Forward controls vs mid controls
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 86
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From: Boca Raton, Florida
@Thailandbiker
I have an '02 LowRider with mid-controls and drag bars and i felt like i needed to change to forwards and go to higher bars. A couple days ago I installed extended forwards and the change of body position actually stretches my arms out more, making me feel less of a need to raise the bars.
I have an '02 LowRider with mid-controls and drag bars and i felt like i needed to change to forwards and go to higher bars. A couple days ago I installed extended forwards and the change of body position actually stretches my arms out more, making me feel less of a need to raise the bars.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Phuket Thailand
Forward controls vs. mid
Thanks 02LowRiderFla.
I asked PhotRider a question related to his set-up but he did not reply, I ask you the same and maybe you can help me to understand the ergonomics.
As said I feel somehow strange on my FXFX, arms seem to be too much stretched, weight on my arms and the stock handlebar seem to be very wide.
When changing to FWDs it changes the position, takes weight off the hands but wouldn't it require to rise the handlebar or even change handle to a more Ape-style? I am 5'10" and wonder what would possibly best for me, do not forget my seat is higher than a Lowrider.
I consider adding a curved 4" riser first to bring handlebar closer to me and my arms more under the handlebar
any comments (from you and) the members
I asked PhotRider a question related to his set-up but he did not reply, I ask you the same and maybe you can help me to understand the ergonomics.
As said I feel somehow strange on my FXFX, arms seem to be too much stretched, weight on my arms and the stock handlebar seem to be very wide.
When changing to FWDs it changes the position, takes weight off the hands but wouldn't it require to rise the handlebar or even change handle to a more Ape-style? I am 5'10" and wonder what would possibly best for me, do not forget my seat is higher than a Lowrider.
I consider adding a curved 4" riser first to bring handlebar closer to me and my arms more under the handlebar
any comments (from you and) the members
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton, Florida
I'm no expert but I can share my experience. Keep in mind that I am 6'4" so I was pretty squished with the mid-controls. It seems to me that when you go to the forwards, it makes you recline back more. If you are stretching to reach the bars now, I think it may be worse if you go to forwards. Pullback risers will help in either situation. If your set on forwards, change those first and then you can gauge how much pull back you'll need to be comfortable. When I was trying to figure it out I used broomsticks to act as forwards and handlebars, just to see where I'd like them. I hope that helps a little. Good Luck.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Phuket Thailand
Forward controls vs. mid controls
I'm no expert but I can share my experience. Keep in mind that I am 6'4" so I was pretty squished with the mid-controls. It seems to me that when you go to the forwards, it makes you recline back more. If you are stretching to reach the bars now, I think it may be worse if you go to forwards. Pullback risers will help in either situation. If your set on forwards, change those first and then you can gauge how much pull back you'll need to be comfortable. When I was trying to figure it out I used broomsticks to act as forwards and handlebars, just to see where I'd like them. I hope that helps a little. Good Luck.
Exactly what I was thinking,
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 44
From: North Saanich, Vancouver Island, BC
At 5'5", I might be considered a little on the vertically-challenged side! ... but I have a 30" inseam, so it's not ridiculous.
I have an '05 FXDXi with forwards and mini apes. At first I was sure I would hate it. I don't! It took a while to get used to (my other bike is a Ducati Multi), but I actually like the set up. Two weeks ago I did A 600 mile trip - mostly in the rain and snow. No problems. Despite a troubled back, I didn't suffer at all.
I have to agree with some of the others. The forwards "feel right" on a Harley. It still handles fine and I have pushed it pretty hard at times. I would not go to the mids.
FWIW
I have an '05 FXDXi with forwards and mini apes. At first I was sure I would hate it. I don't! It took a while to get used to (my other bike is a Ducati Multi), but I actually like the set up. Two weeks ago I did A 600 mile trip - mostly in the rain and snow. No problems. Despite a troubled back, I didn't suffer at all.
I have to agree with some of the others. The forwards "feel right" on a Harley. It still handles fine and I have pushed it pretty hard at times. I would not go to the mids.
FWIW
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
I'm 6ft 3 with most of my height in my legs. I have forwards on my 05 FXDC with 36in drag bars on 6in straight risers. I like the position better now with the bars and risers, I tend to get cramps in my hips with mid controls on a harley as it feels like my knees are up around my ears.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 121
From: Mpls, MN
I have 2012 WG and while at first I thought I'd like to go back to mids, I'm not so sure now.
As long as I stay in the cruiser mode and remember this isn't a bike you want to get to crazy with, the forward controls become quite comfortable for me.
I can see a set of Apes in the near future as the stock bars tend to become uncomfortable after about 45 mins or so of riding.
Plus I just like apes..
I still might add just a set of pegs in the mid position and see how that goes, with bad knees/back and just getting old, being able to move around helps.
Al
As long as I stay in the cruiser mode and remember this isn't a bike you want to get to crazy with, the forward controls become quite comfortable for me.
I can see a set of Apes in the near future as the stock bars tend to become uncomfortable after about 45 mins or so of riding.
Plus I just like apes..
I still might add just a set of pegs in the mid position and see how that goes, with bad knees/back and just getting old, being able to move around helps.
Al
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