More fairing questions

[cactusjack]

I am getting close to pulling the trigger on a fairing for my 2007.

I want to add an antenna aerial to my tourpak, a la "Harley style". If any of you have done this, do you have a list of parts needed?

Yes, I know you can buy a hidden antenna that goes in the fairing. I don't want that.

I have narrowed my fairing choices down to two:

1. Tsukayu
2. Wide Open Customs

I would like to hear the good and bad from owners of these two fairings. Discuss.

[speedbyu]

Wide open - 1 vote
All one piece plastic, very well made, very very light weight. Ther radio weighs more than the fairing. I love mine and would buy another.
Only one negative- no 6x9 speaker holes only 5 1/4. But with the right speakers and a little foam inside fairing and it sounds fine.

[cactusjack]

Oops, I forgot to ask if anyone who has one of these fairings also has the CWI billet mount driving lights. I just want to make sure they are compatible.

[trosco]

CJ, had the Tsukayu, liked it alot except no lower wind wings avail for it. Stereo was great, had own antenna and no reason for a external beyond that . with cobra lite bar and 2 inch riser extension had to notch radio cover to open/close. see pic

[cactusjack]

CJ, had the Tsukayu, liked it alot except no lower wind wings avail for it. Stereo was great, had own antenna and no reason for a external beyond that . with cobra lite bar and 2 inch riser extension had to notch radio cover to open/close. see pic

You got rid of the Tsukayu?

[psychocycle]

Hey CJ,

Cory aka "Strobe", had an excellent explanation posted for his fairing and tour pack including the antenna install on the tour pack with a list of all the parts he used to purchase. The link is as follows:
http://nomad.nmsolutions.ca/hdtourpak.php

Cory's documentation is well done and a great guide for those doing a similar project.

I purchased the Wide Open fairing, there was a certain amount of customizing for my 1500 as they are designed for the 1600, but overall the fairing is of very good quality and the painter liked the product although he had to do a fair amount of preparation to do a quality fit and finish on the paint job. If I ran with a tour pack on all the time I may have gone in a similar direction that you are going on but I run a solo set-up most of the time so I stuck with the internal antenna. There is no question that a external antenna will give you much superior reception than the internal. Good luck with the project and remember - patience is a virtue http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[radco]

CJ, I have the TSUKAYU STRONG Hard Saddlebags on the Honda,, BUILT very well and was going to buy their fairing when the time came.. I wasnt ready to pull the trigger on 1k+ yet.. still need to finish the second floor of the house LOL
IMO the other Big plus of the TSUKAYU Fairing is its Fiberglass. EASY repairs.. The Plastic ones can be repaired but you need someone that know Plastics... But all in all your choices are good, I dont think I heard anything bad about either.......

[cactusjack]

Hey CJ,

Cory aka "Strobe", had an excellent explanation posted for his fairing and tour pack including the antenna install on the tour pack with a list of all the parts he used to purchase. The link is as follows:
http://nomad.nmsolutions.ca/hdtourpak.php

Cory's documentation is well done and a great guide for those doing a similar project.

I purchased the Wide Open fairing, there was a certain amount of customizing for my 1500 as they are designed for the 1600, but overall the fairing is of very good quality and the painter liked the product although he had to do a fair amount of preparation to do a quality fit and finish on the paint job. If I ran with a tour pack on all the time I may have gone in a similar direction that you are going on but I run a solo set-up most of the time so I stuck with the internal antenna. There is no question that a external antenna will give you much superior reception than the internal. Good luck with the project and remember - patience is a virtue http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Psychocycle,

Thanks for the link. That's exactly the information I was looking for.
I found the am/fm antenna kit on the HD website.

The external antenna is important to me because of the long distances between radio stations out here in the west.

[cactusjack]

CJ, I have the TSUKAYU STRONG Hard Saddlebags on the Honda,, BUILT very well and was going to buy their fairing when the time came.. I wasnt ready to pull the trigger on 1k+ yet.. still need to finish the second floor of the house LOL
IMO the other Big plus of the TSUKAYU Fairing is its Fiberglass. EASY repairs.. The Plastic ones can be repaired but you need someone that know Plastics... But all in all your choices are good, I dont think I heard anything bad about either.......

I really like both the Tsukayu and the WOC fairings, cost-wise they are nearly the same. I am leaning toward the Tsukayu simply because it is fiberglass and I could repair it myself if (God forbid) I ever have to.

