I don't know why HD can't get something as simple as the angle on the rear brake peddle correct. I test drove a 2019 Low Rider and coultn't get the rear brake peddle to function right without an awkward move to get more pressure on the rear brake. Once I was able to get more pressure on the rear brake, it performed adequately. Fortunately, the angle of the rear brake peddle can be adjusted without too much trouble.

While I prefer mid-controls and and mag wheels, the set up and wheel geometry on the Low Rider has me considering a Softail Slim. Have any of you that have a Low Rider also driven a Slim? If so, how do you think the handling of the two bikes compare?

 

All good points. Also reiterate that I haven't ridden a bike the the ABS brakes which may be worse for pressure control than the standard brakes.

I once watched the Arlington, VA, MCPD practicing in the Pentagon parking lot. Really impressive how they handled those bikes.

This is actually better than the I outlined in my other post https://www.hdforums.com/forum/2018-...l#post18164737

One thing I noticed is that when you back the clevis away from the MC, it angles the pushrod significantly (because the pushrod is very short and the diameter of the pivot link is fairly small). I might have raised my pedal further except for this.

The ideal would be an adjustable lower brake arm rod with a turnbuckle in the middle. You know, the way Japanese bikes do it (with a rod only about 7 or 8 mm in diameter instead of Harley's 3/4" thick rod! LOL!)

 

I haven't noticed it on mine, I have a sloped drive as well, maybe not as much as yours as well as using rear brake on slow maneuvers. I try to pay attention more today to see if I am using more pressure on it.

 

My Softail is the same way and is ABS. I just figured it was how it was and I've gotten used to it now. I'm sure it would be more noticable to me if I had another or several bikes to ride but since It's my only ride it is the new normal now.

 

I just ordered a pair of EBC Double H sintered pads. May eat the rotor a little faster, but this brake needs help. Should be here Thurs or Fri. I'll let you know.

 

'18 Non ABS Low Rider and the rear brake is almost like there isn't a rear brake, really sucks. I've got a forward control kit coming tomorrow and I'm hoping the change in angle / leverage of the pedal will help.

 

I put aftermarket forwards on mine but I noticed no difference whatsoever.

 

Well damn. That's not why I'm putting on forward controls but I was hoping they'd help a little. Oh well, sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug.

 

Let us know how the ebc pads are. I personally think the front brake is lacking too. For the price we pay, you would think they could go for a radial mount brembos.

 

Put some better pads in your front. I changed to Lyndall Gold + pads and they made a big improvement. I find the front brake more then adequate now. I would have put the Lyndall in the rear, but they don’t make one yet. So I went with the EBC