I don't have spoked wheels on my '16 (Second Gen if you will) US Forty Eight...

Maybe he is measuring OAL instead of eye to eye?

 

Strange. He did say eye to eye but I’ll check. Thanks. 👍

 

They’ll fit just fine, did the same to my 2012 Nightster. As to the length difference: parts number 54000087 for the HDI variant (including UK) and 54000088 for the US one.
best, niv

 

Appreciate that! 👍

Wonder why they fit different shocks for the U.K. and US?

 

I believe the high quality US road surfaces allows for shorter shocks with less travel?

 

USA advert showing the mid-length shocks 54000087

54000088 - 11.220" eye to eye
Canada, USA, Japan

54000087 - 11.712" eye to eye
Rest of the world

Harley doesn't show the Forty Eight in any of their advertising anywhere, including the USA outfitted with the short shocks!! I hate that slammed rear end look and apparently they do also.
I changed out my short USA shocks for the mid-length HDI shocks and the difference in ride quality was remarkable. I say they only outfit the short shocks in markets where it helps with sales.

 

The late model Forty-Eight shocks will certainly fit, due to the 2004 - 2022 Sportster frames being the same all through the XL model range. I'm surprised that your stock shocks are only 12", the European market XL Sportster shocks are 13.5" from eye to eye centre.

Reports on H-D's emulsion shocks are very favourable, the shocks on my 2011 Iron 883 were very hard with no sag even with my 238 lbs perched on them.

I believe the USA domestic market shocks are 11".

 

From the 2022 XL owners manual. I have all three lengths of the late emulsion shocks on hand and have verified the lengths stated to be 100% accurate!

 

Thanks for that info, is that from the handbook? Looks very useful to have. 👍
Are the measurements total length or eye to eye?

 

I went for Legend auto compression with adjustable rebound. At the same time I changed the front shocks for Revo fully adjustable cartridges. Often the fronts are missed with just the rear being changed.
Absolutely fantastic! A totally different ridding experience. Unfortunately, £2200 fitted.