Patent Publication Number: US-2012025558-A1

Title: Floorboards for personal motorized vehicles and methods of installing

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention described herein generally relates to floorboards for a personal motorized vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Floorboards for personal motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and 3-wheelers, have been used to allow a user to alternate foot positioning during rides. Current floorboards either do not have a large enough foot resting surface area or do not handle the problems associated with accessing the brakes and/or shifting devices through the floor boards. 
     The new floorboards and methods described herein have many advantages over the prior art. More specifically, the new embodiments herein allow users a large surface area to alternate foot positioning during rides, are quickly attachable to and detachable from the vehicle without invasive physical alteration, are aesthetically pleasing, and can allow a user to functionally access a foot brake and/or a foot shifter positioned below the floorboards 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The teachings herein are directed to assemblies for releasably attaching first and second floorboards respectively onto first and second sides of a personal motorized vehicle having a brake pedal positioned on the first side and comprising: a first floorboard with an upper surface having a horizontally leveled section with a vertical aperture and an underside that includes means for releasably attaching to a topside of a first foot peg positioned on the first side of the vehicle; a first support bracket having a horizontal extension and configured to releasably attach to the first side of the vehicle such that the horizontal extension is substantially level with the topside of the first foot peg, and wherein the horizontal extension is adapted to releasably attach to the underside of the first floorboard; a brake extension having means for releasably attaching to a brake pedal positioned on the first side of the vehicle and being configured to traverse through the vertical aperture in the first floorboard; a second floorboard with an upper surface having a horizontally leveled section and an underside that includes means for releasably attaching to a topside of a second foot peg positioned on the second side of the vehicle; a second support bracket having a horizontal extension and configured to releasably attach to the second side of the vehicle such that the horizontal extension is substantially level with the topside of the second foot peg, and wherein the horizontal extension is adapted to releasably attach to the underside of the second floorboard. 
     Further embodiments are directed to methods of releasably attaching first and second floorboards respectively onto first and second sides of a personal motorized vehicle, comprising: providing a personal motorized vehicle having a first foot peg with a topside and a brake pedal positioned on the first side and a second foot peg with a topside positioned on the second side; providing a first floorboard with an upper surface having a horizontally leveled section with a vertical aperture to allow a brake extension to pass through and an underside; providing a first support bracket having a horizontal extension; providing a brake extension; providing a second floorboard with an upper surface having a horizontally leveled section and an underside; providing a second support bracket having a horizontal extension; releasably attaching the first support bracket to the first side of the vehicle, such that the horizontal extension of the first support bracket is level with the topside of the first foot peg; releasably attaching the brake extension to the brake pedal; releasably attaching the first floorboard to the topside of the first foot peg and the horizontal extension of the support bracket such that the brake extension traverses through the vertical aperture past the upper surface of the first floorboard and allows a rider to apply pressure to the brake pedal; releasably attaching the second support bracket to the second side of the vehicle, such that the horizontal extension of the support bracket is level with the topside of the second foot peg; and releasably attaching the second floorboard to the topside of the second foot peg and the horizontal extension of the second support bracket. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       It will be appreciated that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed on illustrating the various aspects and features of the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a right side motorcycle aluminum assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a right side support bracket. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a right side floorboard being installed to the aluminum assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a right side floorboard installed to the aluminum assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a left side motorcycle aluminum assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a left side support bracket. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a left side floorboard being installed to the aluminum assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a left side floorboard installed to the aluminum assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of a shift lever extension. 
         FIG. 10  is a back perspective view of a shift lever extension. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a foot shifter peg being removed from a left side shifter assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a shift lever extension being installed into a left side shifter assembly. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of a shift lever extension and left side floor board being installed. 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a left side floorboard and shift lever assembly installed. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of a left side floorboard and heel/toe shifter being installed. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a left side floorboard and heel/toe shifter installed. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded view of an alternative right side support bracket. 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of an alternative left side support bracket. 
         FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of an alternative shift lever extension. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention are described below. It is, however, expressly noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the intention is that modifications that are apparent to the person skilled in the art and equivalents thereof are also included. 
     In general, the teachings herein are directed floorboards and methods of installation. While most embodiments herein are directed to floorboards designed for and methods of installing to BRP&#39;s CAN-AM SPYDER 2010 RS models (i.e., RS and RS-S models), those with skill in the art can recognize using the teachings herein on other personal motorized vehicles where applicable, including potential future models of the CAN-AM SPYDER. For non SPYDER vehicles, the support brackets can be attached to any suitable part of the vehicle&#39;s side, as opposed to an aluminum assembly, for example. 
     Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. 
     Right Side Floorboard 
       FIG. 1 . is a perspective view of an aluminum assembly  2  positioned on the right side of a CAN-AM SPYDER, RS model. The right side aluminum assembly  2  includes a back slot  12 , a front slot  14 , and a right foot peg  4  with a protective cover  6 . The brake pedal  10  and its cover  8  are positioned in close proximity to the right side aluminum assembly  2 , in front of the right foot peg  4 . As is well known in the art, when a rider applies sufficient downward pressure on the brake pedal  10 , the vehicle&#39;s braking mechanism will be activated. 
       FIG. 2 . is an exploded view of an exemplary right side support bracket  16 . According to certain embodiments the right side support bracket  16  is in the shape of an inverted L, having a vertical member  20  whose top end is coupled to a horizontal member  18  that extends away from the motorcycle and includes a topside having two vertical apertures  32  and  30 . According to specific embodiments the horizontal member  18  is between 7-12 inches long and between 0.75-2 inches wide, or even more particularly 9.5 inches long and 1 inch wide, or substantially so. The two vertical apertures  32  and  30  can be sized to be used with the desired fastening means, and can preferably be 9/32 inches, for example. The vertical member  20  is preferably between 4-6 inches tall and between 0.75-2 inches wide, or even more particularly 5⅝ inches tall and 1 inch wide, or substantially so. 
     Additional features can be added to the right side support bracket  16 . For example, one or more, supporting members can also be used to enhance the load bearing capacity of the horizontal member  18  and overall stability of the right side support bracket  16 . As one example, a triangular shaped supporting member  96  can be used to further support the coupling of the vertical  20  and horizontal members  18 . The right side supporting bracket  16  can be constructed using any suitable materials, such as a carbon fiber, fiberglass, reinforced fiberglass, hard plastic, metal, non-exclusively including steel, aluminum, bronze, and the like. Likewise, depending on the materials used, the right side supporting bracket  16  can be constructed using any suitable method, such as molding, casting, welding, and bending sheet metal. 
     Any suitable fastening means can be used to releasably secure the right side support bracket  16  to the front slot  14  of the aluminum assembly  2 .  FIG. 2  depicts one, non-exclusive way that involves a bolt  22 , and a complementary washer  24  and nut  26  configured to secure the bracket  16  through a horizontal aperture  28  positioned in the vertical member  20 . Other alternative fastening means are known in art, including the use of more than one bolt, the use of one or more threaded holes in the support bracket  16  configured to receive one or more bolts, and one or more securing tabs and/or bolts on the support bracket  16  and complementary fastening means to fasten to the right side aluminum assembly  2 . According to preferred embodiments, the aluminum assembly  2  does not have to be permanently altered, such as incurring drilling or welding to secure the right side support bracket  16 . Preferred fastening means and methods are readily reversible, such as through the use of releasable fasteners. 
