Are you aware that footpegs are one of the most neglected parts of a scooter? Even though they make a significant impact on safety?
What should we look out for when retrofitting footrests?
- The footpegs must match the scooter model. There is a large selection of different footrests in the SIP Scootershop.
- They should be individually adjustable, the adjustability allows variable adjustments, which is important for longer tours
- The footrests should have a ribbed or grooved surface. This ensures optimum grip, especially in wet conditions
- A rubber pad can lead to better grip and additional damping
- The most important detail for us Vespisti: safety. A fall can happen. It would be advantageous if the footrests could fold in and thus disappear from the danger zone. This would effectively prevent major injuries
Precisely milled aluminum parts are always an eye-catcher
It doesn’t matter whether they are made from round or flat material. It is equally unimportant whether the surface parts have a matt or colourful anodized finish. Add some carbon and steel screws for the final touch – a real eye-catcher. However, aluminum parts are not only eye-catching, they also have a practical use. The footrests can be adjusted to suit individual leg and foot positions thanks to a wide range of adjustment options.
Important to know: Modified footrests must be entered in the vehicle documents.
Why the footrests should be of high quality
At first glance, you can’t tell the difference between cheap and expensive footpegs. Even the footrests for little money are nowadays produced with milled aluminum and have cleanly deburred machined edges. So why spend more money? The real advantage of high-priced footrests is to be found in the bearings. Needle or ball bearings are fitted here, which hardly show any play. In any case, it is important that a system with plain bearing bushes is equipped with the best possible sealing of the pivot and joint points, because otherwise dirt, grime and water can creep in. It is necessary to dismantle, clean and completely re-grease the detent system at every major inspection. This is particularly important because otherwise there is a risk of sluggishness.
Spoilt for choice: comfort pegs or racing pegs, natural aluminium or anodized?
Opinions differ widely, which is why we stick to the facts. Soft footrests are gentle on your shoes but provide less grip, while sharply serrated footrests damage your shoes but offer better grip. Ultimately, it’s up to each Vespisti to decide for themselves. The same applies to the material. It is an undisputed fact that corrosion forms relatively quickly on materials without chemical surface treatment, which makes the footrests unsightly.
SIP footpegs for Vespa Primavera/Sprint 50 to 150 cm³ 2T/4T AC
You don’t have to dig deep into your pockets for a bestseller among the footrests.
- Knurled surface for more grip
- Made from high-strength aluminium
- Anodized surface
- The high-quality folding mechanism ensures a precise locking point
- Footrests are firmly and stably bolted into the footwell and offer more comfort and optimum grip
- Price: €59 plus shipping costs.
Appraisal, yes or no?
Although this question is easy to answer, it is often argued and discussed. We Vespisti have decided that we will definitely have the retrofitting entered in the papers. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of discussion about suitable tools, although the answer to this question is also easy to find. Please do not buy any often inferior on-board tools, which usually give up after only a short period of use or wear out and are no longer safe to use.
What tools are needed to fit an aftermarket system?
- Small torque wrench with setting range up to 50 Nm
- Hexagon and Allen nuts
- Combination and open-end wrench SW 10/12 (for adjusting the shift rod)
- Threadlocker (such as loctite 243 “medium strength”)
Conclusion
One advantage of all retrofit systems that can hardly be denied is the wide range of adjustment options. This means that every rider can find the best ergonomic setting for them and their knee and foot position. This gives them more riding pleasure and fatigue-free riding over longer distances.
