Forward controls
Novice
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky (currently Korea)
I bought a set of the ebay aftermarket forward controls. Big mistake. And they weren't cheap. I ended up buying a set of factory H-D forwards anyway. I couldn't live with the sloppy fit of the knockoffs, and having to rig 'em just to get them work half@zzed. They're so bad I felt it was a safety issue more than anything else.
So basically, I've got over $700 tied up in forward controls...and a box of junk in the closet. The factory set bolted right up. I had to make zero adjustments...they were spot on outta the box - you get what you pay for.
ETA: The ebay link in the OP's post are the same exact ones I bought. Same seller, as well. Beware. The seller swears that "nobody has had a problem with them fitting." Of course...
So basically, I've got over $700 tied up in forward controls...and a box of junk in the closet. The factory set bolted right up. I had to make zero adjustments...they were spot on outta the box - you get what you pay for.
ETA: The ebay link in the OP's post are the same exact ones I bought. Same seller, as well. Beware. The seller swears that "nobody has had a problem with them fitting." Of course...
Last edited by Himjo; Jul 17, 2012 at 01:53 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: indy
I have some HD forward controls - new - that I'm selling. here's a link to my craigslist ad. http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/3112801819.html
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Mich
Fwd Controls on a 1975 8-Ball Ironhead
Ya I know we opened a can of worms here but it's for a disabled brother who is allowed to borrow this chicks bike and he can't ride any other way except with forward controls.
He paid for the Fwd Controls and we got them from JPCycles. After some modification (because they are made for 77 and up) we are on the way to having it all lined up and linkage squared away. The left side shift was new in the 1975 model so it first goes to the rear cam and then through the frame to (the right side) a rod end and bent metal flat bar with a bolt welded on the end of it (ya I know crappy right?) but that's the Harley Engineered part inside the right cover so it's not part of the fwd controls in any which way you look at it.
According to the manual the linkage is adjusted by starting with a 3/16ths clearance from this rod end in fourth gear. Trouble is I can't get fourth gear to begin with, and it's not the fwd controls that's the problem, I couldn't get it with the stock lever shift.
Do I have to take off the right engine cover (cams, lifters, etc ) to get to this point or is there some work around?
I figured that's why the guy before us welded that bolt to the flat bar, because he didn't want to remove the cover and open up another can of worms. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Also anybody got a decent carb for this bike? The bendix carb might be shot because after three rebuilds I can't get either of the needles to seat correctly and (adjusted) they are not changeable, so the body must off? Bike has 34k on it.
He paid for the Fwd Controls and we got them from JPCycles. After some modification (because they are made for 77 and up) we are on the way to having it all lined up and linkage squared away. The left side shift was new in the 1975 model so it first goes to the rear cam and then through the frame to (the right side) a rod end and bent metal flat bar with a bolt welded on the end of it (ya I know crappy right?) but that's the Harley Engineered part inside the right cover so it's not part of the fwd controls in any which way you look at it.
According to the manual the linkage is adjusted by starting with a 3/16ths clearance from this rod end in fourth gear. Trouble is I can't get fourth gear to begin with, and it's not the fwd controls that's the problem, I couldn't get it with the stock lever shift.
Do I have to take off the right engine cover (cams, lifters, etc ) to get to this point or is there some work around?
I figured that's why the guy before us welded that bolt to the flat bar, because he didn't want to remove the cover and open up another can of worms. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Also anybody got a decent carb for this bike? The bendix carb might be shot because after three rebuilds I can't get either of the needles to seat correctly and (adjusted) they are not changeable, so the body must off? Bike has 34k on it.
Last edited by 1stForceRecon; Jul 18, 2012 at 05:42 AM.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: California
It was vice versa for me.. originally I thought the same and went with a set of HD highway pegs.. but I found myself 90% always being on them except when shifting or rear braking.. it got so annoying going back and fourth that I went ahead and invested in forwards. I'm 5'7 and it's super comfy!
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