I am having a couple issues while I am installing forward controls on my wife’s 2004 Sportster. The exhaust is an aftermarket Vance and Hines and it is right where the brake lever sits and does not allow the brake pedal to go to full height. The other issue on the brake side was the linkage was too long for this current setup. How should I proceed for the forward controls to make them work? I do not want to change the exhaust if at all possible

Position where the exhaust sits in relation to the FC mount

This is the position of the brake pedal with the current exhaust

 

Some pipes are not compatible with some controls for that very reason.

 

Why not put a couple of 3/8" bore spacers between the frame and the mounting bracket to move the brake pedal out from the header pipe?

The spacers don't need to be thick, just thick enough to clear pipe. Stainless steel spacers would be Ideal as they won't corrode.

 

Which V&H version ? Or show us a picture of the entire side.
As stated above, there are V&H models that specifically state
that they are not compatible with forward controls...

thanks,

T.