My old man born to be mild 80" Road King Classis 1998 has always kinda felt rough riding, especially after my no loss pump failed and I quit keeping up on it.
I recently found the first sign of leaking oil from the right rear air-shock (and the boot is split apart)
I put some regulated air 15 psi in after reading that having no air pressure causes a leak, but that seems unlikely, and I probably have leaky lines.
I am currently cleaning the lines and inspecting, but they never rode well to begin with.

Is it true that nearly all 13" touring shocks will fit?
I see a deal on some used 2020 FLHXS that I could afford, part numbers look like 54000093 and 54000094.

Anyone have advise on these? Or alternative suggestions?
Thanks in advance

 

Motorman did a YouTube video on doing a swap like that… no follow up. He did install them. I’ve heard it’s a different system and does not work, but I have no idea if it’s true. Seems a nice guy, great riding instructor, don’t think mechanic or engineer is his main talent.

 

I see what you mean, the later hand **** adjusted ones apparently handles compression on one side and rebound on the other side, and the less stiff early swingarm may get stressed from that. I see a set of 2005 air shocks for cheap. That might be better. Money is tight.
I have read progressive 412 can be a rough ride, but I doubt it is worse that mine. Costs more than take offs

 

I am not 100% thrilled with my OEM air shocks.. however it did make a really nice improvement rebuilding them for like $15.00. Could try that. I drained mine (OEM 7w) and filled with 10w. I pump them a little fuller than Harley said. They are the same shocks the Goldwings use and their manuals say you can pump them up a bit more.

‘’It was a nice improvement. Worth doing.. I still want better though.

 

On ebay look for 54531-92, preferably with the hoses still on them. Drain and refill with 10w as R2m suggested and you'll be good to go.

When you find those fancy take-offs, there is a reason.

 

Now that is hard to argue with...

I love this forum

 

I wonder what caused the seal to fail after decades??

 

FWIW, street glide shocks are shorter than other touring shocks.

 

Thanks, I don't want anything lower... Just better

 

Most 13 inch Touring air shocks should fit. I used a set of air shocks off an 09 Road King on my Evo Dyna and it bolted right on, although I had to put a thick washer on the left side to keep it from hitting the belt guard.
One thing I would also recommend is to ditch the crappy air lines and replace them with Schrader valves. That alone will eliminate 95% of any potential air leaks.