Step-by-Step Harley Fairing Installation Guide

Key Highlights

• Enhance your Harley’s aesthetics and aerodynamics with a fairing.
• This guide offers a step-by-step approach to fairing installation.
• Learn about different fairing types and gather the necessary tools.
• Follow our detailed instructions for a seamless installation process.
• Ensure a perfect fit and enjoy a more comfortable riding experience.
• Discover answers to common fairing installation FAQs.

Want to improve how your Harley looks and performs? Adding a fairing is a smart choice! This simple guide will show you how to do it. You will find clear steps and useful tips here.

Whether you are an experienced rider or someone who likes to do things yourself, you will feel ready to install your Harley fairing like a expert. Let’s begin!

Understanding Harley Fairings

Harley fairings are not just for looks. They actually help improve your ride. These fairings are made to push away wind, rain, and debris. This means you will have a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially when you go fast.

Also, outer fairings make your bike look better. There are many styles available. You can choose from the classic batwing outer fairing to the sleek quarter fairings. This lets you change your Harley’s look to fit your style.

The Basics of Fairing Functionality

A fairing mainly helps a motorcycle by improving how it moves through the air. When you ride at high speeds, the fairing works like a shield. It pushes the wind away from your body and helmet. This reduces drag on the motorcycle, making it use less fuel and allowing you to ride more comfortably.

In addition to helping with aerodynamics, fairings keep riders safe. They provide protection from strong winds, which can prevent tiredness and discomfort during long trips. Fairings also block road debris, bugs, and bad weather, making your ride safer and more fun.

Finally, fairings make a motorcycle look better. They give it a smooth, custom appearance that is often seen in touring and cruiser bikes.

Types of Harley Fairings

Choosing the right fairing is important. It should match your style, offer wind protection, and fit your budget. Here are some popular types:

Batwing Fairings: These fairings look like bat wings. They give great coverage and are known for being on Harley’s Street Glide models. They have a lot of storage space and can hold audio systems. That makes them perfect for long rides.

Memphis Shades Fairings: Memphis Shades is known for their good quality and different designs. They offer styles like windshields, lower fairings, and the well-liked Gauntlet fairing. Many riders choose these fairings because they balance style and protection from the wind.

Quarter Fairings: These fairings are smaller and usually go around the headlight. They look sportier, but they protect less from the wind than batwing fairings. However, they do a good job of keeping wind off your chest, making them good for shorter rides.

Essential Tools and Materials for Installation

Before starting the installation process, it’s key to collect all the tools and materials you need. Having everything ready will make the installation smoother and avoid annoying breaks.

Generally, you will need basic hand tools, like a screwdriver set, wrenches, and Allen keys. Make sure you have the right mounting hardware for your fairing kit. Read the instructions closely to find out if you need extra tools or supplies, such as electrical connectors or zip ties, for your specific fairing model.

Tool Checklist

To have an easy installation, gather these tools before you start:

• Screwdriver Set: You need a set with both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. They should be in different sizes for the fasteners on your motorcycle and fairing kit.
• Wrenches: It is important to have a combination wrench set or adjustable wrenches. You will use them to tighten nuts and bolts during the installation.
• Allen Keys: Many fairing kits use Allen key fasteners. Make sure to have a set that has both metric and standard sizes.

Also, make sure you have the right mounting hardware. Your fairing kit should come with all the brackets, bolts, washers, and other fasteners needed for installation. Double-check that you have everything before you begin.

Additional Supplies Needed

Besides the basic tools, you might need extra supplies based on your Harley model, the type of fairing, and how much you want to customize.

Think about whether your fairing kit needs a wiring harness. If you want to add electronic parts like speakers or lights, make sure the wiring harness works with your motorcycle’s electrical system. You may also need electrical tape and connectors to keep the wiring neat and secure.

Additionally, some changes may be needed based on your motorcycle details and the chosen fairing. This can include adjusting brackets or trimming a little bit. Make sure you have the right tools, like a Dremel tool or a hacksaw, for any changes you might need to make.

