Went down to the store and bought the appropriate kit for my 2010 XLN (Iron). HD part number 33397-07A.

In about 2 hours or less I had them installed and operational. I used to be a BMW mechanic, but anyone handy with tools could have done this. The only tricky part was removing the rear brake linkage without removing or loosening any of the exhaust. It took careful consideration and then some creative hand tool use, but it can be done. (I have the V&H shortshots/staggered). The parts all fit perfectly, the installation diagrams were adequate, and they look great. I believe the shifter lever is a bit too long, but it works. (I have size 8's)

The original equipment pegs fit fine on the new controls, but they aren't great as they're designed for flat footing and the metal outsides are a bit slippery. They should be (and will be) replaced by pegs with a non-slip surface. The pegs cannot be rotated and are oriented permanently to flip up at a 45 when they drag. Interestingly, I had an extra set of pegs from the stock passenger footrests that would not fit properly in the new controls without grinding them down a good bit (something I chose to not do).

The controls are gloss black, which is a mistake IMO as your shoes will almost immediately scuff up any surface with which they make contact. I can see having them powder coated in the future.

How do they feel? Well I had highway pegs mounted in the same place the new controls go prior (which will be for sale, btw), so I was used to my feet being in that spot. I still maintain that better control is to be had with the mid mounted controls in the twisties, but the leg comfort factor is HUGE with the forwards. The left side mid peg could be left in place, but the brake side cannot without grinding for clearance for the control rod. I left them both off.

Bumps in the road are much worse, however, as you can't use your legs for shock absorbers. MUCH worse.

Just at the end of my weekend I discovered that I can easily flip down the passenger pegs with my feet while riding, and that I can put my feet on the passenger pegs while riding for a nice change up whenever so desired, but you obviously can't shift in that position.

All in all, an improvement in both looks, general ride comfort (except for the bumps)

No pics, because hey - it's just a bike w/ forward controls, use your imagination.

 

Im looking at forward controls for my old ironhead. I like riding with my feet up on the front pegs I think it would feel good to move the controls up there.

My father told me a funny story about his first time with forward controls. He was building an old iron head into a raked out chopper (18" over stock frontend). Anyways he wasnt running a front brake because he didnt like the look of the drum so he put on his forward controls and took it for a ride. As him and his buddy approached a red light he went to hit the rear brake and the control spun all the way around and was just flopping around in the breeze he managed to get it back home and ever time he went for a ride after that he made sure to double check it.

Sorry for the crazy long post haha moral of the story check those controls before you head out.

Keep on riding

 

I love the forward controls, can't imagine mid controls. Just don't work for me.

 

IMO forwards are a must on a Sportster. My 08 C has the black FC's on it stock and the paint has not rubbed off one bit so I would not worry about that if I were you. If you do not want to run the stock Iron pegs with the FC's then I recomend a set of HD round pegs, I have a set of chrome and O-rings on the XL50 and I love them and the C has stock round pegs and they are great as well. The N and Iron pegs are more like sport bike pegs.

 

Forwards were the first thing I installed on my '08 Nightster. Feel a lot more comfortable riding now. I feel more conected to the bike. I would recomend to anyone to get them.