     Other suitable shaped support brackets can also be used with the teachings herein.  FIG. 16  provides another non-exclusive example of a right sided support bracket  500  with the horizontal member  18  forming the upper side, and the vertical member  20  forming the proximal side. Preferably the right sided support bracket  500  can be formed from a single piece of sheet metal and folded such that the sides (e.g.,  18 ,  28 , etc.) extend frontwards, away from the brake pedal  10 , instead of backwards as shown in  FIG. 2 . This alternate support bracket  500  can be coupled to the front slot  14  identically to how the right support bracket  16  shown in  FIG. 2  is. One preferred example involves a bolt  22 , and a complementary washer  24  and nut  26  configured to secure the bracket  500  through a horizontal aperture  28  positioned in the vertical member  20 . Materials and methods of making the alternate right support bracket  500  can be the same as those used for the right support bracket  16  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3  provides an exploded view of a right side floorboard  52  being installed on the right side aluminum assembly  2 . According to preferred embodiments, no part of the aluminum assembly  2  or right side of the vehicle is permanently altered (e.g., welding, drilling, etc.) to allow attachment or detachment of the right floorboard  52 . According to preferred teachings herein, the only reversible physical alterations to the actual right side of the vehicle involve the removal of the cover  6  of the foot peg  4 , thereby exposing two vertical apertures  66  and  68 , and the cover  8  of the brake pedal  10  to expose another two vertical apertures  78  and  80 . Both the foot peg cover  6  and the brake pedal cover  8  can be readily reattached if so desired. 
     In general, the right side floorboard  52  includes a top surface  56  to allow a rider to position their right foot on and an undersurface  58  for mounting to the foot peg  4  and the horizontal member  18  of the right side support bracket  16 . Preferably the floorboard  52  is non-exclusively between 20-35 inches long, from front to back, or between 25-35 inches, or even more particularly 31.5 inches, or substantially so. One non-exclusive preferred surface area range of the top surface  56  could be 135-240 square ft. The top surface  56  thus preferably has a substantial surface area and allows a rider multiple positions for their right foot, including, for example: forward and back positions, level and elevated positions, and positions proximal and distal from the bike. Enhanced surface area allows the right floorboard  52  to act as a water, oil, and mud guard, and protects the rider from these substances being kicked up from the road. The floorboard  52  can non-exclusively have a thickness between ⅛ inches-¾ inches, or even more preferably 3/16 inches, or substantially so. 
     The top surface  56  can be powder coated or otherwise constructed to allow sufficient traction to prevent slippage of the rider&#39;s right foot. The right side floorboard  52  can be constructed out of any suitable material for supporting a rider, including steel, aluminum, carbon-fiber, reinforced fiberglass, and fiberglass, for example. The right side floorboard  52  can also be constructed using any suitable method depending on the construction material, such as casting, welding, molding, cutting, bending, and the like. 
     According to certain embodiments the right floorboard  52  includes a horizontally leveled section  94  and a frontward, upwardly angled section  60 . The frontward, upwardly angled section  60  is preferably narrower than the horizontally leveled section  94  and rises forward at an angle of between 25-45 degrees, or 30-40 degrees, or even more specifically 33 degrees, or substantially so. According to other embodiments, the floorboard is entirely level, such that the frontward, upwardly angled section  60  is not present. With respect to the horizontally leveled section  94 , the underside  58  of the floorboard  52  can be positioned on top of the exposed foot peg  4  and the horizontal member  18  of the support bracket  16 . As such the topside of the horizontal member  18  of the support bracket  16  is preferably constructed or otherwise configured to be horizontally level with the exposed foot peg  4  when installed. This preferred configuration allows for the floorboard  52  to be positioned at substantially the same height as the foot peg  4  with cover  6 , or the preferred foot position intended by the designer of the particular vehicle, such as the CAN-AM SPYDER, RS models. 
     The back of the floorboard  52  includes a back tab  54  configured to be inserted into the back slot  12  of the right side aluminum assembly  2 . Positioned frontwards and distally away of the back tab  54  is a back set of vertical apertures  48  and  50 , configured to receive fastening means (e.g., bolts, hex bolts, screws). A vertical aperture  42  sized to allow the vertical member  64  of a brake extension  62  to pass through is positioned in front of the back set of vertical apertures  48  and  50 . A front set of vertical apertures  44  and  46  configured to receive fastening means (e.g., bolts, hex bolts, screws) is positioned frontwards of the brake aperture  42  near the front of the horizontally leveled section  94 . The back set of vertical apertures  48  and  50  and the front set of vertical apertures  44  and  46  can be sized to accommodate the selected fastening means and vice versa. According to one preferred embodiment, ¼ inch hex bolts are used. 
