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[amigo Jorge]

changing the "mid-controls" for "forward controls"? Is there any difference than the seating position?

Thanks

Jorge

[Gone Fishin']

Technically both setups should work the same. Forward gives you the typical Harley riding position, with the body just changing direction at the seat. Mid gives you are more aggressive riding position with the body bent additionally at the knees. (I know it is clumsy language, but it best describes the format). Pending on the riders height, one of the two might not work well.

Ride safely mi amigo,
Louis

[sadunbar]

Jorge,

I think mid controls vs. forward controls mostly is personal preference based upon your size and riding style - but I also think the intentions of the bike enter into the decision of which position is preferable.  Personally - long distance riding would be more comfortable with forward controls - and shorter "bar hopper" type riding around town would favor mid controls....

[Hoist!]

Joy came with FC's and I took em off and put the stock mids back on. It's a more sportier seating position, allows you to handle the bike better, and PERFECT for these FXR's. The FXR frame seats you very low into it. A short person will be sitting like a clamshell with FC's, which could restrict your selection of handlebars. I'd keep the mids on. Use the highway pegs to stretch your legs out Jorge.

Hoist!

[grc]

FXR's should be ridden aggressively, since they are the "handling" Harley's.  Aggressive riding and forward controls tend to be mutually exclusive (I've never seen a racing bike with forward controls, for instance).  So if you want to keep the FXR true to it's heritage forget the forward controls.  If you want a laid back cruiser, get a Softail.

JMHO - Jerry

[Hoist!]

FXR's should be ridden aggressively, since they are the "handling" Harley's.  Aggressive riding and forward controls tend to be mutually exclusive (I've never seen a racing bike with forward controls, for instance).  So if you want to keep the FXR true to it's heritage forget the forward controls.  If you want a laid back cruiser, get a Softail.

JMHO - Jerry

HeHe!!! You go with yer bad self Jerry!

Hoist!

[amigo Jorge]

Thanks amigos for all your help and explanation.............

[FXR2evo99]

....I think mid controls vs. forward controls mostly is personal preference based upon your size and riding style - but I also think the intentions of the bike enter into the decision of which position is preferable.  Personally - long distance riding would be more comfortable with forward controls - and shorter "bar hopper" type riding around town would favor mid controls....

Actually.....I would look at this in the opposite direction on longer rides you are shifting less....as you get to speed and you simply ride, in the city you are shifting more.....

But here is the biggest reason to have mid range controls....when riding in the mountains where there are more curves and you are upshifting and downshifting a bit more often.....having yourself positioned with midrange controls allows one to be a bit more assertive when riding.....I have owned a FXDL (Dyna Low Rider) with only forward controls and ridden in the same conditions ie: mountains and so forth.....the midrange controls are much better for this type of riding......but it must also be said if one is 6'1" and trying to enjoy an FXR mid range controls will be a "cramping" position to say the least.  5'7" - 5'10" of height will lend itself very nicely to midrange controls for shifting and the forward pegs for riding on the highway for another foot position.....

So the short answer is yes there is a reason to keep the midrange controls.....and I would or at the very least do not get rid of your OEM midrange parts in case you decide to go back to them.

Regards,

Tim

[fxr4mikey]

yeah, what Tim said .....

I'm a pretty aggressive rider ..... well, I think I am   

I've ridden several bikes with forwards on them ..... pretty kewl ..... my preference is mid controls and keeping my feet under me, especially when riding twisties

I like to stretch out when riding the open road, but when control it of most importance forwads don't compare to mid controls and the  riding position of having your feet under you.

I have hiway pegs on the bike .... so I can, and do, stretch out on the open road, but you'll never see me with my feet up there when I'm riding aggressively in the mountains and twisties .... 1 mile long sweepers at 70mph, pretty kewl laid back ..... but no tight stuff, nope

[TLMitchell]

changing the "mid-controls" for "forward controls"? Is there any difference than the seating position?

In addition to what others offered, if you have mid controls you can always add highway pegs to have an alternate seating positions. If you have forwards you have one place only to put your feet which means the pressure points on your butt will remain unchanged. Particularly important to be able to alter positions on a long day in the sadlle IMO.

TL

[spydglide]

Mid-controls is the only way to go for those
'emergency' riding situations that occur from time to time.....like hitting a dog, a sudden flat tire, being run off the road, etc.  You can 'stand on the pegs' and get 'up on the tank' to ride thru the emergency if the pegs are under you.  Not so with the forwards.  JMHO.  spyder

[cat5752]

I agree with the above poster. When I bought my FXR it had forward controls. I bought the factory mids, but have never gotten around to changing them out. I know of another FXR owner, by internet only, that has made it so that his bike has dual controls, i.e. forward and mid. That I think would be the ideal situation, but I haven't yet figured out how he did it.

[skreminegul07]

Very logical points.  I am not comfortable with mid controls.  The FXR4 with straight risers and that short drag bar with the mid controls was totally uncomfortable IMHO.  I used pull back risers, older style bars and forward controls, now I love the feel.  Just a great bike.