Since the forward control rods do not enter the primary, why can't I just disconnect the mid control shaft on both ends and leave it in the primary? Is there some mechanical or safety reason this won't work? Or is it just cosmetic? Thanks in advance.

 

Just cosmetic. There's no mechanical reason it would need to be removed and l cant see any safety reason either

 

I didn't open the primary on mine. Went in behind the primary with a hacksaw blade and cut the mid control shaft out (cosmetic reasons only)-took maybe 10min. If you go that route be carefull you don't gouge anything up with the saw blade. Tape up the area where the blade may make contact. Harley makes both chrome and black plugs for the outer primary shifter shaft tunnel.

 

I put a bracket on mine that holds the mid shaft in place so that I can convert it back, if desired. No need to remove the primary. If you do, might as well do the sprocket conversion at the same time.

 

Thanks, guys. That's what it looked like to me. My main reason for leaving the mid controls shaft in place is so that I (or a new owner) could re-engage the mid controls without re-entering the primary. Too, it would save time installing the forward controls.

 

Pre 06 Dyna models never had you remove the remove the primary cover. The forward control kit #49080-03A came with a little bracket that keeps the mid control shaft from moving and also a cover with set screw for the shaft that sticks out. Harley still sells them.

When I bought my 03 Low Rider it had this kit installed on it. I have since changed over the the Floorboard kit #50500247 and HD says it only fits the 06 and up but fit just fine on my 03

 

That kit #49080-03A, is the kit my dealer ordered and plans to install. I'll find out late today if he is OK with doing a non-standard installation by ignoring the primary. I suppose I could do the installation myself, since everything is out in the open. But even though I'm pretty handy with tools, when it comes to installations that could cost me my life if I screw them up, I'm happy to pay the dealer.

 

Actually, I'm in error about the kit number. The kit for mine is #49080-06A.

 

I bought the cover/set screw deal when I converted the '16 FXDLS to fwd's but does anyone know the part number of the bracket? Guess I could always fab something up.
Thanks

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mid-Shifter-...lXLi9g&vxp=mtr