I know people have done this by just slicing them straight off the forks, but I haven't been able to find any reliable advice (or any answers at all, for that matter) as to whether anything still needs to be done to the forks themselves. Are the boots functional in any way, or are they purely cosmetic. If they are functional, what is needed in their place if you get rid of them? 

And just in case I decide I'd like some insurance against the possibility of not liking the look as much on my own bike as on others, just how much of a PITA would it be to remove the boots intact? 

If the Iron is the same as the Nightster, then they are mostly cosmetic. They do protect the fork leg from chips etc that could result in leaking fork oil....
To remove in tact, you have to remove the fork leg.
Pretty easy job - i've removed mine a few times to change springs and fork oil.

You'll need to lift the front of the bike off the ground then remove the fender, caliper and then axle to remove the wheel.
Couple of torx bits to loosen the forks and out they come. Remove fork boots then reinstall everything with correct torque specs.
Where are you located?

I'm in Tamworth for now, but will be in Canberra as of the end of the year.

Doesn't sound like too big a job then. Thanks.

 I'm thinking I might just cut them straight off and be done with it. I had a good look at them this afternoon when doing some other things, and can't see that they do anything at all other than be a cosmetic distraction. I don't see why HD would put them on the Iron to "protect" the fork legs and not do it on other models, unless they've seriously skimped on quality on the Iron and needed a cheap fix. Anyway, too much hassle removing the wheel etc just to slip them off when they can be cut away instead. I'll take my time making a final decision (since cutting them is pretty final in itself!), but I reckon that's what I'll do if it comes to it.

What about making a razor straight cut down the back side of the boot. Easier said than done, I know, but might leave the chance you could super glue them back if you regret. With a decent glue job you prolly wouldn't notice.

 Good idea. It wouldn't matter too much where you made the cut, as long as it was straight. The glue line could just be rotated around engine-side, and no one would ever know.

Pigiron, check out the other models first; I could be wrong but I think they have an addtional fitting around the top of the fork that protects dust and shit getting in............................................I could be wrong though?

Thats what I meant! See the chrome pieces, its the front end on a 48 but there is definitely something additional that protects and finishes the front end

Why get rid of them? Probably because I don't like the look.

Pigiron, did you take them off in the end? Was the seal an issue?

I haven't done anything with them yet. I don't just want to cut stuff off randomly. I'll leave them as-is for now.

 Hi pig iron

i cut mine straight off, no problem at all.

there is a square profile rubber seal that protects the forks under the boots and protects the slide without issue.

The rubber boots are not sealed against the fork anyway and is basically there for show.

my iron is over 2 years old and he rubber seals still look perfect.

it just comes down to the look you are after, I think my bike looks better without them, personal choice mate.

Johno23