     According to highly advantageous embodiments, when the back tab  54  of the right floorboard  52  is installed into the back slot  12  of the aluminum assembly  2 , the back set of vertical apertures  48  and  50  are respectively aligned with the vertical apertures  68  and  66  of the foot peg  4 . Once aligned, fastening means, such as bolts  38  and  40  can be passed through and secured using nuts  72  and  70 . Washers can be included in the fastening means if so desired. 
     Similarly, when the back tab  54  of the right floorboard  52  is installed into the back slot  12  of the aluminum assembly  2 , the front set of vertical apertures  44  and  46  on the floorboard  52  are respectively aligned with the vertical apertures  32  and  30  on the horizontal member  18  of the right side support bracket  16 . Once aligned, fastening means, such as bolts  34  and  36  can be passed through and secured using nuts  92  and  90 . Washers can be included in the fastening means if so desired. 
     With the back tab  54  installed in the back slot  12 , the back set of vertical apertures  48  and  50  securely fastened to the foot peg  4 , and the front set of vertical apertures  44  and  46  securely fastened to the right side support bracket  16 , the right side floorboard  52  is very stable, and the horizontally leveled section  94  can easily support the entire weight of at least a 250 lb rider. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , when the back tab  54  of the right floorboard  52  is installed into the back slot  12  of the aluminum assembly  2 , the vertical member  64  of the brake extension  62  is aligned to vertically traverse through the brake aperture  42 . More specifically, the brake extension  62  is mounted to the exposed brake pedal  10  using any suitable means, but preferably through the use of the existing vertical apertures  78  and  80  on the brake pedal  10 . The brake extension  62  can be L-shaped, V-shaped, or substantially so, having a horizontal member  66  coupled at either a right angle, or otherwise, to a vertical member  64 . When the vertical member  64  is angled, it is preferable that it is angled backwards to define an acute angle with the horizontal member  66 . The horizontal member  66  can include two vertical apertures  84  and  82  that respectively align with the two vertical apertures  78  and  80  when the horizontal member  66  is positioned on top of the exposed brake pedal  10 . A first bolt  76 , or other fastening means, can traverse through both apertures  78  and  80  and be secured using a nut  88 . Likewise a second bolt  74  or other fastening means can traverse through both apertures  80  and  82  and be secured using a second nut  86 . Washers can also be used with these fastening means. 
     When installed, and as shown in  FIG. 4 , the vertical member  64  of the brake extension  62  is configured to pass through a vertical aperture  42  within the right floorboard  52 , at a sufficient distance to allow the rider to readily press downward on the vertical member  64  and thus the coupled brake pedal  10  to actuate the braking mechanism of the vehicle. The vertical member  64  can include more top surface area than shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , preferably extending backwards, and can include a slip resistant surface, such as a rubber cover and/or tread, for example. 
     Left Side Floorboard 
       FIG. 5 . is a perspective view of an aluminum assembly  102  positioned on the left side of a CAN-AM SPYDER, RS model. The left side aluminum assembly  102  includes a back slot  112 , a front slot  114 , and a left foot peg  104  with a protective cover  106 . Vehicles with hand operated shifting, such as automatic or semi-automatic shifting may not include a foot shifter peg on the left side. Alternatively the vehicle may have manual shifting and thus include a left side foot shifter peg  328  (see  FIG. 11 , for example). As will be discussed in detail below, the left side floorboards  152  herein can accommodate each of these types of transmissions. 
       FIG. 6 . is an exploded view of an exemplary left side support bracket  116 . According to certain embodiments the left side support bracket  116  is in the shape of an inverted L, having a vertical member  120  whose top end is coupled to a horizontal member  118  that extends away from the motorcycle and includes a topside having two vertical apertures  132  and  130 . According to specific embodiments the horizontal member  118  is between 5-9 inches long and between 0.75-2 inches wide, or even more particularly 7.75 inches long and 1 inch wide, or substantially so. The two vertical apertures  132  and  130  can be sized to be used with the desired fastening means, and can preferably be 9/32 inches, for example. The vertical member  120  is preferably between 3-5.5 inches tall and between 0.75-2 inches wide, or even more particularly 4.75 inches tall and 1 inch wide, or substantially so. 
