Opinions needed
Opinions needed
Ok, here is the deal, I am installing a Road Glide Fairing on my Fat Bob.
I really had no plans on installing an audio system on the bike since if I ever did want music I would just as soon listen to my iPod.
So I am looking at this fairing and it dawned on me, one of the short comings is while wearing a full coverage helmet you need to look down to see the speedometer so why not install a pair of 3"-3.375" guages where the stereo reciever would normally reside.
This could easily be accomplished by fabricating up an aluminum filler plate and drilling the correct holes to accomidate the 2 gauges, one Tach and one Speedometer (and maybe some switches). I could then install a HD filler cover where the stock speedo is on the tank or even fabricate some trick cover.
The speaker openings can be made into additional storage compartments.
The balance of the 4 other openings would house other gauges, Oil Pressure, Voltage, Clock, etc.
Hey it would be different right?
Your thoughts.
Bob
I really had no plans on installing an audio system on the bike since if I ever did want music I would just as soon listen to my iPod.
So I am looking at this fairing and it dawned on me, one of the short comings is while wearing a full coverage helmet you need to look down to see the speedometer so why not install a pair of 3"-3.375" guages where the stereo reciever would normally reside.
This could easily be accomplished by fabricating up an aluminum filler plate and drilling the correct holes to accomidate the 2 gauges, one Tach and one Speedometer (and maybe some switches). I could then install a HD filler cover where the stock speedo is on the tank or even fabricate some trick cover.
The speaker openings can be made into additional storage compartments.
The balance of the 4 other openings would house other gauges, Oil Pressure, Voltage, Clock, etc.
Hey it would be different right?
Your thoughts.
Bob
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 72
From: North Dakota
I would reconsider installing the stereo in the fairing. It is a lot less trouble to use and most accept the iPod. California law allows only one speaker in your helmet and several (Mass. comes to mind) states will give you a ticket for any speaker in your helmet. If they see a wire, your done.
I have used my helmet intercom to listen to the stereo on my Electra-Glide in the past but it seems to me that anything pushing on your ear starts to really hurt after awhile. I wound up just using the external speakers and am happy with that.
Post pictures either way though, this should be pretty neat to see!
I have used my helmet intercom to listen to the stereo on my Electra-Glide in the past but it seems to me that anything pushing on your ear starts to really hurt after awhile. I wound up just using the external speakers and am happy with that.
Post pictures either way though, this should be pretty neat to see!
Supporter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 627
Likes: 2
From: Salem, OR
My vote would also be stereo but if your not big time into music while riding then what you propose for the fairing sounds cool. Sounds kind of like the dash on one of the old Jeeps where you have the gauges patterned on a flat plate. If your real handy with modding and fabbing your own stuff you could even do lockable covers where the speakers holes are using the material cut out for the openings kind of like the glove box thing on the touring bike lower fairings. You might also consider a double din GPS Nav deck or a dash mount GPS setup where the stereo slot is and even if you still decide on storage vs speakers you would have a nice travel info feature. I know some models will even tell you mph/kph and give you weather and traffic alerts. I agree with AFMM3 that anything in your ears like earbuds or whatever start to annoy the snot out of you on long rides. Soft earplugs in my ears are the only things I can tolerate for long rides.
Thanks guys for the input. All points well taken. I did do a re-check to see if the Road Glide instrument cluster would fit the Fat Bob and nope no way without completely changing everything. Looks like some additional planning is in order here. So here is the rethink, for at very least safety sake if nothing else, I think I will add a second speedometer of 2.625" on the Fairing opposite the 2.125" Tachometer all to compliment the Oil pressure and Voltmeter. I will look again at an audio reciever this time to see if I can find one with a flip out GPS to fit into the OEM audio slot.
Your suggestions and recommendations?
Bob
Your suggestions and recommendations?
Bob
Well so much for installing a 2.625" Speedometer in one of the gauge openings. Even though the surface would allow something that large the surface is curved so it will not fit without some major modification that would make it look like crap. However I did find a 2.125" Speedo here http://www.speedhut.com/custom_gauge...number-762.htm
They even offer a GPS driven unit so I can run both the tank unit and the fairing mounter unit.
Bob
They even offer a GPS driven unit so I can run both the tank unit and the fairing mounter unit.
Bob
Last edited by HYPR; Mar 25, 2012 at 12:38 AM.
Supporter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 627
Likes: 2
From: Salem, OR
Well so much for installing a 2.625" Speedometer in one of the gauge openings. Even though the surface would allow something that large the surface is curved so it will not fit without some major modification that would make it look like crap.
Some more planning I guess.
Bob
Some more planning I guess.
Bob
They are spendy but I've not run across any bad reviews of their products.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 72
From: North Dakota
What all does your fairing have? Did you buy it used, what year is it, is the harness intact, any existing gauges or speakers or lights? Picture from the riding position could be helpful, I haven't studied the Road Glide fairing but I have a touring manual on my computer for reference.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Batesville Ga
Here's a thought - my Garmin Zumo 550 gps displays speed. I actually found it easier to read/use than the stock speedo on my EG, which isn't a bad layout at all.
Why not use the audio space to mount a gps unit instead of trying to hook up another speedo? I believe you could also patch speakers directly into the garmin so directions come through them (not sure if this would work directly or if the gps uses the stock audio as an amp, but worth looking into. Maybe add a small amp as well)
BTW, I can also upload music to the garmin which would let you ditch the ipod.
Why not use the audio space to mount a gps unit instead of trying to hook up another speedo? I believe you could also patch speakers directly into the garmin so directions come through them (not sure if this would work directly or if the gps uses the stock audio as an amp, but worth looking into. Maybe add a small amp as well)
BTW, I can also upload music to the garmin which would let you ditch the ipod.
What all does your fairing have? Did you buy it used, what year is it, is the harness intact, any existing gauges or speakers or lights? Picture from the riding position could be helpful, I haven't studied the Road Glide fairing but I have a touring manual on my computer for reference.
Regarding the Zumo, yep my brother brags his up big time so it is on the list of considerations.
Just and FYI, the Road Glide Fairing has 4 guage openings an audio opening and 2 speaker openings all which need filling with something.
The only hardware needed it if I install a received I need the mounting frame which I can find easy enough.
Bob