Forward controls - Fit, Finish and Function?

[GJS]

Hi all,

I'm looking for feedback on some Forward Controls out out New Zealand.
These are on eBay for $290.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170542709708#ht_974wt_1167

I'm interested in if anyone here has a set and how they feel about them, and how well they operate.
I've done some really long rides (16hr days) where I thought something like this would be great to help shift me around in the seat. But I'm concerned about what they might look like a year or two down the road. I ride in all weather (I really do try and avoid snow) and I have had too many add-ons look like crap after a couple of seasons. I don't like high maintenance parts, and these are getting up there in price.

Any feedback would be great, thanks.

Best regards,

Glenn

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Barry makes top quality parts for valks. I'ld love to have those on my bike but they don't fit the Interstate.

[boss hoss bill]

I have had these on my bike for over 5 years, and love 'em!

No problems  , well made, and when I needed an additional part, Barry sent it to me free of charge, immediately.

I have never seen any other fwd controls that let you retain your stock controls as well.

This is the best mod I have made for my Valk!!

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I have a set for sale on the Valkyrie classifieds for $240.  They are the same set.  Yes they do fit the Valk INTERSTATE.  He has two sets and the set I have fits all models.  Email me if interested. 

[hubcapsc]

I think they rock. I have the kind that doesn't fit on Interstates, and it introduces a new
"lowest point to drag" on the Valkyrie...



Dragging hard parts is a bad thing. I've never dragged mine, but Frank Smoak dragged his on
Britman's Memorial Day Ride  a couple of years ago, and it almost tossed him off in a curve...

I think (don't know this for sure) that the Interstate compatible ones drag even sooner...

-Mike

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

My Valk is raked 6 degrees, lowered in the back with 11.5 inch shocks as well as a lower profile car tire.  I didnt see any issues with dragging the controls.  Dont see that being a problem at all.

[Rocketman]

The Interstate model doesn't move the controls very far forward, not anything like as far as the standard model moves them.  That's the reason I don't have them.  The ones I want don't fit.

[B]

Big bike things makes a set for the IS ... LOVE EM!

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

The standard forward controls  are way too far forward for me.  The IS controls are 10 inches further forward than stock.  If your over 6 feet tall, these would be too close.  Im 5'9'' and they were fine for reach for me.  

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I'm with you Mark, I'ld have a set but the I/S model just isn't enough to offset the price. I wish the tourer set would work with the pods.

[Rocketman]

One of the guys in Houston has home-built a set for his standard, but they would fit an IS.  They are out by the pods.  I wish I had taken some pictures when I saw them.  I haven't seen him in a while.  They looked great.

I suppose if I had more metal working skills, I would design and build them myself.

[GJS]

Well thanks much everyone for the replies.

I really appreciate the pictures, especially hubcapsc's picture, that one clearly shows a reduction in the bank angle. I'll need to see the same picture of the Interstate model before I make a call on it.
I ride fairly aggressively for my setup. Like you Steelers, I have a 6 degree rake and a lowered rear using 11.5" shocks. A difference might be I have raised the front end with 1"3/8 fork extensions.
 
Since I'm already I'm dragging my boards more that I want now, I was thinking of going to the Kury pegs. I would have to be positive this setup could not/would not ever snag. That is way too scary to plan for.

The other thing I was able to gleam from the conversation is that I would loose my Heel/Toe shifter, and I am awfully used to that style of shifting now. Even if I could jerry rig them to work together; with your foot forward, the Toe gears up, from the back, the Toe gears down.

This is what she looked like last November....


We went down in a corner at low speed (20-25mph) after encountering a hydraulic fluid spill (thats what the firemen said, I think it was diesel), we did the lateral twist for a couple of revolutions and wrecked  all the cosmetics but the rear fender and the side panels. The fairing was shattered.

She's happy as clam now! I put on about 12K since the reconstruction and all is well.
But you can see why I wouldn't want to do that dance again.

Thanks guys, your STARS!

Best regards,

Glenn

[boss hoss bill]

Hope this works, picture of my Valk with the fwd controls!


http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee493/bosshossbill/The%202003%20Valkyrie/IMG_1027.jpg

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Here are the controls on my bike with 11.5 inch shocks, lower profile tire and raked front end.  The rear heel shifter can be adjusted up higher if needed.