Advice on aftermarket forward controls 75 Shovel

[Jaymac]

I'm working on a 75 FXE
I want to put forward controls on it

Any opinions on which aftermarket
stuff, good bad, ?

[dirtymike]

I think you can use HD parts to go from mid controls to forward controls on 1975 FXE. Try as hard as you can to stay with HD parts, its easier to get replacements. I think that the forward for the 1980 FXWG will work.  Dirty

[Mule]

Yes! what Dirty said ,On a Shovel you want steel controls ,not aluminum!

[a_disalvo]

I just finished installing a set of controls on my '79 low rider from JP, # 5400100. Nice chrome and quality. Came out nice EXCEPT I didn't like the plastic brake line they supplied. I made up a copper line and encased it in plastic tubing for protection. I also modified the brake pedal so I could reach it easier with my short legs. I didn't like some of the kits where the foot peg goes thru the master cylinder. also used a lot of blue locktite. I was installing the O ring spacer on the trans to stop oil leaks, so while everything was apart seemed like the right time to do it. Hope this helps, Frank

[Reddog74usa]

I have a set of Performance Machine forwards on my 77 FXE. Nice, solid and good quality.

[Hybredhog]

   You can get knock off Softail types (84-99), that are steel for pretty reasonable cost.

[JW113]

Before jumping right into forward controls, is it worth considering a set of forward mounting highway pegs? Kind of nice to have a few options to put your feet/legs on a long road trip!

-JW

[david lee]

worst thing i ever did put forward controls on my 81 lowrider as im not a tall person. was very uncomfortable.went back to stock

[dirtymike]

Nice ride Reddog, I see you still have the tab on the frame behind the oil pump. I forgot what it was for.

[76shuvlinoff]

worst thing i ever did put forward controls on my 81 lowrider as im not a tall person. was very uncomfortable.went back to stock

      At 5'8" I needed to add mid control pegs in my 09 FX to give me someplace to move my feet to. With my legs out front my knees were only good for 50 miles.

[a_disalvo]

Nice ride Reddog, I see you still have the tab on the frame behind the oil pump. I forgot what it was for.

That tab held the foot peg and brake lever.

[Ohio HD]

I just finished installing a set of controls on my '79 low rider from JP, # 5400100. Nice chrome and quality. Came out nice EXCEPT I didn't like the plastic brake line they supplied. I made up a copper line and encased it in plastic tubing for protection. I also modified the brake pedal so I could reach it easier with my short legs. I didn't like some of the kits where the foot peg goes thru the master cylinder. also used a lot of blue locktite. I was installing the O ring spacer on the trans to stop oil leaks, so while everything was apart seemed like the right time to do it. Hope this helps, Frank

I would suggest making the brake line from seamless steel tubing. That copper will eventually fracture on a vibrating bike.   Just my 2 cents. 

[a_disalvo]

It's well secured along it's ends and length to the frame, not much movement there but I will keep an eye on it! Thanks, Frank

[Jaymac]

Thanks for the replies and
All the righteous info
I'm getting an oem set
off of ebay

I'm only 5'-10" tall, the mid controls just feel
to cramped up, I think I'm used to the
floorboards on the 79 FLH
Need to strettttch out

[david lee]

my idea would be to keep the stock shifter shaft installed in case your not happy with the change