Mid Controls Dilemma
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
Mid Controls Dilemma
So far I haven't run into anyone with this probem. And believe me, I asked all over. I'm 5' 9" with a 30" inseam. I own a 2008 FXDL with mid controls. The problem is that I'm not very comfortable with how far back my feet are with the mids. To add to that, forward controls seem to be too far out for me. The perfect scenerio would be if I can figure out how to move those mids 3 to 4 inches forward. Even if forward controls worked for me, I think I'd prefer mids (or modified mids rather) because it allows me to be more agressive diving into turns. I use my highway pegs when I can but when I'm whipping around I feel more comfortable with my feet near the controls.
Someone suggested going with a Tall Boy seat. It would only bring me back about 1.75 inches but would also raise me 2 inches or more. Can't do that.
So my question is. Does anyone else have this problem, Or, does anyone know if moving my mid controls forward 3 to 4" is possible? I looked all over for kits but couldn't find anything. Can a custom shop do it without making it look cheesy?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks. Buzz
Someone suggested going with a Tall Boy seat. It would only bring me back about 1.75 inches but would also raise me 2 inches or more. Can't do that.
So my question is. Does anyone else have this problem, Or, does anyone know if moving my mid controls forward 3 to 4" is possible? I looked all over for kits but couldn't find anything. Can a custom shop do it without making it look cheesy?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks. Buzz
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Well I am 5'9" with a 30" inseam as well. Both bikes I have had I made sure they had forward controls, they are more comfortable for me. I have seen extended shifters however most are used with floorboards. Maybe you want to check a company called Softbrake, they are online. I have never tried their products just checked out their site.
Good luck and happy riding.
Good luck and happy riding.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Chantilly, VA
I recently put the forwards on my FXDL, and I can't believe it took me as long as it did. I'm no expert, so I'm just telling ya how it worked for me personally. It made it a million times better. Hasn't made me lighten up on any curves that I've noticed and you'll get used to it. Forwards are so much more comfortable to me as well. When you're installing the kit, just be sure to adjust the controls so you aren't struggling to get to 'em, and you'll be fine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 4
From: Newtown, PA
You are plenty tall for foward controls. Dump the mid controls. Make sure your seat doesn't move you back - change it if need be. Try different seats at a HD dealer and/or sit on your friend's motorcycles.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Mid Missouri - Go Mizzou Tigers
My problem with the mids is that I'm kinda old and with my legs all kinked up I get cramps in my hip joints. Ain't fun. I'm going with forwards soon. They should make forwards standard equipment and the mids optional?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 580
Likes: 2
I had the same problem as you.....my hips would cramp up on me and I would have to straighten my leg and rest the back of it on the pegs until it went away. I went with the forwards and for me they are very comfortable. They don't show on my sig pic yet, but they are there.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 22
From: Connecticut
30" inseam here and the mids cramped my hips to the point that I couldn't walk after a ride.
Forwards did the trick.
They shouldn't be too far forward for a comfortabfle ride if you are 5'7" or taller.
Sammi
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 3
From: Massachusetts
Seat mod maybe...?
[QUOTE=DynaMightBuzz;4941039]So far I haven't run into anyone with this probem. And believe me, I asked all over. I'm 5' 9" with a 30" inseam. I own a 2008 FXDL with mid controls. The problem is that I'm not very comfortable with how far back my feet are with the mids. To add to that, forward controls seem to be too far out for me. The perfect scenerio would be if I can figure out how to move those mids 3 to 4 inches forward. Even if forward controls worked for me, I think I'd prefer mids (or modified mids rather) because it allows me to be more agressive diving into turns. I use my highway pegs when I can but when I'm whipping around I feel more comfortable with my feet near the controls.
Someone suggested going with a Tall Boy seat. It would only bring me back about 1.75 inches but would also raise me 2 inches or more. Can't do that.
Give Mean City Cycles a call and tell them what you're trying to accomplish with your seating position. They should be able to move you forward as much as 3" with a seat mod to original seat, thus putting you closer to the forward controls. You may even like it better. I like my forwards. They're comfortable and clean up the look of the bike around the motor cases on each side. Give them a try, you might be surprised what they can do for you.
Bart
Someone suggested going with a Tall Boy seat. It would only bring me back about 1.75 inches but would also raise me 2 inches or more. Can't do that.
Give Mean City Cycles a call and tell them what you're trying to accomplish with your seating position. They should be able to move you forward as much as 3" with a seat mod to original seat, thus putting you closer to the forward controls. You may even like it better. I like my forwards. They're comfortable and clean up the look of the bike around the motor cases on each side. Give them a try, you might be surprised what they can do for you.
Bart