Well, I went and did it. Never learn I guess, when it comes to over tightening(anything). I guess I snugged up the center torx screw that holds windshield to fairing. Went to remove screws earlier today, the left and right came out but the center brass insert keeps spinning along with the torx screw still attached to it. I still managed to get the windshield out. Is there an easy way to back the screw out of this brass boss insert(if that's what it's called). Do I have to remove the entire fairing ? Got the new windshield on order, I'm in no hurry as riding season is done here pretty much. Thanks for any help/advice...Always appreciated !!

Joe

 

They sell an insert repair kit from HD. It's pretty much better than the OE insert in there. Many a folk strip out the brass inserts on the batwing that hold the windshield on. They tend to break loose from the plastic that holds them in. The HD pn# for this is 16585-96. A search will show a few good write-ups on how to do this repair.

 

If you can get the center torx screw out go ahead and remove the outter fairing and use a light coating of 5 minute epoxy on the brass insert and tap the brass insert back in with a dead blow hammer. Light taps!!!!! You should be able to get that center torx screw out. It should catch at some point. I'm sure others will chime in with help. I had this happen to me and it was a easy fix. Good luck!!

 

Hey Dawg and Lineman, thanks very much for your replies. I called the dealer they got lots of those brass inserts instock, I guess I've got to remove the outer fairing...not looking forward to it, but I guess now's a better time than the spring. Thanks again...

Joe

 

joe,
You may have completed your repair by now, but...
The dealer may may have plenty of inserts, but once stripped, you've essentially lost enough material in the fairing that a new brass nut insert may not work as you want. As mentioned above, epoxy of some sort is the easiest of fixes. I used JB Weld on two of the three over the years and have had very good results. And by the way, if you havent done it already, removing the outer fairing is easy, just be careful putting it back on- special attention to the other brass inserts!

 

Put a little bit of grease on the threads of the screws (all of them) before you put them back in. That may help some since the screws will turn easier and not bind, sometimes causing the inserts to loosen up.

 

I epoxied mine in and they have been in there for 7 years.

 

I did gorilla glue on mine...working good so far!