A motorcycle-stance alteration kit is described. The kit includes a handlebar clamp, a fork clamp, and a footpeg extension. The handlebar clamp is formed to connect with a motorcycle's fork clamp and reposition the motorcycle's handlebar to alter a user's riding stance. The fork clamp is configured to be attached with motorcycle forks to the motorcycle's frame. The fork clamp includes a horizontal mounting surface that is formed to offset the fork's rake angle to cause the horizontal mounting surface to rest in a substantially horizontal alignment with respect to a ground surface. Finally, the footpeg extension is formed to connect with and between a motorcycle frame and footpeg. Thus, the footpeg extension effectively repositions the footpeg to alter the user's riding stance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a motorcycle accessory and, more particularly, to an accessory for attaching with a motorcycle to alter a rider's stance and riding position, including a footpeg extension and handlebar extension kit.

(2) Description of Related Art

Riding motorcycles has long been a favored sport among enthusiasts. As the sport has progressed it has taken many different directions, leading to the development of a variety of motorcycles, including street motorcycles and off-road motorcycles. As manufacturers develop their motorcycles, they are typically restricted to manufacturing for the masses. In doing so, this has led to motorcycles that are developed for riders of an average height and stature. While optimal for a rider of an average height, the typical motorcycle is not optimal for riders having alternative statures. For example, tall riders are forced to ride motorcycles that do not properly address their natural riding stance. In other words, the handlebars and footpegs on original motorcycles are not properly positioned to allow a taller rider to ride comfortably. In the very least, the handlebars and footpegs are placed at sub-optimal positions for taller (and shorter) riders.

Thus, a continuing need exists for a motorcycle-stance alteration kit that allows a user to alter the riding stance of a motorcycle.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a motorcycle-stance alteration kit. The kit includes a handlebar clamp for attaching with a motorcycle's fork clamp. The handlebar clamp includes a base and a cap hingedly connected with the base. The base also includes an arcuate recess therein and the cap also includes an arcuate recess. When the cap is positioned upon the base, the arcuate recesses are aligned to allow for placement of a handlebar there between. The base is formed to align with and connect with the motorcycle's fork clamp, with the base being an elongated base having a first portion, a second portion, and a center portion there between. The arcuate recess is formed in the base such that it is offset from the center portion and resides substantially within the second portion, whereby use of the handlebar clamp allows a user to reposition a handlebar to alter a user's riding stance.

A link can also be included that has a first end and a second end. In this aspect, the first end is pivotally connected with the base and the second end is pivotally connected with the cap, thereby hingedly connecting the base with the cap through the link. To facilitate such a connection, the base includes a slot and the cap includes a slot, where the link is positioned within the slot of each the cap and base. Additionally, the link is affixed with each of the cap and the base using a pin to pivotally connect the link with each of the cap and base.

To accommodate handlebars of varying diameters, the present invention also includes a set of arcuate adapters for positioning within the arcuate recesses. Each arcuate adapter is connected with an arcuate recess using a dowel pin.

The base also includes a top side and a bottom side, with the arcuate recess being formed in the top side. The base further includes an arcuate protrusion extending from the bottom side of the first portion, with the arcuate protrusion being formed to align with and mate with a corresponding arcuate recess in the motorcycle's fork clamp.

In yet another aspect, the present invention further comprises a riser block having a pair of protrusions extending therefrom. In this aspect, the base includes a top side and a bottom side, with the arcuate recess being formed in the top side and a pair of depressions formed substantially within the first portion of the bottom side that correspond to the pair of protrusions on the riser block. Both the base and riser block include a bolt hole therethrough such that when the pair of protrusions are connected with the pair of depressions, the bolt holes are aligned, thereby allowing a user to connect the riser block and base with a motorcycle's fork clamp to elevate a user's riding stance.

