6ft on an 883l -- I would say you need to stretch out a little

 

Trigger, Give the drags a chance, see how it feels before you go with the forwards. If you want to get a feel for the forwards maybe try some highway pegs first.

I don't think the issure of drags combined with forwards is as big an issue on Sportys as with Dynas and Softails. The Sporty frame is shorter so you are not as streached out as you might be on a Dyna or Softail.

I knew from just siiting on bikes in the showroon that mids would not work for me. so I had forwards put on my 1200 low before I took delivery. I was cramping up with mids and I'm only 5'9". I havent changed the bars yet but I'm not crazy about the hand angle of the buckhorns that come with the low and probably would like to be leaning a little more forward. I probably need something with about a 2" rise but with a drag bar hand angle..

There is no one right answer. Everyone is built different even at the same hight, some with longer torsos, some with longer leggs. Good backs, bad backs. The nice thing is its your bike and you can do whatever you want with it.

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I have mids and broomsticks, I love it. I feel as I am one with the bike and very in control. I ride hunched over IN the bike and it is MUCH better on my back as opposed to sitting up.

 

Well I feel for you Trigger. I have a bad back and it's no fun. I just lost my 07 softail custom in a divorce (best ride I have been on). I just stepped into a 05 sportser 883 custom. My back gets sore, but not real bad. (also have not rode over 150 miles at a time. still waiting for the bike license) I ride with my feet on the forward controls. Or sometimes with them on the passenger pegs. When I had bikes with mid controls, my back hurt and I'm only 5'8". Not sure what controls you have, but if they are mid controls and you are 6', that may be a problem.

 

I sit back on my seat and slouch forward with drag bars and forward controls and ride just fine. I think you should relax your back instead of riding stiff and rigid, your on a cruiser now and should be totally relaxed when you ride. Your height and previous sport bike riding probably definately have something to do with the back pain. I would recommend foward controls and some new handlebars, drag or maybe even some hangers since youre as tall as you are. Always remember, NEVER SHOW WEAKNESS!!! :P Dont sell your Harley because its uncomfortable, just grab it by the handlebars and hump it into submission!!!