     Additional features can be added to the left side support bracket  116 . For example, one or more, supporting members can also be used to enhance the load bearing capacity of the horizontal member  118  and overall stability of the right side support bracket  16 . As one example, a triangular shaped supporting member  196  can be used to further support the coupling of the vertical  120  and horizontal members  118 . The left side supporting bracket  116  can be constructed using any suitable materials, such as a carbon fiber, fiberglass, reinforced fiberglass, hard plastic, metal, non-exclusively including steel, aluminum, bronze, and the like. Likewise, depending on the materials used, the left side supporting bracket  116  can be constructed using any suitable method, such as molding, casting, welding, and bending sheet metal. 
     Any suitable fastening means can be used to releasably secure the left side support bracket  116  to the front slot  114  of the left side aluminum assembly  102 .  FIGS. 6  and  7  depict one, non-exclusive way that involves a bolt  122 , and a complementary washer  124  and nut  126  configured to secure the bracket  116  through a horizontal aperture  128  positioned in the vertical member  120 . More specifically, the left bracket  116  can also include a lower L-shaped extension  202  that includes a first member that traverses towards the vehicle and is connected to the vertical member  120  and a second member that traverses towards the front of the vehicle and is perpendicular to and connects to the first member. This second member can include a horizontal aperture  204  that aligns with the horizontal aperture  128  positioned in the vertical member  120  to allow the securing means, such as a bolt  122  to traverse through. A hollow spacer  200  sized to allow passage of the bolt  122  and configured to fit between the aligned horizontal apertures  204  and  128  can also be used with this embodiment. This spacer  200  can be about 0.75-1.5 inches long, or more preferably 1 inch long. Other alternative fastening means are known in art, including the use of more than one bolt, the use of one or more threaded holes in the support bracket  116  configured to receive one or more bolts, and one or more securing tabs and/or bolts on the support bracket  116  and complementary fastening means to fasten to the left side aluminum assembly  2 . According to preferred embodiments, the left aluminum assembly  102  does not have to be permanently altered, such as incurring drilling or welding to secure the left side support bracket  116 . Preferred fastening means and methods are readily reversible, such as through the use of releasable fasteners. 
     Other suitable shaped left support brackets can also be used with the teachings herein.  FIG. 17  provides another non-exclusive example of a left sided support bracket  600  with the horizontal member  118  forming the upper side and a proximal side  602  facing the bike for installation thereto. This alternate left side support bracket  600  can be coupled to the front slot  114  identically to how the left support bracket  116  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is. One preferred example involves a bolt  122 , and a complementary washer  124  and nut  126  configured to secure the bracket  600  through a horizontal aperture  204  positioned in the proximal side  602 . Materials and methods of making the alternate left support bracket  600  can be the same as those used for the left support bracket  116  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  provides an exploded view of a left side floorboard  152  being installed on the left side aluminum assembly  102 . According to preferred embodiments, and similar to the right side, no part of the aluminum assembly  102  or left side of the vehicle is permanently altered (e.g., welding, drilling, etc.) to allow attachment or detachment of the left floorboard  152 . According to preferred teachings herein, the only reversible physical alterations to the actual left side of the vehicle involve the removal of the cover  106  of the foot peg  104 , thereby exposing two vertical apertures  166  and  168 . The foot peg cover  106  can be readily reattached if so desired. For embodiments related to installation of shift lever extensions  300  and  700 , and heel/toe extenders  408  (discussed below) the foot shifter peg  328  should be removed from its socket  330  by unscrewing the locking bolt  326 . This alteration is also readily reversible by reinserting the locking  326  bolt. 
