At 6'4" with a lifetime of painful knees, mids are not comfortable. I rode dirt bikes fast through the woods for years, mid position does help control the bike. Most of my road bikes had mids with highway pegs. Braking and shifting are delayed while you move your feet back to the controls. I have ridden with people with similar bikes with factory suspension that stand up for railroad crossings, pot holes ect. I have quality forward controls and Progressive suspension front and rear on my HD FX framed panhead with a jockey shift, problem solved for me. I slow down for damaged roads to not damage my bike but the ride is very comfortable. Do what works for you.
I 100% agree with you on this topic! People ask me to ride their bikes with forward controls and I refuse. I learned on dirt before the road therefore I’m automatically uncomfortable.
I had to put floorboards on my 1986 FXST recently because the factory forward controls caused back and hip pain after riding just 30 miles or so, A big deference in my riding position on my feet and back, wish I had took the time to install floor boards years ago. You are exactly right on everything you said, I miss my old Dyna low rider with mid controls great all around motorcycle no back pain.
Right on point. I am on my second Harley, and the reason I got it was the mid controls. It is a 1985 FXEF Super Glide Fat Bob with chain drive, 4 speed gear box and 13,000 original miles painted white. I love the style and simplicity. Great video.
After sitting normal on my Electra glide, when I get on my sportster to be in the same position, it has to have forward controls.i am 6'2". That being said forward controls on the electraglide would be horrible...
@buttcrackcycles Between steering with hips and counter steering with the handle bars, these "bigger" bikes are very easy to ride. I don't mind having highway pegs to stretch out on longer rides, as long as the controls are kept mid. And I think the jockey/suicide shifters are just OG kinda cool, but never owned one.
I'm currently restoring a 81 FLHS, it came from the factory with forward controls. I haven't rode it yet, but wondering if I'm going to like it. Time will tell.
I went back to mid controls after several trips to mountain states with curvy roads. Having the brake out in front like a car is not a good feeling for me in the curves. I like the brake and shift underneath for better control.
I would just say to each his own, we all come in different shapes and sizes. If you are thinking about putting them on your motorcycle don't buy a cheap set and if you have a GOOD friend that has them on his motorcycle, he might let you ride his motorcycle to see if you would even like them. It's all about comfort for me.
@@buttcrackcycles My stepson asked me to put a set on his '96 Sportster back in Feb. He bought off Ebay so they weren't the best of quality, like you said not a good tight fit. He was happy so I guess that's all that matters. (video of his Sporty on my channel). I'm in Greenwood, where are you?
my 1980 flh had floorboards, removed them and made forward controls, I have realy long legs so it works for me, but I must say I removed the slob on the shifter, the bushing was shot, but it was the same as when I had the floorboards on it, just made new bushings for it and that worked great
I clicked on this because I like other's opinions. You actually answered all your own criticisms of Forward Controls, and all are valid, as you said for your height and weight. I've ridden a heap of bikes in the last 52 years of having a licence and at 6"4" and 110kg, my Night Train is a bigger bike and my forward controls are extended 3" further than stock. My Dyna, while being only slightly lighter also has forward controls, only extended 2". The Dyna outhandles the softail easily, but that's down to softails not designed for optimum handling. I just put my feet on the engine cases if I need a break.
I've done up to a thousand miles in a day on a Sportster. The only way I could tour on a Sportster for 8 to 12 hours at a time was with forward controls. Honestly at 6 ft it wasn't much like forward controls it was like sitting in a kitchen chair which was comfortable for me.
Yeah same, never been a forward control kind of guy, even at 6 foot. Im cramped on my sporty mids but prefer that to forwards for all the reasons you mention -plus one more - riding with forwards with your feet splayed out wide makes you look kinda comical and weird lol
I had a 2006 soft tail 88 duce with forward control it was ok for just local here and there running but any long runs my lower back and hips would hurt so bad it was hard to get off the bike and yes it also made like parking lot moreover hard to do I now have a harley davidson road king special OMG its like night and day difference
your ironheads nicer then mine lol, my factory mids on my ironhead has more slop than anything in this video. but its mostly cause im like the 10th owner of a 79 that nobody except maybe the first 2 owners respected
I have a 96 fxdwg with forward controls my brother is 5'7" and he doesn't care for them I'm 5'10 and never gave it a second thought changing them to mid
At 6’3’’ mids are not comfortable for me. What works for one, doesn’t necessarily work for all. Great channel though. We don’t have to agree on everything lol
I'm with ya m8 but at 6ft 4 it's uncomfortable for me to have mids on some models. But when I bought my t sport the geometry was perfect with the mids and the extra feel and control is great. 😊
I had to Google that bike to even see what it was. I have no idea if you can ditch the forwards. I mostly do pre-85 bikes. Good luck, I think one of those would be sweet with mids!
