i have a 87 flht classic i need help switching out the radio i dont know if i have to take the fairing off to get to the radio

 

You have to take the outer fairing off.Believe your's is the same as mine.7 screws and unplug the headlight and it's off.I've found that when I put it back together it's easier to stick in a couple of the windshield screws finger tight just to hold the outer fairing on then line up the 2 screws at the bottom,they can be a pain to line up.

 

I used the procedure outlined in the sticky post within the touring models forum when it was time to remove my outer fairing for the first time. These are great instructions!

 

I got a fix your hog dvd last year and it will walk you thru the fairing and radio removal.