Okay... so I had this thought in mind for the last several years. Last month I took the time to gather all the stuff and put it together to see what happens.

You tell me... Here's several posts of pics starting with it fully clothed.



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Next, we start to lose some things.

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Next

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My favorites

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The last one.

So, the idea was to be able to cruise it when I wanted, or just block the wind, or strip it down or bar-hopping. It took a while to find the parts, figure out how to build the detachable brackets, move all the signal lights and, oh, add some chrome along the way.

It is no where near done, but I wanted to set it up and see if I liked it all through a full riding season. AFter that, I would spend the time to clean up the brackets and chrome them, professionally paint the whole mess, and do what is needed to make it all real impressive.

I rode it to a big spring event a few weeks ago, just after I got it done. Lots of stares and curious looks, but no one asked a question. So I'm asking.... what does everyone think? Good, bad, wrong, dumb... I'm curious.

Thanks.


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Looks nice and clean all stiped

 

yes, it looks very good all stripped down. im not big into the dress ups, but if thats what works for your riding circumstances. then its perfect for you!

 

Gives you the flexibility of a couple of styles of bikes in one - more power to ya'!!

 

I've always like the stripped down look, but the idea of being able to have several set-ups is great. I know people who have purchased Road Kings just for those kinds of options.

Question: How long does it take to make the changes?

 

Time....

Both the windshield and fairing are mounted on quick detachable brackets. Takes 30 seconds or so to either take one off, or put one on.

Tour pack uses my detachable backrest mounts. I took them off my sissy bar to use on the tour pack rack. If I buy another set, I can change between a tour pack or sissy bar as desired... and either one would only take about 10 seconds to either remove or install.

Bags use EZ Brackets and take about a minute to either install or remove both.

What takes the longest? Taking off the rear pad and installing the leather cover I had made because I used some 7/16 caps and they have to be wrenched down tight to make sure the main seat doesn't move.

So, to go from full tour mode to stripped down solo seat bar hopper takes me about 5 minutes max. Actually, it takes longer to put the stuff up nicely so it won't get scratched than it does to install or remove it.

So everyone understands, I did a lot of this on my own. The fairing is off a 76' FLH and I had to refab the mount brackets to (a) work on a Fatboy front end, and (b) become detachable. I got it free from a bud and it is painted with spray can paint. The windshield is for an FLSTC, but fits, and was bought scratched off ebay for $49 including shipping. I used a cleaner product on it and buffed out the scratches; it ain't perfect, but works good and it provided me with quick detach templates for fabbing the brackets on the fairing.

The tour pack was bought of ebay also, as was it's mounting bracket. Got it paint matching, with wrap around backest and lighted spoiler for $210 and another $50 for the mount. End result, I have a setup that has cost me about $300 overall that I can't match for under $1000 if I bought it all from after market suppliers. Granted, it isn't perfect... but I do like it. It is different, it gives me many options based on my riding mood, and it is all on one bike.

For me, the next step is more chrome and a professional paint job at some point. Oh, and a goodie or two here and there.

8^)