Are forward controls better than mid?
#21
07-08-2011, 12:59 PM
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#22
07-08-2011, 01:37 PM
Need some help here. Thanks guys.
#23
07-08-2011, 02:02 PM
Stellar HDF Member
also moved my shifter up to allow shifting with my heel.
you can also brake with your heel..
easy riding , this is good ,however in the twisties/traffic , i use the mids.
#24
07-08-2011, 05:07 PM
Grand HDF Member
#25
07-08-2011, 05:15 PM
I'm 6'1" and made the switch a couple months ago. Overall I'm happy with them. They feel natural to me. Not tripping over the pegs when stopping and taking off is nice. My pants would get caught up often as well.
My *** does cramp sooner than with mids though. Looks like the stock seat is the next thing to go.
My *** does cramp sooner than with mids though. Looks like the stock seat is the next thing to go.
Last edited by DizWolf; 07-08-2011 at 05:18 PM.
#26
07-08-2011, 06:28 PM
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#27
07-08-2011, 06:37 PM
Depends how you define "better." Do forwards offer as much control over the bike? Not even close. Do forwards look better? To some people, but not to others. Are forwards more comfortable? On some bikes, to some people, but they do put a LOT more pressure on your spine, and will cause back problems over time (There are several people on this forum who will attest to the fact that I talked them into switching to mid controls, and they are now much more comfortable, as the back no longer hurts.). Can you ride as long with forwards? Hell, no. Unless, of course, you are a masochist.
Shifting and braking will be somewhat different, but you will get used to it quickly. Whether your pipes have to come off depends on what pipes you have, and what forwards you are putting on, but there is a pretty good chance that you will. The Screaming Eagle (Heavy Breather) does not get in the way. Whether you will regret the decision is something only you can decide. How do you ride? What do you ride? Have you made comfort adjustments to it (better seat, suspension, etc)? I've had both, and both can be wonderful as long as you recognize the shortcomings of each type of foot control. A better option, IMO, is to put highway pegs on. This allows you the advantages of both, but YMMV. I'm 6'0", and very comfortable with the stock mids.
Shifting and braking will be somewhat different, but you will get used to it quickly. Whether your pipes have to come off depends on what pipes you have, and what forwards you are putting on, but there is a pretty good chance that you will. The Screaming Eagle (Heavy Breather) does not get in the way. Whether you will regret the decision is something only you can decide. How do you ride? What do you ride? Have you made comfort adjustments to it (better seat, suspension, etc)? I've had both, and both can be wonderful as long as you recognize the shortcomings of each type of foot control. A better option, IMO, is to put highway pegs on. This allows you the advantages of both, but YMMV. I'm 6'0", and very comfortable with the stock mids.
#28
07-08-2011, 09:01 PM
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It is really a matter of opinion ... my iron came with mid controls and I kept them for about a year, recently I put on forward controls and I love them ! They are much more comfortable imo and I am only 5ft 9, also they are much better when riding 2 -up ! The riding position also looks better imo compared to the standard mid controls but you really have to try it as one guy may love mid controls and another hate them ! good luck
#29
07-08-2011, 09:15 PM
you also need to take into account the type of handlebars you want installed on your bike... let's say you ride with apes/mini apes.. then forward controls can be a nice alternative... now, imagine you are 5'5'' and want short drag bars with little pullback... with forwards you'll look like a banana and you'll be in pain after 50 miles... it's a matter of ergonomics.. .
#30
07-08-2011, 09:57 PM
6th Gear
Love my forward controls. Wouldn't have them any other way. However I agree with all the good points about height, comfort, visual preference, and functionality with shifting and braking. 2010 Iron with forwards. Fits and looks nice with my V & H shortshots. Super comfortable. I'm 5' 10" and I'd feel cramped on my bike with mids. A bigger bike might be a different story...