Table of Contents
IH: Suspension
Rear Shocks & Springs
1957-1985 Shocks / Springs
| Complete Rear Shock and Spring Assemblies 1) 2) 3) 4) | ||||
| Year | Model | Left | Right | Standard/ Option |
| KH | 1956 | 54500-56 | 54501-56 | Standard |
| 54500-56A | 54501-56A | Upgrade | ||
| XL 883 | 1957-1959 | 54500-56 | 54501-56 | Standard |
| 54500-56A | 54501-56A | Upgrade | ||
| 54503-58 | 54504-58 | Option for extra 1“ ground clearance | ||
| XLC 883 | 1958 | 54503-58 | 54504-58 | Standard |
| XLH 883 | 1958-1959 | 54500-56 | 54501-56 | Standard |
| 1958-1966 | 54500-56A | 54501-56A | Upgrade | |
| 54503-58 | 54504-58 | Option for extra 1” ground clearance | ||
| 1967-1971 | 54501-67 (2) | Low road clearance | ||
| XLH 1000 | 1972 | 54501-67 (2) | Low road clearance | |
| 1973-1974 | 54504-73 (2) | High road clearance | ||
| 1967-1974 | 54490-78 (2) | Optional retro-fit to '78 (Showa) w/ Conversion Kit (2)- (54529-76) |
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| 1975-Early 1977 | 54504-75 (2) | Standard | ||
| 54490-78 (2) | Optional retro-fit to '78 (Showa) | |||
| Late 1977-1978 | 54490-78 (2) | (Showa) Standard | ||
| Early 1979 5) | 54528-77 12.7“ (2) | Standard | ||
| Late 1979 6) | 54565-79 13.5” (2) | Standard | ||
| Late 1979-1981 7) | 54568-79B 12.5“ (2) | Standard | ||
| 1982-1985 8) | 54568-82 (2) | Standard | ||
| XLCH 883 | 1958-1966 | 54503-58 (2) | Standard | |
| 1967-1971 | 54490-78 (2) | Optional retro-fit to '78 (Showa) w/ Conversion Kit (2)- (54529-76) |
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| XLCH 1000 | 1972-1974 | 54490-78 (2) | Optional retro-fit to '78 (Showa) w/ Conversion Kit (2)- (54529-76) |
|
| 1973-1974 | 54504-73 (2) | High road clearance | ||
| 1975-Early 1977 | 54504-75 (2) | Standard | ||
| 54490-78 (2) | Optional retro-fit to '78 (Showa) | |||
| Late 1977-1978 | 54490-78 (2) | (Showa) Standard | ||
| Early 1979 9) | 54528-77 12.7” (2) | Standard | ||
| Late 1979 10) | 54565-79 13.5“ (2) | Standard | ||
| Late 1979 11) | 54568-79B 12.5” (2) | Standard | ||
| XLS 1000 | Late 1978 12) | 54528-77 12.7“ (2) | Standard | |
| Early 1979 13) | 54565-79 13.5” (2) | Standard | ||
| Late 1979 14) | 54470-79 (2) | (Black) Standard | ||
| Late 1979-1981 15) | 54568-79B 12.5“ (2) | Standard | ||
| 1982-1985 16) | 54568-82 (2) | Standard | ||
| XLX-61 1000 | 1983-1985 17) | 54568-82 (2) | Standard | |
Shock Conversion Kit 54529-76
- Basically, a new stud kit (one for each side) was needed to retro-fit '67-'74 shocks to the new '78 Showa shock assembly including;
- Upper and lower studs, washers and an outer bolt cover.
Rear Shock Inspection
Mounting Bushings
- The condition of the rear shock absorber upper and lower mounting bushings should be checked at least every 5,000 miles since excessive looseness of the bushings could affect proper shock absorber function. 18)
- Check for looseness by raising and supporting the rear of the motorcycle (taking the weight off shocks). Twist the shocks while making sure the shock eyes move only the limited amount allowed by normal rubber flexing.
- If the rubber bushing is loose in any shock eye, remove shock upper and lower mounting bolts (one side at a time). Remove rubber bushings and inspect for a worn or distorted condition.
- Replace both upper and lower bushings. Tighten mounting bolts to 20 ft-lbs torque. Repeat procedure for other side.
- Note that replacement of all 4 bushings is recommended if any needs replacement.
1)
1952-1959 HD Spare Parts Catalog for all Sportsters and K Models pg 50-53
2)
1953-1963 HD Sportster and K Model Parts catalog pg 58
3)
1954-1978 HD Sportster Parts Catalog (99451-78B pgs 129, 131
18)
HD Service Bulletin #M-764 dated December 21, 1979
