Mid Controls
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
Mid Controls
I am in a quandry here and I need some advise.
I know there are (and I have read)other threads regarding mid vs. forward controls.
I honestly can't decide whether to leave my mids on (I also have higway pegs to stretch out on), or swap to forward controls on my 07 Street Bob. I seem to be placing my feet out on the highway pegs more and more....but never having ridden a bike with forwrd controls, I am hesitant to go there permanently.
My quest for knowledge never ceases and through all I have read and seen on the issue, one bit of information escapes me: All Dynas come with mid controls stock, except for the WG. Is there a design reason for this? Based on the type of frame and what the ride is intended for, perhaps mids suit the aesthetic and the design the best. I know a lot of you will reply that it's just another way HD can make more $$$, and I'm not naive enough to think completely otherwise.
Just looking for some background on why the dynas come stock with mids, and have they always?
STREET BOB OWNERS: Do you have/prefer mids or did you change to forwards?
I know there are (and I have read)other threads regarding mid vs. forward controls.
I honestly can't decide whether to leave my mids on (I also have higway pegs to stretch out on), or swap to forward controls on my 07 Street Bob. I seem to be placing my feet out on the highway pegs more and more....but never having ridden a bike with forwrd controls, I am hesitant to go there permanently.
My quest for knowledge never ceases and through all I have read and seen on the issue, one bit of information escapes me: All Dynas come with mid controls stock, except for the WG. Is there a design reason for this? Based on the type of frame and what the ride is intended for, perhaps mids suit the aesthetic and the design the best. I know a lot of you will reply that it's just another way HD can make more $$$, and I'm not naive enough to think completely otherwise.
Just looking for some background on why the dynas come stock with mids, and have they always?
STREET BOB OWNERS: Do you have/prefer mids or did you change to forwards?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 6
RE: Mid Controls
I prefer mids as I am on the short side and also ride more twisties than long stretches. I like the control the mids give me. I did learn to rid with forward controls and rode with them for a number of years and still prefer mids.
It sounds like either your current setup or Rebel Ryder's suggestion would give you the best of both worlds.
It sounds like either your current setup or Rebel Ryder's suggestion would give you the best of both worlds.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Camarillo, CA
RE: Mid Controls
I just switched to forwards about two months ago - before I switched found myself using the forward pegs about 90% time and was having a hard time braking / shifting with my heal - switched to forwards and love it. It took a little time to get used to in traffic but overall I'm happy I made the switch
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
RE: Mid Controls
Pegs for riding positionoptions is one thing.
Where your controls sit is another.
Some people are uncomfortable controlling the shifter & rear-brake while their legs are sitting out in front of them.
If you're comfortable controlling these levers regardless of what position you're in, and you're finding more and more that you prefer riding with your feet out on your highway pegs, forward controls might be a suitable choice for you.
I prefer forwards. It's a more natural seated position in my opinion. My knees are fairly bad for my age, especially my left, so having my knees less bent while riding provides additional comfort and allows me to ride longer.
This is really an individual choice. I don't think there's a right way or wrong way or best way.
Good luck with finding what suits you.
Where your controls sit is another.
Some people are uncomfortable controlling the shifter & rear-brake while their legs are sitting out in front of them.
If you're comfortable controlling these levers regardless of what position you're in, and you're finding more and more that you prefer riding with your feet out on your highway pegs, forward controls might be a suitable choice for you.
I prefer forwards. It's a more natural seated position in my opinion. My knees are fairly bad for my age, especially my left, so having my knees less bent while riding provides additional comfort and allows me to ride longer.
This is really an individual choice. I don't think there's a right way or wrong way or best way.
Good luck with finding what suits you.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 4
From: Johnson City TN U.S.A.
RE: Mid Controls
I've changed out all of my pegs and controls but still have Mid controls.
My forward riding options are short pegs only.
Riding in these mountains this gives the best control on twisties and slick roads.
There are some bad spots on I-40 where getting your feet back on the Mid controls sure helps too.
Doing 70mph when you hit a section of broken highway.
My forward riding options are short pegs only.
Riding in these mountains this gives the best control on twisties and slick roads.
There are some bad spots on I-40 where getting your feet back on the Mid controls sure helps too.
Doing 70mph when you hit a section of broken highway.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,795
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From: hollywood, FL
RE: Mid Controls
ORIGINAL: flynavy
All Dynas come with mid controls stock, except for the WG. Is there a design reason for this?
All Dynas come with mid controls stock, except for the WG. Is there a design reason for this?
to answer your question IMO mid contols are optimal for more sporty/aggressive riding thus most dynas and sporties come w/standard. the wg is purposely raked andthe wide front is not so much indept for aggressiveness.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
RE: Mid Controls
I keep hearing the preference of mids for riding twisties....Why is this exactly?
I have looked at pics of bikes with mids vs forwards and there doesn't appear to be any more or less clearance for leaning the bike with mids or forwards.
If it isn't a preference for leaning clearance, what "control" is best obtained with mids on twisty roads?
I have looked at pics of bikes with mids vs forwards and there doesn't appear to be any more or less clearance for leaning the bike with mids or forwards.
If it isn't a preference for leaning clearance, what "control" is best obtained with mids on twisty roads?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 6
RE: Mid Controls
Not a clearance thing....I have better control over my body position and moving it with mid controls. Now I also like my sportbikes' positions better than the dyna, so I am a big fan of the feet closer to underneath. I actually have the ***** of my feet on the pegs when I am in the twisties to help me move side to side and also get my weight off the handlebars in the corners by leaning forward.
I went to short pegs for clearance. On my sporty there was a bt more clearance with the forwards, but I found my body position wasn't as great for the roads as the mids. So I do drag the peg on the left and just about have a hole in my muffler on the right....that is assuming the bracket doesn't fail first
I went to short pegs for clearance. On my sporty there was a bt more clearance with the forwards, but I found my body position wasn't as great for the roads as the mids. So I do drag the peg on the left and just about have a hole in my muffler on the right....that is assuming the bracket doesn't fail first