Stock Fairing vs Dead center cycles performance
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
From: NH
Stock Fairing vs Dead center cycles performance
Ok Here is the scenario and question
Still struggling with the bike choice, Road King or a Limited (pre 2014)
Besides the controls stereo , gauges etc.
Will I notice a big different between a fairing life a Dean center cycle on a road king and a stock fairing on a ultra limited? I love the thought of taking the fairing off for rides along the beach of our small New Hampshire coast line and around town etc but... I will be commuting 100 miles a day on the bike up and down 95 to the north shore of Boston, and I plan on doing the Fort Kent to Key West ride.
Will a good after market fairing give me the same comfort and protection from the elements and rocks? ( have gone thru 7 windshields in 17 years on this commute) Is there something else I should be considering ? I plan on putting a quick detach tour pack on what ever bike I have so I don't have to have it on during my daily commute but can have it for the long rides.
Thanks in advance
Dave
Still struggling with the bike choice, Road King or a Limited (pre 2014)
Besides the controls stereo , gauges etc.
Will I notice a big different between a fairing life a Dean center cycle on a road king and a stock fairing on a ultra limited? I love the thought of taking the fairing off for rides along the beach of our small New Hampshire coast line and around town etc but... I will be commuting 100 miles a day on the bike up and down 95 to the north shore of Boston, and I plan on doing the Fort Kent to Key West ride.
Will a good after market fairing give me the same comfort and protection from the elements and rocks? ( have gone thru 7 windshields in 17 years on this commute) Is there something else I should be considering ? I plan on putting a quick detach tour pack on what ever bike I have so I don't have to have it on during my daily commute but can have it for the long rides.
Thanks in advance
Dave
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
I have a Reckless Fairing and a Tourpak on my RK for long trips. Both are quick detach so I have them off for around town. I like the traditional RK speedo as opposed to the instruments in the fairing. I also have a GPS on my handlebars. I have ridden a lot of Ultras and there is no difference in wind protection. The Limited has heated grips. They can also be added to a RK if you want.
Good Luck with your decision
Good Luck with your decision
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 2
From: USA
I have the Dead Center Cycle removable and lockable fairing on my 06 FLHRI (RK) and I don't ever take it off as a matter of fact I have outfitted my entire bike as an '06 "Ultra" Road King and love it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,089
Likes: 1,962
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by daveswoodcraft
Will a good after market fairing give me the same comfort and protection from the elements and rocks? ( have gone thru 7 windshields in 17 years on this commute) Is there something else I should be considering ?
Since you've gone through 7 windshields, I guess the consideration is the expense in repairing a detachable fairing or a permanent one. Also, if the detached fairing is in repair, you still have the windshield.
Last edited by RKZen; Jan 7, 2016 at 04:18 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 108
Likes: 2
From: Pearland, TX
I have a Road King and have added the Dead Center Fairing. The stock Wind Splitter windshield is fine on short trips with the stock seat but, for long rides and the touring seat the fairing is far better.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From:
I have been very pleased with a Woody's fairing on my 2001 FLHRC and believe it to be the equal of the OEM product on other touring models.
Regarding "protection from the elements and rocks," I sadly learned that a HD fairing cover, while a perfect fit, does not afford adequate protection against stones. Additional protection in the form of 1/4 dense felt uplostery lining material really helped. Velcro three pads, shaped to fit the center (U) and two sides (kidney) of the fairing does the trick. You don't need to cover everything as the black vinyl will stretch nicely across the concave contours.
Regarding "protection from the elements and rocks," I sadly learned that a HD fairing cover, while a perfect fit, does not afford adequate protection against stones. Additional protection in the form of 1/4 dense felt uplostery lining material really helped. Velcro three pads, shaped to fit the center (U) and two sides (kidney) of the fairing does the trick. You don't need to cover everything as the black vinyl will stretch nicely across the concave contours.
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