Best Aftermarket Floorboards for Harley Davidson Motorcycles

Published Categorized as Floorboards, Harley Davidson
Best aftermarket floorboards for Harley-Davidson - billet aluminum on workbench

Updated May 2026 — Research compiled from HD Touring Service Manuals 2009 & 2011, 2013 Dyna Service Manual, and 200+ posts across 3 HDForums.com threads.

Quick answer: The best aftermarket floorboards for Harley-Davidson Touring models are the Arlen Ness Beveled Fusion (3-position adjustable, 6061-T6 billet aluminum, long-haul comfort), Kuryakyn Premium Mini 4392 (peg-to-board upgrade with rubber vibration isolation), and Burly Brand MX (TIG-welded steel, aggressive grip, fuel for performance riders). All bolt onto 1984-2024 FLH/FLT models with bracket screws torqued to 36-42 ft-lbs per the HD Touring Service Manual. How we sourced this: HD Touring Service Manuals 2009 (99497-09) + 2011 (99497-11), 2013 Dyna Service Manual, HDForums.com threads 1456741 / 811411 / 1317366 (200+ combined posts), RevZilla product specs.

Most aftermarket floorboard lists rank products by Amazon averages and call it a day. We took a different approach: we cross-referenced three high-volume HDForums threads with a combined 200+ ownership posts, pulled torque specifications directly from Harley-Davidson service manuals for Touring, Dyna, and Softail platforms, and mapped each pick against heel-toe shifter compatibility and vibration isolation architecture. Out of the options we started with, five survived every filter.

A note on platform differences before you buy: Twin Cam and Milwaukee-Eight engines have measurably different vibration profiles, and Touring versus Softail frames use different floorboard mounting systems with different torque specifications. That split matters for which board works best for your specific model – and we cover it in detail below.

Here is what we found after reading through the threads and manuals.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arlen Ness Beveled Fusion (15-410) and Kuryakyn Premium Mini 4392 are the most consistently recommended boards in HDForums Touring-model threads spanning 2019-2024.
  • Touring models (FLH/FLT, 1984-2024) require bracket socket screws torqued to 36-42 ft-lbs (48.8-57.0 Nm) per HD Service Manual; Dyna models (FXD, 2013) call for a lower 32-37 ft-lbs (43.0-50.0 Nm) – using the wrong spec risks stripped aluminum threads.
  • Rubber-isolating insert designs (Kuryakyn, Arlen Ness Fusion) measurably reduce Milwaukee-Eight and Twin Cam vibration transmission at the foot; steel platform boards (Burly MX) prioritize grip and durability over isolation.
  • HD’s Adversary footboards (P/N 50502250/50502251) are documented incompatible with the Extended Heel Shifter 33600076 – confirm shifter clearance before ordering any full-size performance board.
  • Thrashin Supply and CycleSmiths dominate long-haul touring recommendations in post-2021 HDForums threads; Kuryakyn leads for visual customization and peg-to-board upgrades.

Our Top Aftermarket Floorboard Picks

Arlen Ness 15-410 Beveled Fusion Driver Floorboards Arlen Ness Beveled Fusion Driver Floorboards for Harley-Davidson Best Overall Material: 6061-T6 billet aluminum Adjustability: 3 forward/back positions Fits: 1983-2024 Touring (FLH/FLT) VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
Kuryakyn 4392 Premium Mini Floorboards Kuryakyn 4392 Premium Mini Floorboards for Harley-Davidson Best Peg-to-Board Upgrade Material: Die-cast aluminum, chrome Vibration: Rubber isolating inserts Fits: Most HD male-mount pegs VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
Burly Brand MX Driver Floorboards (B13-1050B) Burly Brand MX Driver Floorboards for Harley-Davidson Best Steel Performance Board Material: TIG-welded steel, powder coat Grip: Serrated claw pattern Fits: Touring, Softail, Trike VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
V-Twin Mfg. Adjustable Passenger Floorboard Mount Kit (27-0831) V-Twin Mfg. Adjustable Passenger Floorboard Mount Kit for Harley Touring Best Passenger Upgrade Range: 2″ below to 2.5″ above stock Fits: 1993-2026 FLH/FLT Touring Includes: L/R sides + all hardware VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis
Thrashin Supply Apex Floorboards Thrashin Supply Apex Floorboards for Harley-Davidson Best USA-Made Bagger Board Origin: USA-made, Phoenix AZ Mount: HD stock mount compatible Style: Bagger / low-profile VIEW LATEST PRICE Read Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Arlen Ness 15-410 Beveled Fusion Driver Floorboards

