Thought I'd put together a guide for installing the forward controls on the 2007 XL standard:

Some of the tools required:

Socket wrench with extension head
1/2”, 9/16” sockets
5/16 hex key, smaller hex key also required
T30 Torx key
Blue Loctite
Small steel pipe to assist with removal of hex screws

Note: use blue Loctite on all installed bolts and screws

Installing Brake Side - remove forward muffler first
1) Remove heat shield from forward exhaust, heat shield is held on by three worm hose clamps, undo with flat screw driver or 8mm wrench.

2) Loosen left side header bolt on exhaust

3) Loosen forward muffler clamp

4) Undo bolts below forward muffler and remove muffler from header pipe.  You may want to use some WD40 between the joined pipes if the muffler won't come off easily.




5) Undo Torx screw from brake rod (master cylinder end) using Torx key T30

6) Remove the old brake control mount, you will need the appropriate large hex key (5/16) but I would recommend using a pipe on the end as they are on really tight (see pic below).



7) Attach the brake rod with the appropriate Torx key to the new brake control before you put the control on the frame.  Once it’s on it’s hard to get to the screw.  I also oiled the ball joints on both ends of the brake rod which makes them easier to screw in..

8) Remove the hex bolts in the forward position in the frame and attach the brake mount to the frame.

9) Attach the brake rod to the master cylinder end with T30 Torx key.

 

10) Re-install muffler.

Installing Shifter Side – very easy compared to brake side
 
1)    Remove shifter lever from trans and install forward control shifter arm to trans  
2)      Remove old shifter foot peg mount



3)      Remove screws in frame where forward position is|
4)      Install new forward control in forward position
5)      Screw in shifter rod to both forward shifter control and shifter lever.

 

Gday kingchops, interesting info and pics.

You know what kingchops? A few weeks ago I had the local HD people install forward controls on my 08 Sportster/Nightster cos I thought it would be much more comfortable with the boots further out especially on the longer rides.

However! The very next day after the fwd controls were fitted, I had them removed!!!!

It was a costly exercise but I had to admit it, my legs are simply too short to be comfy on forwards.

AND! I felt I had very poor control of the bike with the fwds. Maybe I could have practised more and got used to them.

Yours good kingchops?

Cheers, Clem

Saint Clem,

I was the opposite, the mid controls were really uncomfortable for me, I found the riding position too squashed.  I rode the bike for a few months with the mids and then changed to the forwards and never looked back.

However now that I have the Street Bob I've stuck with the mids.  Because it's a longer bike it suits me just right.

 

Thank you very much... I follow your instructions and I finished everything in 30 min...

Hi Kingchops,

My Name is Steve from www.botanymc.com or Botany Motorcycles.

We supply after market harley products or cusom parts & accesories.

Would you be able to contact me regarding advertising?

My email is Stephen@botanymc.com

Thank you

My forward controls just arrived from the States, will be having a crack at it later this week!!

I think buying an 883C straight up is about the easiest way to this

 

Thanks King chops!

I did the change today on my week old Iron (and first Harley) and your information about tools required and the best way to go about the process with very helpful.

Thanks again!