Is 13 inches the standard length for a Cafe conversion shock and are the mounting holes at either end of the shock a standard size for all brands?

Been looking on EBay for replacement rear shocks for my Cafe racer project and there are heaps. What kind of things do I need to look out for eg. weight ratings etc?

Yes the White bobber is converting into Snow White the cafe racer.
Will load pics after I get a half way through the build. Will be asking allot of questions to those of you who have previously traveled down this path.

Yes I have noticed that issue with the swing arm.

320mm = just under 12.6 in.

Showa is a Honda subsidiary. They make shocks and forks, used by not only HD, but the metric Big 4, British and Italian bikes, even some of the old Iron Curtain bikes. Just depends on the model year of the bike.

I prefer Ceriani over Showa, a bit heavier duty. Had an early 1970s set of Ceriani racing shocks on a 1963 Honda that were still fine when the bike went for parts a year or so ago. Bike was junk, Ceriani shocks were functionally flawless. As was the stock issue Showa fork.

Those shocks should be fine. A set of new bushings and you'll get a lot of miles out of them.

Yep, I used my flat stick of wood....so I could keep my fancy shocks in the box while I was welding on the frame!

I was lucky enough that Progressive lists the compressed length of the shock - so I made a stick of wood that length to check for clearance.

Dave