Thinking about going to forward controls. Advice?

[Gary7]

I'm thinking about going to forward controls on my XL883. I love my Mustang solo seat, but in addition to raising you up about an inch, it also moves you forward about an inch vs the stock seat. I didn't think this was going to bother me all that much, but when I finally did some extended riding (~100 miles) a couple weeks ago the riding position which makes the mid controls feel like they've been moved back an inch or so is not very comfortable with the pullback handle bars. (Ironically, the stock handlebars would be better for me with this seat.)

Any advice or input on going to forward controls? I'm 6' with a 32" inseam.

I've priced the 33398-06 forward control kit at my dealer with the 10% discount and at Zanotti's, and even with shipping Zanotti is still cheaper.

[superwarden]

I love forward controls and would never consider riding without them. You may want to try highway bars if you like the mid controls. Could be a cheaper test ride for the forward controls.

[Brad]

Took me about 2 hours to stop putting my feet on the 'phantom mid pegs', but then I got used to it. For 90% of my riding I like it. I'm not that agressive, so I like the feel. Sometimes I miss being able to stand - like going over RR tracks, but I'm sold on forwards for now.

(Left the passenger pegs on - even with the solo seat. Nice to have them on the longer trips and to hold the bungie cords)

Go test drive a custom. Should give you a pretty good feel for it.

[TomSchneider]

once you go forward controls, you never go back

[Gary7]

Took me about 2 hours to stop putting my feet on the 'phantom mid pegs', but then I got used to it.

Is it possible to leave the mid control foot pegs in place and just keep 'em folded up when not in use (like passenger pegs)?

[Brad]

I don't think so. I think the shift linkage would get in the way. Not 100% sure though.

But seriously, after your feet get used to the position, you'll probably do fine with the forwards and the p pegs.

If you can do a test drive, I recommend it. Some dealers are cool that way, but others, well you know that story...too bad you're not in PA.

[DC in PHX]

I have forwards and I love 'em. BUT, your exhaust choices will be limited if you are gonna hot rod your bike.
DC

[Gary7]

I have forwards and I love 'em. BUT, your exhaust choices will be limited if you are gonna hot rod your bike.

I've already done the only exhaust mod I expect to do with the SE SP slip-ons.

[roadogette]

I love my forward controls. That's why I bought a 1200 Custom. I had them on my Hugger.

[Screw Loose Dan]

I have the Iron City highway pegs (http://www.ironcitycycles.com/inventory.php?nav_0=7&nav_1=28) on my 07. They are discussed in this thread (http://www.xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=2704&highlight=highway+pegs).

I'm not a huge fan of forwards, but on really long trips it's nice to have the option to move your legs to a different position. Personally, I don't think I could ever get used to forward controls, but that's probably just me.

For $90 you can try the highway pegs to see if you would like your feet forward. Just a thought.

I have the 883L which comes with the Solo Reach seat. I put on the standard Wide Solo Mustang seat. It seemed to move me back and down about an inch. I presumed it was moving me back to the stock location (or at least close). I know Mustang has a reach seat as well in the same style, are you sure you didn't get that one?

[Johnny Wolf]

once you go forward controls, you never go back

Not true for me...my last bike had m', glad I don't now.

[KC_Sportster]

Went from mids to forwards and love it. Tried highway bars first and found my feet up on them all the time so moved to forwards.

[Gary7]

I know Mustang has a reach seat as well in the same style, are you sure you didn't get that one?

No, I've got the Vintage Wide Solo. According to Mustang, it moves you forward approx 1 inch vs the std solo seat due to the placement of the ECM on the fender under the seat. And I can vouch that it does in fact move you forward, and it seems like more than an inch to me.

[Rob Henderson]

Forward controls for me are much more comfortable. I can push against them when I see a bump and everything is fine.....

[XLXR]

I have a 06 Roadster. I put a metal strut up front just to see if I liked it. That gives me 3 foot positions, foward, center with controls, and rear pegs. I use them all.

[Sporting Lad]

Ergonomics depend on your peronal dimensions and preference.
My experience (being a perfect 5-8) is that for'd controls make
my butt sore on a long ride cuz all my weight's concentrated there.
Looks cool if all you do is pulling mainers. I run Highway pegs up front
to give me an alternate position for stretching on the bike. Try changing
your bars. It's a hell of a lot cheaper than starting over with new brake and
shifter controls. With midsets I can unweight over bumps. Try that with for'd
controls.
BTW-- I rode a bike with for'd controls for two years. That was enough for me.
A lot of riders like them. Not me. I ride the midsets with a bit of forward lean of
my upper body (drag bars).
No such thing as 'one size fits all'! :rolleyes:

Enjoy the ride. ;)

[prettyponyofdoom]

love the FWDs, combined with the XLC's drag style bars it puts ya in the most excrutiating position possible! what more do you want from a harley? [now if only my '01 would break down more often and start leaking oil...!!!] : )

[cantolina]

I would never use forwards again, myself....I have hiway pegs and mid controls, and I DO like the ability to change leg positions, but when it comes down to it, when its time to CONTROL the bike for any reason, I like my legs UNDER me...

