Mid Controls VS Forward Controls on a Harley Davidson FXR/Dyna

[@rocket3me695]

I was sittin on my couch like “man haven’t gotten a vid from Yee old shadetree in a while” went to your channel and saw “uploaded 3 minutes ago” and I was like :0 :D. Always a pleasure to watch my man!

[@jugglingbob321]

a beater bike is only fun when you have a second bike...

[@PAULY-P]

If owning Harleys, you should have 2 anyways. Good to have a backup for when one breaks down.

[@whitelightning3330]

4 me a street glide and a softail of some sort would be ideal. Street glide to kick back and rip up north on and the softail to rip around town on.

[@PAULY-P]

@@whitelightning3330 I use my StreetGlide for everything lol

[@mixalis6168]

@@PAULY-P you must be full of bad luck, my HD's dont break down, even my pan and knuckle ride great, its my Triump they broke down ofter, so sold the ficker@!

[@PAULY-P]

@@mixalis6168 I had a 69' Triumph Bonneville that was sh*ty. Ive had less issues with Evos, just the common gasket leak here and there or push rod or valve adjustment. But these twin cams "twinkies" ive had the most issues. Mainly neck bearings, worn out motor mounts, leaky valve cover gaskets and the cam chain tensioners and the compensators. My current 09' StreetGlide will need a new comp as this one too is starting to make noise. I already replaced the starter clutch. Usually the comps put strain on the clutches/bendix, etc. I also need new hinges for the bags as its a terrible design and they wear out which is common. I love the bike but damn. I put atleast 15k-20k miles a year and keep them well maintained. So i must have bad luck unfortunately. Ill always have a Harley in my garage but damn it can be a pain in the ass sometimes. Alot of people i know get some sort of issues too. My buddy just picked up a 19' RoadGlide and is having issues with that too but its under warranty so thats good. I can only hope Harley one day will have belt primarys, and gear driven cams. It will make for a great bike then!

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Those are some “Righteous Dudes” at the Ride Factory for lending space and helping out. 👍🏼 👏👏👏 😎

[@trippontwowheels]

I've got both mid and forward controls on my Sporty Roadster, and forward controls on my Fat Bob. I like both on the Sporty, makes riding distance less bothersome. Thanks for the great video!

[@61soldiergirl]

That’s funny I just started riding an 03 lowrider with factory mid controls and I desperately need forward controls.

[@vicsponjr]

I was thinking the same with my 82 FXRS but I am afraid it would be too much of a stretch. 30” inseam. I had a 08 wide glide that was stretched too much for me. Had to put reduced reach kit on the forward controls.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

Why so you lose all your handling?

[@HerTwoWheels]

Absolute best thing I have done for the my comfort is my seat and my frame sliders (that I use as "highway pegs") Makes riding longer muuuuuuuch easier!

[@windsorkid7069]

Back in the day, my first Harley was a '57 pan. It had a suicide clutch, inch and a half rake on front with ape hangers on dog bone risers. It was white knuckle ridin' until I got the suicide swapped, had the rake dropped to 3/4 inch, and shit canned the risers. Kept the apes though. Rode that bike from '76 till 2000. Then I bought a Fat Boy. Great memories.

[@PAULY-P]

Im only 6'1 and need forward control extensions. My knee cramps with mids & floorboards etc. There is a positive to having or keeping your mids, you can jump off before an accident most times. It helped me once. Good video man 👊😎👊

[@patrickfreeman205]

The background music makes me feel like I am watching an 80's skiing movie.

[@heazy87]

haha think it's sonic.

[@unwrangler11]

I appreciate your experience with forward and mid controls because I’m in the process of figuring what I would like for my bike.

[@ShadowACE1998]

Ill tell you what. I never thought I'd like mid controls until I bought my Lowrder, and now I love them. It's so nice having mid controls on city streets. Weaving in and out of traffic is nice. I also have highway pegs so i can stay comfortable on the highway. Ill be honest I really don't like them with my big seat, but they are GREAT when riding on my badlander seat.

