Forward control considerations

[Canajun]

Have an '07 FXDL and since I spend most of my highway time with my feet on the forward pegs, I've been considering installing forward controls. My biggest concern though is that I like to be able to periodically stand up on the mid controls when riding to shake "the boys" loose and get a bit more comfortable. So my questions are really for anyone who has made the switch.

Do you find forward pegs more comfortable on long rides? In the city? How about losing the ability to stand up and stretch a bit while riding?

Any comments are helpful. Thanks.

[tranedlr2]

Took my mid controls off about 3 weeks after I got my 2000 Superglide so really don't remember what it's like to stand up on the pegs, that was over six years ago. I'm 6'4" and the mid pegs really cramped me up, even with the highway pegs for a back up. I put the Kuryakyn extended forward controls on with isopegs and stirrups. They are easy to install yourself and you don't have to move your rear brake master cylinder. Great long distance and great in town. I've had them on for about 45,000 miles with no problem. I just installed a set of Kuryakyn swing wings, the ones with the 3" fold out highway pegs and I'm still trying to get used to them, but I can sure stretch out.

[ChopperDude]

I'm only 6'0", but I've always HATED mid controls... at least on Harley's Dyna Models (on a larger bike (BMWs?), maybe it would be okay)).

You won't be able to "stand up" with forwards... but I was able to ride for LONG distances on my Deuce, and absolutely loved them (have an EG Classic now).

[DieselBob]

Im only about 5'10'', had the dealer put em on when I got the bike. mids just werent for me. I was concerned about traffic or around town driving...my legs just swing up to the pegs.

I recently bought a Honda with mid controls to play with...hey, the price was right...and its just way too small. Its about the same as the Dyna with mids. 45 min and im antsy.

As a note, I put on Pass pegs recently as well. I have found on a long ride, I stood up on them, got to shake em out, and got a nice breeze too...Never new the pegs offered some A/C services. ha! Anyway, I wouldnt worry about losing the abilty to stand up..youll overall be more comfy. Only concern that comes to mind immediately is if your lower back is weak or causes discomfort. Enjoy

[jmpancoast1]

Have you considered installing forwards and leaving your mid mounts and pegs on the bike? Lots of Dyna riders do this.

Remove the brake hardware from the mount and replace them. This gives you a way to reposition your feet and enjoy the comfort of the forwards.

[Canajun]

Thanks for all the great replies. I think I will go ahead and possibly leave the mid pegs in place (they fold up, so most of the time they'll be out of the way anyway) for a while just in case...

Related question - do you have to remove the primary to get the old shifter linkage out? Or does it just stay in place?

[tranedlr2]

The Kurykyn kits come with a cap for the spline sticking out of the inspection cover and a plastic coated clamp to keep the shifter rod from rattling around.

[NJ RIFF RAFF]

Originally Posted by Canajun

Thanks for all the great replies. I think I will go ahead and possibly leave the mid pegs in place (they fold up, so most of the time they'll be out of the way anyway) for a while just in case...

Related question - do you have to remove the primary to get the old shifter linkage out? Or does it just stay in place?

This is just another reason I'm pissd HD only made the '08 Wide Glide in Duracell Brown.(digustingly ugly choice of color) Now us Super Glide riders have to go the expense of this change! Is this change a do-it-yourself job?, or is there a warranty issue involved here?

[Paladin1]

I switched to forward controls on my last FXD. Couldn't stand it. Too "out of control" for my tastes. Highway pegs are fine since you have a choice, jmho, of course.

[blkfalc4]

Yep, just yours

[mark1526]

I am interested in fwd controls also on my 07 FXDL. This is my first bike. When buying the bike I ask my dealer about FWD controls and he said its a fairly big job. I forget what the price was. Told me to just ride it and get the feel of the bike. I am finding my feet going right to the highway pegs. I am a Mechanic by trade. How hard can it be???

[ChopperDude]

Originally Posted by mark1526

I am a Mechanic by trade. How hard can it be???

If you're a mechanic by trade... this will be cake for you. The Harley kit has good instructions, just take your time.

I did several of these in the dealership... toughest part is the brake line (bleeding, etc.), and that's not even particularly hard.

But you know... come to think of it... with the primary change of the 06 Dynas... you *might* have to take off the primary to remove the old shifter shaft? That's only a *little* harder, and if you have the tools, and a service manual, even that's not too hard.

You might want to get the instructions, and see if it's something you're comfortable with. The dealership can print off the instructions for ANY accessory kit... they can go online, do a "kit breakdown" for the kit, this lists all the parts that go into the kit (in case something you have breaks), but it also has the instructions in a pdf file. They can print that, if the dude isn't too lazy.

[blkfalc4]

There's no brakeline bleed.
Doing the kit takes about an hr or less, and if you know how to use tools your allset.
Biggest thing is the cost.
They have a cover for the mid control shiftershaft and a brace for the other end of it.Comes with a longer shifter and brake linkage.
True you'd have to replace the inner primary if ya want to shitcan the shaft cover, but it's not necessary.

[jmpancoast1]

The Harley Davidson forwards can be installed and the shifter shaft removed by most anyone without removal of the inner or outer primary covers on the 06 and later Dynas. Takes maybe an hour, hour and a half.

[mark1526]

I think this maybe a little winter project along with some new pipes. Its worth getting a manual for the bike just to keep the guessing out. Thanks