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Forward controls for tall guys on an early 80’s FX?
I’m looking at a pristine ‘83 Low Rider that the owner *might* part with. It’s in stock configuration for the most part aside from bars, seat, carb, and chrome. The usual stuff. I know there are forwards available. I’m just wondering if any come in “XXL Tall size”.
My first HD was an ‘85 evo FXRS which had lots of legroom for a tall guy out on the highway pegs, while the shovel FX’s just rode like they were inches “smaller” to me. Even an ‘85 Wide Glide felt small to me last time I rode one. My knees would be all jacked up, and probably would be more so with the low seat height of a Low Rider.
All that said, this FX speaks to me and I’ve been jonesing for a shovel. It will be much more for show than go.
I sorta hate to screw too much more with the originality, and especially if I’m still going to be cramped if I swap out the mid controls for garden variety forwards. I even thought about putting boards on it, but I haven’t warmed up to that for this particular FX.
I’d post a pic, but it’s technically not on the market (that I know of) and two hours away. Maybe later. @TwiZted Biker has seen it.
Looking closer, the pic looks the same as their standard chromed forwards, so I’ll need to research. Have to fab some custom brake lines since they don’t come with it.
As an aside, I’ve recently discovered that if you have a question for Drag Specialties, they’ll only point you to a dealer, who may or may not know the answer since the product is boxed and sealed by Drag Specialty.
If it's like my 94 FXSTC the brake and clutch just use longer rods.
My '85 was like that, but the rear master cylinder is on the new extended foot peg which will require fabbing a brake line. At least according to the Drag Specialty pic, and their comments that say a custom brake line is required that doesn’t come with it.
This is my trouble with DS. I bought a passenger back rest for a chopped tour pak made by DS (through a dealer) that ultimately wouldn't fit a Harley chopped tour pak without drilling more holes in a brand new painted part. I got dinged on the return to the dealer, who couldn’t have answered the question if I’d asked because DS ships the parts boxed and sealed to their dealers, and you can’t talk to DS either. Here is what you see if you click “contact us” at the Drag website.
And here’s a pic. Sorry for the resolution. Had to blow it up.
Consider keeping the controls where they are, and adding highway pegs. They mount a couple inches in front of where forward controls mount. For all the time you use the controls vs. needing to extend your legs/knees, they might work better for you. It doesn't take long to master working the controls with your heels once you get going.
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Forward controls for tall guys on an early 80’s FX?