My 2004 Sportster has forward. I also have 15 inch apes. Amazingly my body geometry is exactly like my 2003 Road King Police! But yeah, can't stand up on em like you can on the FLH foot boards.
I totally agree. I'm 68 years old, 6'-2" and have had a total knee replacement. @Buttcrack: I haven't been 5'-6" since I was 14. When you grow up you'll love forward controls. Keep drinking your milk! ;o)
I agree. I've never owned a Harley or a cruiser, but I wouldn't mind picking up a cheap sportster at some point. Seems like there's a lot of deals to be had on FB Marketplace but if I see forward controls on the bike it's often a deal breaker. How hard it is to take them back to mid controls?
When im on my old shovel, (with forward Controls ) It takes me back to a time When there was no internet. I have a testosterone overload. I feel like elvis presley bruce lee Jesse james And Clint eastwood. I dont give a rat's as what people think. what they want. what makes them happy. Or what they have stuck up their butt crack. You see" back in the day. Riding a harley was associated with being free I'm not having someone tell you what to do. It wasn't about getting a thumbs up a comment Subscribing Are being notified. And Whining was highly frowned on.
I'm glad you enjoy riding your bike as much as I enjoy mine. As stated in the video, this is just my opinion, based on my experience. Hope you have a nice day.
I like the Forward controls. Every bike i have owned has had forward controls. I'm six foot and have tried the mid controls, didnt like them. Everybody is going to be different. Ride what feels good to you, for your body. Peace!
🧐 My honest opinion of this video.....TOO MANY DAMNED UNNECESSARY ANNOYING DISTRACTIONS TO CONCENTRATE ON YOUR REASONS FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO. 🙄🫤 (RETITLE THIS: "A Kid, a Dog, a Rooster and Why I Don't Like Forward Controls") 😝😂!!!
At 6'4" with a lifetime of painful knees, mids are not comfortable. I rode dirt bikes fast through the woods for years, mid position does help control the bike. Most of my road bikes had mids with highway pegs. Braking and shifting are delayed while you move your feet back to the controls. I have ridden with people with similar bikes with factory suspension that stand up for railroad crossings, pot holes ect. I have quality forward controls and Progressive suspension front and rear on my HD FX framed panhead with a jockey shift, problem solved for me. I slow down for damaged roads to not damage my bike but the ride is very comfortable. Do what works for you.
yeah, that makes sense. but at 5'6, i keep my feet under me...
Agree 100%!
Im 6'5 and cant ride a bike without forward controls ..
Its fine to say he dont like forward controls... each to their own ..
I hear this a lot. Maybe buy a bike that wasn't built for a 5 foot nothing woman to flat foot.
@@jaciii9396 Pretty sure he said he has a big twin with forward controls. Your point is invalid.
You reasoning for not liking forward controls is quite valid! Great video!!!
I fitted them on my shovel as I found the mids gave me hip cramps but I am 6ft and 65 years old
Thats why they offer chocolate and vanilla, it's a personal choice. I have forwards on a FXR, and I love them.
Glad it's working for you! FXRs rock
Fair points.
as much as I love my forwards I also agree that mids are better for control... and rough roads.
I 100% agree with you on this topic!
People ask me to ride their bikes with forward controls and I refuse. I learned on dirt before the road therefore I’m automatically uncomfortable.
I had to put floorboards on my 1986 FXST recently because the factory forward controls caused back and hip pain after riding just 30 miles or so, A big deference in my riding position on my feet and back, wish I had took the time to install floor boards years ago. You are exactly right on everything you said, I miss my old Dyna low rider with mid controls great all around motorcycle no back pain.
Glad you got it setup to be comfortable, back pain sucks!
Im 6,2 my 92 softail coustom came with forward controls ,bought a kit moved them forward 4 more inches, it is great took the weight off my tail bone
Right on point. I am on my second Harley, and the reason I got it was the mid controls. It is a 1985 FXEF Super Glide Fat Bob with chain drive, 4 speed gear box and 13,000 original miles painted white. I love the style and simplicity. Great video.
After sitting normal on my Electra glide, when I get on my sportster to be in the same position, it has to have forward controls.i am 6'2". That being said forward controls on the electraglide would be horrible...
100% agreed! Forward controls suck. Takes hip steering away.
