Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes......The man has got it!!!!!!

 

Exactly...

It's like purchasing almost anything,have to ask yourself what you want to do with it.

The Nightrain is my first HD and the specific model I wanted most,but with a history or riding more responsive bikes with mid controls and tighter steering (less rake) I was hesitant to take the leap and almost purchased a Superglide to get mids and slightly more responsive steering.

Nothing wrong with the Glides but it started to feel like a compromise to me.It became apparent that I don't need to carve turns and if I did,HD's in general aren't the bike to buy.

After multiple trips to the dealer and looking at the bikes I realized that if I bought the Superglide I'd end up being one of those guys wanting to move on to a different HD in a matter of months....

Buying cages is much easier....

BTW- great topic Fmshiner

 

Thanks T3: I think you are on to something. I am not the bagger type, I appreciate the touring bikes alot and ride them quit often. I even enjoy forwards from time to time. But I chose to buy, after much consideration, a 1550 street bob with the larger cams, big bore screamin eagle engine, vance & hines pipes etc. It is a more sporty bike with a different type of balance. I would never put forwards on that bike. However I probably would want forwards on a Superglide. I am just not at that point in my riding that I would want that kind of bike.

I'm not knocking forward controls or the people who choose them. Nobody is right or wrong in this discussion. I just see the "sportier" bikes ie bob, nitetrain, etc, better suited to mids. Also, my body type, and style of riding is more suited to mids.

So it seems like there is a formula to it. From what I am gathering by the many great responses, the formula includes, 1.) type of bike 2.) riding style 3.)body type 3a.)height, 3b.weight And for some.....4.) vanity (how do I look with my feet forward?) lol

Do we all agree now?

 

I'm 6'2" and actual prefer the mid conrtols. I feel like I have more control over the bike. Just a personal thing. I would not mind some highway bars to strecth out from time to time, but I am not sure right now I'd want to ride like that 24/7.

 

BLR, I respect your opinion..good to hear you made it through your ordeal unharmed. But no need to wish us luck with the "when the $hit hits the fan". The bottom line is, every single one of us is risking our lives when we get on our motorcycles. If that car pulls out in front of you doing 50 and you make a direct hit, it doesn't matter what kind of controls you're using.
It's the nature of the beast. Motorcycling is inherently dangerous. If I was that concerned that I would choose mids over forwards based soley on the chance that they might help me in a tight squeeze...I think I might as well hang up my helmet.
To be honest, comfort is a very important part of how well one handles a motorcycle....at least in my experience. I'm certainly going to react more appropriately in a pinch if my mind isn't preoccupied with an issue of discomfort.

It's been said in this thread many times....to each his own. I'll stick to that..and I certainly won't tell anyone that they're wrong for choosing one over the other.

This topic comes up quite often in the motorcycle community...or at least in the cruiser segment of riders. It seems to me that the guys that ride with forwards do so because they're comfortable...that's it. They don't have a problem with what anyone chooses. But the guys with the mids are always telling the guys with forwards about how they can't control a bike as well...they can't get out of bad situations as easily...there's pressure on their lower back or behind, etc...the list goes on.... Meanwhile, they have the highway pegs because they still want to be able to stretch out and be comfortable. It seems to me that the guys with the mids have a bit of a complex. It's almost like a bisexual...they want the puhaaa...but every now and again, there's an urge for some pork sausage


Todd

 

Is that why the pegs have been turning me on lately!!??

 

I don't think increased control during aggressive riding is a valid argument. I believe it's more of what you're used to. Within the performance capability of any Harley model, forward controls work just fine. They ain't sportbikes! I ride the **** out of mine and I can tell you right now, the limiting factor is NOT the forward controls. Any perceived difference is just that, perceived.

The comparison to sport or race bikes is unrealistic. They 'need' rear controls for the best performance. The bikes are FAR more capable.

The comparison to dirt bikes is silly. Kinda hard to do all that standing with forward controls??? We ain't jumping..............much.

 

I disagree--the very fact that they are not built like a dirt bike is all the more reason I want the maximum amount of control. I have the bob just like you, upgraded to a 1550 with sthe screamin eagle, larger cams etc etc etc. It is 105 HP, that is pretty sporty. I have ridden with forwards and mids for years. In an emergency situation I have a much better chance of maneuvering out of it with mids. There is just no doubt about it. I know you dont like the "dirt bike" reference, but if they had the same control with forwards they would be built with them.

Your legs are the strongest muscle in you body. They can and should play a great part in your balance and control. My highway pegs are my forwards (for comfort, not for operation)

 

I see no problem with forward controls and agressive riding. Sport bikes dont use mid controls anyways they use rear sets. There is no way id ever add mids to my train, rear sets-thats something to think about!

I call BS on the safety issue too! I have been in many close situations and even hit a 4"x4" piece of wood about 3feet long and went over no problems with the forwards doing 50mph.

 

You are making my point for me. The further back the controls, the more control you have. Just because you made it through one situation or more, doesn't mean you have the same control with forwards as with mids. There is no doubt that mids and rears have more control that is exactly why they are on dirt bikes and sport bikes. That doesnt't mean that you should not use forwards. If you like them use them. You shouldn't, however, deny an obvious fact just because you dont want to believe it.