    Arlen Ness Beveled Fusion Driver Floorboards for Harley-Davidson

    Best Overall

    View Latest Price
    Also at: RevZilla →

    The Arlen Ness Beveled Fusion series earns its position at the top of our list through a combination of three things that rarely come together in one package: adjustability, vibration isolation, and fitment breadth. Machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum with a beveled edge profile, these boards span 13.8″ L x 5.0″ W – enough platform area that long-haul Touring riders can shift foot position through a full day of riding. We cross-referenced 40+ ownership reports on HDForums threads 1456741 and 1317366; the Fusion series comes up consistently for multi-day Touring comfort.

    The three-position forward/back adjustment is the feature that separates it from fixed-mount competitors. Each position shifts the platform roughly 1 inch, letting riders dial in ergonomics to match their inseam and seat height without aftermarket brackets. The beveled rubber inserts running the board’s perimeter absorb Milwaukee-Eight and Twin Cam vibration frequencies – multiple HDForums owners in thread 540404 specifically note reduced foot numbness on rides over 200 miles compared to OEM boards.

    Compatibility covers 1983-2024 Harley-Davidson Touring models including Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide, and Electra Glide variants. On 2014-2024 FLHX/FLHTK models with cruise control, confirm cable routing bracket clearance before ordering – Arlen Ness documents this in their fitment notes. Install uses the OEM mounting points; bracket socket screws torque to 36-42 ft-lbs per HD Touring Service Manual (2009 SM, 99497-09, Section 2.52 FOOTBOARDS AND FOOTRESTS). Per HD Service Manual, apply Loctite 243 (HD P/N 99642-97) to fasteners exposed to heat cycling.

    The 15-410 is the black anodized version; 15-409 is chrome. Both carry the same dimensions and adjustment range. If your primary use is multi-day touring on a Touring-platform Harley and you want to eliminate floorboard-related foot fatigue without swapping to an entirely different mounting system, this is the board we would point you toward based on the owner consensus we found.

    • Material:6061-T6 billet aluminum
    • Dimensions:13.8″ L x 5.0″ W
    • Adjustability:3 forward/back positions (~1″ each)
    • Vibration:Beveled rubber insert perimeter
    • Finish:Black anodized (15-410) / Chrome (15-409)
    • Fitment:1983-2024 FLH/FLT Touring
    • Install:OEM mounting points, included hardware
    • Torque spec:36-42 ft-lbs bracket screws (HD SM)
    • Loctite:243 (HD P/N 99642-97) recommended
  2. Kuryakyn 4392 Premium Mini Floorboards

    Kuryakyn 4392 Premium Mini Floorboards for Harley-Davidson

    Best Peg-to-Board Upgrade

    View Latest Price
    Also at: RevZilla →

    The Kuryakyn 4392 is built around one specific use case: converting a male-mount peg setup to a floorboard without touching the motorcycle’s mounting hardware. The “Mini” in the name is honest – at 5.5″ L x 4.0″ W, these are closer to oversized pegs than full Touring boards – but that compact footprint is also what makes them work where larger boards cause fitment headaches. HDForums thread 811411 contains a multi-page photo review with installation details showing the 4392 fits stock male-mount adapters without modification on a range of Touring and Softail models.

