My bro rides an 01 King, often 2-up. He has HD air shocks, but not originals. Take-offs his mechanic gave him. He's said this year may be his last riding, cause his 67 year old back can't take more. I'm going to get him new shocks and would like to spend less than $400. The front of his bike is super soft, and he likes or is used to that. I'm not yet sure of shock length on an 01 RK. What should I get for him? Thanks

 

After riding hardtails for so many years my 73 yo. back was talking to me so I had Motorcycle Metal tune me a set of Ohlins. More than you might want to spend but it sure extended my riding career.
Off to Daytona in March!

 

Highly doubt your going to find any shocks that will suit his needs for less than $400.

 

Cheap is dear...... Only way you are going to upgrade for less then 400 is used, ebay maybe but question why the seller is selling

Just me 2 cents.... Be Safe JIM

 

Does he have a backrest?

 

Read on changing shock oil. You can do quite a bit of ride tuning with the oil.

 

Give these a try little more than $400.00 but for the money a really good shock
http://www.suspensiontechnologies.com/index.htm

 

I did the oil change on my stock shocks and it made a big difference. I'd try that first.

 

Yeah this!

 

Not sure about the 01, but the handlebars on my 2000 were awful. The change to pn 55954-00 made all the difference. No cable or wiring changes required. Could help his back. Other post about rider backrest , too.

Good luck.