I just don't like that hole in the front of the air cleaner. I'm leaving on a long trip(8,000 to 10,000 m) and think I'll change the cover off my old glide.
I did a 5,000 mile trip on mine last year, I was caught in quite a bit of rain. I never had any issue with mine at all. If you are looking for a reason to change it, this isn't it.
My very first ride was in the pouring rain for couple hundred miles no issue.Rode in the desert heavy pour for few miles in Vegas and Phoenix no issue, lower fairings keep knees and lower legs pretty dry not sure if it will be different with non lower fairing models.
Just completed a 3600 mile trip through the Canadian maritime provinces. It rained 4 of the 6 days of the trip. Several times it rained so hard I had to pull over because I couldn't see to go more than 20 mph and I was worried about being run over from behind.
Rode thru tropical strom bill last june in texas with no issues at all. 4 of the 9 days was raining on me. I rolled about 80 when possible and not a issue one. Road spray was about the worst issue on me but bike was fine.
Batman
Couldnt help myself... Tropical storm Bill was all hyped up here the Houston area and it in a good, a let down.