Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Question about reinstalling the Fairing Cap?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 9, 2013 | 10:24 PM
  #1  
C908's Avatar
C908
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
Default Question about reinstalling the Fairing Cap?

I tried to reinstall my fairing cap today after repainting it. Well I found out I can't do it with the bars all the way to the left in the locked position. I scratched the fairing cap trying to squeeze it in the left side. I'm repainting it again and need to have my bars straight. I guess I'll make the ignition tool with 1/4 inch copper tubing as shown in the video.My question is do I unlock the bars with the tool then straighten the bars and remove tool so I can install the fairing cap.After installing fairing cap do I just reinsert tool and then turn bars back to the lock position and then turn tool to the left in the lock position.I'm just afraid of screwing things up when I move the wheel.I know this is a dumb question but why can't you just stick the switch back on to unlock the fork instead of having to make a tool? To be safe I think I will just go to the hardware store and get some 1/4 inch copper tubing. Thanks for your comments.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2013 | 10:47 PM
  #2  
Dew Me's Avatar
Dew Me
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Default

Me thinks you are over thinking it. I did it all w/o even making the tool. The tool (real or copper tubing) helps keep things aligned. Trying to move the switch w/o the tool and things in that hole can loose their alignment and you might have to fight with it in the end to get everything lined up and in the right place. You can take the tool out while in any position but you have to MAKE SURE you remember what position it was in when you removed it.
 

Last edited by Dew Me; Aug 9, 2013 at 11:26 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2013 | 11:11 PM
  #3  
C908's Avatar
C908
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
Default

I just came across some different instructions and wonder if this would solve my problem on being able to move the bars after removing the switch without having a tool. It looks to me by turning the bars to the right and removing the switch the bars wouldn't be locked. Would thing things get out of alignment doing it this way if I turned the bars to center then back to the right after the fairing cap is installed ? See the following instructions. 1. Turn the ignition KEY to unlock and leave the key inserted in lock assembly 2. Move ignition assembly to the Off position to unlock the forks. LEAVE THE KEY IN LOCK 3. Turn the Handlebars all the way to the right 4. With the ignition key still in the lock turn the LOCK ASSEMBLY to Accessory 5. Standing on the left side of the bike look at the lower left underside of the LOCK ASSEMBLY. You will see a small button in the rear left corner 6. Use a small screwdriver to depress the button and hold while pushing down on the KEY and turning it 60 degrees in the counter clockwise direction.7. Lift and remove **** 8. Reverse to reinstall except there is no need to depress the button.
 

Last edited by C908; Aug 9, 2013 at 11:14 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2013 | 11:37 PM
  #4  
acchd's Avatar
acchd
Stellar HDF Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
Default

Dude the best ignition tool I found is $6 Craftsman screwdriver. It fits perfectly. From locked position turn screwdriver just one click clockwise then you can move bars. You can remove screwdriver after this do your work etc. When ready install igniton lock move bars back to left locked position insert screwdriver and turn counterclockwise one click and bars will be locked install ignition and done.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/11557359-post24.html
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2013 | 11:45 PM
  #5  
Dew Me's Avatar
Dew Me
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Default

If someone took the time to write it I'm sure it worked for them. Which means it should work for you.

Here is a video below. Makes it look like you can remove ignition switch without a key and handlebars will be free until you turn them all the way to the left. Turning bars all the way left will lock them.

 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2013 | 11:50 PM
  #6  
Dew Me's Avatar
Dew Me
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Default

Originally Posted by acchd
Dude the best ignition tool I found is $6 Craftsman screwdriver. It fits perfectly. From locked position turn screwdriver just one click clockwise then you can move bars. You can remove screwdriver after this do your work etc. When ready install igniton lock move bars back to left locked position insert screwdriver and turn counterclockwise one click and bars will be locked install ignition and done.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/11557359-post24.html
Yup, that's what I've done on several occasions.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2013 | 11:51 PM
  #7  
C908's Avatar
C908
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
Default

Thanks for your response and I considered trying to use one but was afraid I might get things out of alignment because it doesn't look like the flat part of the blade would hit the right spot. Are you letting the screwdriver go all the way down until it bottoms out? When I looked at pictures of how the tool was made it shows the flat part starting from the bottom coming up 2 1/4 inches.The flat part of a screwdiver is not that long it's more like 1 1/4 inches. I do have screw drivers all different sizes can you give me an idea what you used. Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2013 | 12:01 AM
  #8  
acchd's Avatar
acchd
Stellar HDF Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
Default

Yep the screwdriver will go down till bottoms out. Here's the link to Craftsman one u may already have it.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-5...ype=SKIP_LEVEL
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 10, 2013 | 12:22 AM
  #9  
C908's Avatar
C908
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
Default

I saw the pictures of the screwdrivers you enclosed and appears I have that 6 inch screwdriver in my set. Are you letting it go all the way down until it bottoms out and then turning it one click clockwise to unlock the bars? I'm asking because I just can't tell if the flat part of the blade is going to be in the right spot. I thought maybe instead of bottoming out you just went part way down to make it hit the right spot. If I can just drop it in until it hits bottom and then turn one click to release the bars that would be great. I'm not going to do it tonight but if you could please confirm it would be much appreciated. Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2013 | 12:34 AM
  #10  
C908's Avatar
C908
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
Default

The only markings on my screwdriver other than craftsman is 1/4 made in the USA and some numbers on the other side.The blade measures exactly 6 inches not including the handle. Think I have the right one? Thanks again.
 
Attached Thumbnails Question about reinstalling the Fairing Cap?-p1030553.jpg   Question about reinstalling the Fairing Cap?-p1030550.jpg   Question about reinstalling the Fairing Cap?-p1030547.jpg  
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:04 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE