Mid Controls VS. Forward Controls: Preferences
Folks we have a troll in our midst. There is an art to internet trolling and I doubt "pivot" even rides a Harley. A troll can only survive by being fed, so ignore it's posts. He or she will respond to this post because they can't resist the urge to get the last word in, or another screen name will be used to launch attacks.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I'm a short little round women with barely a 27" inseam, finding a bike I can touch the ground on has been fun, I think I found exactly three stock bikes I can put my feet on the ground while sitting on it (honda shadow, suzuki boulevard) and then of course my sporty. I found an Iron at the dealership low enough for me, I think somebody had adjusted the shocks but anyway I'm ready to graduate to something bigger for long trips and I'm kinda tired of being left behind by the big bikes on trips (lol). I have heard about "lowering kits" but how much lower can you go than 4 inches ground clearance without issues, speed bumps (not tables, bumps) are already annoying, lower they'd be impossible. I'm looking at the dynas because a road king scares me for the weight and the size plus the price tag is really not in my budget. I've sat on the fat bob lo, a little too high, and the softail slim which is just about right only issue there is the primary case is wider than the sporty due to the width of the primary chain so I feel like I'm riding a clydesdale when I put my feet down but I think I can deal with that. On the slim the forward controls are about two inches too far forward, it comes stock with a heel toe which I've never ridden but everyone says they are the bees knees once you wrap your head around it. So am I going to be stuck special ordering mid controls, or are am I pretty much going to be accepting the fact that I'm going to need a custom bike shop to address the problem with the forward controls? I've done a little looking to see if anybody is making a kit to bring the forwards back a little and not seen one, I guess hobbits don't tend to ride harleys (lol). Any ideas?
I've been told that the forward controls could be brought back a few inches but I really think I'd prefer the mid controls; also had somebody suggest a custom seat to push me farther forward. I've never really understood how anyone could feel any control over the bike with forward controls, it just looks awkward although I can see how it would be more comfortable on a long haul. I also have mild carpal tunnel in my wrists and if you know about carpal, it is not just the arms it also involves nerves at the back of the neck and so it is quite important that I sit up straight so my hands don't go to sleep. I could never ride a rice burner leaning forward like that I'd never have any feeling in my hands, sometimes have the issue in the sporty because I need handlebars with more pullback but as long as I remember to keep my back straight there is no issue.
I've been told that the forward controls could be brought back a few inches but I really think I'd prefer the mid controls; also had somebody suggest a custom seat to push me farther forward. I've never really understood how anyone could feel any control over the bike with forward controls, it just looks awkward although I can see how it would be more comfortable on a long haul. I also have mild carpal tunnel in my wrists and if you know about carpal, it is not just the arms it also involves nerves at the back of the neck and so it is quite important that I sit up straight so my hands don't go to sleep. I could never ride a rice burner leaning forward like that I'd never have any feeling in my hands, sometimes have the issue in the sporty because I need handlebars with more pullback but as long as I remember to keep my back straight there is no issue.
Last edited by suemccartin; Aug 5, 2014 at 01:15 PM. Reason: typos
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 46
From: In the foothills of southwestern NC - US of A
I'm a short little round women with barely a 27" inseam, finding a bike I can touch the ground on has been fun, I think I found exactly three stock bikes I can put my feet on the ground while sitting on it (honda shadow, suzuki boulevard) and then of course my sporty. I found an Iron at the dealership low enough for me, I think somebody had adjusted the shocks but anyway I'm ready to graduate to something bigger for long trips and I'm kinda tired of being left behind by the big bikes on trips (lol). I have heard about "lowering kits" but how much lower can you go than 4 inches ground clearance without issues, speed bumps (not tables, bumps) are already annoying, lower they'd be impossible. I'm looking at the dynas because a road king scares me for the weight and the size plus the price tag is really not in my budget. I've sat on the fat bob lo, a little too high, and the softail slim which is just about right only issue there is the primary case is wider than the sporty due to the width of the primary chain so I feel like I'm riding a clydesdale when I put my feet down but I think I can deal with that. On the slim the forward controls are about two inches too far forward, it comes stock with a heel toe which I've never ridden but everyone says they are the bees knees once you wrap your head around it. So am I going to be stuck special ordering mid controls, or are am I pretty much going to be accepting the fact that I'm going to need a custom bike shop to address the problem with the forward controls? I've done a little looking to see if anybody is making a kit to bring the forwards back a little and not seen one, I guess hobbits don't tend to ride harleys (lol). Any ideas?
