Are forward controls better than mid?
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Beroun, Czech Republic
I hated the mids first, they felt really cramped and plain uncomfortable. I purchased used forwards on eBay but they got stuck with Czech customs due to some weird paper problem for more than eight weeks.
Meanwhile, I got used to the mids to the extent that I don’t feel the need to install forwards anymore. Plus, I have done enough miles on Sporties with forwards to know that they are extremely fatiquing at motorway speeds (80mph +) when you have to brace against the wind pushing your feet off the pegs.
I think now that mid controls with forward highway pegs is the best combo.
Meanwhile, I got used to the mids to the extent that I don’t feel the need to install forwards anymore. Plus, I have done enough miles on Sporties with forwards to know that they are extremely fatiquing at motorway speeds (80mph +) when you have to brace against the wind pushing your feet off the pegs.
I think now that mid controls with forward highway pegs is the best combo.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
For me mids make it easier to ride the twisties and as others mentioned having forwards on the highway is much more tiring than mids. This is quite true and on the long stretches, I find myself using the mids most of the time as it reduces pressure on the spine.
My setup is mid controls with forward pegs and that seems to be the perfect set up for me as it gives me different options but primary riding position is with using mids.
My setup is mid controls with forward pegs and that seems to be the perfect set up for me as it gives me different options but primary riding position is with using mids.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From:
I had mid controls and put on highway pegs and found that I had my feet on the highway pegs more and more and had to keep moving back and forth to shift and brake.I then took off highway pegs and put on forward controls and was much more comfortable all the time.Ialso took the mid controllsapart and just put the pegs back on minus the shift peg and brake pedal, the left side bolt right on with no problem the left side you either have to grind the mounting bracket to allow the brake rod for your forward controls to slide or you can make a spacer with longer bolts to allow it to slide this gives you a second riding position with your feet under you for long hauls.You will have to take one of your exhaust pipes off to mount you forward controls. This was along reply but Ihope it helps.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: central Texas
For me, having only mid controls is not a good way to go because of my height. My XL Has the factory forwards,which are quite comfortable for me, even on long rides.
However, the best solution is to have the mids with highway pegs. This is the least expensive way to stretch out on rides, yet still have the ability to get your feet under you and relieve your tail bone.
However, the best solution is to have the mids with highway pegs. This is the least expensive way to stretch out on rides, yet still have the ability to get your feet under you and relieve your tail bone.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
This is a very personal thing. I can't get on with forwards so would never have them on any of my bikes, although my Glide with foot-boards are a form of forwards, I suppose! I also have a SuperLow, but bought it as a custom with mids, rather than the Custom with forwards.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
Mids and highway pegs here. Wouldn't have it any other way. I like the control mids offer in the bends and on long stretches I frequently alternate between the forward pegs, the mids, and the passenger pegs. Having three places to put you feet is nice.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Swansea, Wales
Hmm - sounds about 50/50 to me so it's down to personal preference. Just got back from a ride (mainly twisties) on my mids and was half standing on the pegs from time to time to relieve leg tension - not sure whether that is for or against forward controls 
I'm 6'. Most of my riding involves a fair share of gearchanging and very little cruising so I' don't think highway pegs would help much.
I'm 6'. Most of my riding involves a fair share of gearchanging and very little cruising so I' don't think highway pegs would help much.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: Ithaca, NY/Bristol, UK
Forwards for me everytime, although I have to say that just shifting your foot position on it's own can sometimes be counter productive, as it moves your body position it can also change the feel of your bars.
I always say to people sit on your bike upright and imagine where you'd like your feet and hands to be in a perfect world, then work out what needs to be changed is it the foot controls or is it the bars, or both?
Just my $0.02 worth
I always say to people sit on your bike upright and imagine where you'd like your feet and hands to be in a perfect world, then work out what needs to be changed is it the foot controls or is it the bars, or both?
Just my $0.02 worth