Please help! Installing Lower Farings unexpected PITA, did I something wrong?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
since 2010, the batwings and roadglides use the same vented fairing lowers. prior to the fairing mounting changes, the roadglides had their own specific non-vented fairing lowers.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,068
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Yep ... "Skratch" is correct !!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I had the same issues when I added my lowers to my SG. I think it just takes a little practice to get used to how they fit. It will get easier.
Those look really good with your black engine guard. I would like to see a picture of the whole bike now.
Beary
Those look really good with your black engine guard. I would like to see a picture of the whole bike now.
Beary
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 2
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
Every thing looks fine to me. You can do like I did. I bought another engine guard for summer. Then I just change the engine guards, 3 bolts and your done. I then hang up the other one on the wall.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 12
From: Netherlands
These are 2008 lower fairings which I installed on my 2007 SG. I will post a photograph of the bike this week.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 747
Likes: 7
From: NY
I have the same issue with my new HD lowers. One side fits better than the other (gap) and one slides on the bar easily after tightening. When I get around to it I will remove lower and wrap the bar with friction tape then re-install. Perhaps more tape "here or there" will even out the gap too.
My guess is glossy hard plastic on smooth chrome is gona slide if it doesn't have enough surface contact when pinched.
SC
My guess is glossy hard plastic on smooth chrome is gona slide if it doesn't have enough surface contact when pinched.
SC
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
and about the only difference in the early vented fairing lowers and the newer ones is the 'crash bar extension cover' on the early ones were longer. the newer ones are short, hence the reason they work on the roadglides too (in addition to the fairing change)
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 2
From: Hawaii
These are the original HD's with the lower u-shaped brackets.
To be just a little more specific, they slided over the upper bar of the crash bar. At the bottom they were solidly hold by the u-shaped bracket.
@ Shayba, what do you mean with "It may be the nuts and bolts.", please explain, while I used the original bolts.
I'm not sure how to recognise if these are for Batwings or RG, I added some pictures of it.
Did also read about tightening the bolts in equal ammounts but I still didn't manage after I have tried several times.
As said, I'm satisfied with the end result with neoprene and they are tightened well. At least the neoprene will give some protection for my painted crash bar, but something in my mind still says it isn't correct and that drives me crazy.
To be just a little more specific, they slided over the upper bar of the crash bar. At the bottom they were solidly hold by the u-shaped bracket.
@ Shayba, what do you mean with "It may be the nuts and bolts.", please explain, while I used the original bolts.
I'm not sure how to recognise if these are for Batwings or RG, I added some pictures of it.
Did also read about tightening the bolts in equal ammounts but I still didn't manage after I have tried several times.
As said, I'm satisfied with the end result with neoprene and they are tightened well. At least the neoprene will give some protection for my painted crash bar, but something in my mind still says it isn't correct and that drives me crazy.
Since you say you're using OEM hardware, my comment wouldn't apply. Some of the hardware that comes with the aftermarket lowers leaves a lot to be desired in quality and strength.
There are also threads discussing the Matazu aftermarket lowers may fit a little loose on the right side. Glad you got yours tightened up. Ride and enjoy!
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 12
From: Netherlands
As promissed some pictures of the bike. Also added the adjustable batwing air deflectors on my 2007 SG. At the back the Dutch North Sea (for who is interested).