My biggest issue is that nothing seems to come stock with mid controls anymore, I've always ridden mid controls but even on the slim the forward controls are just a touch too far forward. I've been told that the forward controls could be brought back a few inches but I really think I'd prefer the mid controls; also had somebody suggest a custom seat to push me farther forward. I've never really understood how anyone could feel any control over the bike with forward controls, it just looks awkward although I can see how it would be more comfortable on a long haul. I also have mild carpal tunnel in my wrists and if you know about carpal, it is not just the arms it also involves nerves at the back of the neck and so it is quite important that I sit up straight so my hands don't go to sleep. I could never ride a rice burner leaning forward like that I'd never have any feeling in my hands, sometimes have the issue in the sporty because I need handlebars with more pullback but as long as I remember to keep my back straight there is no issue.
My biggest issue is that nothing seems to come stock with mid controls anymore, I've always ridden mid controls but even on the slim the forward controls are just a touch too far forward. I've been told that the forward controls could be brought back a few inches but I really think I'd prefer the mid controls; also had somebody suggest a custom seat to push me farther forward. I've never really understood how anyone could feel any control over the bike with forward controls, it just looks awkward although I can see how it would be more comfortable on a long haul. I also have mild carpal tunnel in my wrists and if you know about carpal, it is not just the arms it also involves nerves at the back of the neck and so it is quite important that I sit up straight so my hands don't go to sleep. I could never ride a rice burner leaning forward like that I'd never have any feeling in my hands, sometimes have the issue in the sporty because I need handlebars with more pullback but as long as I remember to keep my back straight there is no issue.
The Sportster 883 Iron comes stock with mid controls, has decent ground clearance, a relatively low seat height, and is fairly capable of keeping up with the big boys with the addition of decent exhaust, intake, and tuner. However, you could very easily obtain more power with the purchase and installation of a 1250cc kit from Hammer. In one afternoon a fairly good mechanic can transform that 883 into a 1250, and you should feel a noticeable difference in power.
The other things that you require for the long haul or trips can be very easily added, such as a variety of bags [hard/soft/swingarm/fork/lower tool], different handlebars, and a type of seat known as "reduced reach" - which will locate you more forward towards the controls for an easier and more comfortable time riding.
Spend some time perusing the 'net and in notime you'll have a nice list of possibilities for the Sportsters, which you can then break down by importance and cost.
Have fun!
=8^)
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Hello there sue. If you're finding yourself requiring more power to prevent yourself from being left in the dust, I suggest you find other people to ride with ;O)
The Sportster 883 Iron comes stock with mid controls, has decent ground clearance, a relatively low seat height, and is fairly capable of keeping up with the big boys with the addition of decent exhaust, intake, and tuner. However, you could very easily obtain more power with the purchase and installation of a 1250cc kit from Hammer. In one afternoon a fairly good mechanic can transform that 883 into a 1250, and you should feel a noticeable difference in power.
The other things that you require for the long haul or trips can be very easily added, such as a variety of bags [hard/soft/swingarm/fork/lower tool], different handlebars, and a type of seat known as "reduced reach" - which will locate you more forward towards the controls for an easier and more comfortable time riding.
Spend some time perusing the 'net and in notime you'll have a nice list of possibilities for the Sportsters, which you can then break down by importance and cost.
Have fun!