[@jfm562]

Tell me about the double mirror set up. I like it. How did you do it?

[@lena19191]

Great message and being responsible , picking the bike up the next day ...hope others learn if your going on the booze , don’t drink drive ... you can always survive the trip home and come back for anther beer .

[@CraigSmith568]

I love mids because with a set of highway pegs you have two places to put your feet and they give you more control in the turns. My Sportster had forwards and on a 500 mile ride I would cramp up and actually would put my feet back on the passenger pegs for relief. Wait til you have to pull a bolt back out because you can't remember if you put loctite on it only to find that you already did.

[@sheady365]

picking up my first ever harley this weekend. I used to ride a VN1500 but sold it about 6 years ago. Got approved for a 2010 street bob today. I'm very excited.

[@davidknows3320]

Very interesting. Being up here in New Hampshire, I just picked up an old cb900 to ride as a winter bike. I haven't really ridden mid controls in awhile. They actually feel good for a change from floor board cruisers that I've been on lately.

[@TheBadgers]

That bike has a soul that is something you can't get from a new bike, Love it.

[@richardanderson4916]

The secret to avoiding hangovers is staying hydrated

[@lucky31979]

Josh , seems like your really enjoying the old Harley .. is it your daily ride now ?

[@gears101]

I've never been a fan of forward controls myself. But I do like the floorboard style controls ( If that makes any sense)

[@CarolinaChoppers]

Gears I just picked up a road glide and it’s my first bike with floorboards. Coming from Dynas with mids it’s a little weird, I find my self putting just my toes on the end of the boards with my heels hanging off. Mids are really comfortable but the boards are awesome on the interstate/long rides

[@SirJimOfBob]

@@CarolinaChoppers I swapped my zx6r for a triumph america a little while back, its got forward controls with footboards so imagine how different that was!. Its awesome though. Glad I did

[@tommer59]

Makes perfect sense. I love the floorboards. Gives you so many different foot positions on long rides.

[@gears101]

@@tommer59 And being an older bastard like me it's easier on the ankles , etc ...than forwards lol

[@tommer59]

@@gears101 I hear ya there. I'm 60, with a 60 yr. old body. I guess they don't call these things Geezer Glides for nothing.:)

[@roymoderatto]

Get Big Al's FXR seat. It's Goldie locks perfect, plus the material is grippy, yet comfortable. And it dries quickly. They got great raisers & bars as well, but on the expensive side... a Biltwell moto bar + 10 inch pullback risers and the Arlen Ness instruments relocation bracket completes the recipe! Hell yeah! 🤘⚡️

[@needparalegal]

I bought a Dyna chopper off Ebay sight unseen with forward controls, can barely reach them with my short legs, but the riding position is comfortable. Looking good is all that really counts...

[@KenjiMotoyamaMotovlog]

The Problem about Midcontrols and a lower Seat is that you are sit on the Bike like on a Childs Bicycle. The upper Leg is too near to the Body. Just try it with a Pillow to higher the Seat, just to feel the Differece. Have a nice Ride :-)

[@jamessouthworth1699]

One of the things I love about super Glides and fxrs is the mid controls but you are right they stick out far on a Harley and you have to put your legs out wider then on a Japanese bike to clear them with your legs while backing up. On my old Sportster I did not like mid controls because they seemed cramped on that particular bike.

[@raymondrazack4773]

loving the back ground music. Super old school n64 player right there. Lol Loved waverace.

[@mornbar1]

Didn't think of that control/seat/bar combo before now, but watching this; it doesn't look comfy for low speed handling. I definitely want highway pegs next spring, but living in yeti country; I think heated grips are my next hardware purchase. You and the crew are blessed to live where you can ride year round. But someday; I will post vids of the places I am 'forced' to ride.

[@jamesmcgrath1952]

Good vid buddy. You said all I was going to say. I like mid controls for all the reasons you've said.

