Thinking about buying 2006 FXDL, But?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 457
Likes: 4
From: Idaho falls
Thinking about buying 2006 FXDL, But?
I found a really low miles 2006 FXDL Bike is in great shape with saddlebags, forwards, alarm, trickle charger, rack, sissy bar. Here is my dilemma, I'm 6'4" with 35 inch inseam. When i sit on bike there is no way i can operate the brake and put my foot on the Foot rest. Same on the shift side for down shifts. Any ideas on whether the HD forward controls can be adjusted or would i need to buy 3" over forwards. Maybe change seat out for tall boy fix the issue. Or do i just need to shorten my legs 
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 352
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From: Egg Harbor Township, N.J.
I've not sat a 2006 FXDL but I am 6'5" and pretty comfortable on all late model Dyna's. I don't have one mind you, still on my starter metric. I also have a left knee with limited flexion due to a bad break in 2006. You probably can find after market forward control extensions up to three inches for that bike but I wouldn't buy them until you rode the bike a bit.
I too thought I would need forward control extensions to be comfortable on any bike due to my 36" inseam when the truth of the matter was more psychological. Us tall boys are bombarded with marketing material showing little girls or boys stretched out with their legs almost straight trying to reach the forward controls on their Harleys. This made me envious of their riding position but I think the truth of the matter is that mid controls offer a much better riding position allowing for more control and stability of the bike.
That said, being 6 foot something with forward controls on a Harley is practically mid controls for us giants, so we get the best of both worlds; better control and slightly more comfort. Heh - yeah I pulled that out of my but, but seriously I've been riding a little 2009 250 vstar with forwards as a starter bike for the last three months. It's not that bad. I mean initially your probably thinking, I look like a gorilla on a tricycle, but you get over it sooner or later and realize your not that uncomfortable.
Try it, I think you'll find I'm right. Good luck!
I too thought I would need forward control extensions to be comfortable on any bike due to my 36" inseam when the truth of the matter was more psychological. Us tall boys are bombarded with marketing material showing little girls or boys stretched out with their legs almost straight trying to reach the forward controls on their Harleys. This made me envious of their riding position but I think the truth of the matter is that mid controls offer a much better riding position allowing for more control and stability of the bike.
That said, being 6 foot something with forward controls on a Harley is practically mid controls for us giants, so we get the best of both worlds; better control and slightly more comfort. Heh - yeah I pulled that out of my but, but seriously I've been riding a little 2009 250 vstar with forwards as a starter bike for the last three months. It's not that bad. I mean initially your probably thinking, I look like a gorilla on a tricycle, but you get over it sooner or later and realize your not that uncomfortable.
Try it, I think you'll find I'm right. Good luck!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,016
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From: West New york, NJ
Sounds odd to me. I'm only 1" shorter and 1" less inseam. I have no problems with the standard forward controls. Maybe it is the angle of the shifter and brake pedal? I'm even considering putting mid controls on mine for the handling. Other members my size ride with mids and have no problem. Can you elaborate a little more on what the difficulty is?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 457
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From: Idaho falls
Sounds odd to me. I'm only 1" shorter and 1" less inseam. I have no problems with the standard forward controls. Maybe it is the angle of the shifter and brake pedal? I'm even considering putting mid controls on mine for the handling. Other members my size ride with mids and have no problem. Can you elaborate a little more on what the difficulty is?
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 45
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From: rapid city sd
I know exactly what you're talking about. I have an 03 wide glide and i have to take my foot off the peg to hit the break or to downshift. I guess I just got used to it because I can't see any room for adjustment. It is annoying though and I wish there was an easy fix.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 3
From: West New york, NJ
I just was out for a ride and though about this. I pull my foot off to brake and downshift. It's like second nature though. Didn't even realize I was doing it until this thread. I think you'll just get used to it.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: upstate ny
I'm with jonc, im 5'7 and I pull my foot of to down shift every time. I just put floorboards on and still same thing I pull my foot
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Corona, Ca
i pull mine also, if you cant get used to it go to forwards but even then i pulled my feet up to do the same when i had forwards..
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 457
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From: Idaho falls
My existing Bike is a DRZ400s which i ride with friends out in desert and have been using to commute to work. Since it really a dirt bike with a license it is quite different to ride. Its probably something i just need to get used too. I think i can make some minor adjustments to the shift lever and just ride with the brake the way it is for awhile.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Centennial, CO
Rode a friend's Super Glide with forwards. Pretty sure I was lifting my feet to do both. I'm 6' with 34" inseam. Different ergos from my Softail. If that 5'2" lady has a reach seat on it, I don't see how you can ride it at all! Arlen Ness makes a 3" extension kit for about $150 as seen on Ebay.
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