Softail Custom Forward controls install
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Roy, UT
Softail Custom Forward controls install
I have just ordered the extended reach forward control kit for my 2008 custom. It should be here in 7-10 days. My questions is how difficult is it to install. I am very mechanically inclined (I spent 20 years in the Air Force as a Jet Mechanic). My only concern is the bleeding of the master cylinder since the brake line needs to be replaced. Has anyone ever installed an extended reach kit? How difficult was it? Should I just let HD do it?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,302
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From: My Mother
RE: Softail Custom Forward controls install
Easy job for you! To bleed it just put a small amount of b/fluid in a jar n atight fittinghose from the bleed nipple into the jar so as its in the fluid.Fill the m/cyl with fluid n open the bleed nipple and pump the pedal until no aircomes out of the pipe in the jar!Tighten nipple! Hope this helps.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 849
Likes: 2
From: where i'm at
RE: Softail Custom Forward controls install
A cinch installed one on an '05 FXST. You get all you need.
I just tried a set of 2" chrome forward controls made by DNA for under $200.00.I thought they may be junk but they look pretty clean. I then needed a custom rear brake line $65.00 + custom shifter linkage $50.00 and the setup looks great if anyone cares. I installed them on an '08 FXSTC.
I just tried a set of 2" chrome forward controls made by DNA for under $200.00.I thought they may be junk but they look pretty clean. I then needed a custom rear brake line $65.00 + custom shifter linkage $50.00 and the setup looks great if anyone cares. I installed them on an '08 FXSTC.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 89
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From:
RE: Softail Custom Forward controls install
very easy to do just put a set on my bike and a friends wide glide just got a new brake line and shiftlinkage from tractor supply. i know funny but it worked and it was only 2 dollars
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 249
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From:
RE: Softail Custom Forward controls install
I put 3" ness extensions on mine as HD did not have anything at the time.
I put these on my 03 deuce as well which was easy.
My 07 FXSTC was a pain in the *** because of those F***ing star head bolds.
The left side top bolt I could not get a star head socket on due to the webbing on the forward control plate was in the way. I would have had to buy a T handle with the right size star but thought was easier to get a shop to do.
Try your self but make sure U have the right tools or is a real pain.
good luck.
I put these on my 03 deuce as well which was easy.
My 07 FXSTC was a pain in the *** because of those F***ing star head bolds.
The left side top bolt I could not get a star head socket on due to the webbing on the forward control plate was in the way. I would have had to buy a T handle with the right size star but thought was easier to get a shop to do.
Try your self but make sure U have the right tools or is a real pain.
good luck.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 423
Likes: 5
From: Sunshine state.
RE: Softail Custom Forward controls install
In a past thread- wasn't it mentioned that a person could buy Ness controls, and did it come with EVERYTHING needed? Also, wasn't it mentioned that the MoCo now has a kit too? I need to find, if possible, the one that HD has listed to read up on it. I've got a few hundred dollars just a burnin' a hole.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From:
RE: Softail Custom Forward controls install
I just installed the Ness kit last week. Found it on Ebay. Everything I needed (except fluid) was in the kit. I bought a cheap bleeding kit from Harbor Freight. I'm 6'..34" inseam, bike fits me much better.
My sig pic is before extensions, but I'll try to update pics when the weather here breaks.
My sig pic is before extensions, but I'll try to update pics when the weather here breaks.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 2
From: South County, CA.
RE: Softail Custom Forward controls install
It took me about an hour to install the Ness kit, with no problems. I think for the Star Head I must have shorter sockets because all I needed was an extention, and it worked fine for me.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 52
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From:
RE: Softail Custom Forward controls install
I was a crew chief for along time in the air force, you should have no problem being a former jet mech. I put the ness 3 inch extensions on my 07 fxstc and it was a fairly simplejob, the brake bleeder kit was a huge help and time saver. Ride is so much nicer now.