     In general, the left side floorboard  152  includes a top surface  156  to allow a rider to position their left foot on and an undersurface  158  for mounting to the foot peg  104  and the horizontal member  118  of the left side support bracket  116 . Preferably the floorboard  152  is non-exclusively between 20-35 inches long, from front to back, or between 25-35 inches, or even more particularly 31.5 inches, or substantially so. One non-exclusive preferred surface area range of the top surface  156  could be 135-240 square ft. The top surface  156  thus preferably has a substantial surface area and allows a rider multiple positions for their left foot, including, for example: forward and back positions, level and elevated positions, and positions proximal and distal from the bike. Enhanced surface area allows the left floorboard  152  to act as a water, oil, and mud guard, and protects the rider from these substances being kicked up from the road. The left floorboard  152  can non-exclusively have a thickness between ⅛ inches-¾ inches, or even more preferably 3/16 inches, or substantially so. 
     The top surface  156  can be powder coated or otherwise constructed to allow sufficient traction to prevent slippage of the rider&#39;s left foot. The left side floorboard  152  can be constructed out of any suitable material for supporting a rider, including steel, aluminum, carbon-fiber, reinforced fiberglass, and fiberglass, for example. The left side floorboard  152  can also be constructed using any suitable method depending on the construction material, such as casting, welding, molding, cutting, bending, and the like. 
     According to certain embodiments the left floorboard  152  includes a horizontally leveled section  194  and a frontward, upwardly angled section  160 . The frontward, upwardly angled section  160  is preferably narrower than the horizontally leveled section  194  and rises forward at an angle of between 25-45 degrees, or 30-40 degrees, or even more specifically 33 degrees, or substantially so. According to other embodiments, the left floorboard is entirely level, such that the frontward, upwardly angled section  160  is not present. With respect to the horizontally leveled section  194 , the underside  158  of the floorboard  152  can be positioned on top of the exposed foot peg  104  and the horizontal member  118  of the support bracket  116 . As such the topside of the horizontal member  118  of the support bracket  116  is preferably constructed or otherwise configured to be horizontally level with the exposed foot peg  104  when installed. This preferred configuration allows for the floorboard  152  to be positioned at substantially the same height as the foot peg  104  with cover  106 , or the preferred foot position intended by the designer of the particular vehicle, such as the CAN-AM SPYDER, RS models. 
     The back of the floorboard  152  includes a back tab  154  configured to be inserted into the back slot  112  of the left side aluminum assembly  102 . Positioned frontwards and distally away of the back tab  154  is a back set of vertical apertures  148  and  150 , configured to receive fastening means (e.g., bolts, hex bolts, screws). A front set of vertical apertures  144  and  146  configured to receive fastening means (e.g., bolts, hex bolts, screws) is positioned frontwards of the back set of vertical apertures  148  and  150 . The back set of vertical apertures  148  and  150  and the front set of vertical apertures  144  and  146  can be sized to accommodate the selected fastening means and vice versa. According to one preferred embodiment, ¼ inch hex bolts can be used. 
     According to highly advantageous embodiments, when the back tab  154  of the left floorboard  152  is installed into the back slot  112  of the aluminum assembly  102 , the back set of vertical apertures  148  and  150  are respectively aligned with the vertical apertures  168  and  166  of the foot peg  104 . Once aligned, fastening means, such as bolts  138  and  140  can be passed through and secured using nuts  172  and  170 . Washers can be included in the fastening means if so desired. 
     Similarly, when the back tab  154  of the left floorboard  152  is installed into the back slot  112  of the aluminum assembly  102 , the front set of vertical apertures  144  and  146  on the floorboard  152  are respectively aligned with the vertical apertures  132  and  130  on the horizontal member  118  of the left side support bracket  116 . Once aligned, fastening means, such as bolts  134  and  136  can be passed through and secured using nuts  192  and  190 . Washers can be included in the fastening means if so desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , with the back tab  154  installed in the back slot  112 , the back set of vertical apertures  148  and  150  securely fastened to the foot peg  104 , and the front set of vertical apertures  144  and  146  securely fastened to the left side support bracket  116 , the left side floorboard  152  is very stable, and the horizontally leveled section  194  can easily support the entire weight of at least a 250 lb rider. 