[@John_shepard]

Mids are mandatory on an fxr, The bike was built for it. I’ll leave the floorboards for the baggers

[@TheWolfsnack]

I have a 93 FXDL.....it came with mid controls....I swapped to forward controls first modification.....huge difference in getter handling and comfort.....the only reason I think Harley had them was to cheap out on the battery cover (so your leg would act as the clamp)......but then I am 6' 6" in a world of dwarfs.....

[@eapbking1]

My buddy put some old dirt bike bars on his fxr. I'm looking for an older Dyna or FXR to convert into a dirt bike!

[@geoffreyjones2000]

Depends if you ever stand when you ride... yup

[@PAULY-P]

It helped me jump off before an accident one time. But my legs are long so i prefer forward control extensions. Its not a bad idea to have both though, keeping the mids for pegs only.

[@tommontague5721]

One of the Harley's I picked up was a near new Dyna. I got to tell you after about an hour riding it was just an uncomfortable foot position with forward controls. You want to be able to bring your legs back sometimes in the position where the regular foot pegs or floor boards would be for leg relief. I sold that Dyna after about 8 months, (call me weird I don't care). Over the last 12 years I have had 7 different models of Harley's, all cruisers and I keep going back to the Heritage, got another one in the garage now. For me it's the perfect scooter. ….Keep the videos coming, really enjoy them......

[@61soldiergirl]

Tom. Always glad to hear that. I love my 98 heritage. It’s just plain comfortable to ride. Bags to hold all your stuff. I put a couple grand in performance parts over 20 yrs ago in it. Bike has treated me good and it still looks good. Probably gonna have to do some work to it soon but that’s only natural.

[@FXDLS-ot1wq]

Mid controls vs forward controls on my dyna was such a difficult decision I almost had to be hospitalized for a mental break down. Almost as tough as choosing what to eat for lunch.....

[@PAULY-P]

Keep them both. Use the forwards for shifting/braking and the mids as pegs so you can jump off before getting hit from a car. Helped me once 👍

[@FXDLS-ot1wq]

Pauly P I did the exact opposite. I kept the control mid and put on a crash bar where the forwards would mount so I can kick up my feet on long straights.

[@PAULY-P]

@@FXDLS-ot1wq That works too! I have long legs so i prefer the forwards all the time. The mid pegs were just there for "oh shit" pegs to jump off if need be lol.

[@TJ-pe2nc]

6'5" and love my FXR mids!!!

[@Thefutureooksbight]

With the mid controls you can stand up on the pegs when you go over big bumps too

[@toddstovall9274]

I have forwards on my '18 Slim and my wife's '19 Lowrider has mids. They both have the same frame being late model Softails. I absolutely hate her mid controls, especially the rear brake pedal. I don't mind her pegs so much mainly the position, although I have to say I've grown to love my floor boards. Oh and I can standup just fine on my floor boards for pot holes.

[@aerond12]

I like having pegs so I can access my controls wheather using mid-pegs or forward-pegs. Mid is toe contro,l forward is heel. This way I can access controls without having to change to default position...I have a choice. Mid is especially useful on dirt or high speed cornering while forward is great for cruising and distance travel comfort. The only bike I had where this worked perfect for me was my Street Bob.

[@Wooley689]

Being able to stand up helps the tail bone on long trips and when going over obstacles.

[@SammyFender]

I grew up on mid controls and with my short stubby legs I’ve never been comfortable with forwards. And whatever bars you go with, please make sure you keep the triple mirrors!! And the forward controls! You never know!!! Your mids may fall off on the way to Mexico!!

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Deff keeping the mirrors lol

[@thevtadventure1062]

Yeah coming off of forward floorboards on my shovel to the rear sets on my XR big diffrance hah. I think FXR's should always have mids. Makes them more sportier and better peforming.

[@jeffreynye3019]

Better performing?

[@mattsez2879]

Who else reached for the bars at home when the car came to the side road at 7:34 ?

