Mid Controls VS. Forward Controls: Preferences
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 54
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From: Greensboro, NC
Mid Controls vs. Forward Controls: Preferences?
I have mid controls on my '12 1200 Custom and I've had several conversations with people who have had or currently own a Sportster since I bought mine.
Most of these people seem to have forward controls and when I tell them I have mid controls I get a sense that if you don't have forward controls you're a ***** or there's something wrong with you. They're mildly surprised or something.
Before I ordered the Sportster I wanted from the factory (in the color I wanted, with the wheels I wanted, the dealer add-ons I wanted, etc) I test-rode the 2012 Custom the dealer had on the floor. This is my first Harley - I've had several other bikes - but of course I wanted to get a feel for the bike before I ordered one.
The bike I test-rode had forward controls and I just didn't like the way they felt. So, I opted for the mids. I did get the engine guard and had highway pegs put on it so I could "stretch out," a benefit that many cite as the reason they go with the forward controls. And, I know I can change out my mids for the forward controls down the line if I decide to.
I will say this: At this stage I love the mid controls...hell, I love everything about the bike, but I wanted to toss this out there to see what y'all thought about this subject.
I'll look forward to seeing what opinions there are out there.
Most of these people seem to have forward controls and when I tell them I have mid controls I get a sense that if you don't have forward controls you're a ***** or there's something wrong with you. They're mildly surprised or something.
Before I ordered the Sportster I wanted from the factory (in the color I wanted, with the wheels I wanted, the dealer add-ons I wanted, etc) I test-rode the 2012 Custom the dealer had on the floor. This is my first Harley - I've had several other bikes - but of course I wanted to get a feel for the bike before I ordered one.
The bike I test-rode had forward controls and I just didn't like the way they felt. So, I opted for the mids. I did get the engine guard and had highway pegs put on it so I could "stretch out," a benefit that many cite as the reason they go with the forward controls. And, I know I can change out my mids for the forward controls down the line if I decide to.
I will say this: At this stage I love the mid controls...hell, I love everything about the bike, but I wanted to toss this out there to see what y'all thought about this subject.
I'll look forward to seeing what opinions there are out there.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 958
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From: Hartford, WI
My 11 Superlow came with mid controls. I hated them and changed to forwards. Sure, I could have gotten off cheaper with the highway pegs but since I do ride around town and not mostly freeway, I would still have to be on the pedals now and then so I removed them and got the HD forward control kit assembled it and am much happier with it. YMMV
mine came with forwards, and i do like them. that being said, it is YOUR bike so i don't see how anyone elses opinion should matter to you as far as YOUR comfort! 
if you like the mids and they are comfy, roll on brotha. if other people dont like them than thats fine, its not like you offered to let them ride it haha! your bike could be purple and pink polka-dotted, but mine would still be how i like it. dont know if that is what you were looking for but that is my oppinion... 
if you like the mids and they are comfy, roll on brotha. if other people dont like them than thats fine, its not like you offered to let them ride it haha! your bike could be purple and pink polka-dotted, but mine would still be how i like it. dont know if that is what you were looking for but that is my oppinion...
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Greensboro, NC
mine came with forwards, and i do like them. that being said, it is YOUR bike so i don't see how anyone elses opinion should matter to you as far as YOUR comfort! if you like the mids and they are comfy, roll on brotha. if other people dont like them than thats fine, its not like you offered to let them ride it haha! your bike could be purple and pink polka-dotted, but mine would still be how i like it. dont know if that is what you were looking for but that is my oppinion...
if you like the mids and they are comfy, roll on brotha. if other people dont like them than thats fine, its not like you offered to let them ride it haha! your bike could be purple and pink polka-dotted, but mine would still be how i like it. dont know if that is what you were looking for but that is my oppinion... 
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
My wife's 883L has forward and my 1200N has mid. I have to say I like the feel of the forward controls, but still like my mids. Although I do plan to get forwards soon, I couldn't care less about what anyone else thinks about my mids; it's my bike not anyone else's!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 1
From: coastal NC
Plus 1 to "who cares what anyone else thinks". That's why you bought it and not them. To address your question on forwards vs. mids, mid controls remind me too much of the dirt bikes I'd ride as a kid. The way the bike would respond, the way it would move under me, if that makes sense. With the forwards, it feels more like "riding" vs. racing, like the mids feel to me. So its up to you bud, riding or racing. Either way, its your bike and your decision. BTW, welcome, fellow NC dude! 
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
I love my mids. I think it'd feel abnormal to have forwards at this point.
but highway pegs are still in consideration.
Like everyone else said, its your bike, do what you want and what you find comfortable
but highway pegs are still in consideration.
Like everyone else said, its your bike, do what you want and what you find comfortable
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Greensboro, NC
Thanks & Dragging Pegs - Cost of Mid Controls?
Thanks for the insight.
Now on to the cost of the mids...dragging pegs. I've been dragging mine from time-to-time and I'm looking for a solution. I don't mind doing it...it's like a warning to take it easier. However, with that said, it's still unsettling.
One of the techs at the dealership suggested putting a set of pegs from a Nightster (?) to get me more clearance.
Any thoughts? Or anyone know of some good aftermarket pegs which will give me a bit more lean angle?
Now on to the cost of the mids...dragging pegs. I've been dragging mine from time-to-time and I'm looking for a solution. I don't mind doing it...it's like a warning to take it easier. However, with that said, it's still unsettling.
One of the techs at the dealership suggested putting a set of pegs from a Nightster (?) to get me more clearance.
Any thoughts? Or anyone know of some good aftermarket pegs which will give me a bit more lean angle?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 189
Likes: 6
I had forwards and went back to mids to save what's left of my back. Our roads around here can be a bit rough. At least with the mids I can use my legs to absorb some of the shock. Run what's comfortable for you not what someone else tells you to run. Kurt