       FIGS. 9-13A  depicts a shift lever extender  300  and methods of installing it with vehicles that utilize a foot shifter peg  328 , such as those that include manual shifting. As described herein, the left side floorboards  152  provided herein can accommodate this type of transmission. According to more specific embodiments, the shift lever extender  300  includes a horizontal member  308  having a back end coupled to a vertical member  302  configured to extend upward beyond the plane of the horizontally leveled section  194  of the floorboard  152  when installed. The horizontal member  308  includes one or more horizontal apertures  310  for allowing fastening to the vehicle. The horizontal member  308  can also include an upper, front tab  316  that is configured to rest on top of the shifter assembly  317  into a slot within the vehicle and a lower, back tab  312  that is configured to insert into the hole  330  that foot shifter peg  328  locks into. The top of the vertical member  302  preferably includes a foot extension  304  which can optionally be sheathed in a rubber cover  306 , or include other non-slippage texturing or covering. When installed, as shown in  FIG. 13A , the foot extension  304  is configured to be at a height above the horizontally leveled section  194  that allows the rider to position their left foot underneath it (i.e., between the upper surface of the floorboard  156  and the foot extension  304 ). When the shift lever extension  300  is installed, the rider can shift upwards by raising their foot which is positioned between the upper surface of the floorboard  156  and the foot extension  304 . Additionally, the rider can shift downwards by stepping on top of the foot extension  304  or the cover  306  of the foot extension. 
       FIG. 18  depicts an alternative shaped shift lever extension  700 . Instead of having a vertical member  302 , this shift lever extension  700  includes an upward and forwardly angled member  702  that couples to a cylindrical foot extension  704 , having a cylindrical rubber cover  706 . When installed, the cylindrical foot extension  704  is configured to be at a height above the horizontally leveled section  194  that allows the rider to position their left foot underneath it (i.e., between the upper surface of the floorboard  156  and the cylindrical foot extension  704 ). When the alternate shift lever extension  700  is installed, the rider can shift upwards by raising their foot which is positioned between the upper surface of the floorboard  156  and the cylindrical foot extension  704 . Additionally, the rider can shift downwards by stepping on top of the cylindrical foot extension  704  or the cover  706  of the cylindrical foot extension  704 . Materials and Methods of making and installing the shift lever extension  700  can be the same as those described for the shift lever extension  300 . 
       FIG. 11  shows one type of shifter assembly  317  that includes a front slot  318 , and a hole  330  that the foot shifter peg  328  operably couples into with the use of a bolt  326  locked into an overlapping channel  332 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the shifter assembly  316  is positioned in front of the left side aluminum assembly  102  on the vehicle. More specifically, the foot shifter peg  328  can include a star shape male member  329  configured to lock into a star shaped hole  330  positioned on the shifter assembly  317 . The star shaped male member  329  can include a groove  331  that is configured to align with the channel  332  that allows the bolt  326  to lock the foot shifting peg  328  into place. When installing the shift lever extension  300  a user can first uninstall the foot shifter peg  328  from its hole  330 , by unscrewing the locking bolt  326  from it channel  332 . 
     Once the foot shifter peg  328  is removed, the lower, back tab  312  on the shift lever extension  300  can be positioned within the vacant hole  330 . The lower, back tab  312  preferably includes means for operably locking into the foot shifter peg hole  330  to still allow for shifting into higher and lower gears. As one exemplary way, the lower, back tab  312  includes a semi-circular groove  314  that is configured to align with the locking channel  332  such that the body of the locking bolt  326  fits within the groove  314  when it is locked into the channel  332 . Alternatively other lower, back tab configurations and shapes that can be inserted into the foot shifting hole  330  are also contemplated herein, non-exclusively including a star shaped tab or otherwise in the shape of the particular foot peg shifter&#39;s male member. According to highly advantageous embodiments, the lower, back tab can include a groove, annular or semi-circular, that corresponds to the channel  332  and locking bolt  326  present in the vehicle. 
