[Sheriff]

This weekend I bought/installed the H-D Forward controls for my '02 FXD. Very easy and straightforward installation. Instructions were pretty good. A couple of the steps could have been a little better described, but didn't cause any real headaches or delays! Did a short ride on Sunday and LOVE the new position! Much more comfortable for me than the mid controls!!

Anyway, I have a couple of questions:

1) Adjustment of the shift lever and the brake pedal is kind of a personal fine-tune. I found a location that worked well for the shift lever, but I can't decide what will work best for the brake pedal location. What location (pics if possible) has worked best for those of you with forward controls? There seems to be a balance between optimum functionality and comfort. Just trying to decide best location.

2) Has anyone installed the heal/toe shift lever? I have never owned a bike with a lever to upshift using your heal. Just thought it might be a nice alternative. I am fine with the current set-up, just want to "hear" some of your opinions!

Thanks in advance for any feedback!!

 

[steveusmc]

I'd recommend leaving the shift lever the way it is. Invest in a set of HD heel stirrups as soon as the wallet will allow. Get the good ones..about $170. Easy install and they have made a HUGE difference in riding comfort on my 1995 FXDWG. You will need to get the "Longhorn" brake pedal so that you aren't trying to reach around a corner to get to the pedal....about $25. (The heel stirrups move the footpegs out about 1 inch)

Will take some pics today and post....by noon.

Semper Fi,
Steve...Pensacola
USMC 1972 - 2003

 

[steveusmc]

Mark,
I took a few pics that show the angle of the brake pedal pretty good. While it appears that the angle is pretty steep, it is just right. You don't want it too far forward or you'll be reaching for it and having to push "down" instead of just putting forward pressure on it. Hope these help. GREAT looking bikes by the way. Trust me about the heel stirrups. They are the best money you can spend for riding comfort. I think most forward control guys will agree on that.
Good luck and let us know how it works out for ya.
Semper Fi,
Steve...Pensacola
USMC 1972 - 2003

 

[steveusmc]

P.S.
The 4th picture gives you an idea of the width of the "Longhorn" brake pedal. It makes a big difference in enjoying the heel stirrups.
Steve

 

[Sheriff]

Thanks!!

Steve,
EXCELLENT information and pictures!!! Thank you very much!

I had considered the heel stirrups. Do they just install between the stock female mount and your peg?

Is the Longhorn pedal just an add-on to the stock pedal lever? Is it an H-D part?

Thanks again!!:cheers:

Mark

 

[Parkian]

P.S.
The 4th picture gives you an idea of the width of the "Longhorn" brake pedal. It makes a big difference in enjoying the heel stirrups.
Steve

Steve,

Any idea where I can get the "Longhorn" brake pedal. Searched the HD site with no luck.

Thanks,
JD

 

[steveusmc]

The heel stirrups kit comes with an extension clevis that mounts to the existing mount. The stirrup slids over the splines and you clock it the way you desire. There is a groove that the setscrew rides in that is about 1/3 - 1/2 inch long so that it won't slip. Be sure and use some blue loctite when you install the set screw after making the final adjustment. I think you will find that if you clock them pretty far down like mine they will be just about perfect for ya. Be sure and look at the package close to make sure the are for forward controls for your year bike. They make a mid-control set that looks almost identical.

I bought the "Longhorn" pedal pad from the dealer showroom here in Pensacola. It is the footpad only and the existing crown nut mounts it. I can't remember if the new pad came with a new nut. Anyway, one of the sections of rubber on the pad is loose and that's where the countersunk screw goes through from the rear. Then the pad has tear-off adhesive backing and there you go...magic...stick the rubber piece back on and you never know how in heck it mounted. I looked for my receipt for a part number but no joy.....sorry. If you call the dealer they can pull it up real quick for ya...just tell them Longorn for the dyna. If it's a long distance call let me know and I'll call the local shop here and get it back in here for you.

Semper Fi,
Steve

 

[Sheriff]

Steve,

Any idea where I can get the "Longhorn" brake pedal. Searched the HD site with no luck.

Thanks,
JD

I did a Google search and found out that they are a Kuryakyn part. I am probably going to order one.

 

[steveusmc]

Yep...Part # 8044 for the Longhorn. Holy shitte, I forgot that the pad was a Kuryakyn...that I bought at the dealer. The stirrups are HD. That's why they cost so much dang $$$. Check your dealer cause he may carry them also.
My description was a little off earlier on the stirrup mount.

-Remove the footpeg. The stirrup slides over the spline and then that same end mounts to the existing footpeg mount (clevis or lug). Then the original footpeg attaches to the clevis or lug of the new. Will try to take anothe pic up close for ya when this stupid rain stops for a few minutes.

Kuryakyn has very good delivery times also..and they stand behind their products 100%.

Semper Fi,
Steve

 

[Sheriff]

I adjusted my brake pedal up to around the same location that yours is in. Seems like a good location. I did some searching of various H-D and Kuryakyn brake pedal pads and heel stirrups. I think you have definitely convinced me to try the stirrups and the brake pad is relatively cheap to try.

Thanks AGAIN for taking the time to answer my questions.

Mark

 

[Parkian]

Yep...Part # 8044 for the Longhorn. Holy shitte, I forgot that the pad was a Kuryakyn...that I bought at the dealer. The stirrups are HD. That's why they cost so much dang $$$. Check your dealer cause he may carry them also.
My description was a little off earlier on the stirrup mount.

-Remove the footpeg. The stirrup slides over the spline and then that same end mounts to the existing footpeg mount (clevis or lug). Then the original footpeg attaches to the clevis or lug of the new. Will try to take anothe pic up close for ya when this stupid rain stops for a few minutes.

Kuryakyn has very good delivery times also..and they stand behind their products 100%.

Semper Fi,
Steve

Thanks Steve. I also have the stirrups and was never to comfortable having to make the extra reach to the brake pedal.

jd

 

[steveusmc]

You're very welcome. I hope you get the controls adjusted just right for your comfort and I agree with you...don't wait to get the stirrups.
Steve

 

[kRiZ]

I'm looking to switch to forward controls on my 05 Dyna. I was wondering what you thought about your HD's? What other options are out there that are around the $300 and lower (hahahah) range? Pros/Cons, etc.

I'm also going to change my bars at the same time because I want to sit straight up rather than lean forward so if you have any suggestions on a particular style of handle bar that would be helpful as well. I'm 5'7". Short legs and the arms are the same. There's also the aggravating speedo on the current bars that I'm concerned might be an issue if I want to use risers or similar.

 

[Sheriff]

I'm looking to switch to forward controls on my 05 Dyna. I was wondering what you thought about your HD's? What other options are out there that are around the $300 and lower (hahahah) range? Pros/Cons, etc.

I am very pleased with how my H-D Forward controls turned out. Pretty good instructions...real easy install!!

I considered the Kuryakyn controls, but couldn't justify the extra expense. They do look a little nicer though!

What finally helped me make my decision was the day that I went to my local dealership, they were having their anniversary celebration. I was able to get 25% off. So it became a no-brainer decision then!! :woohoo:

Good luck with your decision!

 

[kRiZ]

Thanks for the info! I believe I will settle on the HD's. I actually like how they look moreso than the Kury's and it seems the heel rests and brake pedal you guys referred to is a good setup. Now I have to figure out what handle bars I want. Might take that up in another thread since this one is rather devoted to the forward controls.

Thanks,

 

[Sheriff]

Now I have to figure out what handle bars I want. Might take that up in another thread since this one is rather devoted to the forward controls.

I'll be interested in following your thread on handle bars. Been considering something different myself!