The kit also includes a footpeg extension for connecting with a motorcycle frame. The footpeg extension has a first side and a second side and is further elongated to have a first portion, a second portion, and a center portion therebetween. The footpeg extension includes a footpeg mount attached with the first side (i.e., formed with or separately formed and attached with) such that the footpeg mount is offset from the center portion and substantially within the second portion. The footpeg mount is also formed to connect with a motorcycle's footpeg, with the first portion being formed to connect with the motorcycle frame, thereby allowing a user to connect the footpeg extension with the motorcycle frame and connect the footpeg with the footpeg mount to alter the user's riding stance.

In another aspect, the footpeg mount includes two footpeg mount pin bores therethrough to accommodate a footpeg mount pin. The footpeg mount also includes a sufficient amount of space between the two mount pin bores to accommodate a motorcycle's footpeg and a footpeg spring therebetween. The footpeg mount further includes a retaining pin hole therethrough that intersects one of the footpeg mount pin bores for placement of a retaining pin therein. In operation, a user can place a footpeg and footpeg spring between the two footpeg mount pin bores, with the footpeg mount pin being placed through the footpeg mount pin bores, the footpeg, and footpeg spring, with the retaining pin being placed through the retaining pin hole to contact the footpeg mount pin and thereby affix the footpeg, the footpeg spring, and the footpeg mount pin with the footpeg mount.

Additionally, the footpeg mount is formed to include a sufficient amount of space between the two footpeg mount pin bores to accommodate a motorcycle's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) footpeg and OEM footpeg spring therebetween.

In another aspect, the first portion of the footpeg extension includes a pair of bolt holes therethrough that are formed to accommodate OEM bolts. The pair of bolt holes are formed to align with corresponding threaded holes in a motorcycle frame, thereby allowing a user to position the footpeg extension against the motorcycle frame and use the OEM bolts to affix the footpeg extension with the motorcycle frame to alter the user's riding stance.

In yet another aspect, the present invention further comprises a clevis-pin, a clevis-pin retaining pin, a wedge block, and a wedge block set screw. In this aspect, the first portion includes a clevis-pin bore therethrough that has a long axis that is alignable with flanges of an OEM footpeg clevis affixed to a motorcycle frame. The first portion further includes a clevis-pin retaining pin hole therethrough, where the retaining pin hole has a long axis that approximately intersects the long axis of the clevis-pin bore. The first portion further includes a tapered pocket formed in the second side of the footpeg extension with a threaded hole formed through the first portion that intersects the tapered pocket. Thus, the footpeg extension can be attached with the motorcycle frame by positioning the footpeg extension over an OEM footpeg clevis, capturing the wedge block between the tapered pocket and the frame. The clevis-pin is then inserted through both flanges of the OEM footpeg clevis and the clevis-pin bore, with the clevis-pin retaining pin being positioned through the retaining pin hole to affix the footpeg extension with the motorcycle frame. The wedge block set screw is thereafter screwed through the threaded hole to drive the wedge block into the tapered pocket. Thus, the wedge block set screw is tightened to prevent the footpeg extension from rotating about the long axis of the clevis-pin.

In yet another aspect, the present invention further comprises a clevis-pin, a clevis-pin retaining pin, and a set screw. Additionally, the first portion includes a clevis-pin bore therethrough that has a long axis that is alignable with flanges of an OEM footpeg clevis affixed to a motorcycle frame. The first portion further includes a clevis-pin retaining pin hole therethrough. The clevis-pin retaining pin hole has a long axis that approximately intersects the long axis of the clevis-pin bore. Additionally, the first portion includes a set screw hole therethrough that has a long axis that is aligned to contact a motorcycle frame when the footpeg extension is attached with the motorcycle frame. Additionally, the set screw hole is threaded to accommodate the set screw. Thus, the footpeg extension can be attached with the motorcycle frame by inserting the clevis-pin through both flanges of an OEM footpeg clevis and the clevis-pin bore, with the clevis-pin retaining pin being positioned through the retaining pin hole to affix the footpeg extension with the motorcycle frame, and where the set screw can be positioned through the set screw hole to contact the motorcycle frame and using the threads, the set screw can be tightened against the motorcycle frame to prevent the footpeg extension from rotating about the long axis of the clevis-pin.

