Fairing Advice
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 15
From: Tucson
Fairing Advice
I read the 1/4 fairing thread and it got me to thinking. I currently run a Fat Bob with a 7" headlight and 10" Tbars. I love the 7" light, only problem being I can't find a fairing to fit it and I don't really want to go with a full batwing. So I'm looking for some input from some more experienced riders. While I still care about how my bike looks, more and more I'm looking for that balance between looks and functionality, especially when it comes to all day on the highway. I'm contemplating switching the light again and going to a 5 3/4 and picking up a more 1/4 fairing to cut down on some of the wind on longer rides. I thought I'd ask for thoughts on here and see what you guys have to say before I do anything - especially since my ride is staying put until the new license plate holder arrives from Milwaukee. Thanks in advance guys!
clown
clown
What exactly are you asking?
With the headlight in the stock position on the bottom fork clamp you'll need the forward headlight black thing from Arlen ness. In this position your going to get some chest protection and full stomach protection from the wind at highway speeds. Doesnt do crap around town. You'll also need to make your own or bend the supplied mounting brackets as...well, they're crap. You can make your own by mounting the a set of the front blinker relocation brackets on the top triple clamp.
Or you can but a headlight relocation bracket off eBay that will move your headlight to the top triple clamp, and again same deal with the brackets. I'm in the process of doing this bc I want more upper chest and facial wind protection with less buffeting.
With the headlight in the stock position on the bottom fork clamp you'll need the forward headlight black thing from Arlen ness. In this position your going to get some chest protection and full stomach protection from the wind at highway speeds. Doesnt do crap around town. You'll also need to make your own or bend the supplied mounting brackets as...well, they're crap. You can make your own by mounting the a set of the front blinker relocation brackets on the top triple clamp.
Or you can but a headlight relocation bracket off eBay that will move your headlight to the top triple clamp, and again same deal with the brackets. I'm in the process of doing this bc I want more upper chest and facial wind protection with less buffeting.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 15
From: Tucson
I'm looking to deflect some of the wind from my chest and stomach on the highway to reduce some fatigue on long rides. With the 7" light I put on I learned I kind of limited myself as far as options - as in full fairing or nothing at all. Sorry for the lack of clarity. So what I'm contemplating now is should I make another change to accommodate a 1/4 fairing? Basically it's a matter of form over function so the question I'm asking those with a 1/4 fairing is have you seen enough of a difference on long rides to make it worth the time and money required to make the change? Hope that helps. Basically I love the 7" light but if the fairing makes long rides more enjoyable then that's what I'll do. Thanks!
Well it definitely helps on long freeway rides. I got it bc I have a bad lower back and wanted to take some strain off my back from fighting the wind. It has eloped with that, also it help with some arm fatigue
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 15
From: Tucson
You know, come to mention it I don't think I've seen it, either. Well I guess there's my answer. I'll make sure to post some pics once everything is done but I have a deployment coming up so when I get back the new pipes and fairing will go on. Thanks for you feedback, guys. Much appreciated!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
Well, this is approximately what it would look like without the fairing. I'll tell you this though, if you have any sort of low bars/riser combination like I have - I Rifle Roadster fairing won't fit. Got a used one the other day and it hits the clutch cable and master cylinder at the very least and would likely hit the bars as well if those items could be moved. Anyone wanna buy a Roadster fairing? 
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 15
From: Tucson
Bombay, how do you like running the smaller light? Any reason you wouldn't do it again? And I have 10" Tbars so the riser problem you mentioned shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for the pic! It was a huge help to see a picture of it!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
Will mine came that way, it's a Super Glide that I converted to a FB front end and wheels among other things but I like the look of the small light, really makes the wide trees pop. I'll make ya a deal on this Roadster but it needs brackets since if came off a sportster - has three screens though.