That's one of my favorite ways to ride! Rolling it around under you
@buttcrackcycles Between steering with hips and counter steering with the handle bars, these "bigger" bikes are very easy to ride. I don't mind having highway pegs to stretch out on longer rides, as long as the controls are kept mid. And I think the jockey/suicide shifters are just OG kinda cool, but never owned one.
Oh that's easily overcome, just counter-steer, simple.
After one ride on my 2016 48 the 1st thing I done was get rid of the forward controls. I just don't dig the 1/2 opened pocket knife riding position.
I'm currently restoring a 81 FLHS, it came from the factory with forward controls. I haven't rode it yet, but wondering if I'm going to like it. Time will tell.
I went back to mid controls after several trips to mountain states with curvy roads. Having the brake out in front like a car is not a good feeling for me in the curves. I like the brake and shift underneath for better control.
Same. Unless I'm running floorboards; prefer mids with highway pegs. That way I can still control the bike wherever I have my feet.
I would just say to each his own, we all come in different shapes and sizes. If you are thinking about putting them on your motorcycle don't buy a cheap set and if you have a GOOD friend that has them on his motorcycle, he might let you ride his motorcycle to see if you would even like them. It's all about comfort for me.
Riding a buddy's bike before you buy is a great idea!
@@buttcrackcycles My stepson asked me to put a set on his '96 Sportster back in Feb. He bought off Ebay so they weren't the best of quality, like you said not a good tight fit. He was happy so I guess that's all that matters. (video of his Sporty on my channel). I'm in Greenwood, where are you?
my 1980 flh had floorboards, removed them and made forward controls, I have realy long legs so it works for me, but I must say I removed the slob on the shifter, the bushing was shot, but it was the same as when I had the floorboards on it, just made new bushings for it and that worked great
Never rode a bike with forward controls, probably never will. Really like the heel/toe shifter with floorboards.
I clicked on this because I like other's opinions. You actually answered all your own criticisms of Forward Controls, and all are valid, as you said for your height and weight. I've ridden a heap of bikes in the last 52 years of having a licence and at 6"4" and 110kg, my Night Train is a bigger bike and my forward controls are extended 3" further than stock. My Dyna, while being only slightly lighter also has forward controls, only extended 2". The Dyna outhandles the softail easily, but that's down to softails not designed for optimum handling. I just put my feet on the engine cases if I need a break.
I've done up to a thousand miles in a day on a Sportster. The only way I could tour on a Sportster for 8 to 12 hours at a time was with forward controls. Honestly at 6 ft it wasn't much like forward controls it was like sitting in a kitchen chair which was comfortable for me.
I had forward controls on a sportster and Triumph Speedmaster , very comfortable
I prefer mid controls and forward highway pegs.
I was just contemplating this all week to go forward, for mainly highway riding.
HD sells forward controls because customers, some of them, want forward controls. It's really that simple.
You have made lots of good points about fwd controls vs mid controls.
My 1983 FXWG had Fwd Controls as stock. Still there since new. Like them.
Yeah same, never been a forward control kind of guy, even at 6 foot. Im cramped on my sporty mids but prefer that to forwards for all the reasons you mention -plus one more - riding with forwards with your feet splayed out wide makes you look kinda comical and weird lol
Look like you're at the obgyn office I always say 🤣
I've never considered what others might think of how I look to them. Guess it's important to you though.
Ive never considered what others might think of what I think. Guess it's important to you though.
@@FourIntoOne ok. I guess. No idea what that means.
Not a fan of forward controls
💯💯💯 totally agree!
Put forward controls on my 95 sportster more comfortable for me I'm 6 feet tall had mids on it when I got it wasn't comfortable at all
Yes sir, you are right!
daily commute with my feet under me.
Sunday cruise and travel bike stretches out with homemade forwards.
I like both.
I had a 2006 soft tail 88 duce with forward control it was ok for just local here and there running but any long runs my lower back and hips would hurt so bad it was hard to get off the bike and yes it also made like parking lot moreover hard to do I now have a harley davidson road king special OMG its like night and day difference
I'm tall 6'3" + long arms n legs.. forward controles are needed ..
Try some drag specialties floor boards, I have forwards on my softail with the floorboards and it feels closer to mids than forwards
Dyna/FXR= mid controls/ Bagger= foward controls.. I’ve never experienced “flop” but I also don’t have much experience on older clapped out controls
Have a 2002 softail standard for 15 or 16 years now . Came with forward controls .
