Dirt Bike Footpegs Explained

Dirt bike footpegs are one of the most important points of contact with your motorcycle when you ride. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, you know standing up on the pegs is key on dirt – and in this position, good footpegs help you control the bike better.

Riding dirt, your body position, your legs, and how you throw your weight around all impact your technique. That’s why footpegs matter so much: it may seem like a simple and straightforward thing, but there’s a big difference between stock and aftermarket dirt bike footpegs.

Why Dirt Bike Footpegs Are Important

When you’re riding standing up, you want a wide, comfortable platform, good grip, and a perfect footpeg position for ultimate control. Wider footpegs provide more stability and comfort, which is especially important when you’re out there for hours or when you’re racing.

Narrow, tiny footpegs will exhaust your feet and your legs faster, while a wider, bigger peg will help your overall endurance.

A good grip is everything in tough conditions: the more grip your footpegs provide, the more stability and control you have. Slick mud, loose gravel, sand, jumps – you need your footpegs to offer solid grip to ride safely and control your motorcycle in any situation.

Small footpegs can’t quite cut it, and if they get clogged with mud, it can become outright dangerous when your feet slip.

Finally, good dirt bike footpegs should be positioned in a way that allows for the most control of your rear wheel. There’s no such thing as universal footpegs: they need to be made specifically for your motorcycle’s make and model, and customized further if you’re aiming for the best result.

Are Stock Footpegs Enough?

Stock footpegs are rarely good enough, even if you’re just starting out. Most stock footpegs are too small, too narrow, and clog too easily.

Installing aftermarket footpegs is one of the best bike mods you can do – even if you’re not racing, better footpegs will make you a better rider.

Dirt vs Adventure vs Rally Footpegs

What’s the difference between dirt bike, adventure, and rally footpegs? Dirt bike footpegs are usually smaller with teeth already cut into them, adventure footpegs tend to be a little wider, and rally footpegs are designed for long-distance riding in a standing position providing a wider platform and more durability.

Luckily, you don’t have to stick to your stock dirt bike or adventure footpegs. Rally footpegs can fit dirt and adventure bikes, too: for example, Cross Country ADV Rally footpegs are compatible with most KTM, Honda, Husqvarna, GasGas, Yamaha, Sherco, Beta, and BMW GS models.

Rally footpegs that fit dirt and adventure bikes have one more nifty feature most riders will appreciate: durability. Built for extreme conditions and tough riding, rally footpegs will last for years, and they won’t bend or break no matter how hard you ride.