Figment question
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Odessa, Tx
Figment question
I've got an 85 flthc. Looking to replace the fairing and saddle bags with a newer generation. I know the fairing I have bolts together different then the next gen but does the brackets from the next gen mount up to my forks. Next question has to do with bags. The bag on the rights side of my bike is notched in the front for the battery. Are the 96 and newer style bags going to be able to clear the battery on the right side.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NW AR
The newer style bags will not clear the battery. There is a thread here somewhere of a guy that did A LOT of work relocating the battery, etc., and got new bags on his bike. Getting a newer fairing to fit will also entail a great deal of work.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Farmington ,MS
I am presently installing one on an 83 FLHT. Your present ignition switch will not work with the newer fairing...to get a newer switch to work you have to change the top tree...if you want the fork lock to work you have to weld a tab on the frame.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Several of us have fitted the later bags, including me. One approach is to use a later transmission with the oil bag integral, to remove the oil bag under the seat. I chose to build a new battery tray and use a modern Lithium battery, which is smaller than the stock battery you currently have. You can then either remove the stock battery tray altogether and use a later side cover, or as I did modify the tray to clear the newer bags.
The newer bags are actually larger all round than our stock ones (I have a 1990 Glide), but once the above is sorted out will fit. I have a batwing, so turn to our FLT owners to help you out with that.
The newer bags are actually larger all round than our stock ones (I have a 1990 Glide), but once the above is sorted out will fit. I have a batwing, so turn to our FLT owners to help you out with that.
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 48
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From: Odessa, Tx
Tom did you replace the entire front end or is that the original one. If so did the inner fairing bolt up or are you going to have to change out to like Soft tail or road king.
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Odessa, Tx
Grbrown is there any way you could post some pics of the right side so I can get a look at what you did
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
You have the same batwing as I do, which is a carry-over from the earlier shovels. You also have that beautiful instrument binnacle, mounted on top of the forks! What's not to love?! Your fairing is glass-fibre, so is repairable, if you want to put in the effort. An alternative is that there are current after-market batwings available, aimed at Road King owners, which will probably fit.
