OP; are you talking/typing out loud, or do you have a goal in mind here...??

 

I'm 5'7 and I have a Custom with forward controls. I fit great on the bike and I hate it!

I went the footboards way, to get my feet a little closer and having at last some angles in my knees, I rode with full stretched legs on the forwards...

 

Haha, okay, I'm a little late to this party but I was just reading this thread and this made me laugh out loud!

 

I'm 5'6" and 131lbs. I purchased my 09 XL883L and the first thing I did was change out the Mid-controls to forwards. Much more comfortable = much more control for me. As has been said try one with forward controls at the dealership for size.

Ride Safe - Ride Smart


"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's

 

5'4" with forwards on a 48. Being able to flatfoot on various terrain is a bigger problem than the forward controls.

 

I do wish my 883 was about an inch or 2 shorter stock. Seems to ride a little tall.

 

I would say ride a bike with forwards for a day if possible. Forwards are kool but they are hell on your tail bone because that's where you are transfering the weight of your body to and you should also try riding into a 20MPH head wind you will find your thigh muscles will hurt so bad in about 30 miles from trying to hold your knees in you won't believe it.
I put mids back on my bike after having forwards for several years and I'm glad I did. If you just like the looks put highway pegs on so you can switch back and forth to stay comfortable.
There is no way you get more control with forwards over tucking your knees into the tank with mids and carrying part of your body weight on your legs through the twisties .