[@HippoDrones]

I am too short for forward controls, I can see the advantages of mids on an HD

[@kevinthompson3776]

Love the channel and vids. I know money is always an issue but I feel like a full tear down and rebuild is definitely in your future. Love FXR’s and I think viewers would really like to see you just go for it 100%. JUST DO IT SHADE! Army watching!

[@frankmc5112]

As much as you've had to take this thing apart to fix everything else, you could have done a complete tear down and restoration. lol. I love the content. Keep pumping it out. It's made me want to get an FXR. Oh,... please do get rid of those hideous handlebars.

[@John_shepard]

The point of this specific bike is to ride it to the ground.

[@mattthegreeter9074]

Careful on that thing in the rain... it's the crust that holds it all together! Trust me, I've been there hahah. Keep up the good work brother!

[@whitelightning3330]

I ha the chance to buy an all original showroom condition 80s fxr but I didn't have $10500 just laying around and the guy ended up selling it the next day. I'm just glad I got to see that bike as I'm not used to seeing old harleys in that kind of shape.

[@donbriggs6687]

Love mids. Change out forwards to mids on any bike I get. Mids and apes work great also.

[@zazarays]

You really need this bike in a playlist cause i have no idea where i am beginning from end. Im getting my dad's 97 dyna (ggl Convo LowerRider i think) safe to ride. The last guy dropped it cause i my experience riding it the forward controls together with the wide tall handlebars and hard to squeeze clutch make it sketchy af

[@camproctor2917]

I like what you said about donating the seat and not wanting to make money on something that was given to you. Paying it forward for the next guy 🤘🏼

[@john13del13]

Just got an 09 super glide and it came with forward controls I’m 5 10 amd I think it’ll ride way better with mids… taking it down the canyon didn’t feel right I’m gonna switch it and do pegs up there for the long trips

[@Colzline]

I thought I recognized that music you played when you're scumming it up as a mechanic, it's from Wave Race 64 on the N64.

[@SirJimOfBob]

Damn thats where its from!! Been bugging me. I had that game back in the day too. Good old N64

[@se7encureton]

That game was dope

[@fauxmulder1284]

Oh my god, that was a super clean reference

[@manuhonkanen2111]

With forward controls you get good exercise when standing on the foot pegs on bumpy roads!

[@gcyang83]

I got forward controls (kind of alittle bit) so I'm with forward controls. But them mid controls feel great and more comfortable in more ways then less.

[@deannacrownover3]

I ride an 05 Wide Glide (FXDWG) and have forward controls, but I have a 34" inseam so mids cramp my hips. I'm PGR and put a lot of miles on the scoot. My seat's a badlander, so I'm petty much sitting on the battery box. Much love from Oviedo (just outside Orlando... you know, as cold as it is I think I'll make a pot of Spanish bean soup! Good thing I stumbled across this!

[@mikeessary4925]

Good job man!! Love this channel!

[@waydehomemade5368]

This is such a hot topic as more cruisers like the BMW R18 have (no option) mid controls. So can it be classified as a cruiser without forward controls? Of course. For a decade I enjoyed my RG and the comfort of the floor boards and forward controls. A couple of compressed dics and 10 years later, I need the mids just to enjoy longer rides. My 2021 BMW R18 Classic has the mids with pegs. Much more comfortable over long hauls.

[@confusionmatrixentertainme6069]

Got the mustang fastback seat on my fxr. It gives some back support and the seat is comfortable.

[@vicsponjr]

I was thinking of going with forward controls on my 82 FXRS. Maybe some risers may make it more comfortable. Thanks for the idea.

[@meddlok]

The song sounds like it's from Wave Race 64, I love it.

[@SGMoto]

Good stuff man! Always fun watching!

[@grumblyone3334]

Purty. Function over form gets my vote every time.

