Installed cooling fans for the jugs and its mounting system eliminated the need for the horn bracket. Observing the original bracket it seems pretty stout for serving only as a mount for the horn. Could it have another purpose as a brace or support for the jugs themselves?

Thanks,
John

 

It is only attached with 1 bolt, and it vibrates to beat hell...

I don't think it is used to support the engine.

 

I understand, but it's one descent size bolt on each jug that still makes me wonder.

 

I was thinking of the horn bracket itself, that mounts to rubber.

Didn't dawn on me you were talking about the main bracket that attaches to.

 

That bracket on the 99-07 models is also used for the top stabilizer link from the frame to the motor. That's why it's a beefy bracket. On the newer models the stabilizer link was moved to the front cylinder head. With the link up front it would put a lot of stress on front cylinder without beefy bracket. So yes this bracket is for strengthening and supporting cylinders.

 

07 or earlier? Did you remove it? what is the stabilizer link attached too now? 08 or later, it's just a horn mount.

 

This is on a 2009 FLHTCU. Yes I did remove it and it's been off the bike for 10 months (6k miles). I saw another thread where someone relocated his horn but chose to maintain the use of the bracket. He did cut off the portion that the original horn was mounted to.

 

The bracket has been modified and re-installed. The frame mount for the fans was moved an 1/8" or so up to its highest position to make room for the bracket. I hope with the vibration of the engine the two don"t make contact. While I was in there I actually cut the wires (they run in the cable tray under the tank to the ACC plug under the seat) that power the fans and put in a connection point so that the fans can be totally removed. This will allow access to the spark plugs or anything else on the left side of the motor. I feel better now the bracket is back in place.

Update - I started the bike after it was all back together and there was no contact between the bracket and the frame mount during idle which I assume would be the best chance for contact.