Fairing Adjustment
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
For those of you who made the jump from a non-fairing bike such as a Softail or Dyna to a Roadglide or Streetglide, I'd like your thoughts:
I have a softail nighttrain and a dyna superglide and have rode many years on these types of bike without fairings. They get in the way of my visual field. I took a Demo Day at the local HD and tried the fairinged Road King and Roadglide. I found the fairings slightly annoying. I'm looking at the baggers now that I've accepted that I'm old (but still keeping and riding the Dyna/Softail) and wonder about the adjustment to a fairinged bike. I haven't tried the Streetglide (batwing) yet. Otherwise I'll just get the Roadking and ditch the fairing. My apologies for the "old man" bike tag but even though it isn't right, it's how I felt for most of my riding life.
I have a softail nighttrain and a dyna superglide and have rode many years on these types of bike without fairings. They get in the way of my visual field. I took a Demo Day at the local HD and tried the fairinged Road King and Roadglide. I found the fairings slightly annoying. I'm looking at the baggers now that I've accepted that I'm old (but still keeping and riding the Dyna/Softail) and wonder about the adjustment to a fairinged bike. I haven't tried the Streetglide (batwing) yet. Otherwise I'll just get the Roadking and ditch the fairing. My apologies for the "old man" bike tag but even though it isn't right, it's how I felt for most of my riding life.
I went from 2 sportys to my limited. When I first started riding it the fairing messed with me to. I hated not being able to see the ground when I stopped. It took me all of a week to get used to it. I should of done long ago. Go try one out, you will be signing papers before you know it. Good luck.
Yes, it will be irksome at first, but after a day or two (I think it was 300 miles in for me), your brain goes back to noticing what it should be noticing...it's like the white noise machines...for a brief period your brain is thinking "damn static noise is a PITA!", but shortly thereafter, you don't notice it. Like 67 said, try it....you'll quickly enjoy it, and wonder why you waited
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
A few years ago went from a Kaw Nomad, similar to a road king, to the UC limited. Transition time was short. Love the big bike and except for putting the bike on the lift, I don't worry about where the front wheel is. Peripheral vision is not affected by the batwing.
Funny thing though. I am buying a fatboy. Did the corporate demo ride and also test rode the one I am buying. Bike felt so small without the batwing faring. Nice feeling though. I am picking it up tomorrow, or since it's almost midnight, later today.
Bottom line, try the UC, you will like it.
Funny thing though. I am buying a fatboy. Did the corporate demo ride and also test rode the one I am buying. Bike felt so small without the batwing faring. Nice feeling though. I am picking it up tomorrow, or since it's almost midnight, later today.
Bottom line, try the UC, you will like it.
I bought my Vulcan in 2007 only put 2700 miles on it in 4 yrs. for the last 3 yrs I had it, it sat in the shop to much going on and didn't have time to ride. Decided I wanted Harley and bought my EGC didn't have a problem getting on it the first time and taking off. But I will tell you the fairing makes my ride more enjoyable.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 2
From: x
The only challenge I have had is when I was looking at buying a Road Glide. For some reason I can't get used to the fairing pointing straight while the wheel is turned. But the batwing, no problem really, it doesn't mask anything you need to see.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 1
From: Southeast WI
Absolutely correct. You may not recognize it now, but your sightline is well above the fairing 99+% of the time. It may take you a little bit of time, but you'll adjust. Renting one is a good idea, but rent it for a full day and RIDE it. Time in the seat is what you'll need to get adjusted.Good luck making your decision.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 349
Likes: 154
From: Meco NY
I Had A Wide Glide Went to a 06 Street Glide Awsome So I got another one A 2011 103 Street Glide Great Bike.While I was in the process of getting my New Street Glide I was without a Bike for a Week There was A ride I was supposed to Go on So my buddy has a Xtra Bike So he Said Ride it.It was a 03 FatBoy.After rideing Street Gides For 5 yrs. now I could not Believe The Differene Nor Could my Wife.Sure did Miss That Fairing When I was doing 60 felt like 90 with out the Fairing an all the wind.And after Haveing Saddle Bags an a Radio you do miss them.Everyone Likes Something Different But I Sure Do Like My Street Glide.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
I went from an FX Lowrider to a fixed fairing FXRT and never went back. Have had 3 batwings since and can honestly say I prefer the amenities associated with the touring system including hard bags, fairing, stereo, and the windshield.
While going to colege I rode the old FX with leather bags and no windshield, Books and papers frequently got wet, ate many bugs"always smiling" and came home soaked many times. As I got older the Lowrider gave way to onboard storage which came with a stereo.
Bottom line is Queen Bee wouldn't let me go back even if I wanted too.
While going to colege I rode the old FX with leather bags and no windshield, Books and papers frequently got wet, ate many bugs"always smiling" and came home soaked many times. As I got older the Lowrider gave way to onboard storage which came with a stereo.
Bottom line is Queen Bee wouldn't let me go back even if I wanted too.