    The rubber vibration isolation design uses a multi-durometer insert that decouples the aluminum platform from the chrome mount body. For riders on Twin Cam 96/103 or Milwaukee-Eight 107 engines who experience foot buzz on long rides, this insert is doing meaningful work – it interrupts the vibration path at the foot interface. We found two HDForums users in thread 540404 who specifically moved to the 4392 after replacing worn OEM rubber inserts and reported similar isolation performance at lower cost than full floorboard replacement.

    The trade-off versus a full touring board like the Arlen Ness Fusion is platform size. Longer rides over 300 miles where foot position shifting becomes important may favor the larger boards. But for riders who want a cleaner, lighter look while adding some vibration isolation and a bit more foot surface than a bare peg provides, the 4392 is a proven performer with broad male-mount compatibility. Mixed reports on Kuryakyn’s finish durability appeared in a minority of forum posts – chrome versions held up well in dry climates; Northeast riders reported some surface pitting after salt-season exposure.

    Compatibility extends to most Harley-Davidson models using male-mount style footpegs, including Touring, Softail, Dyna, and Sportster variants with the appropriate male adapters. Kuryakyn includes male mount adapters in the package. If you are primarily upgrading from pegs for daily comfort rather than seeking maximum touring platform area, this is the most accessible entry point in the category.

    • Material:Die-cast aluminum, chrome plated
    • Dimensions:5.5″ L x 4.0″ W (approx)
    • Vibration:Multi-durometer rubber insert
    • Mount:Male-mount adapter (included)
    • Fitment:Most HD male-mount peg models
    • Install:No modification required
    • Use case:Peg-to-board upgrade, visual custom
    • Pivot bolt:60-80 in-lbs (HD SM spec)
  3. Burly Brand MX Driver Floorboards (B13-1050B)

    Burly Brand MX Driver Floorboards for Harley-Davidson

    Best Steel Performance Board

    View Latest Price
    Also at: RevZilla →

    The Burly Brand MX boards take a fundamentally different philosophy to floorboard design than aluminum billet competitors. TIG-welded steel construction with a satin black powder coat finish, serrated claw grip pattern, and no rubber isolation inserts – these are built for grip and durability, not vibration absorption. For riders who prioritize confident foot placement over long-distance comfort padding, the MX boards deliver where aluminum boards compromise.

    The serrated grip surface does what it promises: foot slip under hard braking or aggressive cornering is significantly reduced compared to smooth-surface aluminum boards. The steel construction absorbs impacts from gravel, debris, and hard ground contact without the surface finish damage that chrome aluminum boards accumulate. Weight is higher than billet aluminum alternatives, which some touring riders flag as a minor concern on heavy Touring models, though the difference is measured in ounces rather than pounds at the platform level.

    Compatibility covers Harley-Davidson Touring, Softail, and Trike models – one of the broader fitment ranges in the category. The part number B13-1050B confirms this is the driver board set; Burly sells passenger boards separately. On Softail models (FXS/FXST), note that bracket torque specifications differ from Touring: Softail floorboard bracket screws call for the same 36-42 ft-lbs range as Touring on most models, but verify against your specific model’s service manual before installing. Dyna models (FXD) use a lower 32-37 ft-lbs specification per the 2013 Dyna Service Manual (Section 2.29 FOOTBOARDS AND FOOTRESTS).

    Northeast and wet-climate riders consistently report the powder coat holding up better than chrome alternatives after multiple salt seasons. If you are building a performance bagger or simply want the most mechanically rugged floorboard option available at this price point without sacrificing broad OEM fitment compatibility, the Burly MX is the answer we found in our research.

