Change forward controls to mid?
Change forward controls to mid?
I'm a fairly new HD Sportster XL1200 custom rider and have been getting accustomed to the forward controls on the bike with reasonably good success.
My question is....can I install mid controls utilizing the existing forward control stock brackets, or do I need to purchase new full kits for mid controls? (The bike has Vance & Hines short-shots staggered installed)...
It's not a critical issue, however I like the feel of the sport position of mid because of the previous (metric) bikes I've rode years ago. I love my new Harley and this is simply a fine tuning of my ride here!
Thanks in advance for any input here!!
Donnyco
My question is....can I install mid controls utilizing the existing forward control stock brackets, or do I need to purchase new full kits for mid controls? (The bike has Vance & Hines short-shots staggered installed)...
It's not a critical issue, however I like the feel of the sport position of mid because of the previous (metric) bikes I've rode years ago. I love my new Harley and this is simply a fine tuning of my ride here!
Thanks in advance for any input here!!
Donnyco
Yep , first thing I did to my XL 1200 R was fit mid controls ( which is was supposed to have anyway ) I sold the forwards for more than I paid for the mids . As previously mentioned you have to buy a full set because nothing will swap over . You may want to get some extra bolts so you can keep the cable clip on the brake side .
Thanks for the input and direction from storm8732 and midpegs regarding the mid controls. I think that I will keep the forwards on for a little longer, however the option of changing them over to mids using hardware from Storm8732 sounds good! I will let you know shortly concerning the change! It sounds like its quite doable!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 4,947
From: England
let me know if you want the ones that came off my 2014 1200T
OP what year is your bike?
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 627
Likes: 324
From: Covington, VA
Note that the mid-control brake pedal rod is not adjustable. Depending on your specific model, the pedal height may not be suitable for you. It can be made adjustable if you watch Delboy's video linked below. If you have access to a good machinist and access to the jam nuts with right hand and left hand threads, you can insert a turnbuckle into the rod. At first my brake pedal was over 1" too low when it made contact with the brake, and now it sits at the same height as my shifter when making contact.
My 2005 XL883 Standard came with mid-controls that are perfect for me. Because of lower back pain I am allowed to sit upright with good posture without slouching and ride for hours. My last three bikes had forward controls of varying degrees and they all caused lower back pain (I have a herniated disc at L4/L5.) after riding more than 30 minutes. With mid-controls, I can ride for hours at a time, take the mandatory pit stops, and finish a full day of riding with no pain at all.
To minimize downtime on my bike, I bought a NOS rod and had the job done while I was still riding. The hardest part of the job was getting the muffler bracket off so I could access the pedal rod.I didn't need a jack -- just a lot of patience. If you're interested is specific details of what I did with the parts I used, I have it on a word document that I can send in an email.
My 2005 XL883 Standard came with mid-controls that are perfect for me. Because of lower back pain I am allowed to sit upright with good posture without slouching and ride for hours. My last three bikes had forward controls of varying degrees and they all caused lower back pain (I have a herniated disc at L4/L5.) after riding more than 30 minutes. With mid-controls, I can ride for hours at a time, take the mandatory pit stops, and finish a full day of riding with no pain at all.
To minimize downtime on my bike, I bought a NOS rod and had the job done while I was still riding. The hardest part of the job was getting the muffler bracket off so I could access the pedal rod.I didn't need a jack -- just a lot of patience. If you're interested is specific details of what I did with the parts I used, I have it on a word document that I can send in an email.
Last edited by boomerguy; Jun 13, 2019 at 06:08 AM.
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