Mid Controls
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 7
From: hollywood, FL
RE: Mid Controls
ORIGINAL: hk_shooter
I like the general, day to day feel of theforwards better,on my SB. However, on longer rides, when you don't get a chance to shift your weight when stopping at stop lights, etc. it's real difficult to adjust your seat-to- butt clearances with the forwards while doing 70+ on the interstate.Obviouslywith themids, your feet are more underyour weight, soit's not a problem. I have found I can utilize the passenger pegs for short distances, for adjusting riding position while moving.
I like the general, day to day feel of theforwards better,on my SB. However, on longer rides, when you don't get a chance to shift your weight when stopping at stop lights, etc. it's real difficult to adjust your seat-to- butt clearances with the forwards while doing 70+ on the interstate.Obviouslywith themids, your feet are more underyour weight, soit's not a problem. I have found I can utilize the passenger pegs for short distances, for adjusting riding position while moving.
I was pu$$in about my aching legs at the end of a +300 mile day. [:'(]and even thought of doing this. heard of the other guy(s) who put their left foot on primary too. anyway so seriously using rear pass pegs? like a sport bike pos - legs behind? I need to see this one! 
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
RE: Mid Controls
Well it's been a great 24 hours of reading opinions and so I guess it's time to just go out and try it. Fortunately, a buddy is going to meet me tomorrow and let me drive his fat boy (with forward controls) around a bit to see if it is something I like, can get used to, and don't feel unsafe using.
If I elect to make the change, (many thanks to Greg) I have found a very nice set of kuryakyn forwards on ebay for under 300.00, that look very simple to install.
The forum works great - thanks to everyone who dialed in on the subject!! Keep it on 2 all![8D]
If I elect to make the change, (many thanks to Greg) I have found a very nice set of kuryakyn forwards on ebay for under 300.00, that look very simple to install.
The forum works great - thanks to everyone who dialed in on the subject!! Keep it on 2 all![8D]
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
RE: Mid Controls
navy, unfortunately, I don't think you're going to get the same feel on the fatboy with forwards as you will on your dyna. At least I don't when I sit on one. On some of the other bikes, including the fatboy, I feel like i'm sitting in a chair or on a stool (more upright) with my knees bent and my lower leg almost straight down. On my dyna, i'm able to stretch my legs out a little more and my toes point up more. Not sure what exactly the difference is unless it's the height of the seat in relation to the position of the footpegs/floorboards. Trying his fatboy is better than nothing I guess but don't be surprised when you put your forwards on your dyna and it doesn't feel exactly the same.
good luck
good luck
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 4
From: Eastern NE
RE: Mid Controls
I've never ridden a bike with forward controls. They didn't come around until just a few years (in my perspective) ago and I'm so used to mids with hiway pegs that I've never had a desire to have the forwards. It's nice having a choice though, of which Harley has many.
[IMG]local://upfiles/22103/23B51C83636247BC91FF899850F28265.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/22103/23B51C83636247BC91FF899850F28265.jpg[/IMG]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,299
Likes: 2
From: By the "Betty water and the Wire"
RE: Mid Controls
No pics, I guess I could get one if needed, but I'll try an explaination first. Yep, kinda like a over-extended crotch rocket position. It probably ain't pretty, and I'm not sure of the aeordynamicsbut it can be done. I'm 5'11" my bikes stock except for risers, approx. 3inches up andmaybe 2inch back(but I didi it with stock risers, too). By putting your feet behind(on the passenger foot pegs) your butt and having your boot heels actually hanging on the pegs, toes pointing almost straight down. It's not real comfortable for a long distance, but certainly works to adjust your seat position, while moving. And I've even rode a few miles in this position, say 15 - 20 minutes out of a 3 hour ride. For ti to be more comfortable, the pegs would idealy be a couple inches lower, but hey it works. And obviously it takes a extra nano-second to regain the position on the controls/pegs. Hope this helps.
but it can be done. I'm 5'11" my bikes stock except for risers, approx. 3inches up andmaybe 2inch back(but I didi it with stock risers, too). By putting your feet behind(on the passenger foot pegs) your butt and having your boot heels actually hanging on the pegs, toes pointing almost straight down. It's not real comfortable for a long distance, but certainly works to adjust your seat position, while moving. And I've even rode a few miles in this position, say 15 - 20 minutes out of a 3 hour ride. For ti to be more comfortable, the pegs would idealy be a couple inches lower, but hey it works. And obviously it takes a extra nano-second to regain the position on the controls/pegs. Hope this helps.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 33
From: San Diego, CA
RE: Mid Controls
If I get rid of my mids, it will be for floorboards and a crashbar with hiway pegs.
I like to move around on longer rides.
I like to move around on longer rides.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: New Bern, NC
RE: Mid Controls
Personaly I like the mid controls with the forward rests. I use the fowards to rest my legs when there are no traffic lights or curves. Since I have some back problems, the ability to move my legs around helps. I can have one leg forward and one leg back. I guess it is what you get used to using.
Also, I just don't like that "long" 20" control arm for the shifter on the fowards. I thought about working out a design to attach to the shifter at the point where it goes through the primary cover, like the neat looking forwards on a Sporty. That really is a crappy look on a Bob or SG with forwards having that shifter nipple sticking out. Too much of a "Add-On" look. At least the WG has an inspection plate cover on the primary.
IMHO
Also, I just don't like that "long" 20" control arm for the shifter on the fowards. I thought about working out a design to attach to the shifter at the point where it goes through the primary cover, like the neat looking forwards on a Sporty. That really is a crappy look on a Bob or SG with forwards having that shifter nipple sticking out. Too much of a "Add-On" look. At least the WG has an inspection plate cover on the primary.
IMHO