[pirate]

Psychocycle beat me to it, but I was going to mention Strobe's website for help with the antenna. He has a great website.

[rickyboy]

I also had the info for you Scott.
Can't wait for "Strobe"/Cory to put my fairing on. You'll remember I purchased his HD fairing.
I need to find an external antenna, that'll fit on my Venture trunk. I'll have to go down to Barnes Harley and see what will work and then order online,.... cause their prices are out of line.

[VulcanE]

Scott, can't help in your choice of fairings (mine's a Premeux), but, on your question on the antenna for the tour-pak, here's a link to the one I have.
CLICK HERE (http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444184547 5&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302290635&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302290635&bmUID=1271803246332&bmLocale=en_US)

[cactusjack]

Scott, can't help in your choice of fairings (mine's a Premeux), but, on your question on the antenna for the tour-pak, here's a link to the one I have.
CLICK HERE (http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444184547 5&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302290635&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302290635&bmUID=1271803246332&bmLocale=en_US)

Thanks, that's the same one I found.

[ringadingh]

Scott, can't help in your choice of fairings (mine's a Premeux), but, on your question on the antenna for the tour-pak, here's a link to the one I have.
CLICK HERE (http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444184547 5&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302290635&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302290635&bmUID=1271803246332&bmLocale=en_US)

Thats the same antenna that Im using as well, It works pretty good, and they are tough as well. Ive jammed it in the garage door a few times while closing it and its stood up good.

[cactusjack]

In the course of my research I have found some hidden, powered (amplified) antennas available. If these work as advertised, that may be preferable to the whip on the tourpak.

Does anyone have any experience with these powered antennas?

[radco]

In the course of my research I have found some hidden, powered (amplified) antennas available. If these work as advertised, that may be preferable to the whip on the tourpak.

Does anyone have any experience with these powered antennas?

CJ. post a link please.. I think a bud has one on his HD.. Im sure its the HD one,BUt Im interested in one for me as well..Thanks Rich

[oldbikers]

CJ I have a powered hidden Antenna it does a good job here but I don't know about out in the desert and I haven't been more than about 50 miles from the next town.

[VulcanE]

In the course of my research I have found some hidden, powered (amplified) antennas available. If these work as advertised, that may be preferable to the whip on the tourpak.

Does anyone have any experience with these powered antennas?



When I first installed my fairing, I got one of those powered hidden antennas. I don't remember which brand, but it was the one Gadget rated as #1. It worked OK as long as I was close to Atlanta, but when I hit the mountains of N Georgia, E Tennessee, and W North Carolina, it didn't pick up doodley squat. That's when I went with the HD antenna. It picks up very well, just like I was in my truck. I'm not knocking the powered antennas, I just prefer the whip style.

[cactusjack]

In the course of my research I have found some hidden, powered (amplified) antennas available. If these work as advertised, that may be preferable to the whip on the tourpak.

Does anyone have any experience with these powered antennas?



When I first installed my fairing, I got one of those powered hidden antennas. I don't remember which brand, but it was the one Gadget rated as #1. It worked OK as long as I was close to Atlanta, but when I hit the mountains of N Georgia, E Tennessee, and W North Carolina, it didn't pick up doodley squat. That's when I went with the HD antenna. It picks up very well, just like I was in my truck. I'm not knocking the powered antennas, I just prefer the whip style.

This is the kind of feedback I'm looking for. On the V-twin forum, they seem to be ditching their HD whip antennas and going with something like this:

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p....rod/prd241 .htm (http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=241/category_id=517/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd241.htm)

Maybe that's because most of those bikes don't get much farther from home than the next bar. (Sorry, an easy shot, I had to take it).

If the difference between the whip and the hidden is that big, maybe I'll stick with the whip, even if it means drilling holes in my tourpak.

[radco]

When I first installed my fairing, I got one of those powered hidden antennas. I don't remember which brand, but it was the one Gadget rated as #1. It worked OK as long as I was close to Atlanta, but when I hit the mountains of N Georgia, E Tennessee, and W North Carolina, it didn't pick up doodley squat. That's when I went with the HD antenna. It picks up very well, just like I was in my truck. I'm not knocking the powered antennas, I just prefer the whip style.

