So a month ago I find a big gouge on the front of my tank... the only thing I know about the gouge is it is there... see photo #1. I had plans of working on some bling bling over the winter, but I guess a new paint scheme is my priority now. I got a great price on the paint, but I have to do all the labor for removal. No worries... got the service manual. I must say that manual is well worth the money!

Project Change.

After discovering it would cost too much to ship my parts and a chance I could lose my tank cause I can't get all the fuel out, I have decided to get my my inner fairing painted and my tank fixed locally. I'll get the flames when I get back to the states. I just can justify over $300 to ship my parts via USPS... being APO we don't have much of a choice, but to ship USPS.

 

Well i have to remove the front fender for a dent and thought might as well remove the inner fairing
and have it sprayed to match. I have a service manual. My question is how hard was it to remove the inner fairing? any tricks tips hints?
Also how long did it take to remove it? Thanks

 

A couple things along the way that I ran into...

Have a good sound track playing in the back ground. This is a must!

1. The small button under the lock is actually under the ***
-- Once you remove that, the HB will lock to the left. You can unlock it by simply lifting the **** up about 1/4 (give or take) and turn it to the OFF position... don't take it out after that.
2. Once you get everything out and it says to remove the inner fairing:
-- the radio is mounted to a separate mount that can be remove from the same area that the spot lights bolt onto.
-- I straddled the front wheel, rested the radio on my lap, and removed the inner fairing... it was so much easier that way.
3. Follow the manual step by step! most important one I guess

In total it took me about 2 days... I worked on it for about 4 hours each time. If I found myself stuck I simply put the tools down, took a break, did some research, reread the part I was having troubles with, Googled some part/tool images, and among the other things in life that get in the way LOL. I don't like to pay the Harley outrageous labor prices, I like to tinker with things, and after reading the specific section of the manual I knew I could do this. Gives me a sense of accomplishment. Plus now I have some exerience to help other brothers out there

Hope this helps. Post any questions you have along the way and I will try to help you as much as I can

Have fun, take your time, be patient, and it will all pay off in the end.