Step-by-Step Fairing Installation Process

Now that you have your tools and materials, let’s start the installation. Be sure to check your fairing kit’s instructions. The steps may be different based on the model of your Harley motorcycle.

We have split the installation into five easy steps:

• Prepare your motorcycle
• Mount the fairing bracket
• Attach the fairing
• Install the windshield
• Make final adjustments and checks

Take your time with each step. Patience is important. Double-check your work and enjoy upgrading your Harley.

Step 1: Preparing Your Motorcycle

• Start by cleaning the space where you will put the fairing. Clean the headlight, handlebars, and nearby parts. Use a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth. This will help remove dirt, grime, and debris. A clean area will make it easier to attach the fairing brackets properly.
• Next, based on your motorcycle model and type of fairing, you might need to take off some parts like the headlight or windshield for a short time. This will help you access the new fairing brackets better. Check your motorcycle’s service manual for steps on how to remove these parts safely.
• Also, some fairing kits might need small changes, like drilling extra holes or adjusting existing brackets. Read the instructions that come with your fairing kit carefully. They will tell you if you need to make any changes for your Harley model.

Step 2: Mounting the Fairing Bracket

• Find the fairing bracket in your kit and look for the correct spots on your Harley’s frame. The instructions will show where to attach the bracket.
• Once you find the points, start securing the fairing bracket with the hardware included. It’s best to start by tightening the bolts loosely. This way, you can ensure the bracket lines up correctly before you tighten it all the way. Check the alignment again to make it easy to install the fairing later.
• Make sure to use the right tools, like a socket wrench or an Allen key, for tightening the bolts to the recommended strength. If you tighten them too much, it could damage the bracket or your motorcycle’s frame. If you don’t tighten them enough, it might become unstable.

Step 3: Attaching the Fairing

Once the fairing bracket is securely attached, lift the fairing carefully. Line it up with the bracket. If the fairing is big and heavy, it might be good to have someone help hold it in place.

After aligning the fairing, put the mounting hardware through the holes in both the fairing and the bracket. Start by hand-tightening the bolts. This way, you can make sure the fairing is in the right position before tightening them completely with the right tool.

Don’t tighten all the bolts at once. It is better to tighten them gradually in a diagonal order. This helps to maintain even pressure and ensures a snug fit. Doing this will avoid any stress on the fairing and give it a neat look.

Step 4: Installing the Windshield

With the fairing in place, you can now put on the windshield. Depending on your fairing model, the windshield might attach directly to it or need extra brackets. Check the instructions in your fairing kit for how to attach it.

Align the windshield carefully with the fairing. Make sure it fits tightly against the rubber gasket included. Loosely add the mounting hardware, which is usually bolts or screws, through the right holes. Be careful not to make them too tight.

For an easy installation, tighten the mounting hardware a little at a time in a diagonal pattern. This will help spread out the pressure evenly and avoid cracks or damage to the windshield. When it is fully tight, gently check the windshield to see if it is secure.

Step 5: Final Adjustments and Checks

Before you ride your Harley, it is important to make final modifications and do some checks. First, look at how the fairing lines up with the bike. Make sure it is straight and not leaning in any way.

Next, see if the fairing has enough space for all controls and cables. This means checking the handlebars, levers, and throttle cables. They should all move without getting stuck on the fairing.

Lastly, if needed, change the headlight angle for better light. Test the turn signals, horn, and other electrical parts to make sure they work well after assembly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this step-by-step guide helps you add a fairing to your Harley easily. First, it is important to understand the basics, especially the components inside of the fairing. Then, pick the right type of fairing and gather the tools you need for the job.

Follow the steps carefully, from getting your motorcycle ready to making final adjustments. This way, you will get a great-looking result. If you have questions or need more help, check the FAQs section. Have fun making your Harley look sleek and work better with the fairing!

FAQs