Just another opinion..... :)

[VETRAN]

...a 1200C when I went back to New Jersey for my uncles funeral. I didn't get to ride too much (only about 20miles) but that was enough to convince me to order the forward control kit when I got back (in chrome of course!!!:p )

[kiltbill]

I really like the forwards, but as a tale of caution on long trips all your weight is concentrated on the base of your spine and it can get painful but then as I am nearing 50 things aint as supple as they used to be.

Mid controls will give you more control especially on hard cornering or emergency manoueveres.

May go for mids on the next bike and fit highway pegs for letting my legs stretch...




kb

[khaskins]

love the FWDs, combined with the XLC's drag style bars it puts ya in the most excrutiating position possible! what more do you want from a harley? [now if only my '01 would break down more often and start leaking oil...!!!] : )

I hope ya don't get what ya asked for!:laugh

Forwards and Drag bars for me. I'm no long haul biker (at least not on this bike) Planning to buy RK or something like that in couple of years.:tour

[Gary7]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I ordered the forwards from Zanotti and they should be here on Tuesday. I'm going to get the dealer to install them when I take it in for the recall work.

I'm guessing that converting to forward controls is an hour job at the most. Does that sound about right?

[Ranger Bob]

My current ride is the first time I had these. It came with them and I was a little leary about them. 2 minutes in the saddle cured that, though.

I think of it like the difference between sitting in a school chair and a lounge chair.

[Gary7]

My current ride is the first time I had these. It came with them and I was a little leary about them. 2 minutes in the saddle cured that, though.

I think of it like the difference between sitting in a school chair and a lounge chair.

I think the forward controls on the Sportster put you in about the same riding position you would get on a Road King or Electra Glide. I don't think they stretch you out like on a V-Rod or Wide Glide.

[xllent01]

For all out sport riding mids are the way to go, fwds put you at a disadvantage when trying to stop very quickly incase some a-hole pulls out in front of you, although if your a taller rider like me they are a must to help stretch the legs out, besides after a few runs you won't have a 2nd thought about them. good luck and why not put them on yourself instead of the dealer raping you.:yikes oh they might tell you, you will void your warranty if they don't do the work.:roflblack

[Gary7]

For all out sport riding mids are the way to go, fwds put you at a disadvantage when trying to stop very quickly incase some a-hole pulls out in front of you ...

Can you explain that?

[xllent01]

How many cafe racers or flattrackers you ever see with FWD controls on them? :laugh Mids put you in a better position to put your feet down quicker.

For a taller rider fwds are a must, i couldn't ride mine (maybe) if it wasn't for fwds, but hey you'll get used to them.

[Gary7]

How many cafe racers or flattrackers you ever see with FWD controls on them? :laugh Mids put you in a better position to put your feet down quicker.

You said forwards put you at a disadvantage when trying to stop very quickly. I don't think that will be a problem for me since I use the brakes to stop. I don't put my feet down to stop. :roflblack

[Scooter_Trash]

I've got forwards now, but I'm really thinking about mids or rear sets. Most likely I'll be going to mids. I do feel like I have better control with my feet under me as opposed to out in front of me. Also, I'm able to cushion the impact on my back a little more with the mids. True, as someone said above, you can push yourself up on the forward pegs to raise up for bumps, but you also have to pull back on the bars at the same time. I'd rather keep my arms loose and not have my arms pulling my weight up while my bike is hitting a bump.

[cantolina]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I ordered the forwards from Zanotti and they should be here on Tuesday. I'm going to get the dealer to install them when I take it in for the recall work.

I'm guessing that converting to forward controls is an hour job at the most. Does that sound about right?

Buying accessories elsewhere and having them installed by your dealer is, IMHO, in poor taste...

Expect more than an hour's labor, or a surcharge....its only fair.....

If you want a GOOD relationship with your dealer...BUY there....it DOES make a difference...

AT MY shop, our customers get little stuff done many times for FREE...but if you play the "save a coupla bucks game", in the end it costs you in goodwill....

Just something to think about....

