Forward Controls: Do you think they are comfortable?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
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From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: Forward Controls: Do you think they are comfortable?
Forwards are the only way to go, IMHO. I find mid controls make me feel cramped up.
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 54
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RE: Forward Controls: Do you think they are comfortable?
You might also look into putting some forward control extenders on the bike. I think Arlen Ness makes a set for the 07's and several other companies make them for the older bikes. Myright hip used to get a little sore because the football aircleaner protrudes out far enough that you can't pull your leg up against the tank close enough to keep the wind from pushing back on your leg. Left side never gave me any trouble. By the way I am 6'0" and a set of 2" extensions is on the wish list.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 124
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From:
RE: Forward Controls: Do you think they are comfortable?
I'm 6'3" and felt the same way. Installing 3" forward controls fixed feeling cramped, legs are in a more relaxed position and I can ride 300mi easily.Of course seat and taller drag bars help(personal preference,riding position)
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 74
From: AB, Canada
RE: Forward Controls: Do you think they are comfortable?
Im 6'4" and use forward controls with the AN 3" extention and Kury switchblades... Very very comfortable. No leg strain whatsoever.
My only complaint, I have to "tippy toe" to put full force into my rear brake lever, but thats only because the angle of the lever is wonky now it has been moved forward 3" inches. I thought about getting it bent slightly L shaped to fix this issue.
My only complaint, I have to "tippy toe" to put full force into my rear brake lever, but thats only because the angle of the lever is wonky now it has been moved forward 3" inches. I thought about getting it bent slightly L shaped to fix this issue.
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: Forward Controls: Do you think they are comfortable?
I have to agree that the forwards controls are more comfortable for distance. My legs were always cramping up with mids or would go to sleep, makes stopping interesting, with rearset pegs.
If I had any "problems" with the forwards it was the first few miles whereI habitually kept trying to pick up my feet from a stopand put them on non-existing mids. But that just took a bit of time to get used to.
A lot of people who "graduate" from mid or rear controls seem to unconciously push on the forwards too hard so their feet won't "fall off". They are afraid if they don't their foot will just fall off and that could get really painful.
Time and miles will help as you gradually become more used to the the position you'll start to relax a bit.
The heel rests should help some, but I think decent boots with the right kind of sole like dynaglide mentioned will do more good overall. Becausewith a decent sole shape you can let the sloe kind of "hook" on the peg. That wayyou don't have to use very much if any leg pressure to keep them up there.
Funny part of the whole thing is that many people who have a bike with mid controls end upputting on forward mounted highway pegs.The only "advantage" if it is one that I have found for mids is that whenI got a leg cramp I could stand up on them and "shake" the offending leg in the breeze a little. I can't do that very well, if at all,with forwards. But on the other handI don't seem to have the crampingproblem either, so its not a bad trade off for me.
If I had any "problems" with the forwards it was the first few miles whereI habitually kept trying to pick up my feet from a stopand put them on non-existing mids. But that just took a bit of time to get used to.
A lot of people who "graduate" from mid or rear controls seem to unconciously push on the forwards too hard so their feet won't "fall off". They are afraid if they don't their foot will just fall off and that could get really painful.
Time and miles will help as you gradually become more used to the the position you'll start to relax a bit.
The heel rests should help some, but I think decent boots with the right kind of sole like dynaglide mentioned will do more good overall. Becausewith a decent sole shape you can let the sloe kind of "hook" on the peg. That wayyou don't have to use very much if any leg pressure to keep them up there.
Funny part of the whole thing is that many people who have a bike with mid controls end upputting on forward mounted highway pegs.The only "advantage" if it is one that I have found for mids is that whenI got a leg cramp I could stand up on them and "shake" the offending leg in the breeze a little. I can't do that very well, if at all,with forwards. But on the other handI don't seem to have the crampingproblem either, so its not a bad trade off for me.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 1
From: Southampton, Pa
RE: Forward Controls: Do you think they are comfortable?
One of the things I've found with forward controls is that you have to let your legs relax, you can't ride the bike with your feet like youcan on the mid controls. You have to ride the bike with your hands and back, If you sit comfortably and relax it will help.
Springerdude, if your talking about the Springer in your sig pic you already have forward controls, if your comparing it to the Wide Gkide then you will feel like they're back some and you could always get extensions for the Springer.
Springerdude, if your talking about the Springer in your sig pic you already have forward controls, if your comparing it to the Wide Gkide then you will feel like they're back some and you could always get extensions for the Springer.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
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RE: Forward Controls: Do you think they are comfortable?
ORIGINAL: Citoriplus
If I had any "problems" with the forwards it was the first few miles whereI habitually kept trying to pick up my feet from a stopand put them on non-existing mids. But that just took a bit of time to get used to.
If I had any "problems" with the forwards it was the first few miles whereI habitually kept trying to pick up my feet from a stopand put them on non-existing mids. But that just took a bit of time to get used to.