This is the kind of feedback I'm looking for. On the V-twin forum, they seem to be ditching their HD whip antennas and going with something like this:

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p....rod/prd241 .htm (http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=241/category_id=517/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd241.htm)

Maybe that's because most of those bikes don't get much farther from home than the next bar. (Sorry, an easy shot, I had to take it).

If the difference between the whip and the hidden is that big, maybe I'll stick with the whip, even if it means drilling holes in my tourpak.
CJ, I was scanning E bay ans saw a relocation bracket for the whip.. Looks like it goes between the bag and fender,, Ill look at my Nomad tomorrow to see if I can fab a mount! but that is another choice instead of drilling the tour pack!

[cactusjack]

This is the kind of feedback I'm looking for. On the V-twin forum, they seem to be ditching their HD whip antennas and going with something like this:

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p....rod/prd241 .htm (http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=241/category_id=517/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd241.htm)

Maybe that's because most of those bikes don't get much farther from home than the next bar. (Sorry, an easy shot, I had to take it).

If the difference between the whip and the hidden is that big, maybe I'll stick with the whip, even if it means drilling holes in my tourpak.
CJ, I was scanning E bay ans saw a relocation bracket for the whip.. Looks like it goes between the bag and fender,, Ill look at my Nomad tomorrow to see if I can fab a mount! but that is another choice instead of drilling the tour pack!

My tourpak is pretty large, I doubt it would work for me. It overhangs the saddlebags quite a bit. I can handle drilling holes in the tourpak.

[hammer]

I looked at Tsukayu when I was in Sturgis and went with the WOC fairing. The fit and finish is very good and the stainless steel brackets are excellent. I am not sure I understand fiberglass as a preference as I have found it cracks easier and is "more" difficult to repair as with the HD trunks and fairings. THe WOC material is solid and I don't think you would have to drill cracks to stop them from running on you. The painter was impresssed enough with the quality he bought one for his RoadStar. I recently installed PolkAudio speakers and I am blown away by the sound quality. I did use foil over foam insulation behind the speaker install and I am going to install a Tune Trapper FM antenna inside the fairing later.

I have the HD King TourPak which has the left and right antenna mounts. I used an adapter from Sierra Electronics that converts the HD threads to standard 3/8" CB mounts, $10. A lot of HD riders have discovered this secret and gone to better non-HD antennas. I got a base loaded adjustable shorty whip from Radio Shack for $16 that screwed right on and used 12ft of coax run along the frame and into the box. The coax is best in 3ft. increments because of wave length. I used a standard coax connector inside the trunk, $6.

I used an SWR meter to adjust the antenna and it's a perfect match to the J&M 2003 CB mounted on my handle bar. I get better in and out than my friends Goldwing.

I looked at HD specific solutions and most were over priced and were not adjustable with a meter. The ones they sell to HD owners that are pre-adjusted are a bit of a joke.

If the trunk does not have any existing CB or AM/FM connections I would not drill the trunk. My friend and I mounted his shorty whip to a mount from under the trunk. Again, we used a base loaded adjustable CB antenna and adjusted with an SWR meter.

I will send pics CJ if you want.

[cactusjack]

I looked at Tsukayu when I was in Sturgis and went with the WOC fairing. The fit and finish is very good and the stainless steel brackets are excellent. I am not sure I understand fiberglass as a preference as I have found it cracks easier and is "more" difficult to repair as with the HD trunks and fairings. THe WOC material is solid and I don't think you would have to drill cracks to stop them from running on you. The painter was impresssed enough with the quality he bought one for his RoadStar. I recently installed PolkAudio speakers and I am blown away by the sound quality. I did use foil over foam insulation behind the speaker install and I am going to install a Tune Trapper FM antenna inside the fairing later.

I have the HD King TourPak which has the left and right antenna mounts. I used an adapter from Sierra Electronics that converts the HD threads to standard 3/8" CB mounts, $10. A lot of HD riders have discovered this secret and gone to better non-HD antennas. I got a base loaded adjustable shorty whip from Radio Shack for $16 that screwed right on and used 12ft of coax run along the frame and into the box. The coax is best in 3ft. increments because of wave length. I used a standard coax connector inside the trunk, $6.

I used an SWR meter to adjust the antenna and it's a perfect match to the J&M 2003 CB mounted on my handle bar. I get better in and out than my friends Goldwing.

