Which Fairing
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,281
Likes: 3,418
From: Idaho Panhandle
Just going into my second winter with a reckless. Great price, simple solid construction, not as finely finished as the others. If final close up appearance is important, them the Reckless may not be your best choice. If good looking utility is more your option, then the Reckless will save you a few bucks. I have heard that Reckless finish has improved since I purchased mine.
Mine is unpainted, black gelcoat with 3M silver tape pinstriping to match tank. I use it on my bike from October through March and appreciate the extra weather protection. It is also the only time I like to listen to a radio for traffic reports vs my ipod in the summer where traffic issues do not really matter.
I prefer the std Road King winshield for summer cruising. I am just not a fairing tyoe of guy. If I where going to leave it on all the time, sort of a poor mans Ultra, I'd probably look for features like being able to add gauges or pouches later on. I'd also get a polished and painted model with more an eye to appearance. That probably means selecting one from one of the other makers. But I am not likely to leave it on year round and will continue to use it for fall & winter communting. If I get to the point where I want it on full time, I'll trade up to an ultra.
Mine is unpainted, black gelcoat with 3M silver tape pinstriping to match tank. I use it on my bike from October through March and appreciate the extra weather protection. It is also the only time I like to listen to a radio for traffic reports vs my ipod in the summer where traffic issues do not really matter.
I prefer the std Road King winshield for summer cruising. I am just not a fairing tyoe of guy. If I where going to leave it on all the time, sort of a poor mans Ultra, I'd probably look for features like being able to add gauges or pouches later on. I'd also get a polished and painted model with more an eye to appearance. That probably means selecting one from one of the other makers. But I am not likely to leave it on year round and will continue to use it for fall & winter communting. If I get to the point where I want it on full time, I'll trade up to an ultra.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 9
From: New York
Put a Reckless on my HC.
Good: inexpensive (I paid $400, no stereo), well-made, looks nice.
Bad: sloooow shipping (1 month), non-existent customer support.
Ugly: As I mentioned, I ordered mine without a stereo, because I don't listen to music while riding. So I was expecting the fairing to come without holes. Wrong, I had to buy a marine stereo cover to cover the receiver hole. And I patched up the speaker holes with plastic door stops (wall protectors) from Lowes. Once painted over it looks good.
What I really like about the fairing is that you get a better view--IMO, the visibility through the windsheild is terrible in the rain. There is a little more wind, but heck it's a motorcycle...right. And you can take it off in a few minutes and go back to the classic look.
Good: inexpensive (I paid $400, no stereo), well-made, looks nice.
Bad: sloooow shipping (1 month), non-existent customer support.
Ugly: As I mentioned, I ordered mine without a stereo, because I don't listen to music while riding. So I was expecting the fairing to come without holes. Wrong, I had to buy a marine stereo cover to cover the receiver hole. And I patched up the speaker holes with plastic door stops (wall protectors) from Lowes. Once painted over it looks good.
What I really like about the fairing is that you get a better view--IMO, the visibility through the windsheild is terrible in the rain. There is a little more wind, but heck it's a motorcycle...right. And you can take it off in a few minutes and go back to the classic look.
Last edited by arjr; Aug 27, 2012 at 10:33 AM. Reason: 1
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I've got the Dead Center and love it. Great and I really do mean GREAT customer service. Windshields from HD will fit as well. I like the key lock system so it doesn't walk of while I'm somewhere out of sight, and the stereo, CD, systems seem to work fine. I've really enjoyed mine, and while I thought it would be an on and off thing, once it's on I leave it on all the time now. It's convinced me to go to an Ultra next. I don't think you can go wrong with Dead Center. No connection with them, just an honest evaluation. PM me if you have questions.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
If you want to get as "close to OEM" as you an get you have to build your own. It's a bit of work but looks good in my opinion. But then again I made it. However, not everybody is up for a fabrication job.
The downside on my design is that the fairing is attached to a stock RK windshield. With that in mind you can not change the clear "windshield" part of the fairing. You are stuck with what you have. But I liked the height before I built it, and it works good the way it is.
The downside on my design is that the fairing is attached to a stock RK windshield. With that in mind you can not change the clear "windshield" part of the fairing. You are stuck with what you have. But I liked the height before I built it, and it works good the way it is.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 10
From: FL
I have a Deadcenter. I don't think you will find anything bad said about them unlike some other choices.
Great quality, finish and customer service.
Room above stereo for gauges or in my case a GPS.
Uses standard harley accessories and windshield mounts (I have a Klockwerks)
Best part is it comes off in less than a minute when I want to ride without it.
Along with the lowers - great looking king!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 653
Likes: 116
From: Texas
You may want to give Glenn at Woody's Fairings a call.
http://woodysfairings.com/
Great guy to work with.
http://woodysfairings.com/
Great guy to work with.