Hi all, new here. My current ride is a 2003 100th Anniversary Sportster 1200 XL Custom with screamin eagle stage two kit in it. I have come to the realization that financially I can not afford to upgrade to a dresser style bike, so I paid off what I had left on this one and set new goals to make the bike more larger person and longer distance friendly. Everybody I ride with has big touring bikes, and I live in North Central MN so our rides always tend to be long, and I am around 6' and unfortunately packing a few extra LBS standing at around 285. My uncle bought a Street glide for his upgrade last year, it is a 2010 that only had a few thousand miles on it. Right away he upgraded to Progressive shocks to raise it a tad and make it more comfortable for him and his wife. I was wondering if those stock air shocks would fit on my Sportster? I was thinking that has to be a upgrade from what I have currently. The stock shock/spring set up leaves alot to be desired. So far for comfort I have added a Mustang seat, Windshield, Saddle Bags, Forward Controls, and passenger pegs. What Else can I do. It seems from last year that I had a 1hour riding limit and I was done, didn't feel much like continuing because I was uncomfortable (this was prior to the Mustang seat).

 

My sportster is a ridgid mount evo like yours. I got 13 inch air shocks and they were one inch longer than stock. I had to buy some 1 inch lowering blocks to make it the same height as the stock shocks. But there are some air shocks that are 12 inch. In that case they would be the same height as stock. The air shocks are so much better than the stock ones. Its like night and day. I say put them on and enjoy the ride.

 

my street glide shocks off a 09 are 12 inch shocks. my 48 had 11 inch factory

 

The SG shocks off your uncles bike are 12" and you will be amazed how much more comfortable a ride you will have.

Get some schraeder valves at an autoparts store and a low volume pump, and you will be able to adjust the air pressure to dial in the best ride comfort.

 

The 2010 street glide shocks should work pretty good for you.
As of 2009 , Harley changed the valving for more rebound control for the new frame.
This should make them pretty good for your weight.
Most have to watch the spacing on the right shock as it can get pretty close to the belt guard , a couple 1/2" washers will fix this.
You mention saddlebags , watch for clearance with the thicker shocks.
I run a set of 1997 electra glide 13" rear shocks on my '48 and it sits pretty high , I like the ride , the look is a bit wierd though.
If you don't have the air lines and valve , just grab a couple NAPA # 90290 air tank valves and pop em in.
Have fun.
Mick

 

since you are taller, maybe the longer shocks will be better for you

 

I talked to him today. The shocks are like brand new. Only had 5,000mi on them and he had them swapped out for the progressives. He had the valve and hoses for the shocks as well, and all the mounting hardware. He told me that he doesn't think he could let them go for less than $150. Does that seem reasonable? I guess I have not looked into buying them. I also appreciate the replys.

 

It's a tad on the high side. You can usually find them on ebay for around $100...but at least you know where you uncles have been and that they are in almost new condition...sometimes you can get beat up ones on ebay.