Softail Standard Controls?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: Softail Standard Controls?
Well, my experience riding them is limited... for now, but I have taken quite a number of test rides, and I can tell you that the Standard and Night Train models with the forward controls fit me perfectly. I'm 5'8 with a 30" inseam (weigh around 210lbs right now). They are about an inch closer in than the Dyna Wide Glide I rented this year, and I found the controls on the WG to be a bit of a reach for me.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2004
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From:
RE: Softail Standard Controls?
They were a little too close for me. I added NessTech 3" extenders (http://*******.com/5c7fn) for my long legs (I'm 6'4" in my boots) and I changed out the pegs and put in the Harley heel rests (http://*******.com/4uly6) and Airfoil Pegs (http://*******.com/3r5ed)
Carl
Carl
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
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From: Midland, TX
RE: Softail Standard Controls?
I'm 5'11" with 32" inseam and the forward controls on my standard are comfortable for me. With my highway pegs on the engine guard and the lazy rider (barrel bag) on the passenger seat, I'm in a good highway riding position. Between the highway pegs and the forward controls, I can move my feet from one to the other on long rides and keep the behind from going to sleep.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,300
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From: Central Virginia
RE: Softail Standard Controls?
Maybe this might be a good thread for me to answer a question that I've been thinking about with regard to the forward controls on the softails.
On a bike with mid-mount controls. like the Super Glide, the rider is able to use his legs to further dampen the shock of road irregularities by lifting his butt a little when necessary. This doesn't appear to be possible using the forward-mounted controls like what's on the Softails. So (the question), doesn't the rider experience increased discomfort from having road shock transmitted up through his butt since he is unable to use his legs to soften the impact upon occassion?
My reason for asking is simple. I really like the Deuce, but have almost decided not to buy one because of being unable to shift riding position to any meaningful degree and possibly having much more road shock sent to my lower back, which I've had chronic problems with for years.
Any helpful information or insight is appreciated.
On a bike with mid-mount controls. like the Super Glide, the rider is able to use his legs to further dampen the shock of road irregularities by lifting his butt a little when necessary. This doesn't appear to be possible using the forward-mounted controls like what's on the Softails. So (the question), doesn't the rider experience increased discomfort from having road shock transmitted up through his butt since he is unable to use his legs to soften the impact upon occassion?
My reason for asking is simple. I really like the Deuce, but have almost decided not to buy one because of being unable to shift riding position to any meaningful degree and possibly having much more road shock sent to my lower back, which I've had chronic problems with for years.
Any helpful information or insight is appreciated.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,437
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From: TEXAS!!!!
RE: Softail Standard Controls?
Jez, it's not so hard to avoid the bump shock but instead of pushing with your legs to avoid the shock like on the mid controls you brace with your legs and use your arms to lift you from the seat. It takes a little getting used to but becomes second nature after a little while.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: Softail Standard Controls?
I used to ride dirt bikes and the controls were mid bike which made it easy to raise up when jumping, etc. However, on a cruiser, I've found that forward controls actually assist in bumps. You can raise up with forward controls and naturally, you pull back on the handle bars which is what you are supposed to do when going over a bump. Just a thought.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 201
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From:
RE: Softail Standard Controls?
I don't have much in the way of back or knee problems (lack of a physical lifestyle I guess) so I don't get much of a jar. You can put your feet on the passenger pegs to change the position of your legs if necessary (did it on my last trip).
I think as to how easy it is to prepare yourself for bumps might depend on your overall size too. See my avatar. I'm a big tall guy and even with extended forward controls, my knees are still up a bit. A slight push with the feet for the bad bumps (like railroad tracks) isn't much of an effort. Most of the time I just lean forward a little and float with the bumps. If you were reaching more for the forward controls, it might be harder and you may have to use your arms more to pull yourself up. It's all a matter of practice and paying attention to the road.
Carl
I think as to how easy it is to prepare yourself for bumps might depend on your overall size too. See my avatar. I'm a big tall guy and even with extended forward controls, my knees are still up a bit. A slight push with the feet for the bad bumps (like railroad tracks) isn't much of an effort. Most of the time I just lean forward a little and float with the bumps. If you were reaching more for the forward controls, it might be harder and you may have to use your arms more to pull yourself up. It's all a matter of practice and paying attention to the road.
Carl
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
RE: Softail Standard Controls?
Thanks for all of your replys.
I stay in pretty good shape physicaly except for the lower back thing. I've sat on a Deuce a number of times over at the dealership, but I've never riden one. It feels good enough on the showroom floor, but I'm concerned as to how it might feel after 100 miles of continuous riding. Since the dealership does not offer test rides, I have to worry people almost to death asking questions.
The Super Glide feels pretty good, too. Nice seat w/ good lower back support (for me). Mid-mount controls standard with the ability to mount highway pegs out front, making it easy to change riding positions to avoid cramps. BUT IT AIN'T NO DEUCE!!! Did I mention that I like the Deuce?
An aquaintence of mine owns a Deuce. He also has owned a SG. He says that the Deuce's ride is much smoother than he remembers for the SG. He even has offered to let me ride his Deuce! But, I'll wait until after I complete the rider's safety course. Its been a l-o-n-g time since I've ridden anything other than the occassional dirt bike, and I want to regain my confidence.
Again, thanks. I know that I'll have to decide something soon.
Les
I stay in pretty good shape physicaly except for the lower back thing. I've sat on a Deuce a number of times over at the dealership, but I've never riden one. It feels good enough on the showroom floor, but I'm concerned as to how it might feel after 100 miles of continuous riding. Since the dealership does not offer test rides, I have to worry people almost to death asking questions.
The Super Glide feels pretty good, too. Nice seat w/ good lower back support (for me). Mid-mount controls standard with the ability to mount highway pegs out front, making it easy to change riding positions to avoid cramps. BUT IT AIN'T NO DEUCE!!! Did I mention that I like the Deuce?
An aquaintence of mine owns a Deuce. He also has owned a SG. He says that the Deuce's ride is much smoother than he remembers for the SG. He even has offered to let me ride his Deuce! But, I'll wait until after I complete the rider's safety course. Its been a l-o-n-g time since I've ridden anything other than the occassional dirt bike, and I want to regain my confidence.
Again, thanks. I know that I'll have to decide something soon.
Les