I recently got a great deal on a set of 1997 Electra Glide Standard rear air shocks.
These are the 54565-97 part number shocks which are 13" eye to eye.
OK , they were free , so I had nothing to lose.
Here's a few pics , I have done nothing else to the suspension.









I used a set of tank valves from NAPA part number 90-294 which are a 1/8" NPT base with a schrader top.
I did use 1/2" machine spacers (washers)(2 on each bolt) from lowes.
The stock shock bolts were long enough on my bike YMMV.
The left side Harley bag had to be drilled 1/2" rearward to allow clearance for the left shock.
I had to loosen the belt and set it up per "Roadster" specs because of the increased distance the arm "can" move now.
This is important , the belt will be too tight at some point in it's travel when using shocks this long.
I have been watching for the dreaded front wobble very closely since this install , as the bottom of the frame is higher in the rear than the front (as opposed to stock).
The steering is quicker , stability is fine so far.
The ride is really good for my riding style and weight (170lbs all geared up).
I ride with zero lbs in them so far . but next year I'll experiment with the wife on the back.
I don't cringe when I see a bump anymore , and I'm over the cool factor , now it needs to ride well.
Mick

 

i had to go find a Roadster kickstand when i installed my RKs, as i hated the amount of lean that my shorty stand had (Iron). The bike leans perfectly with the longer stand now.

I love how people say the stock shocks are just fine....BS! air shocks are where its at!

 

I found on my SuperLow that my forks sagged a lot, so replaced the springs and set sag properly, which raised the front about an inch. With my 13" shocks the bike now has more suspension travel both ends and looks 'balanced'. It is worth checking sag and correcting it, which may do the same to your bike. I haven't had any jiffy problems.

 

Mick, I run the Progressive 13.5" 440s on my 2007 1200 C and aslo have the Progressive Fork Springs. It works great.

Mr. Brown, I imagine that your front end sits about like this one, I used the spacers that came with the Progressive Fork Springs at their full 3" length. You can see by the space below the triple that my fork sits higher than Mick's.

 

My next project is the front forks , I found a great article on another forum as to how it's done.
Basically the model 48 uses the shortest damper tube (7") of all the sportsters.
The Roadster and customs use the longest damper tube (9") of all the sportsters.
I ordered a set of 45925-09 damper tubes and bottom bolt/washers for this project.
Seems as though most needed 7 to 7.5 weight oil , so I ordered 7 weight bel-ray.
I'm not a big guy , so it should be a good start.
Anyway , the long damper tubes allow the forks 2 more inches of total travel.
I will try stock springs and whatever spacer length it needs first.
I have a spare jiffy stand from a 2001 XL883 which is very long.
I'll probably have to use it when I'm done.
Maybe we can get this turd to ride and handle more like a Roadster when we're done.
Mick

 

I run 7w BelRay also and it seems to be about perfect. I weigh 203 most of the time.

 

Thanks 1200 , seems like the big guys like the 10wt and the little guys like the 5wt , so I figured if a little guy rode like a big guy .......
Thanks again
Mick

 

But good lord those shocks are UGLY!

 

But they are super comfortable...I've done this on several Sportys and the ride is so much better you wouldn't think it was the same bike.

 

truth!!!

progressives are expensive compared to the price of a used set of touring shocks! (sub $100)