In another aspect, the present invention includes a motorcycle fork clamp and a bar clamp. The fork clamp is formed to connect with motorcycle forks having a rake angle. The fork clamp also includes a horizontal mounting surface, with the horizontal mounting surface having an angle and being formed such that when the fork clamp is attached with motorcycle forks, the angle of the horizontal mounting surface offsets the rake angle to cause the horizontal mounting surface to rest in a substantially horizontal alignment with respect to a ground surface. The fork clamp is also formed to include an adjustment apparatus at the horizontal mounting surface for connecting with a bar clamp. The adjustment apparatus is formed to allow for fore and aft connection positions with the bar clamp. Additionally, the bar clamp is formed to attach with the adjustment apparatus such that when connected with a handlebar, the bar clamp is used to attach the handlebar to the fork clamp, whereby a user can alter the riding stance by connecting the bar clamp at one of the fore and aft connection positions.

In yet another aspect, the horizontal mounting surface includes a fore side and an aft side. Furthermore, the adjustment apparatus includes at least three bolt holes formed through the horizontal mounting surface. The bolt holes are formed in linear alignment from the fore side to the aft side. Additionally, the bar clamp includes at least two receiving mechanisms for receiving two bolts positioned through two of the three bolt holes, thereby allowing a user to selectively adjust a fore and aft position of the bar clamp by selecting two of the three bolt holes for use with connecting the bar clamp to the fork clamp.

In another aspect, the receiving mechanisms are threaded bolt holes.

In yet another aspect, the fork clamp includes depressions formed proximate the bolt holes and the bar clamp includes corresponding protrusions proximate the receiving mechanisms, thereby allowing a user to affix the bar clamp with the fork clamp by mating the protrusions with the depressions.

In yet another aspect, the base is an elongated base having a first portion, a second portion, and a center portion therebetween. The arcuate recess is formed in the base such that it is offset from the center portion and substantially within the second portion. Additionally, the bar clamp is formed such that it can be reversibly connected with the fork clamp such that the second portion can be selectively positioned proximate the fore or aft positions of the fork clamp, whereby use of the bar clamp allows a user to reposition a handlebar to alter a user's riding stance.

In yet another aspect, the riser is configured to connect with and between the horizontal mounting surface and the bar clamp. The riser includes a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side includes protrusions that are formed to mate with the depressions in the horizontal mounting surface and the top side includes depressions formed to mate with the protrusions on the bar clamp.

Finally, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming and using the motorcycle-stance alteration kit described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a motorcycle accessory and, more particularly, to an accessory for attaching with a motorcycle to alter a rider's stance and riding position, including a footpeg extension and handlebar extension kit. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, fore, aft, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object.

The present invention relates to a motorcycle-stance alteration kit. The kit is formed to alter both the handlebar and footpeg positions on original equipment manufacturer (OEM) motorcycles. In other words, the kit is used with OEM motorcycles to reposition the handlebars and footpegs, thereby altering the riding stance to allow riders of various statures to ride comfortably. Thus, the kit has two basic parts, the handlebar extension and the footpeg extension. For clarity, each of the handlebar extension and footpeg extension will be described separately.

The present invention includes a handlebar extension that is formed to relocate a motorcycle's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) handlebar to allow a user to alter the riding stance. As shown inFIG. 1, the handlebar extension includes a handlebar clamp100for attaching with a motorcycle's fork clamp102. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the motorcycle's fork clamp102is typically used to hold the motorcycle forks in place and attach them with the motorcycle's frame. Additionally, the fork clamp102attaches with a handlebar104to allow a user to steer the motorcycle.

With respect to the present invention, the handlebar clamp100is formed in such a way that it relocates the position of the handlebar104, thereby altering the riding stance of the rider. The dashed line106depicts the OEM riding stance of the prior art. Using the handlebar clamp100of the present invention, the handlebar104is effectively moved forward108to accommodate riders of an alternative stature (e.g., taller riders).

FIG. 2is a front-view illustration of the handlebar clamp100, showing the handlebar104in its new position with respect to the fork clamp102.

