Mid controls are killing my back
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
I'd say get apes instead or tall t-bars. Forward controls will just put all of your weight on your tailbone and probably make your back pain problems worse. Apes with decent pullback should at least put you in a more back-friendly posture.
There was a thread on this forum that had a number of people say that their back problems disappeared they rode with apes.
There was a thread on this forum that had a number of people say that their back problems disappeared they rode with apes.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I doubt if I could manage as far as 30 miles with forwards, just cannot get on with them! They put too much weight on my pelvis and give me back and shoulder problems.
There is something wrong with your sitting position, which needs adjusting and may be quite easy to put right. Harley has a video about 'fit' on their website, which may help, but have you spoken to your dealer about comfort?
There are several things that could help you become more comfortable, such as handlebar reach, height or width, as well as saddle. My wife fitted a different saddle, to move her back away from the bars. We also rotated them slightly, altered the levers and she is now far more comfortable and much happier with her Dyna.
So before you start spending, see if you can get some local advice. An experienced eye watching you on your bike may be able to make some helpful suggestions and transform things for you.
There is something wrong with your sitting position, which needs adjusting and may be quite easy to put right. Harley has a video about 'fit' on their website, which may help, but have you spoken to your dealer about comfort?
There are several things that could help you become more comfortable, such as handlebar reach, height or width, as well as saddle. My wife fitted a different saddle, to move her back away from the bars. We also rotated them slightly, altered the levers and she is now far more comfortable and much happier with her Dyna.
So before you start spending, see if you can get some local advice. An experienced eye watching you on your bike may be able to make some helpful suggestions and transform things for you.
Last edited by grbrown; Apr 17, 2009 at 08:28 AM. Reason: Add link
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
For sure sell the bike and get a new one. Much better decision than having forward controls and possibly different handlebars installed to find your perfect position....just jokin. Fit is important. just like a car you have a position you will be most comfortable in. New bars, forward controls will be the way you can adjust yourself to be comfortable. Also, you do build up a tolerance(strength) to ride further and longer as your body gets used to the new stress you are imposing upon it.
Last edited by rounder; Apr 17, 2009 at 10:50 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
Try and find someone with a bike setup with a vintage solo, apes and forwards, or any combination thereof, make friends with them, and go for a ride. Trade bikes for a few miles and see what happens. Where are you located?
Or maybe easier yet, go to the dealer and explain your dilemma. Take a look at some bikes on the floor with different seat/bar/controls setup and ask to test ride.
Or maybe easier yet, go to the dealer and explain your dilemma. Take a look at some bikes on the floor with different seat/bar/controls setup and ask to test ride.
Last edited by archergodwin; Apr 17, 2009 at 08:50 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 4
From: Eastern NE
Do you have back problems? Kinda sounds that way. To each his own anyway. I'm 71 years young, have always rode with mids and hiway pegs. No back pain at all, including 500 mile days. Don't dump the bike. Figure out what works for you and go with it.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,380
Likes: 1
From: ,,
This also seems to get thrown off a little whenever I change bikes or riding position (new seat/bars/what have you).
Not much, but a little.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: Brunswick, OH
Some of it is fitment and some of it is experience, I can ride much farther now then I could when I started riding. I think I'm just accustomed to it and my body is acclimated.
This also seems to get thrown off a little whenever I change bikes or riding position (new seat/bars/what have you).
Not much, but a little.
This also seems to get thrown off a little whenever I change bikes or riding position (new seat/bars/what have you).
Not much, but a little.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,465
Likes: 15
From: Corona, Ca
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
I had the same hip issues as the other guys, and the same back issues also. I put HD forward controls on and would not change back. The forward controls are way more comfortable for me and I feel more relaxed and balanced.