No dog in this fight, but maybe this will help

 

No fight, just looks strange to me.

 

Trying to add a signature picture.

 

Trust me when I say you are not the only one.

 

This is my first time posting in the Sportster forum. My g/f has a 16 Iron. It is her first bike. She is still building her confidence level. This winter she is having mid controls installed. Will there be a notable difference? When I rode it I didn't like how I felt like my feet were behind me.

 

First modification done on my new 09 883C was convert to mid controls, 5'-11", 29" inseam.
Found all H-D required parts at Long Beach cycle swap meet, since most folks want to convert from mid to forward, so the parts were easy to find.
Installed roadster shocks , which are longer than 883C or 1200C shocks.
Also had to install a roadster kickstand, which is longer than the 883C or 1200C, since the longer shock raised height of the lower frame rails.
Stock 883C seat is 2" above frame rail, if additional height is required if distance from seat to shift peg is too cramped,
may go with a touring seat, like Mustang Vintage,which has 3" thick foam pad.
Believe forward controls are better for highway cruising, but the sportster is not a touring bike,
but don't ask the bikers from the fifties and sixties about long bike runs on their rigid engine mounted, rigid frame iron head sportsters.

 

My forwards lasted 4 months before I converted to mids. Took me two days of watching craigslist before a set showed up for $75 from someone who converted to forwards. People swap one way or the other all the time.

 

This is the problem with Sportsters. Too many options. I really like my 1200L with mini apes and forward controls. Sometimes I think that I'd really like it with a tracker or drag bar and mid controls. Then I take another ride on it and I like the mini apes and forwards. Around and around it goes.

I've come to the conclusion that the only solution for me is get an 883 and build it the opposite of the 1200. 2008-13's are now coming into my price range on the used market.