Mid Controls Vs. Fwd Controls
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,224
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RE: Mid Controls Vs. Fwd Controls
For me it depends on the bike. I never really liked the forwards on my Nightrain and loved the boards on my 79 FLH. On the superglide, I really like the mids.
I was watching the Jesse James History of the Chopper program and the West Coast/San Fran Hell's Angels had alot to say about the forwards. They dislike them. It was strange seeing dozens of bikes (most of them FX or FXD's) all running mid's. They made a point of saying that it fits their more aggressive style of riding and maintains a sense of control. Those dudes can ride their iron and ride hard.
I was watching the Jesse James History of the Chopper program and the West Coast/San Fran Hell's Angels had alot to say about the forwards. They dislike them. It was strange seeing dozens of bikes (most of them FX or FXD's) all running mid's. They made a point of saying that it fits their more aggressive style of riding and maintains a sense of control. Those dudes can ride their iron and ride hard.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15
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RE: Mid Controls Vs. Fwd Controls
Overall the added comfort and relaxed riding position outweigh any disadvantages for me. There are some downsides though. For spirited twisties I find the forward shifter takes a lot more movement to shift. Depending on your seat shape, hard acceleration depends mainly on hanging on with your arms. It still surprises me how much my legs helped with this with mid controls. In cold weather wind blows up your pantleg. On the other hand, in hot weather wind blows up your pantleg so I guess that one is a wash. Despite being more confortable I do find that after a couple of hours I wish there was some other position to put my legs for a few minutes.
Chuck
Chuck
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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RE: Mid Controls Vs. Fwd Controls
I've tried a Sporty with forward controls. At 5'5" I feel to darn strectched out that way. I was completely lost ...... hense, a broken toe ... and a bruised ego
. I learned to ride with mid controls and once I rode a bike with them it all came back. I'm comfortable with them ..... my Dyna has mid controls, if I change them I won't go to far forward, just enough to be comfortable! The floorboards on the Heritage make that bike very comfortable. Wish I coould do that to my Dyna, but then it would take away from turns and such.
My .02
. I learned to ride with mid controls and once I rode a bike with them it all came back. I'm comfortable with them ..... my Dyna has mid controls, if I change them I won't go to far forward, just enough to be comfortable! The floorboards on the Heritage make that bike very comfortable. Wish I coould do that to my Dyna, but then it would take away from turns and such.My .02
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
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RE: Mid Controls Vs. Fwd Controls
i'm 5'6" ive been thinking of going to forwards because i do feel a liitle cramed w/the mids, but the forwards are too far for me. if i could get the pegs where the brake peg and shifter peg is it would be perfect. i do have the adjustable highway pegs on the closest setting and i shift and brake w/ my heels. but when im in the twisties nothing beats the control you have w/the mids. i think the set up i have now is probably the best for me so i dont think i'll be switching to the forwards. but then again maybe next week ill change my mind again. i'm so messed up somtimes!
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 64
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From:
RE: Mid Controls Vs. Fwd Controls
For me on my fxdx,I left the mid controls and added mini floorboards up front instesd of pegs. this gives me different positions for my feet on long trips of over 100 miles.I like having options.when your legs are kicked out in front of you all the time,your body is riding on your spine,bouncing up and down-not good for the back! So the mid controls stay for me!
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[IMG]local://upfiles/7348/07FE1EDA643145B5876D022466D99E95.jpg[/IMG]
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 60
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From:
RE: Mid Controls Vs. Fwd Controls
I like mid-controls, they seem to give me a little more control in the twisties and doing slow tight manuvers. I love my highway pegs though and that to me is the perfect combination. Also, on long riding days I can have a choice of where to put my feet and change positions.. Now, if I could just change where the seat on my Low-Rider puts my ***....Great seat until mile 200....
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 534
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From: Illinois
RE: Mid Controls Vs. Fwd Controls
I went to the Forward controls on my Lowrider. I really like the riding position better and did not like switching back and forth to shift and brake. I never could feel right working the shifter with my heel. I am 5'8" and do not feel stretched out at all I do rub my heel during sharp turns but thats why we wear boots when we ride.
As far as expense goes I installed them myself and they were Like $290 from Hales.
As far as expense goes I installed them myself and they were Like $290 from Hales.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: So Calif
RE: Mid Controls Vs. Fwd Controls
I'm 5'7" and put the forward controls on my 05 Super Glide, I like them, I been on 500 to 900 mi ride and had no problem with the ride position
cost was around 270.
cost was around 270.