Thankfully on a 2017 Iron 883 it's much easier to remove the brake side linkage, only downfall is it's held in with a flimsy C-clip and a pin. I was able to remove my mids without removing the exhaust but like you said, it's much easier. So much more comfortable with forwards though, great work Blockhead!!!
Your videos taught me how to ride and now to work a little on my Iron 883. After watching this video, I had the confidence to swap out the cheap forward controls for some OEM Harley ones. Quite the difference. Thank you for all your great video content and for all the future ones you make.
Our family 2007 Sportster has mid controls. My daughter is 5'3". She has trouble pushing the side stand forward past the pegs, they're in the way. Great design, Harley! My 6'2" son rides it, too. He is so cramped, we installed highway bars and pegs for him. When I ride it, the pegs are in the way of me putting my feet down at the stoplight. So for all those reasons, forward controls are in the future. Thanks for the excellent tutorial video!
I'm 61 also and just rode to work for the first time on my 883 and my leg cramps right when I got to work. It did come with a $99 Amazon seat though which sucks for sure I need to switch that out too.
After searching for 3 hours i finally got a precise video on foot peg !! Worst motorcycle ever for replacing parts... Have to remove various parts for installing one tiny shit !
Thank you for the video! I have a Nightster 1200 and feel cramped on it and been wanting to put on some forward controls. I was unsure how difficult an install would be, but it doesn't seem too bad even for a shade tree mechanic like me. Thanks for all the info!
Watching this now because the other day riding my 2007 sportster with forward controls went to go over a pothole stood up a little and the bolts on the brake side snapped off while I was doing about 45 mph. After I EZed out the snapped off blots (that no shop in the area would touch) remounted the peg and brake. Made for a much more exciting Sunday ride than I was looking for. I watched this to see if you would mention something about that and how to prevent it.
Wow! I over torqued the brake linkage and it broke off from V-Twin manufacturing. What brand did you have that broke? Just curious-my parts seemed too "soft"
Hey block, thank you so much for talking me into a bike. I'm 18 and own a 87 sportster 883 and damn I'm enjoying building it. Gonna learn how to ride on her.
Thanks man, you got the best bike tutorials on youtube, especially since i ride a sportster. Thought i would have to have a pro put these controls on but it looks pretty basic.
Thanks so much man! I have a 1200 Nightster and I'm 182 cm AND and I have a short achillies tendon so riding for a mere 10 min would already give me cramps. I wasn't sure if I would be able to change the controls but now I know how. I appreciete it a alot!!
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! About time you put forward controls on it, I did it on my 883 and it was a day and nigh difference I recommend to everyone. Great video man.
I like my mid controls. I purchased a Saddlemen seat that pulled me back and sat me up higher. So my Mid controls feel more like forward or extended reach mid controls.
I have an 03 100th Anniversary xl883r , which is now 20yrs old making it a little harder to find certain parts. But loving the bike only 5k on it. New tires on it now, still had the 20yr old factory tires on it 😅 making me realize, the brake fluid & etc is 20yr old too.. Paint and everything is in great shape
Thank you, Awesome how to vid. At 5’ 8” In height I found the mid controls uncomfortable on my 2020 Roadster. Noticed that on my first 100 mile ride in 30 years, and yes gonna upgrade seat also. Thanks again, enjoy all your vids. Dutchboyblues, Boston, Ma.
Sadly, I can’t ride my (new to me) 2001 Sportster 1200 Custom since the Ohio BMVs are still closed and Bell hasn’t shipped my helmet I ordered April 6.. love watching the videos! Gotta get my motorcycle fix somehow!
Just go for the 1200 bro! By the time you've acclimated to the 883, you'll be wanting to go a bit faster. 1200 is the true best bike for beginners, and just anyone who likes true sportsters
Great video! I already have forward controls on my Sportster 72, but still found the video interesting. I wish the brake linkage was adjustable like the shifter side is.