FIG. 3is an illustration of the handle bar104, fork clamp102, and an exploded-view of the handlebar clamp100. Further details of the handlebar clamp100are illustrated inFIG. 4.

As shown inFIG. 4, the handlebar clamp100includes a base400and a cap402hingedly connected with the base400. The base400is hingedly connected with the cap402through any suitable mechanism or device for hingedly connecting one object with another, non-limiting examples of which include using a single pin (illustrated inFIG. 9) or a linkage404with two pins424. To accommodate the handlebar, both the base400and cap402include any suitable shape therein that allows the handlebar to be clamped therebetween. As a non-limiting example, the base400includes an arcuate recess406and the cap includes an arcuate recess408. The arcuate recesses406and408are formed such that when the cap402is positioned upon the base400, the arcuate recesses406and408are aligned to allow for placement of a handlebar therebetween. As required by the present invention, the base400is formed to align with and connect with the motorcycle's OEM fork clamp (illustrated as element102inFIGS. 1 through 3).

In order to alter the user's riding stance, the base400is an elongated base400. In this aspect, the base400include a first portion410, a second portion412, and a center portion414therebetween. The arcuate recess406is formed in the base400such that it is offset from the center portion414and substantially within the second portion412. Thus, when the handlebar is connected with the handlebar clamp100, the handlebar is offset from the center portion414to reposition the handlebar and thereby alter the user's riding stance. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the both the base400and the cap402include bolt holes416therethrough to allow the handlebar clamp100to be attached with the motorcycle's fork clamp.

As mentioned above, the base400is hingedly connected with the cap402through any suitable technique for hingedly connecting two objects together. An advantage of such a connection is that when the cap402is tightened against the base400, the tightening process is simplified since turning a single fastener generates the required clamping force. Furthermore, it is impossible for the user to install the cap in the wrong orientation as can happen with the prior art design, thereby improving the reliability of the tightening process.

In one aspect, a link404is used to hingedly connect the base400with the cap402. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, there are several methods by which one can use a link to hingedly connect two objects. For example, the link404has a first end418and a second end420, with the first end418being pivotally connected with the base400and the second end420being pivotally connected with the cap402. To facilitate such a connection, both the base400and cap402include a slot422therein. The link404is positioned within the slot422of each of the cap402and base400. A pin424is used to pivotally connect the link404with each of the cap402and the base400, thereby hingedly connecting the cap402with the base400.

The present invention has been devised so that it can be used with a variety of OEM motorcycles and their handlebars. As can be appreciated, handlebars often come in various sizes. Thus, the present invention also includes an adapter to accommodate handlebars of varying diameters. For example, the present invention includes a set of arcuate adapters426that are formed to fit within the arcuate recesses406and408. Each arcuate adapter426can be affixed within the arcuate recesses406and408using any suitable connection mechanism or technique, non-limiting examples of which include a dowel pin428and a screw (not illustrated).

As discussed above, the handlebar clamp100is formed so that it can be attached with a variety of OEM motorcycles, including their various fork clamps. For example and as illustrated inFIG. 5, the base400includes a top side500and a bottom side502. The base400is formed such that an arcuate protrusion504extends from the bottom side502of the first portion410. The arcuate protrusion504is formed such that it aligns with and mates with a corresponding arcuate recess506in the motorcycle's fork clamp102. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, when the arcuate protrusion504is positioned within the arcuate recess506of the fork clamp102, the bolt holes (illustrated as element416inFIG. 4) are aligned with corresponding threaded holes508in the fork clamp102. Such a configuration allows the base400to be secured in place with the fork clamp102.

Another aspect is illustrated inFIG. 6. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, not all OEM motorcycle fork clamps are equipped with arcuate recesses (illustrated as element506inFIG. 5) to accommodate a handlebar. Other fork clamps102, as illustrated inFIG. 6, include a flat surface600. In this configuration, an OEM handlebar clamp (not shown) is typically affixed with the fork clamp102to hold the handlebar104in place. The dotted line602depicts the standard position of the handlebar104when using an OEM handlebar clamp. As shown, the handlebar clamp604of the present invention extends606the handlebar104to a new position. For example, the handlebar clamp604extends606the handlebar104to a more forward and upward position to alter the user's riding stance.