    • Material:TIG-welded steel
    • Finish:Satin black powder coat
    • Grip:Serrated claw pattern
    • Vibration:None (solid steel platform)
    • Fitment:Touring, Softail, Trike (most models)
    • Torque – Touring:36-42 ft-lbs bracket (HD SM)
    • Torque – Dyna:32-37 ft-lbs bracket (2013 Dyna SM)
    • Use case:Performance grip, wet-weather durability
  4. V-Twin Mfg. Adjustable Passenger Floorboard Mount Kit (27-0831)

    V-Twin Mfg. Adjustable Passenger Floorboard Mount Kit for Harley Touring

    Best Passenger Upgrade

    View at J&P Cycles

    The V-Twin Mfg. 27-0831 solves a problem the other picks on this list do not address: passenger floorboard position. Most two-up touring complaints about comfort come from the passenger, not the rider – and most bolt-on floorboards only solve the driver equation. This kit replaces the fixed OEM passenger floorboard brackets with adjustable ones, giving you a vertical range from 2 inches below stock at the lowest setting to 2-1/2 inches above stock at the highest – enough travel to dial in ergonomics across a meaningful range of passenger inseams. For more ways to expand Touring storage and passenger comfort, see our guide to Harley-Davidson Tour-Pak styles and fitment.

    The kit retains your existing OEM Harley-Davidson passenger boards and the standard Touring pivot-pin hinge system, so this is a bracket swap rather than a full board replacement. RoadGlide.org thread 403333 documents passenger ergonomic complaints that exactly match what this product addresses – awkward knee angle from fixed-position OEM mounts on taller or shorter passengers. The 27-0831 (black) and 27-1522 (chrome) variants share identical dimensions and adjustment range.

    Fitment covers 1993-2026 FLH/FLT Touring models. The kit includes left and right side brackets plus all mounting hardware – no additional sourcing required. Passenger footboard fastener torque specifications per the 2009 HD Touring Service Manual (Section 2.52 FOOTBOARDS AND FOOTRESTS): 36-42 ft-lbs for the main mount fastener, 48-72 in-lbs for the lower pivot. We recommend re-torquing after the first 500 miles, as adjustable bracket assemblies sometimes settle into their seated position.

    This is one of the few floorboard system upgrades that genuinely changes two-up touring comfort without requiring a full passenger seat or suspension overhaul. Pair it with the OEM boards you already have, or use it as the mounting base for an upgraded aftermarket passenger floorboard.

    • System type:Passenger bracket kit (uses your boards)
    • Vertical range:2″ below to 2.5″ above stock
    • Includes:Left and right brackets + all hardware
    • Fitment:1993-2026 FLH/FLT Touring
    • Fastener torque:36-42 ft-lbs main (HD Touring SM, Section 2.52 FOOTBOARDS AND FOOTRESTS)
    • Lower pivot:48-72 in-lbs (HD Touring SM, Section 2.52 FOOTBOARDS AND FOOTRESTS)
    • Variants:27-0831 black / 27-1522 chrome
    • Use case:Two-up touring passenger ergonomics
  5. Thrashin Supply Apex Floorboards

    Thrashin Supply Apex Floorboards for Harley-Davidson

    Best USA-Made Bagger Board

    View Latest Price
    Also at: RevZilla →

    Thrashin Supply competes differently than the other picks on this list. Made in Phoenix, Arizona, the Apex boards are designed for the bagger aesthetic – a lower-profile platform that sits cleaner relative to the frame without the protruding bulk of full touring boards. In HDForums thread 1456741, Thrashin Supply appears alongside CycleSmiths as the dominant recommendation among post-2021 Touring owners who want a premium custom look alongside genuine comfort performance.

    The Apex design uses HD stock mounting points, which means the install is bolt-on without brackets or adapters. The low-profile geometry reduces the visual mass under the frame while maintaining enough foot surface for all-day riding – something riders in the HDForums thread specifically praise when comparing against the bulkier Arlen Ness profile. The USA manufacturing provenance is a genuine differentiator for buyers who weight domestic production.

    On models equipped with cruise control, Thrashin Supply specifically documents any potential cable routing conflicts in their fitment notes – worth checking against your specific year and model. The Apex comes in several finish options including black and chrome; the Amazon listing (B0CGGJC57R) covers the stock mount compatible version. For riders who want the most complete HD-compatible fitment data, Thrashin’s website provides a year/model fitment lookup that cross-references against known compatibility exceptions.

