Can anyone tell me if the new 2012 Fat Bob with the 103 engine can be ordered with Mid contols? My local dealer can't seem to tell me if it can or not. I looked on the web site all it says is that forward controls come standard. I am a 5 foot 6 inch female and feel just a little stretched out with the forwards. Thanks

 

No they come with forwards only but someone will trade you the forward for the mids then you just have to figure out the install. I think they became standard in late 09 or early 2010. Don't let that keep you from buying it, it's a great bike....

 

I just bought a 2011 with forwards and am converting to mids.

A possibility is for the dealer to swap the mids from a Street Bob to your Fat Bob. Seems like most or all buyers of Street Bob put on forwards. I would lean on them for that if they have on on the floor.

You can also find all the parts on the classifieds here, or on _bay. Dealer wanted almost $700 for the parts and over $500 labor. I paid a lot less than that for new take off parts and am doing the work myself.

Also, you might look at an '11 if they have any. I got a screaming deal on mine cause they had 2012s coming in and were pushing the 103 engines.

BTW my 96 inch engine with stage 1 mods makes PLENTY of power!

If you have any questions, give me a shout.

Ride safe,

Tim

 

If you can't find a good swap for mids or it just isn't an option atm you can bring the forwards back about 3" by installing the reduced reach kit and passenger peg relocation brackets. I put them on mine cause I have knee problems and oddly enough my knees straight for too long is painful and I am 5'11". With a reduced reach seat and the controls adjusted it should be about right for you. Here is a pic of the setup with the reduced reach kit and the passenger peg relo brackets I am talking about on mine.

Adjustable Passenger Footpeg Mount Kit 50763-09 $149.95


Reduced Reach Forward Control Conversion Kit - Dyna 50700005 $169.95

Little over $300 for parts to do this, but since Harley quoted me $1200 if they do the conversion to mids I opted for this route because I can always change it if I don't like it but so far it's actually really comfortable.

 

I've got a set of mids from my 08 fat bob I'll sell ya.

 

Thanks to all of the post and suggestions. I have looked at the 2010 and 2011 fatbob's that a couple of dealer have and they can be ordered with mids so they are sitting around in the dealerships, heres the rub that seems to be hanging me up......in 2012 Harley made the Fat Bob with the 103 engine and not the 96. The dealership is telling me that it can not be converted because the shifter linkage has to go thru the primary case.. They have also been no help in telling me weither I can order one or not. I really love the 2012 with the 103 but if I cant convert it i will probably be looking for a 2010 or 2011 that is sitting around that already has the mids.

 

Here is the scoop,

Any Dyna since 2007 that came with forwards can be converted to mids.

ALL of them will require replacing the inner and outer primary case, shift linkage, and the peg mounts along with brake and shift lever.

There is no difference between the cases for 96 or 103.

As I said, if they have a Street Bob or similar on the floor, they CAN switch the parts. If they will or not depends on your relationship with them, and how much they want to sell a particular bike.

I will tell you this, if you can get a good deal on a '10 or '11 with mids already on it, get it. A good stage 1 kit (Rush slipons, air filter, and the stage 1 download or other ECM reprogram) will make more power than the stock 103.
Also, when you want a GOOD 103, have your cylinders bored and 103 pistons fitted, and it will cost less and make more power than the 2012 stock 103.

You would save money on the bike, have the controls you want, and able to make more power for very little money later.

Good luck with your decision, I am changing my controls over this weekend to mids. (I paid $250 for all the parts plus gaskets....)

If you have questions, I am happy to help.

Tim

 

Tim has hit the nail right on the head. Went through this myself. 1200 from the steeler is about right. I'm only 5'6" and the mids are perfect.

 

hi im 5 '7' just bought a 2012 fxdwg, can reach pegs fine, but gonna put 16' apes on. I think that will make it a better ride! You can always order what you need & have a friend help with the install, save some $$$ good luck!

 

I am 5' 8" and have no problem with the forward controls.