Harley Davidson Forward Controls
Why Forward Controls
If you’re spending real time in the saddle – multi-hour stretches, cross-country runs – mid controls wear on you. Knees bent, hips compressed, and by mile 200, you’re grinding through it instead of enjoying it.
Forward controls fix that. They push your pegs, brake pedal, and shifter toward the front of the bike so you can extend your legs and sit naturally. Harley Davidson forward controls open everything up. It takes pressure off your knees and makes a long day in the seat actually feel like riding.
West End’s selection of aftermarket street and road glide forward controls comes from brands that actually deliver, with complete kits, extended setups, and rebuild parts for keeping your existing controls running right.
Types of Forward Controls & Benefits
A few different categories in here, each doing something slightly different for your Harley Touring bike:
- Complete Forward Control Kits: Full replacement. Pegs, levers, and linkages. Get your feet exactly where they should be.
- Extended Foot Control Kits: +2”, +3”, or +6” extensions. Harley forward controls in kit form. Bolt-on middle ground if a full swap isn’t needed.
- Mid Controls: Same foot position as stock, but with better materials and finish. For riders who like center placement and want a real upgrade from stock hardware.
- Rebuild Kits: Bearings, seals, and hardware to keep your existing controls running right without replacing the whole thing.
Choosing the Right Road Glide or Street Glide Forward Controls
Start with your bike. Year and model matter more on Harleys than on most platforms. A kit built for a 2008 FLHR won’t necessarily fit a 2017. Check fitment before you commit to your Harley forward controls.
Figure out how much extension you actually want. More forward means a more stretched-out position, which is great on the highway but can feel awkward in traffic. A +3” kit is a popular middle ground for most Touring riders.
One more thing: going further forward sometimes means extended brake lines or cables. Not complicated, just worth knowing before you order. Call 570-992-1113 if you’d rather talk it through. Free shipping on orders over $99.
FAQs
Are these road glide forward controls compatible with my Harley Davidson?
Compatibility is year- and model-specific. A kit built for a 2014 FLHX isn’t right for a 2017, even if Harley forward controls look similar. Filter by your exact year and model before ordering.
West End guarantees fitment on everything we carry. If something doesn’t fit right, we’ll handle it. No one’s getting stuck with parts they can’t use.
What’s the difference between forward controls and mid controls?
Harleys come stock with mid controls – pegs and pedals centered under your hips. Forward controls push everything toward the front so you can extend your legs. Better for long-haul riding. Mid controls suit shorter rides and riders who prefer a compact seating position.
How far can I move my Harley forward controls?
Depends on the kit. Standard street glide forward controls push you out a set distance from the stock position. Extended kits go further: +2”, +3”, and +6” are the most common options in this collection. Most Touring riders settle on +3” as a good balance between comfort on long stretches and control at low speeds.
Do I need to extend my brake line when installing forward controls?
Sometimes. Depends on how far you’re going.
- Minor extensions (+2”) rarely need line changes.
- Larger moves (+3” or more) often need an extended rear brake line. Some Harley forward controls complete kits include the necessary hardware.
Can I install forward controls, road glide, or street glide myself?
Most riders can handle either at home. You need basic hand tools, and the process is straightforward: remove stock controls, bolt in the new setup, reconnect hardware. If brake line work is involved, slow down and take a bit more care. But it’s nothing a capable home mechanic can’t manage.
What brands does West End carry for road glide or street glide forward controls?
Accutronix, Arlen Ness, Biker’s Choice, HHI, and Performance Machine. These are all established names in the V-Twin world, not throwaway brands. If you know Harley forward controls, you recognize what’s in this catalog.
What comes in a complete forward control kit?
Usually, everything needed for the swap:
- Foot pegs (driver side)
- Brake pedal and shifter peg
- Linkages and mounting hardware
Some kits include extended levers or heel-toe shifters. Check the listing for specifics.
Do I need a tune after installing forward controls?
No. Forward controls, road glide or street glide, are purely mechanical – repositioning pegs, pedals, and the shifter. They do not affect fuel management or air-fuel ratio. No tune needed, no ECU work. Just bolt them on.
What if it turns out that the Harley forward controls don’t fit?
West End Motorsports offers guaranteed fitment on this collection. If something arrives and it’s not right for your setup, we’ll make it right – returns and exchanges are part of the deal.
It’s worth double-checking your year and model before ordering anyway. It saves everyone time.