    Two-plus year ownership reports from HDForums thread 1317366 are positive on finish durability, with the caveat that chrome versions show more wear in salt-road environments than the black variants. If the bagger custom aesthetic matters to you and you want US-made construction with documented OEM compatibility, Thrashin Supply is the pick that threads that needle.

    • Origin:USA-made, Phoenix AZ
    • Profile:Low-profile bagger aesthetic
    • Mount:HD stock mount compatible
    • Finish options:Black / Chrome
    • Fitment:Touring stock mounts (confirm model)
    • Cruise compat:Verify cable routing per fitment notes
    • Forum consensus:HDForums thread 1456741 / 1317366
    • Use case:Bagger custom build, premium finish

How to Choose Aftermarket Floorboards for Your Harley-Davidson

Not all Harley floorboard upgrades are created equal – and the wrong pick for your platform can mean a board that creates vibration problems instead of solving them. Here is what our research found actually separates good choices from frustrating ones.

1. Match the Fitment to Your Frame Designation

This is the mistake we see repeated most often in HDForums fitment threads. Touring (FLH/FLT), Softail (FXST/FLST), Dyna (FXD), and Sportster models use different mounting geometries. The Arlen Ness Fusion and V-Twin Mfg. passenger mount kit are specifically engineered for the FLH/FLT Touring platform; the Kuryakyn 4392 works across male-mount peg systems that span most platform families; the Burly MX covers Touring, Softail, and Trike. Always confirm your year, model, and frame designation against the manufacturer’s fitment chart before ordering. “Fits most Harleys” is not a sufficient specification – confirm it with the actual year and VIN prefix.

2. Understand the Torque Split Between Platforms

This is the data point nobody else publishes – and it matters for avoiding stripped aluminum threads. According to the HD Service Manuals we reviewed:

PlatformModel YearsBracket Socket ScrewsPivot Bolt NutSource
Touring (FLH/FLT)2009-202436-42 ft-lbs (48.8-57.0 Nm)60-80 in-lbs (6.8-9.0 Nm)HD Touring SM 99497-09, lines 4941/4943
Touring (FLH/FLT)2011-202436-42 ft-lbs (48.8-57.0 Nm)60-80 in-lbs (6.8-9.0 Nm)HD Touring SM 99497-11, lines 4971/4973
Dyna (FXD)201332-37 ft-lbs (43.0-50.0 Nm)60-80 in-lbs (6.8-9.0 Nm)2013 Dyna SM, lines 4701/4703
Passenger (FLH/FLT)2009-202436-42 ft-lbs (upper, Sect. 2.52)48-72 in-lbs (lower, Sect. 2.52)HD Touring SM 99497-09 + 99497-11

The Dyna spec (32-37 ft-lbs) is meaningfully lower than the Touring spec (36-42 ft-lbs). Using the Touring specification on a Dyna mount – which many third-party guides carelessly do – risks over-torquing the aluminum bracket threads. Per HD Service Manual guidance, apply Loctite 243 (HD P/N 99642-97) to fasteners subject to heat cycling on all platforms. For more on which Loctite grade to use for floorboard bracket bolts, see our comparison.

3. Vibration Isolation: Rubber Inserts vs. Solid Platform

The Milwaukee-Eight (M8 107/114) and Twin Cam 96/103 engines have distinctly different vibration characteristics due to the M8’s revised counterbalancer. Riders on Twin Cam engines report more pronounced foot buzz at highway cruise; M8 owners generally report lower baseline vibration but specific resonance bands around 70-75 mph. Engine family differences are documented here. For riders who want to reduce foot buzz, rubber-isolating insert boards like the Arlen Ness Fusion and Kuryakyn 4392 are the effective choice. The Burly MX and Thrashin Apex solid platforms prioritize grip and aesthetics – they transmit more vibration by design. For Northeast or long-haul riders logging 400+ mile days on Twin Cam platforms, the isolation boards are the pragmatic call.

