How is a headlight mounted in a stock Ultra Classic fairing?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 6, 2010 | 07:31 AM

shortride

Thread Starter

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,932

Likes: 4

From: 46th State, USA

How is a headlight mounted in a stock Ultra Classic fairing?

I'm thinking about converting my RKC to a full dresser and wanted to know before I get into it just how much works it's going to be. Other than figuring out the wiring, I would imagine mounting a stock Ultra Classic fairing will be the most difficult. I've got a factory service manual but it doesn't show a procedure for conversions. I'm not sure following the instructions on removing everything from the King Classic is going to be enough instructions. A lot of these instruction assume you are an experienced Harley tech. Does anyone have a parts list for all of the components for mounting a fairing? Any help will be appreciate and it will help me decide if I want to get that involved.

Last edited by shortride; Jan 6, 2010 at 07:34 AM.

Jan 6, 2010 | 07:47 AM

Cyphilis

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 436

Likes: 3

One option to think about, just adding an aftermarket fairing. Its like changing out your windshield,.. fast and easy. Turning a RKC into an Ultra would be a headache. You would be surprised at how much stuff is crammed behind that fairing.

Jan 6, 2010 | 07:52 AM

shortride

Thread Starter

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,932

Likes: 4

From: 46th State, USA

Thanks for the input but I'm not much into aftermarket applications. I've always like the stock look even if it's not factory. I wasn't planning on doing a main harness replacement, just the inner and outer fairing with a stock radio and harness without handlebar controls and no gauges.

Jan 6, 2010 | 07:54 AM

jimsflh

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 3,078

Likes: 6

From: Michigan

No disrespect intended, but why an ultra fairing? There are after market batwings that have room for your stereo, and don't have holes for your speedo that in on your tank? Most likely will be easier to mount and make work with your FLHR.

Jan 6, 2010 | 07:58 AM

jimsflh

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 3,078

Likes: 6

From: Michigan

oops see another brother was thinking the same and hot post before me! LOL

Jan 6, 2010 | 08:08 AM

k&j eglide

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 444

Likes: 1

As far as I can tell, the only differance between an Ultra and any other Electraglide, such as police model, would be filler panels or pieces for items not installed, such as a radio. By far the best option is going to be swap meet parts. Every time I go to the swap meet there's a guy selling touring bike fiberglass parts-outers, inners, bags, etc. Probably going to be some paint costs too. The aftermarket kits I've seen are mostly to add a batwing fairing to something other than a touring front end. The front end geometry for Softails is different than touring frames and therefore requires modifed parts and mountings. As you already have a touring front end, factory parts are your best bet. I also don't think that the light is actually mounted to the fairing outer, rather the outer is a shell that fits over. You will likely have to remove the cover on your light, but even a total replacement should be fairly inexpensive. BTW, a friend of mine is looking at adding a fairing to his Fatboy, and the aftermarket kits are all around $1400.

Jan 6, 2010 | 08:09 AM

DoomBuggy

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 1,230

Likes: 1

From: Oak Park, IL

The headlight itself is mounted to the fairing so that part is taken care of for you. Next you need the mounts from the fairings to the legs. The radio mount is integrated with the fairing mounts so that is straightforward as well. The harness would actually not be too bad, and if you are going to go the stock route the controls on the bars are a blessing. I am not sure how your ignition switch is set-up, on the Ultra it is integral to the fork locks with a bezel that goes around it and also mounts some of the switches.

There are a lot of little parts, but the swap should not be too hard.

Having said all that I also would be more tempted to go with an aftermarket. That would make it easier to switch back to stock if you ever wanted to.

Trending Topics

The Sportster is coming back, air cooled.

254

10.3k
Handlebar Grip Temperature unbearable on a 2026 Street Glide Limited

41

1.4k
New place for useless information

50

1.7k
1991 Electra Glide Evo smoking at idle

27

560
Oilcap-dipstick is stuck

23

547

Jan 6, 2010 | 09:06 AM

shortride

Thread Starter

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,932

Likes: 4

From: 46th State, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimsflh

That's ok. No disrespect understood. I'm doing this only because I like the Ultra Classic and if I can't do it like an Ultra Classic, I'm not doing it. I just don't like aftermarket except where there are absolutely no options. I know that may not be easy to understand but I will most likely put smoked mirrors in place of the gauges. I'll use the Ultra Classic ignition/fork lock switch strictly for a fork lock. It would be a lot easier for me to just buy an Ultra Classic. My problem is, I can't afford one. Doing it this way, I can collect everything I need over a period of time without being out the expense all at once. Other than not having the money, my biggest problem is, I always want to do it now. I only have a limited budget for my toys and that's a large restraint. If I have to sell my RKC and do without riding for a while in order to buy an Ultra Classic, then I would be without a ride for a very long time. I owe to much on my RKC to have enough equity for a trade or to sell out-right. So, that's it in a nut shell.

I also appreciate input from DoomBuggy as well. Thanks!

Last edited by shortride; Jan 6, 2010 at 09:13 AM.