Would'nt change a thing .
your ironheads nicer then mine lol, my factory mids on my ironhead has more slop than anything in this video. but its mostly cause im like the 10th owner of a 79 that nobody except maybe the first 2 owners respected
🤣🤣🤣
My evo sportster came with forward controls. It was hard to get used to. I'm more than willing to trade someone for mid controls
Hi. At 5’5” I’ll take the boards. Lol
Even better with original style foot clutch, and Jockey shifter !
Mine is a radio, why would you ever want a radio on a bike, get a car or a truck.
In Australia, we often do 400 km rides every day on weekends, get sick of hearing your own thoughts lol!
I have a 96 fxdwg with forward controls my brother is 5'7" and he doesn't care for them I'm 5'10 and never gave it a second thought changing them to mid
At 6’3’’ mids are not comfortable for me. What works for one, doesn’t necessarily work for all. Great channel though. We don’t have to agree on everything lol
I'm with ya m8 but at 6ft 4 it's uncomfortable for me to have mids on some models. But when I bought my t sport the geometry was perfect with the mids and the extra feel and control is great. 😊
I hate forward controls!
Is it possible to put mid controls on a Harley Davidson Breakout?
I had to Google that bike to even see what it was. I have no idea if you can ditch the forwards. I mostly do pre-85 bikes. Good luck, I think one of those would be sweet with mids!
but the wide glides kinda need them!
I'm 6'2 and long, gotta have forward controls.
I put forward controls on my Hayabusa……..
This is hilarious 🤣
My 2004 Sportster has forward. I also have 15 inch apes. Amazingly my body geometry is exactly like my 2003 Road King Police! But yeah, can't stand up on em like you can on the FLH foot boards.
Standing is a priority to me for sure!
Commenting to promote engagement 🙌🏽🤙🏽 ( I don’t speak vroom vroom)
Respectfully...bullshit...a 6' 6" with bad knees I hate riding with mid controls.....I need that extra length for my legs....
I totally agree. I'm 68 years old, 6'-2" and have had a total knee replacement. @Buttcrack: I haven't been 5'-6" since I was 14. When you grow up you'll love forward controls. Keep drinking your milk! ;o)
@@rdcowan99 Yeah....I am 72, a few aches and pains but still get out regularly on an old but fast Evo FXDL
Mid controls hit my legs at stops they don't feel right on my sportys😊they are sloppeish
I prefer rear-mounted controls. Put them back on the passenger pegs and every ride will be an adventure!
I agree. I've never owned a Harley or a cruiser, but I wouldn't mind picking up a cheap sportster at some point. Seems like there's a lot of deals to be had on FB Marketplace but if I see forward controls on the bike it's often a deal breaker. How hard it is to take them back to mid controls?
Pretty straight forward, you can often find mid setups for sale after people take them off to put on janky forwards 🤣
Like the forwards on my 86 Softail
I hate them as well, but it kills me that even aftermarket mids are 200+ or someone on marketplace asking 125+ while missing intergral hardware
When im on my old shovel, (with forward Controls ) It takes me back to a time When there was no internet. I have a testosterone overload. I feel like elvis presley bruce lee Jesse james And Clint eastwood. I dont give a rat's as what people think. what they want. what makes them happy. Or what they have stuck up their butt crack. You see" back in the day. Riding a harley was associated with being free I'm not having someone tell you what to do. It wasn't about getting a thumbs up a comment Subscribing Are being notified. And Whining was highly frowned on.
I'm glad you enjoy riding your bike as much as I enjoy mine. As stated in the video, this is just my opinion, based on my experience. Hope you have a nice day.
when you're right, you're right!
I like the Forward controls. Every bike i have owned has had forward controls. I'm six foot and have tried the mid controls, didnt like them. Everybody is going to be different. Ride what feels good to you, for your body. Peace!
You are so wrong just by the tittle of the vid. Forward controls forever!!!!! Lol
Like a stink'in Helmet....Let those that ride DECIDE....
That's why I started the video with "this is just my opinion based on my experience" you're welcome to your own
I have a set of 2001 sportster forwards for sale or trade for mids if anyone is interested btw
mids, 0nly!!
🤘😎🤘
❤
I hate mids😂
Forward controls suck 100%
Said no taller person EVER.
🧐 My honest opinion of this video.....TOO MANY DAMNED UNNECESSARY ANNOYING DISTRACTIONS TO CONCENTRATE ON YOUR REASONS FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO. 🙄🫤 (RETITLE THIS: "A Kid, a Dog, a Rooster and Why I Don't Like Forward Controls") 😝😂!!!