4. Heel-Toe Shifter Compatibility

This is the clearance issue that HDForums threads flag most often for full-size aftermarket boards. HD’s Adversary footboards (P/N 50502250/50502251) are documented incompatible with the Extended Heel Shifter (33600076) due to edge profile conflict. Before ordering any wide-platform or aggressive-edge board, measure the vertical clearance between your current shifter lever arm and the floorboard edge. Kuryakyn 4392 Mini boards and Thrashin Apex low-profile designs present the fewest clearance issues due to their reduced edge profile. For brake pedal clearance with wider boards on Touring models, the same measurement principle applies on the right side.

5. Aluminum vs. Steel: Climate and Use Profile

Both materials outlast OEM rubber-pad boards when properly maintained, but the right choice depends on your environment. Billet aluminum (Arlen Ness Fusion: 6061-T6; Kuryakyn: die-cast) is lighter, corrosion-resistant, and holds anodized or chrome finishes well in dry climates. TIG-welded steel (Burly MX: powder coat) is heavier but tolerates impact, hard riding, and salt-road exposure better. Northeast and Pacific Northwest riders who log winter miles in salted conditions consistently report better long-term finish durability from powder-coated steel boards. For a complete Touring comfort overview for long-distance riding, floorboard selection is one piece of a larger ergonomic system.

Floorboard Comparison: All 5 Picks

Here is the full side-by-side across the specs that matter most for a purchasing decision.

BoardMaterialVibrationAdjustablePlatform FitmentBest For
Arlen Ness Fusion 15-4106061-T6 billet aluminumRubber insert perimeter3-position F/B1983-2024 FLH/FLTLong-haul touring comfort
Kuryakyn 4392 MiniDie-cast aluminum, chromeMulti-durometer rubber insertNoMost male-mount HD pegsPeg upgrade, vibration reduction
Burly Brand MX (B13-1050B)TIG-welded steel, powder coatNone (solid platform)NoTouring, Softail, TrikePerformance grip, wet durability
V-Twin Mfg. 27-0831Adjustable bracket kitL/R + all hardware2″ below to 2.5″ above stock1993-2026 FLH/FLT passengerTwo-up passenger ergonomics
Thrashin Supply ApexBillet aluminumLimited (design-dependent)NoHD stock mounts TouringBagger custom aesthetic, USA-made

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions HDForums users ask most often about floorboard upgrades – with answers grounded in service manual data and multi-year owner reports.

Do aftermarket floorboards reduce vibration on a Harley-Davidson?

Yes, but only models with rubber-isolating inserts. Boards like the Kuryakyn 4392 and Arlen Ness Fusion series use multi-durometer rubber pads that decouple the foot platform from the mounting bracket, absorbing Milwaukee-Eight and Twin Cam vibration frequencies. HDForums users in thread 540404 confirm replacing worn OEM rubber inserts also resolves floorboard buzz without full replacement. Solid-platform steel boards like the Burly MX transmit vibration directly – they are not the right choice for vibration reduction.

What torque spec do I use for aftermarket floorboard bracket screws on a Harley-Davidson?

It depends on your platform. Per HD Service Manuals: Touring models (FLH/FLT) call for 36-42 ft-lbs (48.8-57.0 Nm) for bracket socket screws and 60-80 in-lbs for the pivot bolt nut. Dyna models (FXD, confirmed for 2013) call for a lower 32-37 ft-lbs (43.0-50.0 Nm) for bracket screws – the same pivot bolt spec. Apply Loctite 243 (HD P/N 99642-97) to fasteners exposed to heat cycling. Using Touring torque spec on a Dyna mount risks over-torquing the aluminum bracket. For detail on which Loctite grade to use for floorboard bracket bolts, see our comparison.

Kuryakyn vs Arlen Ness floorboards – which is better for Harley Touring?

Different use cases. Arlen Ness Fusion boards are machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum at 13.8″ L x 5.0″ W with 3-position forward/back adjustability – the platform choice for all-day touring comfort. Kuryakyn 4392 boards (5.5″ L x 4.0″ W) are a peg-to-board upgrade prioritizing vibration isolation and visual customization over platform size. We cross-referenced 40+ HDForums posts across threads 1456741 and 811411: Arlen Ness dominates long-haul touring recommendations, Kuryakyn leads for style upgrades and riders transitioning from pegs.

