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[prstaples1911]

I am going to look into aftermarket floorboard solutions.  I was looking at the placement of my feet today on the boards while riding.  I have about an extra 1-2 inches behind my heal and about 1-2 inches outside my boot.  Therefore, I could downsize the board at least that much in both directions and still have all or most of my boot on a board.  If I can also find boards that are thinner, it should eliminate 90% of my scraping.

I really think the MoCo could have thought about that a little more.  Almost every test ride I read online mentioned the scraping so I knew what I was getting into.  However, hearing the noise and feeling the bike drag makes the purely academic a scary reality.

[petewerner]

When U get it to the point (with the smaller, perhaps moved boards) where they are mostly rub proof, when the bike does get leaned farther, the next hit (on my RG) is the solid mounting brackets off the frame that hold the boards... when that happens ,now, almost without the warning U could use with the footboards, U leverage your bike and lift some to all of the weight off the rear tire and this is a crash for some!!!

[Red12SoftCVO]

When I brought up the dragging foot board issue with my salesman he told me the same thing dragging the foot boards is nothing to b worried about. I looked at repositioning mine and there are some other items that might drag that won't glide as easily as the footboard. I agree with the previous post this could be a bad idea. I did a little practicing and have not scrapped since not even with the wife on the back. I know how far I can go and to not come into the corners too hot.

[ozarke]

The first couple of weeks I had my 2010 Conv, I scraped the boards on both sides.  slow turns in parking lots that were slopped and at speed on tight corners.  Scared me a little every time and I really didn't want that to continue, so I learned my rides limits quickly.

Over 15000 miles on it now over every type of road there is and I can't remember the last time that I had a reminder to use more body and less bike angle.

[prstaples1911]

I appreciate all your responses.  I checked with J&P, Dennis Kirk and others to find a shorter and possibly narrower set of floorboards.  A set of half moon shaped boards from Battistinis looked promising, but they are just as long as stock (12") and are mounted on center, meaning it would actually move the board rearward from the stock mount, which is offset to the front a little.  I could not find a smaller footprint front stock that used the stock mounting hardware.  I did see lots of passenger mini boards that would work great, but I am not sure how to fit those to the current application.

I will check with the dealer when I go in for the 1,000 mile service.  Perhaps they have some ideas.  Other than that, I will just have to adjust my riding style like previous posters have mentioned.  I will also do a little practice to better define the limits.  No sense in worrying all the time.

[millmutt]

I found the scraping quite distrubing. I had previously owned a Deuce and a 07 CVO Springer both with forward controls and rarely touched anything. I first put on Progressive shocks, keep you money in your wallet, not much help if any at all. I then put on forward controls off a FX Softail. Problem solved and I love the bike. I also found the boards were annoying at freeway speeds at certain RPMs, my feet would tend to wander back all the time. The forward controls are a godsend. The seat although was comfortable before is even better now since my body is canted slightly different.

Millmutt 

[petewerner]

I found the scraping quite distrubing. I had previously owned a Deuce and a 07 CVO Springer both with forward controls and rarely touched anything. I first put on Progressive shocks, keep you money in your wallet, not much help if any at all. I then put on forward controls off a FX Softail. Problem solved and I love the bike. I also found the boards were annoying at freeway speeds at certain RPMs, my feet would tend to wander back all the time. The forward controls are a godsend. The seat although was comfortable before is even better now since my body is canted slightly different.

Millmutt 

This kind of thinking, as millmutt has done, may be the answer for U, prstaples1911. Someone has done something that will work, other than the dealer, and just keep your eyes open and U will find or create the solution best for U. Good luck, U r now into what I love most about these things, getting function to match or exceed the looks. It is an addiction. I will get treatment, some day... But I have my wife drinking the same coolaid now and we r having too much fun to go cold turkey!!!

[FLHTCUSE7]

Before you change the bike get some practice on it instead. I recommend that you take a Ride like a Pro class. They have training all over the country.

You will feel much more comfortable with the bike after that.

[prstaples1911]

Before you change the bike get some practice on it instead. I recommend that you take a Ride like a Pro class. They have training all over the country.

You will feel much more comfortable with the bike after that.

Training will always help, but its not going to change physics.  The bike will drag parts regardless of the rider's skill.  Now, it may make me feel more comfortable in the saddle and prepare me for something bad if too much metal drags, but I will continue to look into smaller boards.  I really just need to reduce the length by about two inches.  That will be the first time a man has ever said that.

[LovemyCVOgirl]

Training will always help, but its not going to change physics.  The bike will drag parts regardless of the rider's skill.  Now, it may make me feel more comfortable in the saddle and prepare me for something bad if too much metal drags, but I will continue to look into smaller boards.  I really just need to reduce the length by about two inches.  That will be the first time a man has ever said that.

 . You better talk this over with your wife 

[etudeguy]

Millmutt
Did you find that the Progressive shocks improved the ride on you convertible??

Etudeguy

[millmutt]

The shocks were no improvement in my opinion. The forward controls are fantastic. Here are some details I wrote about the controls in an eariler thread.

I just put forward controls on my 11. Harley makes a kit or you can source it on Ebay like I did. The FX softails fit the FLs.
There are a few potential conflicts with the side stand and brake lever. If you use 2000 to 2006 controls you need the side stand
and brake lever from those years. If you find 2007 and later your existing side stand will work and of course you need a 2007 and later FX brake lever. Any FX shift lever will work. Your existing master will work also. The master will slide off the bracket and if you modify the new bracket like the existing one, pretty minor hacksaw work then you will avoid having to bleed the rear brake. If you want Rumble pegs you likely have to go new at about $100 each. There is no small Rumble brake pad available but I think the Slipstream looks pretty good at $40. Call my if you like for futher details. 303-875-0977


Millmutt

[FLHTCUSE7]

I don't think this is physics. I spent many years of my life as a professional motorcycle factory rider. I today ride a UC with no problems. I can scrape the heck out if it if I want but I don't. (I made a living as a professional racer)

It's all rider skill not the bike. It's your bike and your money but I beleive that you are better of learning how to ride your bike than changing it.

I am still learning every day.

Training will always help, but its not going to change physics.  The bike will drag parts regardless of the rider's skill.  Now, it may make me feel more comfortable in the saddle and prepare me for something bad if too much metal drags, but I will continue to look into smaller boards.  I really just need to reduce the length by about two inches.  That will be the first time a man has ever said that.

[n2mycvo]

Practice, practice, practice. Do some serious time in the parking lot to learn the limits then adjust your speed before going into the curves. Half way through a curve is no place to find out you're in too hot.

I agree.  It is best to figure out the balance and capability of your bike in a parking. Better safe than sorry. 

[ejvette]

Im coming off a deluxe which I  believe is just as low if not lower than the Conv. so im use to the occasional scrape but the 1st time it scared the crap out of me