Did I somehow install my Kewlmetal RT highway brackets wrong?

[Sopher]

It's been VERY snowy and cold up here in New England. Even after the evaporation, we still have over 30" of snow outside. More on the way too.
So my winter projects continue.

Kewlmetal Highway Brackets. Difficult install in the bitter cold. Easier when you have an assistant. I just got the last bolt tighted. But when I re-attached the foot pegs and shifter, their is only about 1.5" of clearance to shift with my boot. I dont see how I could move or adjust things. Its all pretty straight forward. But still something is wrong...

I will call Matt, but he is probably not around on a weekend.

 

[Y Rider]

I don't have the Kewlmetal but I plan to install them on my RT LTD when I get it this March. They also have two installation videos. I watched them both and found them very informative. From the first video it looks as though there isn't much clearence.

 

[JohnS_Rosamond]

The shifter goes onto a splined shaft when you reinstall the foot-peg mount. Is it possible to rotate the shifter upwards one tooth in order to get more of a throw on the shifter? If you can't rotate the shifter on the splines perhaps you can adjust the linkage (both of these operations should just rotate the shifter lever a bit. As long as you can get full-range-of motion out of the shifter lever it should not affect the shifting or shift qaulity. If neither of those is a possibility, you may have to notch the highway peg bracket. However, before you do anything, I would call Kewl Metal and see if they have heard of your situation before.

 

[DougB]

I installed the same bracket on my RT. Looks from the pics like you have it installed correctly. The lever on the shifter shaft IS splined and you may have to pull it off and reposition it to correct the problem. Good Luck.

 

[Sopher]

I just noticed that the holes one either side of the brackets for the links is too small. And I'm not sure I have a bit strong enough to make it wider.

I also looked at the shifter peg adjustement. I'm not sure I'l have enough top-end room to move the addjustments before the peg brace hits the frame.

ugh.
:gaah:

 

[Mad Matt]

Sopher,

My shift peg is 3.5" above the highway bracket, just to give you a reference point. You probably have to adjust your shifter up a little from the Factory setting. Make sure it clears when shifting into reverse, and that it upshifts fully (if you raise it up too much you won't get the full stroke). Do all this and test it before re-installing the left plastic body panel.

I am going to check with my steel shop on that hole size. The 1/2 bolt should go right through. If there is an issue with that I will get it corrected and I apologize if you have to drill it out. You should not have to drill or notch any Kewlmetal products to install them!

Call me if you like!

623-298-7835

I am heading for the V-Twin show Tuesday so call my cell after that 928-308-8478.

Matt

 

[chili]

RT Hwy Peg Brackets

Mine were Dealer installed. I have 3 1/2 in clearance, which is plenty.:2thumbs:

 

[Sopher]

Now that the 10th worst winter in NewEngland history has nearly ended and the thaws are starting to yeild to slightly warmer temps... We had a heat wave yesterday... 52 degrees! Whoo hoo!!

I was able to finish up the adjustments on the KewlMetal bracket. Yes I needed to make turnbuckle adjustments to raise the shifter BUT I also had to cut a notch into the sideboard plate. This is not a structural part and simply inhibited the shifter from being raised higher. I have between 3.5 and 4" of clearance between the highway bracket and the shifter peg.

Now I know where the RT gets some of its weught from... That whole shifter/foot peg/passenger peg plate and bracket is VERY HEAVY!

One question: That side plate looks to be heavy guage aluminum, (or not?) Does it need some protective paid to prevent corrosion/rust?
Thanks to all.

 

[clueless]

Now that the 10th worst winter in NewEngland history has nearly ended and the thaws are starting to yeild to slightly warmer temps... We had a heat wave yesterday... 52 degrees! Whoo hoo!!

I was able to finish up the adjustments on the KewlMetal bracket. Yes I needed to make turnbuckle adjustments to raise the shifter BUT I also had to cut a notch into the sideboard plate. This is not a structural part and simply inhibited the shifter from being raised higher. I have between 3.5 and 4" of clearance between the highway bracket and the shifter peg.

Now I know where the RT gets some of its weught from... That whole shifter/foot peg/passenger peg plate and bracket is VERY HEAVY!

One question: That side plate looks to be heavy guage aluminum, (or not?) Does it need some protective paid to prevent corrosion/rust?
Thanks to all.

Mine just hits the side board plate. I raised the shifter to where it covers the bolt hole on the side plate. about 1 inch over OEM ..

sent Matt a message. I too have problems I can not get the bolt thru for the links. .... sigh I do NOT have a drill bit big enough or strong enough to widen the hole on the brackets (both sides) are about 1mm too small. so cant mount the side links and hence no highway pegs for tomorrows ride to Spyderfest :gaah:

 

[Sopher]

I ended up buying a $12 step bit set from Harbor Freight Tools.
The hole needs to be opened quite a bit from what was delivered. 3/8" i think.

 

[clueless]

ok thanks. Mark replied about drilling it out or using a flat file :gaah:

I thought wow that will take a while its heavy steel.... not sure my drill has enough torque with a large enough bit but will try Harbor freight

have to go there anyway and get my torque wrench exchanged. doesnt work for 25 ftlb and higher...