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I want to put on forwards on my 01 FXDX. I want to do this job my self as the parts alone are costly, so giving the dealer money for labor really irritates me. Giving the project a good looking over yesterday it looks like a significant job and thats without taking the primary off. I am sure many have done this and am looking for hints and shortcuts to save time, but not in the outcome of the project. Also 1major question I have is do the pipes have to come off to do this job?
Thanks
What are you planning to use for controls? Are you going to replace the rear brake master cylinder and use 100% hydraulic or a longer brake rod with existing master cylinder?
Also 1major question I have is do the pipes have to come off to do this job?
Depends what pipes you have. Had to loosen the stock pipes on my FXDB to get the stock mid peg mount off that side. Although I'm not sure how much different your bike is, so you might be o.k. Worst case, if you get the pipe side mount/peg/brake hardware all ready to pull and it won't come out, you just loosen the pipes until you can get it out.
I purchased the kit from Harley. I think that's the best way to go. Then do the job yourself. It's not hard. You don't have to remove or loosen the exhaust.
Make sure you chase all the threads in all of the mounting holes before attaching any bolts. The powder coating from the factory clogs up the threads.
And remember to lube, lube and lube at least once a year all moving parts with anti-seize.
I've had the kit on my 04 FXDX since 04. Only problem was forgetting to lube more.
Definitely do it yourself. Take your time and it should take no longer than an hour and a half. Primary does not have to come off. Absolutely the best change I have made to my bike. I don't know how I rode with mids for almost two years.
I just installed the kit on my 99 FXDX a few weeks ago. Piece of cake! I have V&H Longshots on mine and didn't have to touch a thing. I agree with tomt.....lube, lube and some more lube! My shift linkage is squeeking already.
If I had to do it ... I wouldn't, I would keep the normal position for everything & just add a highway bar or such. There are times when I would like to be able to stand up look about, that you just cant do with forward controls. Plus it would of been less $$$ out the door.
Something like the Kuryakyn Mustache Bar is 150$ vise the 400 to 600 for the forward controls.
When I bought my '06 FXDBI last January, it already had Wille G. Skull pegs forward (with controls), mid, and passenger... it's nice to have options as your legs can get stiff in any one position on a marathon run, sometimes I'll even "lay forward" and hang my feet up on the rear passenger pegs for a bit.
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