[Johnny Wolf]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I ordered the forwards from Zanotti and they should be here on Tuesday. I'm going to get the dealer to install them when I take it in for the recall work.

I'm guessing that converting to forward controls is an hour job at the most. Does that sound about right?



Just curious, Why?
Grab a wrench and a cold one....put m' on yourself. It's pretty simple. Plus you will have the satisfaction of doing the work yourself. No to mention saving a few bucks....for more "cold-ones":D

[Gary7]

Buying accessories elsewhere and having them installed by your dealer is, IMHO, in poor taste...

Expect more than an hour's labor, or a surcharge....its only fair.....

If you want a GOOD relationship with your dealer...BUY there....it DOES make a difference...

I already have a good relationship with my dealer. Since I got my bike from them back in Nov I've given them well over $1000 in parts/service business. If they want to turn into assholes because I got a set of forwards over the Internet, then they can expect to lose ALL my future business.

[Gary7]

Moonlite Cycles (http://www.moonlitecycles.com/) is about three miles from my house. I may stop by there one day next week and see what they would charge to put the forwards on my bike--just to avoid any potential hassle with my dealer.

[Scooter_Trash]

Moonlite Cycles (http://www.moonlitecycles.com/) is about three miles from my house. I may stop by there one day next week and see what they would charge to put the forwards on my bike--just to avoid any potential hassle with my dealer.


Even the Indy's frown on customers buying stuff elsewhere, then asking them to install them. Kinda insulting. They can't compete with a large Internet retailer that buys in bulk or get huge discounts.

[cigarman]

I'm 6'1" and 32 inseam. That is why I bought a custom. In addition I have ISO pegs (with longhorn shifter peg) and extenders.

I started with the original seat, modified one, got a Mustang with a pass pillion and now have a Corbin Hollywood. The Corbin is the way to go. In the spring I will likely sell the Mustang (better market then). If I need a 2-up I'll put the modified original on.

Need that legroom, my man. I don't see any issue with stopping with the forwards, although I can understand if other do. BTW, with the longhorn I can shift with my ankle/instep instead of just with my toe. It is nice to ride with your heels on the peg, all stretched out on the higway.

[Don Burton]

I don't care for forwards as the only way to ride. I have the H-D 3 position highway pegs so I can shove my feet forward when I wish to which isn't all the time or even most of the time. Even on the highway, my legs are comfortable up there only for so long as they catch more wind but it's nice to be able to stretch. For the twisties, their's no comparison? Have you ever seen a dirt tracker or road racer with forwards? Not! Forwards compromise the ability to control one's bike. Look cool? Sure. It all depends on how you want to ride.

[Gary7]

I don't care for forwards as the only way to ride. I have the H-D 3 position highway pegs so I can shove my feet forward when I wish to which isn't all the time or even most of the time. Even on the highway, my legs are comfortable up there only for so long as they catch more wind but it's nice to be able to stretch. For the twisties, their's no comparison? Have you ever seen a dirt tracker or road racer with forwards? Not! Forwards compromise the ability to control one's bike. Look cool? Sure. It all depends on how you want to ride.

I still maintain that forward controls on the Sportster don't stretch you out as much as they do on the BT bikes. From just sitting on various bikes on the showroom floor and "trying them on," the forwards on the Sportster bend my legs about as much as they are on an Electra Glide or Road King.

[Gary7]

If I do decide to put the forwards on myself, how do you get the old shifter off?

When I first got the bike I was going to take it off and adjust it up a little so my boot would fit under it better, but even after fully loosening the bolt I could not get the shifter to budge off the shaft.

[Don Burton]

I still maintain that forward controls on the Sportster don't stretch you out as much as they do on the BT bikes. From just sitting on various bikes on the showroom floor and "trying them on," the forwards on the Sportster bend my legs about as much as they are on an Electra Glide or Road King.

I agree. It all depends on how sporting you want to ride.

[markbrumbaugh]

Slow speed maneuvering is better if you put your weight on center pegs. For me that ruled out the Custom and directed me toward the low, although I'd have liked the extra shiney stuff

[doxbike]

One of the parts guys at my local dealer advised me to get the HD adjustable hiway pegs. His point was I would then have the best of all 3 worlds-forward, mid and rear sets. He said I would quickly learn to shift and brake with my heels if my feet were on the pegs-quick learn and easy, while allowing me to get back on the mids for handling. Using all 3 positions while on a long ride eases the tension on your legs. Just my $.07 worth (due to inflation):banadanc

[j_marshall23]

I bought the custom for the forward controls, but I still want to get a crash bar with highway pegs. I like to really stretch out on long rides.