no prob
forward control installation
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From:
forward control installation
I'd like to install black forward controls for my 08 nightster asap.
But I just wonder whether I have to take every step by myself or not.
I don' want to **** my money out for labor charge, $90 per an hour.
So, plz give me an advice what I suppose to do!
But I just wonder whether I have to take every step by myself or not.
I don' want to **** my money out for labor charge, $90 per an hour.
So, plz give me an advice what I suppose to do!
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 1
From: Canada
If it's like the 07 low, taking off the heatshields and loosen, but do not remove bolts on the exhaust at the head helps getting it out of the way to get at the front 2 bolts for the new install. It take a bit of effort to crack the factory bolts on the frame, but once you do, it's easy.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach, VA
I just put the black forward controls on my '08 Nightster yesterday. You might want to invest in a service manual if you don't already have one, because you have to take the exhaust off. I'm not sure if you need to take it all the way off. I'm putting on new pipes in a couple days, so I already took my exhaust completely off at the same time.
I followed the instructions exactly, and did not have any problems. I love how easy it is to work on the Harley. I'm not too fond of the hex bolts though. I did not have any loctite when I did the job, and I didn't feel good about that, so I went and picked up a tube today, pulled the bolts attaching the brackets to the frame, and added the loctite. You REALLY don't want those bolts backing off, so better safe than dead.
So yeah, don't waste your money on labor and do it yourself. The kit is already expensive enough by itself. I saw somebody else post on here that Harley owner's have an 11th commandment: Thou shalt wrench it thyself. With dealer labor rates being so high, I'm not paying them to do anything.
I followed the instructions exactly, and did not have any problems. I love how easy it is to work on the Harley. I'm not too fond of the hex bolts though. I did not have any loctite when I did the job, and I didn't feel good about that, so I went and picked up a tube today, pulled the bolts attaching the brackets to the frame, and added the loctite. You REALLY don't want those bolts backing off, so better safe than dead.
So yeah, don't waste your money on labor and do it yourself. The kit is already expensive enough by itself. I saw somebody else post on here that Harley owner's have an 11th commandment: Thou shalt wrench it thyself. With dealer labor rates being so high, I'm not paying them to do anything.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
I just put on a set on to my 93 sporty and It was no prob. Although I didn't use loc-tite on anything and after my first cruise of about 40 miles my shift lever fell off 1 block from my house. So now I redid all bolts with loc-tite and no problems since. Forward controls are awsome.
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From:
I just put the black forward controls on my '08 Nightster yesterday. You might want to invest in a service manual if you don't already have one, because you have to take the exhaust off. I'm not sure if you need to take it all the way off. I'm putting on new pipes in a couple days, so I already took my exhaust completely off at the same time.
I followed the instructions exactly, and did not have any problems. I love how easy it is to work on the Harley. I'm not too fond of the hex bolts though. I did not have any loctite when I did the job, and I didn't feel good about that, so I went and picked up a tube today, pulled the bolts attaching the brackets to the frame, and added the loctite. You REALLY don't want those bolts backing off, so better safe than dead.
So yeah, don't waste your money on labor and do it yourself. The kit is already expensive enough by itself. I saw somebody else post on here that Harley owner's have an 11th commandment: Thou shalt wrench it thyself. With dealer labor rates being so high, I'm not paying them to do anything.
I followed the instructions exactly, and did not have any problems. I love how easy it is to work on the Harley. I'm not too fond of the hex bolts though. I did not have any loctite when I did the job, and I didn't feel good about that, so I went and picked up a tube today, pulled the bolts attaching the brackets to the frame, and added the loctite. You REALLY don't want those bolts backing off, so better safe than dead.
So yeah, don't waste your money on labor and do it yourself. The kit is already expensive enough by itself. I saw somebody else post on here that Harley owner's have an 11th commandment: Thou shalt wrench it thyself. With dealer labor rates being so high, I'm not paying them to do anything.
Yeah! I already have taken v & h exhaust short shot om ny bike 2 week ago.
As you pointed out, I'm really worrying about taking off my exhasut by my self.
Could you tell me where I can buy forward control kits and another tips for installation?
I think I have to follow the way you did.
Thank you!
Senior Nightster owner!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach, VA
I bought the black forward control kit from the dealer. I'm not sure if anyone else makes it. It comes with good instructions, so just follow them closely and you should be fine.
Not sure if you will need to take off the short shots or not to get to the bolts you need. The front one might have to come off, or you might be able to work around it. The only reason you would need to take it off is to get to the bolts attaching the foot controls and brake rod.
Not sure if you will need to take off the short shots or not to get to the bolts you need. The front one might have to come off, or you might be able to work around it. The only reason you would need to take it off is to get to the bolts attaching the foot controls and brake rod.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Forward control isn't hard to install but I must say it is confusing. Take your time reading the instruction, you can save $90 labor.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
I installed my forwards in about an hour. I had to remove the front exhaust though to get the mids off. No problem. Went smooth and easy. I bought mine from Ebay and saved about $60. The were new HD forwards in black. So save the money on labor. It is worth it if for nothing else to say you did it.
Remember the blue Loc-tite though...It is a must.
Remember the blue Loc-tite though...It is a must.