FIG. 7is another illustration of the handlebar clamp604, depicting the handlebar104in the new and more forward and upward position. Further details of the handlebar clamp604are shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B.

As shown inFIG. 8Aand as was the case above, the handlebar clamp604includes a base400and a cap402, with the cap402being hingedly connected with the base400. The base400includes a top side500and a bottom side502, with an arcuate recess406formed on the top side500. The cap402also includes a corresponding arcuate recess408to affix the handlebar104between the base400and the cap402. Also as was the case above, the base400includes a first portion410and a second portion412, with the arcuate recess406being formed substantially within the second portion412.

Additionally, the present invention includes a riser block800that can be used to raise and alter the position of the handlebar clamp604. The riser block800includes a connection mechanism for securely connecting the riser block800with the handlebar clamp604. The connection mechanism is any suitable mechanism or device for securing one object with another, a non-limiting example of which includes a pair of protrusions802. When a pair of protrusions802is used, the base400includes a pair of depressions804formed substantially within the first portion410of the bottom side502. The pair of depressions804corresponds to the pair of protrusions802on the riser block800to allow a fixed connection therebetween. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present invention is not intended to be limited to a pair or protrusions802and corresponding depressions804as there are a multitude of configurations that enable such a mating connection. For example, the depressions804can instead be holes formed through the riser block800, with the holes being formed to receive the protrusions802. Thus, although listed as depressions, the pair of depressions804are any suitable mating configuration, including holes, slots, etc.

Additionally, both the base400and riser block800include bolt holes therethrough. When the pair of protrusions802are mated with the pair of depressions804, the bolt holes are aligned to allow user to pass a bolt806through the motorcycle fork clamp102, through the riser block800and into the base400to allow the handlebar clamp604to be affixed with the fork clamp102. Alternatively (not shown), the pieces can be formed such that the bolt806can be passed through the base400, through the riser block800, and into the handlebar clamp604. In either case, the bolt holes are aligned to allow the handlebar clamp604and riser800to be affixed with the fork clamp102.

As shown inFIG. 8Band as described above, the position of the handlebar104can be altered through use of the riser block800.FIG. 8Billustrates how horizontal (H) handlebar104movement and vertical (V) handlebar104movement are dependent on the height (R) of the riser block800as a function of rake angle (A). The horizontal (H) and vertical (V) movements can be calculated according to the following:
H=V*sine(A) andV=R*cosine(A), where*denotes multiplication.
As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, both the rake angle (A) and the height (R) of the riser block800can be altered to affect the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) movements of the handlebar104. For example, many motorcycle forks and corresponding fork clamps are formed such that A=27 degrees. However, as the rake angle (A) changes, so will both of the horizontal (V) and vertical (V) movements. Thus, because of the rake angle (A), the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) movements are not independent of one another. This is to be contrasted with the next fork clamp configuration, where each of the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) movements is independent of one another (as illustrated inFIG. 11E).

As mentioned above, not all fork clamps are alike. To allow for independent handlebar position adjustment in two dimensions (fore/aft and up/down), the present invention also includes a motorcycle fork clamp. As shown inFIG. 9, the fork clamp900is formed to create a substantially horizontal (with respect to a ground surface) mounting surface.

As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, motorcycle forks are typically mounted with a fork clamp at a rake angle902. To compensate for the rake angle902, the fork clamp900includes a horizontal mounting surface904. The horizontal mounting surface904is angled906with respect to the fork long axis such that when the fork clamp900is attached with motorcycle forks to the motorcycle frame, the angle906of the horizontal mounting surface904offsets the rake angle902to cause the horizontal mounting surface904to rest in a substantially level (i.e., parallel) alignment with respect to a ground surface.

