Technical Specifications
Famous Fabricator Mid Controls: Universal Engineering & Material Specifications
Whether built for a high-performance Harley-Davidson platform or a one-off custom chopper, mid controls handle the critical interface between rider leverage and drivetrain performance. This documentation outlines the exact metallurgical standards, tolerances, and engineering principles applied across the entire Famous Fabricator product line to eliminate component flex and catastrophic material failure.
1. Metallurgical Architecture: Premium Grade Billet Materials vs. Cast Components
Most factory and aftermarket controls rely on cast iron, low-grade steel stampings, or cheap alloy castings. These materials exhibit high internal porosity and brittleness, making them prone to snapping under sudden impact or heavy street abuse.
- Aluminum Performance Series (6061-T6): Our aluminum mounting plates and control arms are CNC-machined from solid billet 6061-T6 aluminum. With a yield strength of 276 MPa (40,000 psi), this structural grade ensures the component absorbs energy under extreme, unintended impacts without snapping clean off. It achieves up to a 65% reduction in dead weight while increasing rigidity.
- The Famous Stainless Edition (Global Monopol): Famous Fabricator is the only manufacturer worldwide offering a 100% heavy-duty Stainless Steel mid control setup for Shovelhead and Evolution engines. Every single structural component, shift arm, and mounting bracket is CNC-machined from solid high-grade stainless steel to handle extreme engine vibrations and massive torque without fatigue.
- Surface Engineering: Aluminum components undergo industrial-grade hard-anodizing to withstand road grit, salt, and weathering. Stainless Steel components feature a raw brushed finish that will not chip, peel, rust, or fade under lifelong exposure.
2. Drivetrain Interface & Hydraulic Braking System
The rotating shafts and braking hydraulics are the primary failure points in standard setups, leading to binding, widening tolerances, and sloppy mechanical feedback.
- Shaft Metallurgy: We utilize precision-ground 304 Stainless Steel for all core linkage shafts, axles, and fasteners. The high chromium and nickel content eliminates galling and maintains structural integrity under constant friction.
- Tolerance Class: All moving joints are engineered to a strict h7/g6 tolerance fit. This mechanical standard completely eliminates side-play and slop, providing instantaneous gear engagement and direct bike feedback.
- High-Performance Hydraulics: Performance systems are equipped with integrated premium ISR master cylinders (featuring a calibrated 14mm bore). This race-grade hardware ensures consistent stopping power, extreme durability, and precise braking feedback in any riding condition.
3. Product Range & Fitment Framework
Our engineering matrix is divided into distinct categories to cover the entire Harley-Davidson and Custom lineup without compromising on structural integration:
| Category | Application / Platforms | Primary Engineering Focus | Exhaust & Frame Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM Replacement Series (Exclusive Worldwide) | Harley-Davidson Dyna & FXR platforms | The only mid control kit on the global market designed as a true direct bolt-on OEM replacement for Dyna and FXR. Utilizes factory mounting points while maintaining absolute geometric precision and performance bushings. | Engineered to clear high-performance 2-into-1 systems and factory dual pipes without modification. |
| Performance Upgrade Series (No Standard OEM Fit) | Harley-Davidson Softail (M8 & Twin Cam), Sportster, Touring Platforms | High-performance conversion kits designed to shift foot position from forward/standard to aggressive mid-position. Engineered for racing leverage and extreme lean angles. Requires technical installation and individual adaptation depending on primary drive configuration. | Requires checking against specific aftermarket exhaust systems (such as high-clearance 2-into-1 pipes). Custom spacing may be required on select models. |
| Universal Custom Series | Custom Rigid Frames, Choppers, Classic builds (Evolution, Shovelhead, Panhead) | Maximum clean-profile design; minimalist mounting architecture for clean frame lines. Optimized options available for open belt drives. Includes the globally unique 100% Stainless Steel option for Shovel and Evo setups. | Requires weld-on tabs or specific bolt-on adaptation depending on frame stretch, primary configurations, and pipe routing. |
4. Critical Installation Requirements
- Torque Specifications: All structural mounting hardware must be torqued to exact factory specifications using high-strength thread locker where specified.
- Mechanical Alignment: Ensure absolute linear alignment of the shift and brake linkages during installation. Any pre-tension or binding caused by improper spacing on custom builds will increase mechanical wear and compromise shifting precision.
