After speaking with people on here a few months ago i put a pair of highway pegs on my 99 FXDL, as i wasnt sure about ditching my mid controls for forwards. But after using them for a few months, i have decided to order a set of forwards (genuine) to fit to it. Im only about 5'9" or so, so i was worried about stretching uncomfortably to the pedals, but the highway pegs arent too far forward, so in theory the forwards wont be either. I went to Peter Stevens to test the feel of a couple of wideglides and they felt ok, so ive ordered a set online. Got them way cheaper than i would have from here. Im told they arent too hard to fit, so ill keep you posted.
you won't regret mate.... installed mine last month and loving it. I did most of the work but must admit to having a mechanic remove the primary casing etc.
One of the first things I did on my Street Bob was get foward controls put on. I'd hired a Super Glide once and almost dropped it at the lights when my jeans hooked on the mids putting my foot back on the pegs. I don't know what would have been worse, looking like a tool or paying for the damage to the hire bike. I'm just 5' 10" and the forwards are fine for me and I prefer the riding position. There's a slight stretch to put on a lot of back break on but hey, I try to avoid using breaks as much as possible anyway.
There's a lot of good info about installing fwd controls if you search the forum. From what I've seen there's a quick & easy way, and a long (5hrs) hard way.
i like mid, i think i got more control. but up to the indervidual.
will you have the rear brake master up @ the peddle?
The genuine forward controls leave the master cylinder in the same place as the mids. It just uses an extension rod like it does on the gear lever side. My mechanic told me to use the genuine kit, as its guaranteed to fit and work properly. Im not going to remove the stock mid shifter spline, as its a big job, and ive seen converted bikes at the shop which look fine with the little chrome cap in place. Besides, it makes it easier to go back to mids if i ever want a change.
Well ive done it. Installed the forwards this arvo, and it went easier than i expected, plus they look like they are supposed to be there. The original shifter lever tucks away nicely, and everything bolted up easy. Cant see a reason to install non genuine's, they are just so right for the bike. Had a quick test ride to see if the levers were adjusted right, and they seem ok. Gear shift works exactly as well as before, and the brakes are easy. Will take a little while to get used to it, (especially going slow around corners), but pretty happy. If i ever miss my mid mounts ive still got all the gear in a bag just in case. The forwards do make it look a lot neater than mids with highway pegs too. Having my first proper ride tomorrow down to the island, so looking forward to it. I strongly reccomend the genuine kit, all the parts are there and the instructions are spot on and easy to follow.
