corp. (how to wring more $ from our customers lol). 
Last edited by wuff; 05/09/2009 9:25 AM.
08 America (Black of course they are much faster.) AI removed, Everthing else stock atm
No matter where you are, your there
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Just got back from a trip down Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway and - holy &^$% - did the floorboards make a massive difference in riding comfort. I used to max out around 100 miles on the TBA and have to stop to stretch my legs and rest my butt. With the floorboards, its like a whole new bike. Wow. Wish I hadn't waited that long to make that mod...
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
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That's what we all said. Now when your back starts hurting, go ahead and get a really good seat with a good back rest. Amazing the difference that makes on a long ride.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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I've been having comfort issues since day one and was thinking this may help. Glad to hear it works for others. There may be hope yet. Looks like I'll make up my mind and get some floorboards.
2003 TBA Thunderbike pipes / floorboards / and the most uncomfortable seat known to man....
Barry aka: 8-Ball
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
I've been having comfort issues since day one and was thinking this may help. Glad to hear it works for others. There may be hope yet. Looks like I'll make up my mind and get some floorboards.
Just do it & don't look back. I did, with no regrets.
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Re: Just installed floorboards, need help!
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Quote:
I've been having comfort issues since day one and was thinking this may help. Glad to hear it works for others. There may be hope yet. Looks like I'll make up my mind and get some floorboards.
Just do it & don't look back. I did, with no regrets.
Me too!
Live to love, love to live.
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