I need to know with certainty what my standard shocks measure? Physically, they measure 13" bolt hole to bolt hole. I want to get new shocks 1" lower but some people are saying they're stock at 13. Others are saying 12. Please help

 

on my 2014 street bob they were 12", replaced by 305mm Ohlins

 

Mine were 12.0" on my 2007. Since replaced (happily) with Ohlins that were .6" taller.
But taking another inch off will give you very little shock travel. Just watch out for the rear tire rubbing out the wiring under the fender.

 

Going by your thread title, I was hoping for a yarn about Australia being shocked by your street bob...

 

It is a shock, I think I'm one of the few in Sydney who isn't riding a vrod and doing burnouts at weddings like a flog.