I just ordered some Ikons for my 99 883 custom. I measured them on the bike and they were 11.5 inch but the guy at Ikon said they are 12" for that year model. I suspect the ones on the bike have lost 1/2 inch over the years plus adding a bit of weight of the bike since I measured with the shocks on it. Anyone know for usre the correct length and will it matter eitherway since its only 1/2 inch? thanks

I think 11.75 was stock for that year, so with the weight added 11.5 on the bike sounds right.  Half an inch won't be noticable much.

cheers ill go with the 12 as suggested by Ikon its probably not noticable as you say and more is better than less I reckon.