Pros and Cons Mid versus Forward Controls
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 34
From: Ca
It's funny the number of people who say oh you must have a Dyna if you don't have forward controls.
My 06 Dyna Wide Glide came with forward controls and mini apes. I'd never had either before.
I had never tested; I just knew that's what I'd always wanted.
It took me about 5 minutes to get used to the forward controls; less time to get used to the mini apes. Never a problem. If there's a negative side, then it's the standing on the pegs like the man said, and getting used to bringing the feet back and down instead of just down. The upside is it beats common.
30" inseam.
My 06 Dyna Wide Glide came with forward controls and mini apes. I'd never had either before.
I had never tested; I just knew that's what I'd always wanted.
It took me about 5 minutes to get used to the forward controls; less time to get used to the mini apes. Never a problem. If there's a negative side, then it's the standing on the pegs like the man said, and getting used to bringing the feet back and down instead of just down. The upside is it beats common.
30" inseam.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 987
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
It's funny the number of people who say oh you must have a Dyna if you don't have forward controls.
My 06 Dyna Wide Glide came with forward controls and mini apes. I'd never had either before.
I had never tested; I just knew that's what I'd always wanted.
It took me about 5 minutes to get used to the forward controls; less time to get used to the mini apes. Never a problem. If there's a negative side, then it's the standing on the pegs like the man said, and getting used to bringing the feet back and down instead of just down. The upside is it beats common.
30" inseam.
My 06 Dyna Wide Glide came with forward controls and mini apes. I'd never had either before.
I had never tested; I just knew that's what I'd always wanted.
It took me about 5 minutes to get used to the forward controls; less time to get used to the mini apes. Never a problem. If there's a negative side, then it's the standing on the pegs like the man said, and getting used to bringing the feet back and down instead of just down. The upside is it beats common.
30" inseam.
I hate mids. . .I'm only 5'8" with a 30" inseam, but I feel like I'm curled up and riding a crotch rocket with mids.
The only down side to forwards vs. mids? Bumps. With mids, you can raise up and not get your *** pounded by the seat. With forwards, it's a touch harder to do (but you can still do it). Or you can just get a decent seat and not worry about it.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I've never ridden with mid controls but I think I'd hate it. I like having my feet out in front and not under me. Like when you stop fast, my feet in front gives me something to brace myself on.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Apr 15, 2013 at 09:08 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
As you can see it's a personal choice. I don't like forward controls. I have mid controls and highway pegs. Even on the highway I only use the highway pegs to give my legs a break for a few minutes here and there. In urban traffic I only use the mids.
Either way, it's for you to decided.
Either way, it's for you to decided.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 770
Likes: 1
From: Coeur d' alene, Idaho
I have always had floor boards or forward controls. I bought a new Superglide custom and had them put fowards on it because that is what I am comfortable with. One problem and that is the aircleaner. With forwards and a short inseam (30") I had to ride bow legged to reach the brake and it did not feel safe. So I changed out the aircleaner for a heavy breather and problem solved. Kind of like riding my living room recliner now.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I switched to forward controls and did not feel as in control, I feel much better with the Mids so I switched back, I have a Lindby engine guard and Highway pegs so I can change positions on long rides! oh 5'9" 31" inseam so that may be why I'm more comfortable with the mids.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 149
From: FL
I have a 30" inseam and find forward controls perfect for me.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Manassas, VA
Please explain this. Ever hear of counter steering?
Mids may be helpful during slow speed maneuvers, if you know how to weight the inside peg and shift your butt to the outside of the saddle. The only riders I ever see do this are motor-officers.
While mids do permit you to lift off the seat for RR tracks easier than forwards, having the mids bang your shins, catch your pants leg hem or simply being cramped, the mids aren't worth it. Forwards are far more comfortable for me, but I would certainly agree that, on some bike styles, the mids are aesthetically more appealing, regardless of comfort.
Sportsters are available with mids or forwards, too, not just Dynas.
Mids may be helpful during slow speed maneuvers, if you know how to weight the inside peg and shift your butt to the outside of the saddle. The only riders I ever see do this are motor-officers.
While mids do permit you to lift off the seat for RR tracks easier than forwards, having the mids bang your shins, catch your pants leg hem or simply being cramped, the mids aren't worth it. Forwards are far more comfortable for me, but I would certainly agree that, on some bike styles, the mids are aesthetically more appealing, regardless of comfort.
Sportsters are available with mids or forwards, too, not just Dynas.