Switchback FLD forward control "extensions" please HELP
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Canton, MI
Switchback FLD forward control "extensions" please HELP
Hello all. I'm new to this site. I really appreciate how informative people are on here so I figured I would ask for some help. I'm a new Harley owner. I bought a 2012 switchback. I'm 6'3 210 lbs with a 34in inseam. I've read muliple forums on how people thought the ride seemed "cramped" on the bike. I agree but can't find anyone who has extensions for the footboards?? I would like to move them up around 3 inches. Someone said the tall boy seat would work by putting the rider a few inches back, is this true? Please help with any advice you can give me. Thank you!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Leduc, Alberta Canada
The Tallboy seat will put you a couple inches back. Personally it didn't work for me, I went with extensions, but everybody is different. Just have to try it and see. I'm 6'2", don't know what my inseam is, 33 maybe 34. I found the seat too wide at the neck, but I'm 270 lbs, so I have big thighs. Hope this helps.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 3
From: Ca.
I'm only 6' but have kinda long legs and have same problem on mine. I'm pretty sure there will be extenders to move the boards forward and out soon.
I saw one guy selling some modified boards at the long beach swap meet where he removed the brackets and moved them back, rewelded, and that gave about 1.5" more forward. Moving them forward is only part of the solution. they also need to move out so you don't have your boot stuck under the brake pad. I know you know what i mean on that.
I bought some kuryakyn flip blades that don't work for me but might work for you. For me, they extend me out too much and locks my knees. they might work for you, for now, until they come out with extensions and I'd sell them.
PM me if interested.
Another thing that REALLY helped was changing out to a mustang solo w/backrest, and pillion (pics in my albums). That moved me back about an inch or so and feels great.
I saw one guy selling some modified boards at the long beach swap meet where he removed the brackets and moved them back, rewelded, and that gave about 1.5" more forward. Moving them forward is only part of the solution. they also need to move out so you don't have your boot stuck under the brake pad. I know you know what i mean on that.
I bought some kuryakyn flip blades that don't work for me but might work for you. For me, they extend me out too much and locks my knees. they might work for you, for now, until they come out with extensions and I'd sell them.
PM me if interested.
Another thing that REALLY helped was changing out to a mustang solo w/backrest, and pillion (pics in my albums). That moved me back about an inch or so and feels great.
Last edited by FBinSoCal; Feb 4, 2012 at 08:44 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 3
From: Ca.
It would be a shame to lose the boards. These are the first I've ever run and I'll tell you, being able to slide your foot back and forth sure feels good and keeps the legs, fresher, longer. You can't move them around like that with pegs. Just subtle differences in foot placement options really helps on longer runs.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 439
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
FBinSoCal,
I have been looking for floorboard extenders since you first posted. No joy. Today, I saw the new 2012 HD Accessory Book and no floorboard extenders there. In fact, sadly there were only a few new items available for the SB. HD did come out with mini floorboards which could also be used as highway pegs. I am not sure that will help you. I have not been able to get my welder to meet with me as his restaurant business is taking off. I hope to see him after the Super Bowl but without the bike and you sitting on it he may not take the project on. We'll see.
I have been looking for floorboard extenders since you first posted. No joy. Today, I saw the new 2012 HD Accessory Book and no floorboard extenders there. In fact, sadly there were only a few new items available for the SB. HD did come out with mini floorboards which could also be used as highway pegs. I am not sure that will help you. I have not been able to get my welder to meet with me as his restaurant business is taking off. I hope to see him after the Super Bowl but without the bike and you sitting on it he may not take the project on. We'll see.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 3
From: Ca.
FBinSoCal,
I have been looking for floorboard extenders since you first posted. No joy. Today, I saw the new 2012 HD Accessory Book and no floorboard extenders there. In fact, sadly there were only a few new items available for the SB. HD did come out with mini floorboards which could also be used as highway pegs. I am not sure that will help you. I have not been able to get my welder to meet with me as his restaurant business is taking off. I hope to see him after the Super Bowl but without the bike and you sitting on it he may not take the project on. We'll see.
I have been looking for floorboard extenders since you first posted. No joy. Today, I saw the new 2012 HD Accessory Book and no floorboard extenders there. In fact, sadly there were only a few new items available for the SB. HD did come out with mini floorboards which could also be used as highway pegs. I am not sure that will help you. I have not been able to get my welder to meet with me as his restaurant business is taking off. I hope to see him after the Super Bowl but without the bike and you sitting on it he may not take the project on. We'll see.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
FBinSoCal (Bob) and I did some brainstorming on the subject of Switchback footboard extensions today ... here are some of my thoughts ...
The front board mount connects to the frame at the point where (and in the same manner as) forward controls mount ...
My concept is to install a forward control extension kit to the front board mount ... something like this ...
(Product 89/209, Model D41230 on Fog Hollow web site listing for $75 and currently discounted to $63.75)
There are 3-inch and 2-inch kits available ... a popular 3-inch extension kit is made by Kuryakyn ...
