I liked what I was looking at when I bought it and I was open to any touring model. It evolved as days went by.........and still is. I see something that I like, I do it (Memphis Shades fairing). If I do something that I decide later that I don't like now, I undo it (fringe). All personal choice. I bought and alter my bike for me...........not for anyone else.
I am on my 2nd style fairing. 1st was an Arlen Ness, now have Memphis Shades. I am also on my 2nd stereo system. I have only owned this bike since late June. Changing pieces of the bike is much cheaper then changing bikes all together as some people do. I am also getting ready to build the engine to 100hp/100tq. To each, their own.
BTW, the MS fairing is removable in 30 seconds, so I can change the look of the bike..........just like that.
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o...nchley/Harley/

 

Dude, your scoot kicks ***!

 

That was straightforward and refreshing,no lame rationalization or excuse.I get that,there's things you'll never know about a touring bike until it's under you for a long roadtrip as you did.

The FLHTCU I'm on,no matter what it's reputation as a solid long distance touring bike didn't prove itself to me until early season cold weather weekend trips and some long Summer roadtrips.

Making a bike "mine" means,as configured... it's giving me everthing I need.

 

I do strip my bike down to leather RKC bags and a windshield (or no windshield) for short hopping in July and August. I don't have any desire to add a tour pak, if I need additional storage on a long trip, I'll add a luggage rack and strap a bag on it.

I started with a Road King because I like them. I put my bike together on a budget last year, and buying a used RK police was the least expensive way to get the 103 engine I wanted.

 

I understand why you put a fairing on a RK. I did to a Dyna with a Shovelhead fairing. It's apart for paint and a few tweaks now. I tried an '02 FLHTPI. I didn't fit it.

 

When I was shopping for my first Harley I wanted the best bike I could buy for the money. After looking at a lot of bikes and sitting down and running the numbers the Road King is what I felt I could afford. They would have financed anything I wanted. But I knew what I could pay.

I'm a retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer. I have the mech. ability to do pretty much anything I want from fab, service and repair.

I have pretty much customized everthing I have ever owned. 67 GTO, 71 Chevelle, 67 Shelby and Honda 750 k4 chopper and many more. So I'm pretty atune to not leaving anything the way I got It.

Now I would have love to went the way JohnnyD did with all original HD parts but I'd bet he have close to 2K in has fairing installation.

I've got about $700.00 in mine. Maybe down the road I'll follow JohnnyD's lead.

I feel my Road King has the best features of all the touring models. I can ride a Road King that sits like a Street Glide (Prem low hand adjustabe shocks.) I can ride a Street Glide with a 150 watt stereo blasting, or I can put the tour pack on, throw the wife on and go for the long ride Ultra long haul.

Why buy one when I can have all three.

 

If you really want to understand why someone like your two friends use aftermarket fairings I'd suggest you start by asking them.

 

They still look like street glides or Electraglides with the tour packs removed.

 

Hey Tex, I am only into mine, w/ tour pak, fairing, lowers, stereo system, etc, etc, about $2300 total. Had I done it all new, it would have been double that, I'm guessing. I found a brand new outer, second hand, bought a used inner and had it painted, like new lowers, and sold off all my original parts to keep cost to min. That's why it took me 4 months, but I have that luxury here in WA, thanks to winter. You'd be surprised how many new, like new or barely used parts you can find for half price or less.

And with your ability you will have no problem. My biggest challenge was wiring, but after I got past that it turned out being a very fun project. This forum helped me tremendously!

 

It's all about what you like. Had an 04 road king classic and added a dragonfly fairing with stereo to it. It was awsome. Loved that bike. Now I ride an 08 Ultra with all the bells and whistles.