[@ecrusch]

Whatever makes you the most comfortable and gives you the best control brother. I see some of these sport-bike guys and think, damn, I'd had to break a few of my bones to ride like that. But if they like it, that what is best for them. I'm a forward control kind of guy just because bending my legs hurts after some injuries I've had. I think changing your bars will help you too.

[@Rshackleford8810]

Maybe I’m just an old guy at heart but I love a set of forward controls and ape hangers on my Harleys 😂 that being said, adding a new seat can throw off that whole geometry and make you have to change the whole setup 😬

[@TheWolfsnack]

mid controls suck unless you are cursed with stubby little legs

[@nickdulak1837]

Had a 86 FXR that I bought new. Drag pipes ruined performance. I know how to tune a carb. Best performance was with stock exhaust with the center baffle punched out of the mufflers. You might 🐝 surprised how much power that you will regain on that old gal with proper exhaust! Ride hard young man! 🏍️🌫️🚓🚓🚓

[@chad5506]

Man I have a shovelhead that has a ton of shit done to it. I feel your pain with the fxr ever time I mess with it, there's always something I should fix but dont. Love your videos man

[@brycebuildsit]

I had forward controls on my nightster, absolutely hated them made it feel like i was stretching over the tank. I rode a sporty with mids and it was 10x worse, my knee hit the air filter and tank. I think i just need some dad jeans

[@DerekFife1]

Hell yeah, love FXR Bazaar🤘🏻 I bought my ‘86 FXR via their page, and many parts after the fact. I’ll have to donate some parts at some point too

[@dancullihall6834]

I have forward controls on my 04 FXD but I’d like to have floorboards at the mid point I find it challenging to keep my feet forward at high speeds or full throttle acceleration.

[@swampchickenfxr779]

Bro, you are so lucky that shift rod was still in there. I had to pull the inner primary since that part got removed when the PO swapped to forwards

[@markblundell9461]

Just one small step forward to performing a full restoration on the old beast.

[@bent_rods]

I just noticed the two mirrors on the left side..whats the story with that?

[@iancarman]

Perfect timing with this video mate, I'm in the process of deciding whether or not to get forward controls for my sporty project bike. I'm 6'2" and usually opt for forward controls straight up but I'm after something different with this bike. Might leave it for meow. . . cheers mate 🤘

[@jeffreynye3019]

My legs are too long for mids. I gotta have forwards.

[@61soldiergirl]

@@jeffreynye3019 me too. I think I look silly with my knees up over the gas tank.

[@daveco1270]

The only time I've ever ridden a bike with forward-ish controls was during my MSF class. I don't like them at all. I want to be able to put weight on my feet and stand up a little when I go over a bump. It feels weird to me having my legs stretched out in front of me like I'm on a Lazy-Boy with the foot rest up and the seat reclined.

[@Dustin359]

I'm too tall for mids... I have a 2010 Fat Boy Lo, swapped to pegs, and I'm thinking about putting on the Ness 3" extensions.

[@vanillagorilla6542]

Hell yeah bud,, just subbed up I really enjoy the content. I was super happy when I switched to mid controls. Really puts you in the attack mode and in a better position to control the bike in all types of riding. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@61soldiergirl]

I hear you but I’m 6’3” tall and it feels like my knees are up to my chest. I’m using my wife’s iPad just so you know I’m not soldier girl. Plus when I ride I’m in relax mode or at least want to be. Maybe once I put forward controls on low rider I’ll say I don’t like. I have to try.

[@charlieryan1736]

Nice job 👍🏻 my last three bikes had mid controls that’s how I learned to ride. Just got a Harley-Davidson with forward controls and I felt like a total noob😅took a few rides to get used to .

[@kraemer29]

Hate mid controls I feel like my knees are in my chest.

[@MeatyGoulash]

Definitely the same for me. But I'm a thick dude so that's why mids dont work well for me

[@USMMCE]

Same for me, I love my forward controls! Anything I ride something with Mids, I feel like I should be wearing white Tennis Shoes and live in California!