For the rear mount, the owner would need to engage a machine shop to make a corresponding extension plate for the rear mount ...
The key consideration would be to ensure the special construction rear mount support extension plate be made of sturdy enough stock (ensure adequate thickness and hardness) to support the board assembly to the same load-bearing (weight) and stiffness standards as the stock setup ...
This system would move both the front and rear footboard brackets forward by approximately 2 or 3 inches and replace the brake rod and shifter rod with longer ones (I think the shifter rod might not have to be replaced as the lever could just be rotated to the rear to compensate) ... this would move the entire board assembly forward by the desired amount ...
First one to fabricate the rear mount, provide details on which forward extension kit used, post detail drawing and source of supply for others who want to follow suit ... the fabricator gets additional business and a greater number of FLD Switchback owners have access to extension kits ...
* * *
An example of something I did where I engaged a machine shop to fabricate special construction adapter was for my rear fender adapter struts ... turned out great ...
The front board mount connects to the frame at the point where (and in the same manner as) forward controls mount ...
My concept is to install a forward control extension kit to the front board mount ... something like this ...
(Product 89/209, Model D41230 on Fog Hollow web site listing for $75 and currently discounted to $63.75)
There are 3-inch and 2-inch kits available ... a popular 3-inch extension kit is made by Kuryakyn ...
For the rear mount, the owner would need to engage a machine shop to make a corresponding extension plate for the rear mount ...
The key consideration would be to ensure the special construction rear mount support extension plate be made of sturdy enough stock (ensure adequate thickness and hardness) to support the board assembly to the same load-bearing (weight) and stiffness standards as the stock setup ...
This system would move both the front and rear footboard brackets forward by approximately 2 or 3 inches and replace the brake rod and shifter rod with longer ones (I think the shifter rod might not have to be replaced as the lever could just be rotated to the rear to compensate) ... this would move the entire board assembly forward by the desired amount ...
First one to fabricate the rear mount, provide details on which forward extension kit used, post detail drawing and source of supply for others who want to follow suit ... the fabricator gets additional business and a greater number of FLD Switchback owners have access to extension kits ...
* * *
An example of something I did where I engaged a machine shop to fabricate special construction adapter was for my rear fender adapter struts ... turned out great ...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 3
From: Ca.
FBinSoCal (Bob) and I did some brainstorming on the subject of Switchback footboard extensions today ... here are some of my thoughts ...
The front board mount connects to the frame at the point where (and in the same manner as) forward controls mount ...
My concept is to install a forward control extension kit to the front board mount ... something like this ...
(Product 89/209, Model D41230 on Fog Hollow web site listing for $75 and currently discounted to $63.75)
There are 3-inch and 2-inch kits available ... a popular 3-inch extension kit is made by Kuryakyn ...
For the rear mount, the owner would need to engage a machine shop to make a corresponding extension plate for the rear mount ...
The key consideration would be to ensure the special construction rear mount support extension plate be made of sturdy enough stock (ensure adequate thickness and hardness) to support the board assembly to the same load-bearing (weight) and stiffness standards as the stock setup ...
This system would move both the front and rear footboard brackets forward by approximately 2 or 3 inches and replace the brake rod and shifter rod with longer ones (I think the shifter rod might not have to be replaced as the lever could just be rotated to the rear to compensate) ... this would move the entire board assembly forward by the desired amount ...
First one to fabricate the rear mount, provide details on which forward extension kit used, post detail drawing and source of supply for others who want to follow suit ... the fabricator gets additional business and a greater number of FLD Switchback owners have access to extension kits ...
* * *
An example of something I did where I engaged a machine shop to fabricate special construction adapter was for my rear fender adapter struts ... turned out great ...
The front board mount connects to the frame at the point where (and in the same manner as) forward controls mount ...
My concept is to install a forward control extension kit to the front board mount ... something like this ...
(Product 89/209, Model D41230 on Fog Hollow web site listing for $75 and currently discounted to $63.75)
There are 3-inch and 2-inch kits available ... a popular 3-inch extension kit is made by Kuryakyn ...
For the rear mount, the owner would need to engage a machine shop to make a corresponding extension plate for the rear mount ...
The key consideration would be to ensure the special construction rear mount support extension plate be made of sturdy enough stock (ensure adequate thickness and hardness) to support the board assembly to the same load-bearing (weight) and stiffness standards as the stock setup ...
This system would move both the front and rear footboard brackets forward by approximately 2 or 3 inches and replace the brake rod and shifter rod with longer ones (I think the shifter rod might not have to be replaced as the lever could just be rotated to the rear to compensate) ... this would move the entire board assembly forward by the desired amount ...
First one to fabricate the rear mount, provide details on which forward extension kit used, post detail drawing and source of supply for others who want to follow suit ... the fabricator gets additional business and a greater number of FLD Switchback owners have access to extension kits ...
* * *
An example of something I did where I engaged a machine shop to fabricate special construction adapter was for my rear fender adapter struts ... turned out great ...
Yes after-marketeers, where are you on this?
Nice post, chop