The fork clamp900is further formed to allow for adjustability of a bar clamp908. In such an aspect, the fork clamp900includes an adjustment apparatus910for connecting with the bar clamp908. The adjustment apparatus910is any suitable mechanism or device that allows for fore912and aft914connection positions with the bar clamp104. As a non-limiting example, the horizontal mounting surface904includes a fore side916and an aft side918, with three bolt holes formed through the horizontal mounting surface904. The bolt holes are formed in linear alignment from the fore side916to the aft side918. Additionally, the bar clamp908includes any suitable number of receiving mechanisms920(e.g., two) for receiving bolts922(e.g., two) positioned through two of the three bolt holes. The receiving mechanism920is any suitable mechanism or device capable of connecting with a bolt, a non-limiting example of which includes a threaded bolt hole. Thus, a user can selectively adjust a fore912and aft914position of the bar clamp908by selecting two of the three bolt holes for use with connecting the bar clamp908to the fork clamp900.

To further mate the fork clamp900with the bar clamp908, the fork clamp900includes depressions924formed proximate the bolt holes while the bar clamp908includes corresponding protrusions926proximate the receiving mechanisms920. Each of the depressions924and protrusions926are formed at any suitable location to mate with one another. For example, each depression924is formed concentrically with a bolt hole to surround the bolt hole, while each protrusion926is formed concentrically with a receiving mechanism920to surround the receiving mechanism920. Thus, the bar clamp908can be affixed with the fork clamp900by mating the protrusions926with the corresponding depressions924.

Additionally, a riser928can also be used between the fork clamp900(i.e., the horizontal mounting surface904) and the bar clamp908to raise the bar clamp908and thereby alter the user's riding stance. As was the case above, the riser928is connected between the fork clamp900and bar clamp908using any suitable mechanism or device. As a non-limiting example, the riser928includes a top side930and a bottom side932, with the bottom side932having protrusions934that are formed to mate with the depressions924in the horizontal mounting surface904. Additionally, the top side930includes depressions936that are formed to mate with the protrusions926on the bar clamp908.

As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the protrusions926and934and depressions924and936can be reversed and/or positioned at various locations throughout the riser928, the bar clamp908, and the fork clamp900to facilitate a similar mating connection as described above. For further illustration,FIG. 10is a depiction of the handlebar104attached with the horizontal mounting surface904using both the riser928and the bar clamp908.

FIGS. 11A through 11Dfurther illustrate the effect of the riser.FIG. 11Ais a side-view illustration of the bar clamp908connected with the fork clamp900, without a riser. Alternatively and as shown inFIG. 11B, the riser928can be positioned between the fork clamp900and bar clamp908to ultimately raise the level of the handlebar104. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, risers928of various sizes can be used to further allow a user to selectively alter the user's riding stance. For example,FIG. 11Cillustrates a riser928that is taller than that of the riser928illustrated inFIG. 11B. Thus, use of the riser928inFIG. 11Cwill raise the handlebar104to a level that is higher than that of the raised handlebar104ofFIG. 11B.FIG. 11Dfurther illustrates this concept as an overlaid image that depicts the various positions of the handlebars104ofFIGS. 11A through 11C. As shown inFIG. 11D, the bar clamp908can be attached with the fork clamp900without a riser, resulting in the handlebar104being held in a first elevated position1100. Use of the riser928ofFIG. 11Bresults in the handlebar104being held in a second elevated position1102, while use of the riser ofFIG. 11Cresults in the handlebar104being held in a third elevated position1104. Thus, using the riser928, a user is able to selectively raise (elevate) the handlebar104and thereby alter a height of the user's riding stance by vertically adjusting the handlebar104height.

In this aspect and as shown inFIG. 11E, the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) movements of the handlebar104are independent of each other when using the riser928. As described above, the angle of the horizontal mounting surface offsets the rake angle (A) to cause the horizontal mounting surface to rest in a substantially level (e.g., parallel) alignment with respect to a ground surface. Therefore, using the riser928, the horizontal (H) movement is zero, while the vertical (V) movement is equal to the height (R) of the riser928. Or in other words, when the height (R) of the riser block928is increased, the vertical (V) movement is increased by the same amount; however, the horizontal (H) movement (adjustment) does not change (i.e., H=0).

