How to Install Yamaha V-Star 1300 Forward Controls

What Forward Controls Are and How They Differ From Stock

Control position means where the foot controls sit relative to the seat. The V-Star 1300 comes from the factory with rider controls placed for a fairly upright, neutral seating position. A forward control kit mounts new brackets ahead of the stock location, usually on the frame near the front of the engine. These brackets carry a new shift lever, a new brake pedal and new footpegs. Linkage rods or relocated hydraulic parts connect the new levers back to the transmission shift shaft and the rear brake system.

Aspect | Stock controls | Forward controls; Leg position | Knees bent more, feet roughly below the rider | Legs extended forward, more laid-back posture; Rider reach | Suits a wide range of rider heights | Best for riders with longer legs; shorter riders may struggle to reach comfortably; Weight on the seat | Some weight carried through the feet | More weight shifts onto the seat and lower back; Standing over bumps | Easier to take weight off the seat | Harder to lift off the seat over rough pavement; Shift and brake feel | Direct factory linkage | Depends on kit design and linkage alignment; longer linkages can feel less direct if poorly set up; Installation | Factory | Bracket mounting, shift linkage, brake system work, and adjustment

Are Forward Controls Right for You?

Rider reach is the deciding factor. Forward controls suit riders who feel cramped at the stock position, especially on long highway rides. If you have a shorter inseam, you may end up reaching for the controls with your toes, which makes precise shifting and firm rear braking harder. Before buying a kit, sit on the bike in your normal riding gear and have someone hold a tape measure ahead of the stock pegs. That gives you a rough idea of whether a more forward position will feel natural or overextended.

Also think about how you ride. A stretched-out posture is relaxing at steady cruising speeds. In slow, tight maneuvers and in stop-and-go traffic, many riders find mid-position controls easier because the feet are closer to where they go down at a stop. Some riders set up highway pegs instead and keep the stock controls. That gives a stretch-out option without moving the shifter and brake.

Model Year and Equipment Compatibility

The V-Star 1300 was sold in the US across a run of model years, in standard form and in touring-oriented variants. Kits are generally sold for the V-Star 1300 platform as a whole. Even so, confirm that the kit lists your model year and variant, because frame mounting points, brake components and factory accessories can differ. A kit made for a different V-Star displacement, such as the 650, 950 or 1100, should not be assumed to fit the 1300.

Check for conflicts with equipment already on the bike before ordering:

Engine guards or highway bars, which may occupy the same frame area or block the new brackets; Aftermarket exhaust systems, which can change clearance around the right-side brake pedal and linkage; Highway pegs that clamp to the engine guard where the forward brackets would sit; Floorboards or other non-stock rider footrests, if fitted; Aftermarket brake lines or master cylinders that the kit's instructions do not account for

Kits also differ in what they include. Some are complete, with brackets, levers, pegs, linkage rods, a brake line or relocated master cylinder, and all mounting hardware. Others assume you will reuse factory parts or buy items separately. Read the parts list closely so you are not stopped partway through the job by a missing brake line or bracket bolt.

Tools and Preparation

Exact tool sizes and torque values depend on the kit and the bike. Use the kit instructions and the factory service manual for your model year rather than guessing. A typical job calls for:

Metric socket and hex key sets; A torque wrench, so fasteners are tightened to specification rather than by feel; Threadlocker for fasteners the instructions call out; Fresh brake fluid of the type specified on the master cylinder cap or in the manual; A brake bleeding setup: clear tubing, a catch container and shop rags; A motorcycle lift or stand that holds the bike securely upright; Protective covering for painted surfaces, since brake fluid can damage paint

Installation Overview

Kit designs vary, so your instructions take priority over any general sequence. Most V-Star 1300 forward control installations follow this general order:

Secure the bike upright and disconnect the battery if the job involves the brake light switch wiring. Photograph the stock shifter, brake pedal and brake line routing before taking anything apart, for reference. Remove the stock shift lever and linkage from the shift shaft, noting the shaft's spline position. Mount the left-side forward bracket to the frame with the supplied mounting hardware, leaving bolts snug but not fully torqued. Install the new shift lever and the linkage rod connecting it to the shift shaft arm. On the right side, remove the stock brake pedal and disconnect or relocate the rear brake components as the kit directs. This may involve moving the master cylinder or fitting a longer brake line. Mount the right-side forward bracket, brake pedal and any relocated master cylinder, then route the brake line clear of the exhaust, sharp edges and moving parts. Connect the brake light switch according to the kit design and confirm the wiring is secure and routed away from heat. Torque all bracket and pivot fasteners to specification, using threadlocker where called for. Fill and bleed the rear brake system until the pedal feels firm and no air remains. Adjust shifter and brake pedal height, then perform the checks described below before riding.

Getting Linkage Alignment Right

Linkage alignment has the most effect on how the finished controls feel. The shift linkage rod should run as straight as possible between the lever and the shift shaft arm. It should also sit at an angle that lets the full shift stroke happen without binding or running out of travel. Most kits use adjustable rod ends. Lengthen or shorten the rod until the shifter sits at a comfortable height when your foot rests naturally on the peg. Then tighten the jam nuts so the adjustment cannot drift.

Set the brake pedal so you can press it fully without lifting your foot off the peg awkwardly. At rest, the pedal should not drag on the brake. On a hydraulic rear brake, the pushrod adjustment must leave a small amount of free play. A pushrod set too long can keep pressure on the system and cause the rear brake to drag or overheat.

Brake System Considerations

The brake side is where a forward control installation calls for the most care. Opening the hydraulic system lets in air, and air in the line gives a soft or inconsistent pedal. Bleed thoroughly, keep the reservoir from running dry during bleeding, and use only the specified fluid type. Check every banjo bolt and fitting for leaks after bleeding. Confirm the brake line cannot rub on the exhaust, frame or suspension through the full range of travel. If you are not comfortable working on hydraulic brakes, have a qualified shop handle this part even if you do the rest yourself.

Checks Before Riding

Shift through every gear with the engine off and the rear wheel turning, if your setup allows, to confirm full, clean engagement; Confirm neutral is easy to find; Press the brake pedal repeatedly and check that it stays firm and returns fully; Verify the brake light comes on promptly when the pedal is pressed; Turn the handlebars lock to lock and check the controls and lines do not interfere with anything; Confirm the sidestand still deploys and retracts without hitting the new brackets; Recheck fastener tightness after the first short ride, then again after some miles

Take the first ride in a quiet area. Practice slow-speed stops, starts and turns until reaching the new control position feels automatic. Muscle memory built on the stock layout can make the first few stops feel unfamiliar.

DIY or Shop Installation

If you are comfortable with basic motorcycle maintenance, own a torque wrench and have bled a hydraulic brake before, installing V-Star 1300 forward controls is a reasonable home project. If brake work is new to you, or the kit's instructions are thin, a dealer or independent motorcycle shop can install the kit or finish the brake portion. Either way, the decisions that matter most are made before installation: choose a kit that matches your model year and equipment, and confirm the more forward control position suits your rider reach.