Retrofitting new style fairing to older (1995 and older) touring bikes - Harley Forum

zoomNboom · #1 05-10-2009, 08:06 PM

C'mon, I can't be the only one that has had this question...but I can't find an answer anywhere on the internet! I'm not new to bikes, but fairly new to baggers. Picked up an older (1995) FLHTC as a second bike and love it to death. Been cleaning it up as I can here and there, and one of the things I'd like to do down the line is "improve" the inner fairing.

So here's the question--anyone know what would be involved in mounting an inner/outer fairing from a newer touring bike on this bike?

I realize different brackets, etc. might need to be made...but I haven't lined up diagrams for both next to each other to really see the difference. All I know is the couple guys I've asked said "man, it would be so much money that you'd be better off buying a new bike." I find that hard to believe.

C'mon AI, you're my last hope here. Otherwise I'm going to have to start butchering on my own!

unclepsycho · #2 05-10-2009, 10:11 PM

I have not done what you are asking about, but I think you already have the right idea, line up the two diagrams and just check it out.... minus the butchering part.... with some carefull measurements and planning, I bet you can make it fit.

oh! by the way, welcome to the forum, If ya wait long enuff, I bet someone will have an answer for you, after they get back home from riding all day....and get to thier computer!

aceharleywrench · #3 05-11-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclepsycho

I have not done what you are asking about, but I think you already have the right idea, line up the two diagrams and just check it out.... minus the butchering part.... with some carefull measurements and planning, I bet you can make it fit.

oh! by the way, welcome to the forum, If ya wait long enuff, I bet someone will have an answer for you, after they get back home from riding all day....and get to thier computer!

Does working all day before getting to the computer count? All the parts from a 96 & up fairing will bolt right up to your 95,but by the time you purchase new inner & outer fairings,brackets,windshield,gauges,stereo,etc. it's going to be very expensive.Of course if you can do the labor yourself,including major wiring fabrication,you'll save a few bucks.Hope this helps.

zoomNboom · #4 05-11-2009, 10:32 PM

Work counts, although it'd be nice if none of us had to worry about that. I know I could find plenty of ways to waste my time if I had more of it.

Based on what you're saying it sounds like any year inner/outer would be compatible and it's more of a price issue? If that's the case--that works for me. I'm not in a huge hurry, and I've seen parts on ebay and craigslist going cheap from time to time. Doesn't matter if the paint matches or has some marks, I'm eventually going to shoot the whole thing black anyway. I'll just keep an eye out and see what happens as far as that goes.

Thanks for the straight answer on that, that's all I was looking for and can't thank you enough. A few people I'd asked before didn't answer, they just told me it "would be too hard" or "couldn't be done." My dad rides this bike when I'm not (actually more than I do right now, I don't have room for two of them here with me) and he loves it everything about it. Not just this style, he loves this particular bike. If I can make it better then enjoying it/seeing him enjoy it is worth it as far as I'm concerned.

Much appreciated!

tommyglide · #5 05-11-2009, 10:46 PM

You are a good son to your father.

unclepsycho · #6 05-11-2009, 11:12 PM

''Does working all day before getting to the computer count? ''

You bet it does.... I know startting up a new business can take all hours of every day of the week... It would be nice if you could take a couple days a month(or week ) and go for a ride.... when I was self employted... I was working 12-16 hours a day 7 and 8 days a week... er... 7 days.... I finally had to stop....what I was doing wasnt as fun as working on bikes....

good luck Ace and glad you are here to help us all ....

and yes...you are a good son to your father....
I remember once when I left the key in my bike at Dad's house... I heard it start up...and dad waved at me and took off!!! that big ole grin he had will stay with me forever...

aceharleywrench · #7 05-12-2009, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoomNboom

Work counts, although it'd be nice if none of us had to worry about that. I know I could find plenty of ways to waste my time if I had more of it.

Based on what you're saying it sounds like any year inner/outer would be compatible and it's more of a price issue? If that's the case--that works for me. I'm not in a huge hurry, and I've seen parts on ebay and craigslist going cheap from time to time. Doesn't matter if the paint matches or has some marks, I'm eventually going to shoot the whole thing black anyway. I'll just keep an eye out and see what happens as far as that goes.

Thanks for the straight answer on that, that's all I was looking for and can't thank you enough. A few people I'd asked before didn't answer, they just told me it "would be too hard" or "couldn't be done." My dad rides this bike when I'm not (actually more than I do right now, I don't have room for two of them here with me) and he loves it everything about it. Not just this style, he loves this particular bike. If I can make it better then enjoying it/seeing him enjoy it is worth it as far as I'm concerned.

Much appreciated!

It's good to see people trying obscure things,I wish you the best of luck & offer you technical support through the forum if you need it.I have upgraded my 99 with later O.E.M. parts (brakes,swingarm,transmission,wheels,etc.) because I liked the improvements Harley made but didn't want to buy a new bike.Unfortunately,at the rate H-D is making changes now,this may soon become impossible.Once again,good luck.

91ultraman · #8 09-15-2009, 03:44 AM

I've got a 1991 Ultra that I was planning on doing the same thing with. So far, what I've been told is that in order to upgrade to the newer style inner fairing, I must get the newer outer, along with brackets. I've been price shopping. It is expensive, but I have seen great deals out there. Sometimes on Ebay. Try to find salvaged bikes. I found an inner w/ all components for $250.00. That was a steal of a deal. New it sells for over $1000.00.

kempomark · #9 11-13-2009, 01:19 PM

I too would like to upgrade from my 95FLHTC. More gauges would be great to have. And getting rid of the AM/FM/Cassette would be a plus. But 1K is 1/6th of what the bike cost in the first place. After it's all said and done, the biketronics upgraded radio and controls adapter is again, close to a grand. My fairing/s are OK so it would not be prudent to replace them until needed.