How to modify Sabre/Magna footpeg mounts to accept Harley-style accessory pegs


This modification was done on my '84 V-65 Sabre because I did not like the style of the stock pegs. For one thing, I have big feet, and I found the stock pegs to be a bit too short to accomodate the full width of my riding boots. The other factor was that the stock Honda units are basically, ugly. Besides the fact that the chrome plating is done over a rough surface, they have a tendency to rust quickly. They had to be replaced with something more asthetically pleasing, and big enough to firmly plant a large boot on, without slipping off.  The first step of this project was to remove the footpeg assemblies from the bike. Remove the long bolt that secures the pegs and shifter arm. The peg assembly shown here is the left side. It will look like this, off the bike:  As you can see in this photo, there is a weld joining the footpeg pivot to the vertical mount. The pivot assembly needs to be cut off right through the weld. Cut as close as you can to the vertical piece. Sabre and Magna footpegs are pretty much identical, from the vertical mount, out to the end of the rubber peg. The vertical mounts differ slightly, but the portion that needs to be removed, is the same. Mount the assembly in a vise, and use a hacksaw to sever the footpeg from the mount. See figures 2 and 3:    After you cut the peg assembly off, it will look like this:  Notice that there is a hole where the footpeg return spring was inserted. The hole should be welded up and excess weld ground down flush with the surface. The next step is to drill a 3/8" hole in the center of the vertical piece. This is the mounting hole for the new peg. All of the Harley-style aftermarket footpegs mount with one bolt.    Use a grinder or coarse file to remove the remainder of the weld at the cut-off point. Round off the edges so that you have a nice radius at the corners, and the front facia is smooth and flat. The finished piece should look like this:    Your finished piece can now be sent to the platers for chroming. When the footpeg is bolted in place, you are ready to re-install the new peg assemblies back on the bike. I used Performance Machine, wing-style pegs, which are solid billet aluminum. There are many choices of styles available. Arlen Ness, Drag Specialties, Custom Chrome, Pro-One, and others carry a nice selection in their catalogs. You'll need to go visit your local Harley dealer, or an accessory shop to browse these catalogs. These Performance Machine pegs were mounted solid, and do not fold up. If you want your pegs to hinge-up, you'll have to use the clevis that is usually supplied with the pegs.  That wasn't difficult was it? Just a bit of cutting, grinding, and two holes will get you down the road with a nice set of pegs under your feet. This project took me about 45 min. from start to finish, to do one side. The cost of the chrome plating was about 10 bucks per side. Performance Machine pegs like these, run $120.00 per pair. There are much cheaper options available. A company called "V-Twin" does knock-offs of the PM units, however, they are cast and not billet. They lack the structural strength of a solid piece of billet aluminum, and I would not recommend them if you stand on your pegs for any reason (like going over dips in roads). They will break under body weight, and you're likely to do damage to yourself when they let go.
 I will also be cutting up a set of rear pegs for the Sabre, and will provide a tutorial for those as well. I hope this article will inspire other Sabre and Magna owners to toss those ugly, stock units in the trashcan, where they belong.