@@Delzona you can adjust it, but not much. Under the rubber coat that covers the spring at the end of the brake rod there are two nuts to adjust it (maybe 1/2 inch to 3/4) which isn't much but it might be enough to get it where you need it. I had to put a bracket on my frame to mount my forwards with my new exhaust and it caused my brake pedal to run horizontal to the peg which was no good. I was able to adjust it a small amount but ended up switching to mid controls two weeks later haha, if that isn't enough, DK Customs makes adjustable brake rods for each set up. I would have ordered one, but the shipping was more than the part because I am Canadian. If you want your brake pedal to be horizontal, order the little bracket from Vance and Hines for their stainless 2-1 system to relocate your forwards. It will cause it to flatten out. You can see mine @trucker_mac on instagram and I can send you some pictures!
These HD forward controls are unobtainium right now. They are out of stock online and I bought the last brick and mortar ones with 100 miles. Really looking forward to installing them as soon as my new pegs get here.
Definitely saving this video for future use, I plan on getting the Iron 1200 for my first bike and I want to install forward controls on her. 5'8 180 Lbs Appreciate the vid Blocker smocker!
Had a sportster custom with Harley installed forward controls and a sportster low with mid controls. I'm 5'8"and the controls were the only thing I didn't like on the low. My legs felt cramped and like my knees were in my face.
“Put a little drop of lock tight...... that’s a big drip....” lol whoops 🤣🤣🤣 thanks Blockhead! Do the Low Rider S next!!!! But only if you want to it is your bike 👌🏻 seriously appreciated this! Was super helpful
Had a 1200c with forwards and always wanted mids with highway pegs. After riding 3-4 hours I wanted to move my feet to another position and couldn't. With mids and highway pegs I would have had two places to put my feet. Plus with the mids I think I would have liked them better in the twisties. I would actually put my feet on the passenger pegs at times. No more forwards for me.
Great video man. Your channel is the first place I go when I have install questions! Also, did you or should I replace the gasket for the exhaust when you reinstall? Keep the great content coming!
im from chile but always go to orlando i love it there. was there this march....just before COVID. now is all dead i think. hope to be there soon and meet u blockhead! i have an iron 883
You can't adjust the shifter angle by turning the rod like that in situ, you will be moving the thread in one end and out the other end so it stays the same length, doesn't matter which direction you turn it.
Watched this and another install same bike, same kit. The other had the shifter linkage bar on the top. Is this personal preference or is somebody wrong?
Block lives in US and I'm in Switzerland. I have the exact same little lift that he has. But I have no idea where I bought mine from, having had it for so many years. It was money well spent as it always seem to be in use, me not having a big garage and 2 bikes. Even for detailing, it makes doing the left side better accesable and so much easier to do. So, I hope Mr Block can answer your question of where to buy one.., you won't regret doing so.
Mate on my 883 I was able to remove it all without taking exaust out. Two Allen key bolts under exaust removes the whole foot peg in one piece apart from break rod linkage. Why did you remove so much ? Is this a modified exaust ?
After reviewing some vids including captain ana, i just got the idea maybe you just can sweet talk her todo some vids for smaller riders. I'am just 5'6 HUGE with a ~28 inseam. After selling my BMW because shes just to high for me, it will be a HD. I'am looking at the Iron 883 and the roadster, but have to test them first and try to get my feet on the ground. But i bet alot of not tall people would love that ;) Keep going the good work. Maybe a how to fit a Harly to your needs (lower seat, suspension) is possible, too? ;)
My girlfriend is about to buy a 08 harley 1200l. She is 5ft and it has forward controls. She would like to return to mid controls. Haveing a hard time finding what i need to do so and how to"s
Bought a Roadster yesterday and I have already bought $500 in accessories... then I find this video. Which kit did you use as I see HD, Amazon, and one other? I swapped out my Yamaha Warrior for this 1200 as the Warrior was too much bike. Sportster is 200 pounds lighter and 2 feet shorter with slightly less power. Plus the Warrior was a gas hog.
So I have a question I'm 15 and 5'5 and I've been thinking about buying a grom because of your inspiration and I've just been thinking about how it be for me I'm not in the skinny set and I'm about 180 but slim should I buy the grom
You mentioned standing when going over a pothole or tracks, etc. With forward controls, is it still possible to stand or at lease raise up? I'm 5'5" and sat on the 2021 Iron 883 at the dealer, it has mid controls. I immediately felt cramped with my knees higher than i'd like them, and told them to put forward controls on.