Will aftermarket floorboards work with a heel-toe shifter on a Harley?

Not always. HD’s Adversary footboards (P/N 50502250/50502251) are documented incompatible with the Extended Heel Shifter (33600076) due to edge profile conflict. Full-size performance floorboards with aggressive edge geometry can physically conflict with shifter lever travel. Before ordering, confirm the board’s vertical profile against your shifter arm length. Kuryakyn mini boards and slim-profile options like the Thrashin Apex present the fewest clearance issues. Arlen Ness and Thrashin Supply both document known model-year compatibility exceptions in their fitment notes.

Do I need to relocate cruise control brackets when installing aftermarket floorboards?

On 2014-2024 FLHX/FLHTK Touring models with cruise control, some oversized floorboards conflict with the cable routing bracket at the left footboard. Thrashin Supply and Arlen Ness document this in their fitment notes. Kuryakyn mini boards typically clear without bracket adjustment due to their reduced profile. Confirm with the manufacturer’s fitment tool using your model year and VIN prefix before ordering if you are on a cruise-equipped Touring model. See our full Road Glide vs Street Glide floorboard fitment comparison for model-specific notes.

Can I mix and match driver and passenger floorboards on a Harley?

Yes, with caveats. Driver and passenger boards use different mounting systems on Touring models (driver uses bracket-mounted splined adapters; passenger uses a pivot-pin hinge). Brands like Arlen Ness sell driver and passenger sets separately, and dedicated passenger-mount kits like the V-Twin Mfg. 27-0831 swap only the bracket geometry. Mixing brands produces functional results but may create visual inconsistencies. The V-Twin Mfg. adjustable mount retains your OEM passenger boards on the standard pivot-pin hinge, making it the most flexible way to mix driver and passenger upgrades independently.

Aluminum vs steel aftermarket floorboards – which lasts longer on a Harley?

Both outlast OEM rubber-pad boards when maintained, but the right choice depends on climate. Billet aluminum (Arlen Ness 6061-T6, Kuryakyn die-cast) is corrosion-resistant, lighter, and holds chrome or anodized finishes well in dry climates. Steel (Burly MX: TIG-welded with powder coat) tolerates impacts and salt-road exposure better. For Northeast and Pacific Northwest riders who log winter miles in salted conditions, powder-coated steel boards deliver better long-term finish durability based on the ownership reports we found across HDForums threads.

What is the best complete Road Glide touring setup upgrade?

Floorboards are one part of a larger ergonomic system. For a complete touring comfort build on Road Glide models, pair an adjustable floorboard (Arlen Ness Fusion for driver, V-Twin Mfg. 27-0831 mount kit for passenger) with a matched windshield height and handlebar position. See our guides on best windshield for Road Glide and handlebar and floorboard ergonomics for Street Glide for the full picture. Floorboard-to-exhaust clearance is also worth checking when adding passenger floorboard upgrades on baggers with aftermarket pipes – see our notes on exhaust clearance with passenger floorboard upgrades.

Disclosure: BackyardRider.com earns a commission from qualifying Amazon, RevZilla, and J&P Cycles purchases at no extra cost to you. Research compiled May 2026 from HD Touring Service Manuals 2009 + 2011 (99497-09, 99497-11), 2013 Dyna Service Manual, and 200+ combined posts across HDForums threads 1456741, 811411, 1317366, and 540404.

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By Jacob - Editor-in-Chief

Jacob is the Editor-in-Chief of Backyard Rider. He isn't a 20,000-mile-a-year rider - he's the engineer who built the site's research desk. His team has indexed 18,000+ pages of Harley-Davidson service manuals (1970-2024) and cross-checks every recommendation against NHTSA recall data, factory specs, and owner forums. When you see a service-manual citation here, it's real. Spotted something wrong? Drop him a line.

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