looks good

have fun in big bend. i love it there. went twice last year

 

I used the Harley specific Batwing, not one for metric bikes. At least one person has
successfully used a metric Batwing so I wonder if the main difference is something to do
with bracket location? I really don't know..

I had custom brackets made for about the same cost as the MS brackets so that I could
use the HD quick release clamps which, in my opinion, are far better than MS's system which
leaves hardware clamped onto the forks.

I think the hundreds of posts here on HD Forums about adapting Batwings were probably the
reason Memphis Shades finally got off their collective asses and decided that there really
was a Dyna market for fairings.. I think that's a good thing, but I really wish they'd come
up with a better, classier attachment system for ALL their fairings as well as more readily
adaptable brackets that could be adjusted to a number of different fork widths.

 

did you talk to your buddy about making some more brackets?

 

No, not really. They were hand made without making permanent bending forms so
repeatability for mail order type sales might be an issue. I told him what I wanted, we
talked it out looking at the bike and then he made 'em.

It does seem as though a couple people in the ABQ area seem to have been following
this since about 5 people have now contacted him regarding Batwings since I first
published those photos.

Just to make it clear to people who haven't been following these fairing discussions that
heated up last summer,

The Batwing fairing itself did not need to be modified, just the brackets.

Some people have used MS' brackets modified to accept the quick release clamps,
but that adaptation seems to push the fairing forward away from the fork.

The opening is too large for a stock FXD light so I had a 7" installed.

Some people have used metric specific fairings.

I chose to go the route I did based on lots of feedback from a number of people who
had already done one variation or another and were very open about sharing info and
I've tried to return the favor. Right now, I prefer my set up (doh.. what did you expect
me to say? LOL!!), but next week there may be a better, off the shelf, way of doing it.

Or not...

To get a real feel for all that's gone on about Batwings, just search the forum and settle
in with a six pack to read the backlog..

 

Sixpack for sure....lol. So MS is now offering a batwing specifically for Dyna's? It would be interesting to lay that one down next to the one for a V star.

I figured that the reason everyone was opting for the V star wing was sizing. So MS adds HD to is 'application' list and BAM, add another 15% to the price. That would make sense....lol

 

MS has had a "Harley" Batwing for some time, but it was listed for the touring bikes and,
as I understand it, the brackets were specific to them.

The problem seems to have been that some version of the Batwing and bracket combo was
adaptable to late-model FXDs and other Dynas, but there was no real hard info on that and
MS themselves couldn't (wouldn't???) give any real guidance. So I just decided to buy the
"Harley" touring Batwing figuring it was going to be close enough and then make some custom
brackets so I could use the clamps from my windshield.

Making custom brackets was actually the most conservative approach and a better bet than
trying to decide which MS brackets to attempt to adapt.and possibly getting it all wrong.

 

Based on your pic it looks virtually the same as the V star wing...Just thinking about it, it doesn't seem that one for a touring bike would be the same size....

 

One size fits all.. Check with the MS site for specific Harley listings.

 

I have given thought to changing to a wing, but don't think I would gain anything by doing it. I added mine just for the obvious tangible benefits. But is there room to fit a stereo in the wing? That would be nice.....just not sure worth the $$ to make the change tho. I will admit they look cool tho.