I looked at HD specific solutions and most were over priced and were not adjustable with a meter. The ones they sell to HD owners that are pre-adjusted are a bit of a joke.

If the trunk does not have any existing CB or AM/FM connections I would not drill the trunk. My friend and I mounted his shorty whip to a mount from under the trunk. Again, we used a base loaded adjustable CB antenna and adjusted with an SWR meter.

I will send pics CJ if you want.

Thanks, but I am not interested in a CB antenna, since I have no plans to add a CB.

Maybe you can address a couple of concerns I have about the WOC fairing...

I know Tsukayu claims their fairing is compatible with HD accessories, like a bra, windscreens, windscreen trim, etc. I am guessing they mean it's compatible with the Electra Glide/Street Glide fairings, since they use the 3-bolt windscreen. Do you know if WOC is similarly compatible?

As soon as my state tax refund gets here, I am going to place an order. So in my process of elimination, I am getting kind of nit-picky. I looked at the installation instructions for the WOC yesterday, and they actually tell you to use tape to secure the stereo. That seems a little like "backwoods engineering" to me. What did you use to secure your stereo? Wouldn't you use the tabs in the security sleeve that comes with modern in-dash receivers?

I have a buddy who recently installed a Tsukayu on his 1700 Classic, so I have seen one up close. I have never seen a WOC fairing other than in pictures. I am relying on information from folks like you to assist me in my selection.

[psychocycle]

In the course of my research I have found some hidden, powered (amplified) antennas available. If these work as advertised, that may be preferable to the whip on the tourpak.

Does anyone have any experience with these powered antennas?


Hey CJ,

On Gadgets web site he has done a "study" of the various antennas and found that the amplified antenna is still not as good as the external antenna. Given your circumstances, I would go with an external and make sure you have a jack for your mp3 player where no reception is available.

Also, in a later post you question the tape method on the stereo in the install for the WOC fairing. I also thought that this was a "cheap" install situation. However, I did use the tape method but I elected to use "Gorilla" tape and so far so good. There are certain limitations to installation when using a one piece fairing rather than the inner and outer fairing set-ups. The stereo and speakers weigh more than the ABS fairing for the WOC. I'm not sure what the overall weight of the fiberglass fairing is but it has to be heavier than the ABS fairing.

Good luck on your selection and installation.

[cactusjack]

In the course of my research I have found some hidden, powered (amplified) antennas available. If these work as advertised, that may be preferable to the whip on the tourpak.

Does anyone have any experience with these powered antennas?


Hey CJ,

On Gadgets web site he has done a "study" of the various antennas and found that the amplified antenna is still not as good as the external antenna. Given your circumstances, I would go with an external and make sure you have a jack for your mp3 player where no reception is available.

Also, in a later post you question the tape method on the stereo in the install for the WOC fairing. I also thought that this was a "cheap" install situation. However, I did use the tape method but I elected to use "Gorilla" tape and so far so good. There are certain limitations to installation when using a one piece fairing rather than the inner and outer fairing set-ups. The stereo and speakers weigh more than the ABS fairing for the WOC. I'm not sure what the overall weight of the fiberglass fairing is but it has to be heavier than the ABS fairing.

Good luck on your selection and installation.

From what I've read, a fiberglass fairing weighs about 20 pounds. Have you seen any stress cracks or anything in the plastic from the weight of the stereo? Could a large nylon zip tie be used in place of the tape?

The stereo I am considering for whichever fairing I get has both a front aux-input and a USB port so I can connect my own music sources when I can't get a good FM signal.

[hammer]

CJ, I can't answer about the commonality with HD.
While the tape seems a little odd, it actually works fine.
WOC has new "flip" windshields like KlockWerks that are molded and fit very well.
The ABS construction is very sturdy. The painter is a body man and was impressed with the construction quality and so am I. I am picky too.
I don't understand the question about stress cracks. I have none and, if I did, I expect it would be easier to deal with than fiberglass. That was also confirmed by my painter/body man who does custom rods and knows fiberglass well.
The stereo install is just like a car. Slide in 2 keys and remove it. The marine enclosure flips up and down and is well thought out. There is no interference with my risers.

The pic is the install of the new PolkAudio db 521 speakers and the J&M CB install.

Sorry about the antenna, I was not sure it was AM/FM you were looking for but the HD to standard adapter still works out. My friend used that for his HD trunk install instead of the HD rig.

