HD's Worst Design - Batwing Fairing
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
HD's Worst Design - Batwing Fairing
OK...so not hte fairing itself. But the method used to attach the outer fairing to the inner fairing.
The use of brass inserts to attach the fairing sections is lame, to say the least. I had an insert pop out on me. I then used the replacement part #16585-96 which has external threads to form a tighter bond with the plastic inner fairing.
Well, the 16585-96 inserts are definitely better suited. The problem is that the darn thing broke while I was installing, and it is only about 1/2 way in. I was able to cut off the remainder of the insert that did not get all the way into the fairing hole, and the outer fairing is reinstalled and nobody (but me) knows the difference.
But my fear is that if I have a problem (stripped insert, that insert comes out, or the plastic itself cracks) I am going to have to replace the inner fairing...all because of a $1.50 insert!
The use of brass inserts to attach the fairing sections is lame, to say the least. I had an insert pop out on me. I then used the replacement part #16585-96 which has external threads to form a tighter bond with the plastic inner fairing.
Well, the 16585-96 inserts are definitely better suited. The problem is that the darn thing broke while I was installing, and it is only about 1/2 way in. I was able to cut off the remainder of the insert that did not get all the way into the fairing hole, and the outer fairing is reinstalled and nobody (but me) knows the difference.
But my fear is that if I have a problem (stripped insert, that insert comes out, or the plastic itself cracks) I am going to have to replace the inner fairing...all because of a $1.50 insert!
RE: HD's Worst Design - Batwing Fairing
I agree, but at least you have inserts. My 2000 Roadglide just has plastic with the screws and if you break one of them you are looking at a new outer fairing. I've already had to use the longer screws in several places to get the outer fairing to pull down snug to the inner fairing.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Detroit
RE: HD's Worst Design - Batwing Fairing
Next time you pull one out use some JB Weld on the one that popped out. Heck I'd use a E/Z out on the replacement insert and JB weld the Original one back in. Just dont over tighten the screws and the inserts wont pull out. My bike is 10 years old and none of my inserts have pulled out yet but I do keep JB Weld in the garage just incase schitt happens.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 187
Likes: 4
From: Auburn, OH (East of Cleveland)
RE: HD's Worst Design - Batwing Fairing
Just an idea...If you strip the inserts you can always drill through the inner fairing (carefully) lining up the holes to the outer fairing & put some nice Chrome button head bolts through the inner fairing with your choice of acorn nuts...facing outward.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,100
Likes: 5
From: Boerne, Texas (Gods Country)
RE: HD's Worst Design - Batwing Fairing
I agree.I love the Batwing but the brass insert **** is just that,$HIT.I had one pop out Sunday while I was putting my hidden antenna on but I just put some gorilla glue on it and I popped it back in.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Detroit
RE: HD's Worst Design - Batwing Fairing
ORIGINAL: jdag
Excuse my ignorance...what is an "E/Z out"?
Excuse my ignorance...what is an "E/Z out"?
My Dad is a T.V. repairman and has a killer set of tools, I can fix anything! lol
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 726
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From: Illinois
RE: HD's Worst Design - Batwing Fairing
I have one of these sets and it works pretty good. I have bent a few but those were under very very extreme situations..
Extractor Set (easyout)
Extractor Set (easyout)
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Detroit
RE: HD's Worst Design - Batwing Fairing
ORIGINAL: Rhinohd
I have one of these sets and it works pretty good. I have bent a few but those were under very very extreme situations..
Extractor Set (easyout)
I have one of these sets and it works pretty good. I have bent a few but those were under very very extreme situations..
Extractor Set (easyout)