In addition to being vertically adjustable, the present invention enables for a horizontal adjustment. As shown inFIGS. 12A through 12E, the bar clamp908is formed such that the arcuate recess (for holding the handlebar104) is offset from the center portion414of the bar clamp908. By being offset from the center portion414, the bar clamp908can be reversibly connected with the fork clamp900to allow a user to selectively position the handlebar104in fore and aft positions. Additionally, using the adjustment apparatus (element910inFIG. 9), a user can further adjust the horizontal positioning of the bar clamp908and handlebar104.FIG. 12Efurther illustrates this concept as an overlaid image that depicts the various positions of the handlebars104ofFIGS. 12A through 12D.

As described above, the present invention allows a user to reposition the handlebar in a variety of positions. For example,FIGS. 1 through 5depict a handlebar clamp that allows a user to shift the handlebar forward. In addition to shifting the handlebar forward,FIGS. 6 through 8depict an aspect that allows a user to selectively adjust the height of the handlebar using a riser block. In this aspect, however, the actual handlebar movements are not independent (i.e., the riser block moves the bar upward but also backward by a certain amount).FIGS. 9 through 12Eillustrate another aspect that overcomes the dependence issue (of the aspect illustrated inFIGS. 6 through 8B) by horizontally leveling the mounting surface of the risers (i.e., offsets the rake angle). In this aspect, the handlebar can be moved vertically without moving backward. Therefore, the present invention allows a user to both adjust the vertical and horizontal positioning of the handlebar104to alter a user's riding stance.

As mentioned above, the present invention allows a user to alter a motorcycle's riding stance by repositioning both the motorcycle's OEM handlebar and footpeg. Such an alteration is accomplished through both a handlebar clamp and a footpeg extension. The handlebar clamp was described above, while the footpeg extension is described below.

As shown inFIG. 13, the present invention further comprises a footpeg extension1300for connecting with a motorcycle frame1301. The footpeg extension1300effectively allows a user to reposition the motorcycle's OEM footpeg1303.

The footpeg extension1300has a first side1302and a second side1304. Additionally, the footpeg extension1300is elongated to have a first portion1306, a second portion1308, and a center portion1310therebetween. To allow a user to connect the footpeg1303with the motorcycle frame1301, the footpeg extension1300includes a footpeg mount1312that is formed to connect with the footpeg1303. The footpeg mount1312is attached with (i.e., formed with or separately formed and attached with) the first side1302such that the footpeg mount1312is offset from the center portion1310and substantially within the second portion1308. Thus, using the present invention, a user can connect the footpeg extension1300with the motorcycle frame1301and connect the footpeg1303with the footpeg mount1312to alter the user's riding stance.

More specifically, the footpeg mount1312includes any suitable mechanism or device for connecting with the footpeg1303. As a non-limiting example, the footpeg mount1312includes two footpeg mount pin bores1314therethrough to accommodate a footpeg mount pin1316. Additionally, the footpeg mount1312includes a sufficient amount of space between the two footpeg mount pin bores1314to accommodate a motorcycle's OEM footpeg1303and OEM footpeg spring1318therebetween.

In order to affix the footpeg mount pin1316with the mount1312, the mount1312further includes a retaining pin hole1320that intersects one of the footpeg mount pin bores1314. The retaining pin hole1320allows a user to place a retaining pin1322through the retaining pin hole1320to engage with and affix the footpeg mount pin1316in place. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, there are multiple techniques by which a user can affix the footpeg mount pin1316with the footpeg mount1312. Thus, the above example is a specific non-limiting example, as the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto.

When attaching the footpeg extension1300with the motorcycle frame1301, it is important that the footpeg extension1300be securely affixed with the frame1301. Thus, the footpeg extension1300is affixed with the frame1301through any suitable mechanism or device, three non-limiting examples of which are listed below.