     In addition to the lower, back tab  312  additional suitable fastening means can be used to releasably secure the shift lever extension  300  to the shifter assembly  317 .  FIGS. 12 and 13  depicts one, non-exclusive way that involves a bolt  322 , and a complementary washer  320  and nut  324  configured to secure the shift lever extension  300  to the front slot  318  of the shifter assembly  317  through a horizontal aperture  310  positioned in the horizontal member  308 . Other alternative fastening means are known in art, including the use of more than one bolt, the use of one or more threaded holes in the shift lever extension  300  configured to receive one or more bolts, and one or more securing tabs and/or bolts on the shift lever extension  300 , and complementary fastening means to fasten to the shifter assembly  317 . According to preferred embodiments, the shifter assembly  317  does not have to be permanently altered, such as incurring drilling or welding to secure the shift lever extension  300 . Preferred fastening means and methods are readily reversible, such as through the use of releasable fasteners. 
     An alternative shifting option to allow heel/toe shifting is provided in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . A heel/toe extender  408  configured to attach to the shifting assembly  317  is shown in  FIG. 14 . Similar to the shift lever extension  300 , the heel/toe extender includes a lower, back tab  412  that includes a semi-circular groove  414  that is configured to align with the locking channel  332  such that the body of the locking bolt  326  fits within the groove  414  when it is locked into the channel  332 . Alternatively other lower, back tab configurations and shapes that can be inserted into the foot shifting hole  330  are also contemplated herein, non-exclusively including a star shaped tab or otherwise in the shape of the particular foot peg shifter&#39;s male member. According to highly advantageous embodiments, the lower, back tab can include a groove, annular or semi-circular, that corresponds to the channel  332  and locking bolt  326  present in the vehicle. 
     In addition to the lower, back tab  412  additional suitable fastening means can be used to releasably secure the heel/toe extender  408  to the shifter assembly  317 .  FIG. 14  depicts one, non-exclusive way that involves a bolt  322 , and a complementary washer  320  and nut  324  configured to secure the heel/toe extender  408  to the front slot  318  of the shifter assembly  317  through a horizontal aperture  410  positioned in the heel/toe extender  408 . Other alternative fastening means are known in art, including the use of more than one bolt, the use of one or more threaded holes in the heel/toe extender  408  configured to receive one or more bolts, and one or more securing tabs and/or bolts on the heel/toe extender  408 , and complementary fastening means to fasten to the shifter assembly  317 . According to preferred embodiments, the shifter assembly  317  does not have to be permanently altered, such as incurring drilling or welding to secure the heel/toe extender  408 . Preferred fastening means and methods are readily reversible, such as through the use of releasable fasteners. 
     The heel/toe shifter is shown in detail in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The shifter includes a pivot point  428  mounted to the top surface  156  of the left floorboard  152  operably coupled to a forward extending arm  434  supporting a toe pedal  436 , and a backward extending arm  430  supporting a heel pedal  432 . The forward extending arm  434  is operably coupled to the heel/toe extender  408  using any suitable fastening means. As one example the heel/toe extender  408  can include a forwardly angled, vertical extension  416  having a horizontal aperture  418  that is configured to align with a horizontal aperture  426  on the forward extending arm  434 , such as through a lower tab  424  coupled to the forward extending arm  434 . A bolt  422  that is configured to traverse through these apertures  426  and  418  and a complementary nut  420  can be used to secure the forward extending arm  434  to the heel/toe extender  408 . 
     Once installed, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the installation is configured such that a rider pressing downward with on the toe pedal  436 , shifts the vehicle to a lower gear, while pressing downwards on the heel pedal  432  shifts the vehicle into a higher gear. 
     The use of right and left sides herein is exemplary; those with skill in the art can readily interchange the features and steps of the assemblies and methods herein depending on the specific vehicle&#39;s orientation. 
     The teachings herein may be embodied in other specific forms besides and beyond those described herein. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description.