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab99/CrocHammer/KawaNowForum/PolkAudiodb521SpeakersJMCB.jpg

[cactusjack]

For those of you who have installed the Reckless fairing -

1. What kind of marine stereo cover did you use? Where did you buy it? Do you only need the flip-down cover, or do you need an enclosure "box" for the stereo unit? Any pictures?

2. Do any of you have pictures of the inner fairing mounted that shows the backside with the stereo, wiring, etc. installed?

[radco]

For those of you who have installed the Reckless fairing -

1. What kind of marine stereo cover did you use? Where did you buy it? Do you only need the flip-down cover, or do you need an enclosure "box" for the stereo unit? Any pictures?

2. Do any of you have pictures of the inner fairing mounted that shows the backside with the stereo, wiring, etc. installed?

CJ. GREAT questions,, Inquiring minds want to know :).. I am wondering the same thing..

[cactusjack]

Bump

[kudzufarmer]

Oops, I forgot to ask if anyone who has one of these fairings also has the CWI billet mount driving lights. I just want to make sure they are compatible.


1 vote for the Tsyaku.....I really am enjoying mine...I have the CWI lights and no problem with mounting the fairing

[kudzufarmer]

CJ, I was scanning E bay ans saw a relocation bracket for the whip.. Looks like it goes between the bag and fender,, Ill look at my Nomad tomorrow to see if I can fab a mount! but that is another choice instead of drilling the tour pack!

My tourpak is pretty large, I doubt it would work for me. It overhangs the saddlebags quite a bit. I can handle drilling holes in the tourpak.


I would think you could make some kind of a mounting plate out of a piece of flat plate aluminum or lite steel to mount either between the tourpack and the mounting plate or under the mounting plate for the tourpack....Scott do you have a wompus rack under your tourpack...you could mount the plate under the rack.....as it would be customized you could make it whatever length you need to clear your tourpack

[cactusjack]

My tourpak is pretty large, I doubt it would work for me. It overhangs the saddlebags quite a bit. I can handle drilling holes in the tourpak.


I would think you could make some kind of a mounting plate out of a piece of flat plate aluminum or lite steel to mount either between the tourpack and the mounting plate or under the mounting plate for the tourpack....Scott do you have a wompus rack under your tourpack...you could mount the plate under the rack.....as it would be customized you could make it whatever length you need to clear your tourpack

Yes, my tourpak sits on a Wompus rack.

[kudzufarmer]

I would think you could make some kind of a mounting plate out of a piece of flat plate aluminum or lite steel to mount either between the tourpack and the mounting plate or under the mounting plate for the tourpack....Scott do you have a wompus rack under your tourpack...you could mount the plate under the rack.....as it would be customized you could make it whatever length you need to clear your tourpack

Yes, my tourpak sits on a Wompus rack.


mine does too and i was just trying to visualize how you could mount the antenna on a piece of plate under the Wompus rack and use the bolts that hold the trunk on to mount the antenna plate....I have about 3.5 hrs to drive today so let me think about it for a little while on the drive and I will let you know if I come up with something. 1 thing that does come to mind is that if you use rubber isolators under the tourpack to the mount to the rack, you might could use a piece of plate in place the thickness of the isolator between the trunk and the mounting plate and then mount the antenna to that. I will think a little more on it.

[ringadingh]

I doubt that any fairing weighs around twenty pounds, Ive never actually weighed mine, but Im guessing its only about 6-7 lbs complete with stereo and speakers. Even a HD fairing with a complete set of gauges and stereo should be under 10lbs.

[cactusjack]

I doubt that any fairing weighs around twenty pounds, Ive never actually weighed mine, but Im guessing its only about 6-7 lbs complete with stereo and speakers. Even a HD fairing with a complete set of gauges and stereo should be under 10lbs.

It's possible that 20 pounds may have been the shipping weight. Not sure.

[chuckster131]

I bet my is over 10lbs more towards the 20 mark. They are pretty heavy.

fairing empty in/out 4lbs
Brackets mount/radio 5lbs
Stereo 3lbs
Speakers (4) 5lbs
Misc. 3lbs

20lbs ! Just a rough est.

[hammer]

Thanks for the link Ringadingh. I have an HD King TourPak with the am/fm antenna stud and fitting inside. This unit should, basically mount up and plug in. What did you have on your trunk?