For example, the present invention includes a clevis-pin1324, a clevis-pin retaining pin1326, a wedge block1328, and a wedge block set screw1330. In this aspect, the first portion1306includes a frame clevis-pin bore1332therethrough that has a long axis1334. The long axis1334is alignable with flanges1336of an OEM footpeg clevis1338that are affixed to the motorcycle frame1301. Thus, the footpeg extension1300can be attached with the motorcycle frame1301by inserting the clevis-pin1324through both the flanges1336and the clevis-pin bore1332.

The first portion1306also includes a clevis-pin retaining pin hole1340with a long axis1342that approximately intersects the long axis1334of the clevis-pin bore1332. When the clevis-pin1324is positioned through the clevis-pin bore1332, the retaining pin1326can be placed through the retaining pin hole1340to engage with and hold the clevis-pin1324in place.

Additionally, the first portion1306also includes a tapered pocket (illustrated as element1600inFIG. 16) that is formed in the second side1304of the footpeg extension1300. A hole1344(i.e. threaded hole) is formed through the footpeg extension1300to intersect the tapered pocket. Thus, the wedge block1328can be positioned in the tapered pocket with the wedge block set screw1330being screwed through the threaded hole1344to drive the wedge block1328into the tapered pocket. Tightening the wedge block set screw1330against the wedge block1328effectively prevents the footpeg extension1300from rotating about the long axis of the clevis-pin1324.

FIG. 14further illustrates the use of the footpeg extension1300. As shown, the footpeg extension1300is connected with and between the motorcycle's footpeg1303and frame1301, thereby moving the footpeg away1400from its OEM position and altering the user's riding stance.

FIG. 15is side view illustration of the footpeg extension1300, depicting the footpeg1303in its new and altered position.FIG. 16is a cross-sectional view illustration of the footpeg extension1300, taken along section line A-A ofFIG. 15. As shown inFIG. 16, the wedge block1328is forced into the tapered pocket1600by the wedge block set screw1330. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the wedge block1600takes up any slack between the footpeg extension1300and the frame1301to secure the footpeg extension1300in place.

As mentioned above, described herein are three examples for affixing the footpeg extension1300with the frame1301. Instead of using a wedge block, the second example uses a set screw that can be tightened against the motorcycle frame. As shown inFIG. 17, the present invention also includes a set screw1700that can be used to tighten the footpeg extension1300directly against the frame.FIG. 18further illustrates this concept by providing a cross-sectional view of the footpeg extension, taken along section line B-B ofFIG. 17. As shown inFIG. 18, the present invention also includes a set screw hole1800therethrough that has a long axis1802that is aligned to contact the motorcycle frame1301(or footpeg clevis). The set screw hole1800is threaded to accommodate the set screw1700. Thus, tightening the set screw1700against the frame1301(or clevis) prevents the footpeg extension from rotating about the long axis of the clevis-pin1324.

The third example is illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, not all motorcycle frames include a permanently attached (e.g., welded on) footpeg clevis. In some cases and as illustrated inFIG. 19, the motorcycle frame1301can include a pair (or any other number) of threaded holes1900. To accommodate such motorcycles, the first portion1306includes a corresponding number (e.g., pair) of bolt holes1902therethrough. The bolt holes1902are formed to accommodate the OEM bolts1904and align with the corresponding threaded holes1900in the motorcycle frame1301. Thus, a user can position the footpeg extension1300against the motorcycle frame1301and use the OEM bolts1904to affix the footpeg extension1300with the motorcycle frame1301.

FIG. 20further illustrates the use of the footpeg extension1300. As shown, the footpeg extension1300is connected with and between the motorcycle's footpeg1303and frame1301, thereby moving the footpeg away2000from its OEM position and altering the user's riding stance.

In summary, the present invention is a motorcycle-stance alteration kit for altering a user's riding stance. The present invention comprises a handlebar clamp, a fork clamp, and a footpeg extension. Each of the handlebar clamp, fork clamp, and footpeg extension are formed to attach with an OEM motorcycle frame and OEM accessories to reposition the motorcycle's handlebar and footpeg. Thus, repositioning the handlebar and footpeg effectively alters a motorcycle user's riding stance.