Have a 1998 FXDL....had it since new. I’ve recently swapped out the buckhorn handlebars from a 2014 Road King. That got me thinking of forward controls next year maybe.

Would it be plausible to swap factory Wide Glide controls over and do they even fit?

Or go aftermarket? Which aftermarket brands are just crap?

Lastly....anyone here that doesn’t like forward controls on their bike? Any regrets with forward controls?

Any opinions are much appreciated....thanks

 

My '07 had forward controls when I got it. Hated them at first (25 years since my last bike, and always had Hondas) as it took me a week to remember where to put my feet. They did, however grow on me. I did find that my size 13 boots acted like sails, and I had to actively keep them planted on the pegs at much over 55. Got the Heel Riser pegs and then they were fine--just having the little heel support makes a huge difference.

I have bad knees and can't have them bent for long periods now that I've somehow gotten old so the forward controls are great for that. I put a set of mid control pegs on so I could swap around on a long trip, and have never once flipped them down, FWIW.

Sorry I can't comment on fitment.

Michael

 

Forwards have to be #1 downgrade on any bikes...

 

Only if you are too short to reach them... If you are tall mid controls are the worst thing.

 

I agree. I used to ride a Lowrider for years (mid controls). I eventually sold that and bought a Road King which I rode for years and recently ttraded for another Road King. I also bought a Wide Glide while I owned the Road King -- wanted something lighter and sportier to bum around on. The Wide Glide had forward controls. Laast year in Sturgis I test rode the 2019 models including a Lowrider. I couldn't believe how cramped it was with the midcontrols. I'd gotten so used to the legroom on the Road King and Wide Glide that the Lowrider (that I used to love) was now unbearably cramped.

 

Gotta have the right handlebar setup to use forward controls if your vertically challenged. I hated em w the factory superglide bars,I switched to a set of 9"miniapes w 10" of pullback n now love em cuz Im not in a clam she'll position anymore. I too use heel rest pegs.

 

You dont see other type of bikes with forwards, and that’s for a reason.

 

And what reason is that? I wouldn't own an "other type bike".

 

Obviously handling, it’s not the best body position in any situation. That’s my opinion. Yeah, a person, like you for instance, are capable to get use to this awkward body position. That doesn’t mean it’s a good position by any means. Can’t argue with ergonomics

 

I can argue with ergonomics... Sit on your couch.. What position are you in?
Drive your car what position are you in? I ride my lowrider what position am I in?
Same as the other two.
The only time I sit with my legs almost under me is..
A bar stool or church..
If you are are under 6 foot that is sort of comfortable, if over 6 then not comfortable..

I can lean the bike as low as a mid control rider!