Batwing Fairing Removal with Speaker Upgrades & Installation
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
Graeme, thanks for the write-up and pics. A couple of suggestions that have worked well for me:
1. Cover the front fender with something that will protect the paint if a tool, screw, or, heaven forbid, the fairing is dropped.
2. Cover the passing lamps, if you have them, with atheletic socks to protect the paint--when the fairing is removed, it's a bit of a tight fit getting past the passing lamps.
3. Start by loosening the three windshield screws, then remove the windshield and set it aside.
4. If you have windshield trim (I have the HD stainless Bar & Shield), remove all three screws and remove the trim piece.
5. Reinstall the the center screw--it will hold the fairing in place while the four screws on the inner fairing side are removed.
6. Loosen the center screw to the point where it can be removed by finger action, then put the tool used in a pocket or to the side (I'm not sure-handed enough to hold a wrench, etc. in the hand while removing a screw and holding the fairing while I reach in to unplug the headlamp plug.)
7. Support the fairing below the headlamp with one hand, use the other hand to remove the center screw, pull the fairing away far enough to reach behind it to unplug the headlamp plug, then remove the fairing and set it aside where it won't be damaged.
I prefer to use a T27 drive rather than a ratchet; lighter and smaller which is helpful on the bottom two screws.
1. Cover the front fender with something that will protect the paint if a tool, screw, or, heaven forbid, the fairing is dropped.
2. Cover the passing lamps, if you have them, with atheletic socks to protect the paint--when the fairing is removed, it's a bit of a tight fit getting past the passing lamps.
3. Start by loosening the three windshield screws, then remove the windshield and set it aside.
4. If you have windshield trim (I have the HD stainless Bar & Shield), remove all three screws and remove the trim piece.
5. Reinstall the the center screw--it will hold the fairing in place while the four screws on the inner fairing side are removed.
6. Loosen the center screw to the point where it can be removed by finger action, then put the tool used in a pocket or to the side (I'm not sure-handed enough to hold a wrench, etc. in the hand while removing a screw and holding the fairing while I reach in to unplug the headlamp plug.)
7. Support the fairing below the headlamp with one hand, use the other hand to remove the center screw, pull the fairing away far enough to reach behind it to unplug the headlamp plug, then remove the fairing and set it aside where it won't be damaged.
I prefer to use a T27 drive rather than a ratchet; lighter and smaller which is helpful on the bottom two screws.
Last edited by Harleypingman; Feb 3, 2009 at 05:59 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From: Lake Charles, La
Thanks a ton!!!! Now that I see how easy it is, I am going to look into those Hogtune speakers. The factory ones have a lot of distortion, and my wife says she can not hear the ones in the back. Do you plan on showing how to replace the rear speakers? Also, would it be possible to add a small 40 or 80 watt amp to this system without having to replace the head unit? I replaced my entire truck with Alpine, but I like the factory radio on my bike.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Merrimack, NH
Great post!
I'd like to get my inner fairing painted, instead of buying a new painted one, but removing all the gauges is over my head. I called the local dealer and they estimate the labor at 2.5 hours (~$200), assuming they replace the stock inner fairing with a painted one (~$425). Have you considered posting removal of the inner fairing?
Steve
2005 Classic Glide
I'd like to get my inner fairing painted, instead of buying a new painted one, but removing all the gauges is over my head. I called the local dealer and they estimate the labor at 2.5 hours (~$200), assuming they replace the stock inner fairing with a painted one (~$425). Have you considered posting removal of the inner fairing?
Steve
2005 Classic Glide
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,577
Likes: 3,957
From: Vermont
Great post!
I'd like to get my inner fairing painted, instead of buying a new painted one, but removing all the gauges is over my head. I called the local dealer and they estimate the labor at 2.5 hours (~$200), assuming they replace the stock inner fairing with a painted one (~$425). Have you considered posting removal of the inner fairing?
Steve
2005 Classic Glide
I'd like to get my inner fairing painted, instead of buying a new painted one, but removing all the gauges is over my head. I called the local dealer and they estimate the labor at 2.5 hours (~$200), assuming they replace the stock inner fairing with a painted one (~$425). Have you considered posting removal of the inner fairing?
Steve
2005 Classic Glide
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Merrimack, NH
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