| Quality: | + | + | - | - | - | (2 out of 5) |
| Functionality: | + | + | - | - | - | (2 out of 5) |
| Appearance: | + | + | + | - | - | (3 out of 5) |
| Value: | + | + | + | - | - | (3 out of 5) |
| Overall: | + | + | - | - | - | (2 out of 5) |
 Pros: |
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 Cons: |
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Introduction
One of the problems with some stock rearsets is that they tend to drag at full lean. For a neophite rider like myself, this can be quite unnerving (especially if they catch). I decided to replace the stock set on my 2005 YZF-R6 with something a little more track-friendly. One of the features I desired in aftermarket rearsets was adjustability (probably because I'm not good enough to know exactly where I want my feet to be).
I also tend to be pretty price conscious. Apparently there is a severe shortage of materials and manufacturing options in the motorcycle components market, since I can get an entire 5.5 HP, 2220 Watt generator for less than what I would pay for a few ounces of milled (and maybe annodized) aluminum and some bolts.
Given my options, I was drawn to the Vortex rearsets for their apparent adjustability and the fact that they were about US$100 cheaper than similar offerings.
Impression
Vortex products usually leave me feeling mildly blasé: they're nothing spectacular, but not junk either. These rearsets were no exception.
Installation
Installation was fairly obvious. One thing that was strange to me was the replacement of the stock shift rod. Use of the Vortex rod was necessary since these rearsets use a different thread size on the shift pedal. I'm not sure why they didn't just make it the same size thread and use the stock rod, but I'm sure they have their reasons.
For laughs, I initially installed them with a GP shift pattern. I had never used that pattern before and I wanted to see how difficult it was to change the configuration back and forth with these rearsets. It was relatively simple and required relocating the shift rod outside the frame and swapping the orientation of the shift arm. No additional parts were needed.
Installation of these rearsets necessitates the removal of the rear brake light switch. I wasn't too worried about this since I almost never use my rear brake exclusively, but the fact that Vortex did not make a solution available (even as an optional component) was irksome. Another troublesome matter was that there was no external spring on the brake pedal. It relied entirely on the rear master cylinder to return to a neutral position.
Setting the footpeg positions were easy and minor adjustments could be made quickly.
Use
Once I got my feet positioned close to where I wanted them, riding up and down my block for the first time was a natural experience (aside from the change in shift pattern).
One thing that was bothersome was the "sponginess" of the rear brake. With no additional spring to return the brake pedal to neutral, the resistance from the master cylinder was not enough on its own and gave me the odd feeling that the brake lever was constantly in a different position every time I went for it. Although this was probably more psychological than anything else, Vortex had no solution, so I spent nearly $30 to order another manufacturer's fix.
A few quick rides told me that a GP shift pattern was not in the cards for me (at least not at this time). Heck, if Mat Mladin can win six AMA Superbike championships with a standard shift pattern, I figure it's good enough for me.
At a track day at Willow Springs, other issues came to light. Although the footpegs were knurled with a small diamond pattern, I had a hard with the feel. As I would attempt to set up for a corner, I would move the ball of my foot back to sit on the rear peg, but often wouldn't quite know exactly where on the peg I was. For a better rider, this may not have been an issue, but for me, this was distracting (especially when my foot would slide off the end).
While in the pits, I had a slight mishap when I grabbed too much front brake while pulling a U-turn to our tent. I lost my balance and dropped my bike on its right side. One of the points to hit was the footpeg. At first, I didn't notice any immediate damage (other than a few very small scuffs from the hard pavement), but when I removed the footpeg for a closer inspection, I noticed the bolt that held it in place was bent. It seemed improbable to me that a small tip-over could have caused this, but I couldn't think of anything else to which to attribute it.
At the end of the track day, I noticed a gritty feel when I tried to shift. I'm not sure how, but apparently dirt had made its way into the bearings on the shift pedal. While I doubted they would seize up right away, I wasn't about to take a chance the next time I went out on the track, so when I got home, I ordered a replacement set. The cost? US$28.84 plus shipping. Ouch! How often was I going to need these?
Conclusion
While I think these are probably adequate for the street, I would think twice about getting these for serious track use. First, don't even think about buying these without also purchasing the Graves return spring (and by the time you make that purchase, you're probably in the ball-park of the cost of a superior product). Second, if you're like me, you're likely to find your self paying attention to your footwork rather than your lines. Third, if you crash, you're probably going to be buying a new set, since it will likely cost less than the required repair. All in all, I can't recommend these even to bargain hunters. I'd say spend the few extra dollars and get yourself something a little more robust and well-designed.
Update (2006-06-17)
Vortex has changed their footpeg design, my guess is as a result of feedback from riders. I have not tried them, but based on the appearance of the changes, I would say they probably address my issues with footpeg feel.
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