Fairing for RK
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
I have the Reckless Fairing on mine. You have to move your driving lamps to the front hole which requires a slotted 9/16" deep socket. I cut one with my dremel. No difference in handling but it does take a bit getting used to not seeing your front fender when parking. I have the Infinito stereo and one Polk audio round speaker onm each side. Works for me but probably could use an amp for the passengers benefit. I'm happy with it.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,674
From: in a cave at the foothills
I just have a Memphis Shades fairing for mine, sans stereo. And YES it does affect handling. The batwing when it gets hit by a blast of a truck coming the other way on a 2 lane will make you remember the difference. But get a Road Glide and doesn't happen. Food for thought... LOL
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129
Likes: 5
From: St. Charles, MO
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 20,955
Likes: 19,051
From: The Wasteland
I currently ride a Road King with no fairing but I had an Electra Glide and the difference is noticeable. First as someone already mentioned is wind. The fairing will catch more side winds and move you around at highway speeds. The other thing I remember is the weight of the Electra Glide fairing. It makes for some heavy steering in parking lots and at low speeds. IDK if the aftermarket fairings are as heavy as the OEM ones on the EGs or not but its something to consider.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 294
Likes: 16
I installed a Woody fairing on my 09 RK. It came with the inner fairing, 4 speakers, stereo and cigarette lighter and it is made of gelcoat fiberglass. It really help with wind when compared to the standard RK windsheild. As good as it was, I still put in a recurve windsheild and the little louvre fins on the lower edge of the fairing. I finally installed fork fangs because the curve in the lower side of the batwing would channel a vortex straight to my gut. Now I have dead calm air in front of me and makes long rides less punishing.
The downside to the fairing on a RK is 1) it makes steering heavier than the stock windshield and 2) cross winds are still a hazard. The upside is that I was able to move the fairing over to my new '17 RK with ZERO issues. All in all, I love it and would recommend putting a fairing on.
The downside to the fairing on a RK is 1) it makes steering heavier than the stock windshield and 2) cross winds are still a hazard. The upside is that I was able to move the fairing over to my new '17 RK with ZERO issues. All in all, I love it and would recommend putting a fairing on.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 256
Likes: 44
From: Wellington, OH
Not sure who made the fairing I've got on my 05 (I think its a Reckless). I get a little push back from rigs when I pass them. Other than that, nothing really. The only complaints I have is that the internal antenna doesn't really pick up local radio stations perfectly and no Bluetooth (older model).
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,250
Likes: 136
From: Nomad
Every thought of the alternative, go for something like a vintage shovel head batwing. Nicely made fibreglass, no inner, no speakers, no electrics but good old fashioned made in the USA H-D quality. Then use something like an iPod/USB player and bluetooth speakers/noise cancelling earbuds in your helmet or ears. If it's quality of sound you are after it'll beat cranking up open speakers and be lighter upfront.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC
Hoppe on my 2004 Road King. No handling issues at all. The radio that was in it when I bought it from an individual had a cd player that would skip sometimes. I swapped it out for one with sd and usb ports. Easy to change radio in this fairing.