|
|
I took a set of HD Legend BigFoot Forward controls Controls ( forward_controlsFIVE.asp
) and modified them. One can now buy adaptors to fit the controls to the
RoadStar or buy some Legend FCs that fit the RoadStar. Rather than making
an adaptor for the controls, I chose to make new mounting plates. I first
made mockups out of wood in order to determine the best riding position for
me. For the final plates, I used 1/2" alumnium T6006 and cut it to
shape with a jig saw. I then used a milling tip to shape and smooth the
edges and drilled the appropriate holes. I also made 0.5" spacers to
place between the FCs and the frame in order to set them out from a bit a
bit. I'm going to make a set of 0.75" and 1" and see how it
feels. I sanded and polished the plates and if I'm satisfied I'll have
them chromed next year.
I had to also fabricate a new shifter arm. For the time being I took a 1/2" aluminium rod and cut it to a length of 15.5". This size results in the shifter lever being at the same angle as the frame without too much thread being visible on the adjusting bolts. The front end of the rod I drilled and threaded to 3/8", as the ball joint end on the shift lever is fro HD. A piece of 3/8' stainless steel rod connects the ball joint end to the shifter rod. At the transmission side I drilled and threaded for the stock ball joint. Overall .... I like the forward controls better the original floorboards. The extra heel pad gives me a little more space to move my feet around. The bike is not lowered and I still scrape the pads on turns! I have to find something to add on the bottom of the pads to 'adsorb' the wear.
PROBLEMS: The bolt holding the right side peg is a normal
thread, rather than left hand. When I apply any kind of pressure to the
heel rest part of the peg, it twists the peg loose. In contrast the
shifter is OK because as you press down on the heel rest it tightens the
peg. To date I've tried torqueing the bolt down and inserting a toothed
washer between the peg and mounting plate but it doesn't work. I have now
put some red Loctite I'll soon see how that
works. |