A lot of talk on and off about these fairing inserts and their "upgraded" replacement.

Are the "bad" ones still being installed in the newer bikes?? Or what year did the factory start using the new and improved inserts?? I've got an 06 Classic and they seem to be the newer style.

Thanx

Greg

 

I have an 09 SG that I purchased in April. It still had the old style knurled brass inserts installed from the factory. I replaced them with the screw in style. I do not think these are an upgraded part that you mention. They have been available for quite some time. I put them in my 04 as well. They have internal and external threads. The external threads are what keeps them from pulling out of the fairing. Someone posted that you install the slotted end first as it cuts its own threads. I prefer to run a tap into the old hold first. DO NOT use a screw driver on the slot, it will break! Install a bolt into the insert, then use the bolt to screw the insert into the fairing.

Good Luck

 

I understand the slot goes in first as it is a thread cutter and NOT a screwdriver slot...correct???

 

Someone on this thread posted that, I do not agree. The package that you buy from the dealer has 1 insert in it, no directions. I work as a machinist/ machine repairman and we have these same inserts at work in a number of different sizes. The appearance is exactly the same as the HD ones. The ones at work have directions from the manufacturer, they specify to drill out the hole to the correct drill size (depends on the size of the inserts outer threads), then use the correct size tap in the hole. To install the insert, use the correct size bolt for the insert, put a nut onto it to the depth that prevents the bolt from projecting thru the insert, (this is so in the next step you do not bottom out the bolt and it sets the depth of the insert into the hole as well.) Next screw the bolt into the insert. Use a wrench on the bolt and thread the insert into the tapped hole till the insert is flush with the fairing or it hits the nut. Back the bolt out and you should be good to go. If the insert sticks out too far, you can't draw the outer fairing up tight. I did put the slotted end of the insert in the hole first, but again not because it cut the threads, the tap did that. Get one of the inserts and look at the slotted end, do ya see anything that resembles a cutting surface besides the threads?

good luck

 

I have researched all the posts relative to the replacement of and techniques for the threaded upgrade fairing inserts.

It appears to be a 50/50 split as to which way they go in and what the purpose of the slot is.

The slot is either a thread cutter or it is a screwdriver slot.

Has the forum a definitive final answer?

Does anyone have a pic of a properly installed one???

Thanx as usual!!!!

Greg

 

I've done 2 of them, one each way. The first one I had to replace because I snapped off half of the slot when I was trying to turn it in. Worked better for me putting the slot in first and driving it in with a screw inserted into it.

 

I screwed it in with the screwdriver and broke off 1 tab, so i broke off the other side and left it in there with only half inserted, it broke off flush and it works fine. If I were to do over I would tap it and use a bolt like others stated.

 

One of my factory inserts started slipping the last time I put the fairing back on, so I bought three of the new style replacements. Is there any trick to getting the old ones out?

 

hahahahahaaaaa, talk about a day late,I just tried to put one of those new inserts in and craked the plastic, now I may need to replace the whole thing. I do have an idea, i might just drill a hole straight thru and use a chorme screw and acorn nut, do it on both sides so it looks bad on both sides and not just one, my only concern is when i drill will it crack the plastic???

 

I used 'T' nuts. While I had the fairing off, and tired of replacing factory rubber inserts, I installed the windshield with the 'T' nuts. I fiberglassed the nuts in place, holding very well. After installation of fairing, I am still able to remove windshield without having to remove the fairing. Good Luck.