=8^)
The Sportster 883 Iron comes stock with mid controls, has decent ground clearance, a relatively low seat height, and is fairly capable of keeping up with the big boys with the addition of decent exhaust, intake, and tuner. However, you could very easily obtain more power with the purchase and installation of a 1250cc kit from Hammer. In one afternoon a fairly good mechanic can transform that 883 into a 1250, and you should feel a noticeable difference in power.
The other things that you require for the long haul or trips can be very easily added, such as a variety of bags [hard/soft/swingarm/fork/lower tool], different handlebars, and a type of seat known as "reduced reach" - which will locate you more forward towards the controls for an easier and more comfortable time riding.
Spend some time perusing the 'net and in notime you'll have a nice list of possibilities for the Sportsters, which you can then break down by importance and cost.
Have fun!
=8^)
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 253
From: Northern Los Angeles area.
Make sure you test ride a 2014 Dyna Low Rider. It might fit you well. Seat height is 25.4 in laden, 26.8 unladen. Mid controls are standard. Handlebars are adjustable. Driver seat has a bolster pad.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I know I'm slow lol
My problem is low end, I don't jack rabbit off a light and they get so much ground on me so fast I can't catch up. Lol. Anyway I called harley and the slim can't even be ordered with mids, it can be done but it sounds like they'd want my first born to do it. I've had it over a hundred on an empty highway but the bike didn't feel real happy about it. I guess I'm going to find one of the new low riders to sit on to see if that might be possible if it comes with mid controls. I wish there was a pill to give my legs anothe six inches!
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I was looking at that but haven't been able to find one in a showroom to sit on it. The slim has a slightly lower seat but I'm told that generally shocks have a liitle adjustment available. I want to take some long trips at some point and I just feel the sporty is more of a town bike than a highway bike.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 778
Likes: 4
From: Opposite Side of the Planet
I was looking at that but haven't been able to find one in a showroom to sit on it. The slim has a slightly lower seat but I'm told that generally shocks have a liitle adjustment available. I want to take some long trips at some point and I just feel the sporty is more of a town bike than a highway bike.
Seats...Harley sells Reduced Reach seats that push you forward and lower. Available for most models. Harley makes a reduced reach forward control setup to bring the forward controls back about 2" towards the rider (I know for the Sportster, not sure of another model).
I am 5' 11' but have a 29 inch inseam. I didn't like the forwards on my Forty-Eight. I put on mids from a 2014 Iron which was a just bolt right on. Handlebar risers can be changed for more pull back to move the bars and a few other things that can be done to make the bike you like fit you.
A Sporty is not a town bike. They just need to be set up for how you want to ride/tour. Especially if you are riding solo.
My stock Sporty will beat about all other stock Harleys (not a V-Rod) off the line, through the gears, etc. My bike is a stock 1200cc sportster. Those people on the "bigger" Harleys are just using more agressive throttle than you. If you were just as aggressive, you would be surprise how fast you can take off and go. The thing about Sportsters is to run them in their optimum RPM range which is 3200 RPM and up to 4000 RPM. That is where a Sporty rider should be to take advantage of the bike's abilities. If you are riding your sporty in the 2800 - 3100 RPM range, you are not riding where the bike performs its best.
On my 1200cc, I don't shift to 5th gear until after 65 mph, but mostly not until 70 mph. That is around 3400 RPM. I can cruise along all day at 75+ mph on the Sporty. The 883cc will of course be a little higher RPM at that mph and that can be changed to a 1200cc RPM/MPH with a pulley change.
Comfort tweaks can be made. Your bike can stay up with and cruise with the bigger (cc) bikes and can be made comfortable. Just wanted to point this out.
Back in the day, I rode all over the western half of the US on a 750cc Honda. Harleys were 1200cc and people never said it was too small to ride across country.
Good luck on getting the bike you want.
Novice
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Everett, Wa
mids
Bought my bike with forwards even though I was never partial thinking "I'll give them a try." Hated the forward controls. Put too much weight directly on tail bone, couldn't corner with any confidence, and put to much weight the on the rear thus making the front less stable. Switched to mids and it's a whole new bike that is comfortable and sporty