Yes they bolt right up. Only special tool is a motorcycle/scissor jack to do the swap especially if you go from stock 12" shocks to 13" shocks. I have the newer 2012 street glide shocks 12" part number 54636-09. Pay attention to what year and part number you buy for air pressure purposes. This part number I believe is for 2009 and up and max is 50 psi vs 60psi for the older ones. Here's some info to help who ever decides to do this, hope it helps.

Napa Schrader valves if you don't want the stock HD lines. I think it looks cleaner with the valves instead of the lines especially when you paint them black. Make sure both shocks are upright when you disconnect the stock air lines and all the air is out otherwise oil will come out.

Air valves Napa
Short NTH 90294 (90-294)
Long NTH 90290 (90-290)

Air pressures right out of the 2012 SG manual. Now because of the angle of the shocks our swing arm gives a little more pressure and they need more air. I run 36-38 psi solo. Loaded down for camping or headed to for the twisties I bump it up to 40-42 psi. Don't use your air compressor to pump them up or a high volume pump. The shocks pump up very easy with very little effort. I have the HD pump because it has a gauge and a button to let air out to the proper pressure.

up to 150 lbs 0
150 - 200lbs 0 - 10
200 - 250lbs 10 - 20
250 - 300lbs 20 - 30
300 max load 30 - 50

How to change the oil. I plan on putting heavier weight oil in them this winter. Get better dampening and uses less air.

Oil change
Pull schraders and hang upside down for 3 days or till happy
11 oz to refill

As for better permanence than aftermarket shocks. I'm going to say no, but they aren't bad IMO and better than stock. I just don't want to spend a grand on good aftermarket shocks. I ride pretty hard and I can keep up with my friends that have the 13" shocks on their dynas and I never had a problem in the twists. I do more cruising then twists just because I ride to work everyday I can and there just isn't that many hardcore twisties to hit up without riding a good distance to get to them. So I love the plush lazy boy feel especially after my Progressive 412s and my buddy's nightster. Then just pump them up when I plan on hitting up the twisties. From what I read swapping out the oil to 10wt will give better performance and that should be comparable to some after market shocks.

 

I will have to keep all that in mind and quit being lazy and put mine in. Is that 11ozs or each shock or both together?

 

Each shock!! These are all my notes in my phone...lol!! When you drain them you can measure what comes out and then replace the same amount. Everything I've read is 10-11 oz. I plan on measuring what comes out, but more than likely aiming for 11oz since I lost a little swapping the valves out.

 

Can I go for a quick subject change and ask the brand name of your handlebar bag? I've been looking for something similar.

 

Ok, thanks. I'm still debating. My stock shocks are 12 inch and the air shocks I have are 13 inches. I'm worried it might make it too tall in the back. Maybe I could install some lowering blocks as well.

 

i measured 10.5oz out of one and 10 oz out of the other when changing the oil
in mine the boxes they came in were a little wet as the plugs didnt seal 100%
so i went with 11oz when refilling..

also the 08 down bagger shocks only take 25lbs of air max if i remember right
and many used sets unless guaranteed could have the bags blowin out because a lot of people dont know what limit is.. so be careful when shopping

 

I've been riding my -02 Wide Glide with -09 Street Glide shocks (12") for one season. Oil chanced to 10wt. Really smooth ride compared to stock but maybe not best suited for 2up riding imo. I'm 180, ol lady 'bout the same and with 50psi (=max) pressure its ok but on the softer side, bottoms out relatively easy. When riding solo I usually keep it on the max too, rides great then.

 

Kuryakyn custom roll bag. I love the bag, but don't use it as much now that I have saddle bags. It has built in d-rings too so you can bungee a jacket to the top or whatever.

Just try it first. Since you have some suspension travel with the 13" so with a little less air you'll have some sag when you get on but still have plenty of travel left I would think. I like more of the lowered look anyways and why I have the 12s

 

Ok, I might try it anyways. I have the 13s because I got them for free

 

Best four letter word ever. If you don't like them sell them and use the money for 12's