[@joewood7225]

Gota have 'mids' on a Dyna man !

[@peacefulwarrior4078]

HIGHWAY PEGS MAN ,with mids you can actually standup on your bike if you need to stretch, soak up big bumps by using your legs too !

[@shibblesshalzabot6320]

Love the nostalgic montage music

[@hotrodroadking1031]

Hey sahde just bought myself a run it till it shits bike 97 FXSTC but with only 23k on it. But I am with ya forgot how awesome the EVO is, like a SBC, just reliable!

[@Anuskasv0]

I love the mids on my FXR and forwards on my hardtail chopper.

[@ignaciomartinez3453]

Soy un byker mexicano y me gusta ver estos videos..saludos desde el paso Tx y les deseo un Feliz año nuevo...

[@mcozpda3392]

i want install a oil cooler in my Bobber FXR 89 .. do you have some video about that ??? .. cheers from Chgo .. the extreme summer and extreme windy winter ...

[@S1000RR11]

Mate I have said it before, you’ve just never drunk enough.

[@whitelightning3330]

If the mean leaves his bike there I think he drank enough haha

[@russellmartin4712]

I just my 1986 FXRS on the road( thanks Capital City Cycle ) Put a new seat and 4k worth of work. What do I need to do it next?

[@velvetkilla9911]

I feel your pain I've gone threw so much with my 87 fxr. Mids are great with highway pegs mids improve turning radius especially with a good seat mustang fastback my choice. Love the vids.

[@JP-of8uq]

I have a question. You mentioned your seat made your stance more stretched? I'm very tall, I have an FXST, what seat can I get ?!

[@jeremyroberts6682]

I want to get forward controls for mine. I got an 85 Electra

[@HARMARSCH2]

Shadetree Surgeon, Your legs definitely aren’t as stretched out now. Now I’m curious as to what the new seat looks like. I’m interested in your plans for the new old T Bars. Happy New Year to You, Jessica and The Dawgs

[@joewood7225]

Why you using two mirrors on the left side ?

[@nuttda3244]

Get you the red 114 fat Bob and me the street bob. I've only got $20 for shipping. Don't judge, it took a year to save up. I'd ride with the shadetree army.

[@richardanderson4916]

Josh, just picked up a '21 Heritage. The controls are too far forward for me. Can I move them back several inches? Is this something the dealer should fix for me?

[@jameselrod9101]

Why do you have 2 mirrors on the left side of your bike

[@Mrdrivereight]

Mids are special on certain rides man!

[@jimmansi1187]

I love the mid controls even though I have a 34 inch inseam but don’t care, way better control in the twisties & use the highway pegs to stretch out on my Sportster, good thing you saved those parts!

[@Corndogtrip6s]

If you do t bars get the biltwell speed clamps for your tach and speedo you there only like 50 dollars and you can use your stock gauge mount, it will be ugly lol but it’s way cheaper then buying a new mount

[@RollinThankful]

"no hang over" ....yet! man that music... "suicide" great vids man!

[@christophaustria4775]

Hey Josh, any chance one nice day u make it over to good old Austria?? Beautiful roads we got here... Anyhow, just incase one nice day u shall do some trip to Europe: man, u welcome anytime!! U got friends over here. Bikes and fun guaranteed!!

[@alansieckman9270]

What’s up with 3 mirrors?

[@eltacuachi4205]

Anyone know where I can get a mid control kit for a 1987 fxr? Just picked up my bike yesterday and it came with forward controls.

[@alissarobertson8840]

Mid controls is just wrong. I want floor boards and forward controls. I have put forward controls on for guys but never mids from forward controls.

[@GoodTimes80s]

Hello from Vero Beach I would love to have mids put on my chopper got to be tall or put on platform boots to ride. Heck I got oil leak and don't even know where its coming from lol. Help? Lmao

[@whitelightning3330]

HD motor? S&S motor?

[@GoodTimes80s]

@@whitelightning3330 HD. Evolution