NomaGlide build

[Monkeyman]

Might as well start a thread about the Tour Glide fairing. I'd add it to the mods thread I already started but this is a huge project all by itself and needs it's own thread.

A brief history first. I bought an early '80s HD Tour Glide fairing a few weeks ago. Total disaster as it was in much poorer condition than I expected. There are some early '80s only TG fairing parts (specifically the built in turn signals) that are damn near impossible to find and rediculously expensive when you can find them. One of the turn signals was damaged and the fairing in general was "less than perfect". Too much work to do so....I bought an '89 TG fairing (which has separate turn signals). I've been buying other misc parts I'll need since and have most of what I need minus (1) headlight, a fuse block and a custom made main bracket.

Today I spent a bit of time at the local hardware store looking for all the little screws, nuts and bolts to attach everything. Less than a win as a few of the screws, etc were wrong but not a complete fail as I got enough to start mocking things up.

I've decided to use the old fairing to mock things up as I'll have to drill a few extra holes while moving parts around. Once I know exactly where I need things, I'll transfer the measurements to the good fairing and sell the old one. Even if I only get $50 or $100, I'll still be satisfied.

Here's a pic of the old fairing bolted to the crash bars (as HD did).



As you can see, it's in the VERY early stages. The zip ties are to keep it level and to keep it off the fender. Don't mind the tape. That's what I used to mark where all the places I needed to fiberglass. I don't have the same problem with the new fairing.



Here's a pic of the old windshield just sitting on the old fairing. I'll have a new windshield made the same height (16" I think). I'd like to find a recurve but can't find anyone who makes one.



The fairing needs to come back about 2" but I'll need to make sure there's enough room with the forks turned full lock. As it is, it's quite a stretch to where the radio will be. Also, the glove boxes won't open fully with the handle bars straight. A nice set of ape hangers should fix that nicely as that should make the upright part of the bars straighter. (It'll also solve that outstretched arms, bending over problem.)

I hope to work on it a bit more tomorrow. I'd like to get the rest of the bolts needed (never knew the lower mounts took shoulder bolts) and the fairing moved back over the weekend aswell as measuring for the center mount. Once that's done, I can take the fairing off and remove the tank in preparation for the rest of the winter mods and wiring for the fairing.

[Loafer]

Looks like a good start, don't get discouraged.

[Top Cat]

Good luck with the mods Chris.
You sure got more patience than I have.

[1badbagger]

There was a guy on VROC who had a TG fairing on his nomad. He painted everything matte black. Looked good if you like that style fairing. Nice work so far.

[Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by 1badbagger

There was a guy on VROC who had a TG fairing on his nomad. He painted everything matte black. Looked good if you like that style fairing. Nice work so far.

I think that would be Kick (RIP). I think he he had a Drifter with Nomad bags. Still looked good.

[krash]

Did you take any pictures of the inside of the fairing? I would like to see what you come up with to mount this beast!

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

Good luck with the mods Chris.
You sure got more patience than I have.

Every board needs it's "chronic complainer"

[cnc]

Looks interesting, I have a feeling the roundness of the fairing will complement the nomad bags nicely.

[Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by krash

Did you take any pictures of the inside of the fairing? I would like to see what you come up with to mount this beast!

I'll basically mount it the same way HD did. There are 2 brackets that go from the bottom of the fairing (one on each side) to the crash bars. You can see those in the pics. (I'll have to move them a couple inches towards the front of the fairing to close the gap between the fairing and the tank.) Then there is a central mount that goes from the middle of the fairing (inside) and bolts to a couple of holes (on the HD) right behind the steering head. I'll have to have my own bracket made and drill a couple of holes behind the steering head through the top frame tube.

The lower brackets are circled in red. The X is where the main mount will bolt to the inner part of the fairing and I marked a couple places on the upper frame tube where I'll drill holes for the mount to bolt to. (Through the tube, not on top.)

[Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by cnc

Looks interesting, I have a feeling the roundness of the fairing will complement the nomad bags nicely.

I agree. I've always liked frame mounted fairings and especially the "sharknose" (Tour Glide and Road Glide) Harley Davidson ones. They look good on the HDs even with the square bags. I think the rounded bags on the Nomad will make it look even better.

[krash]

Hmmmm.... Looking at your picture could you use the tank mounting bolt and put a bracket there? Somthing like a saddle or upside down U between the tank mount and the frame. Then you would not have to drill new holes.

[ringadingh]

Thats a big project to take on, it will keep you busy for quite a while.

[Monkeyman]

Ring --- I have a few other misc winter projects on the bike (intake, coasters, etc) but this is the main winter project. As long as I get it done in time to ride first thing in the spring, I'm ok. :)

[Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by krash

Hmmmm.... Looking at your picture could you use the tank mounting bolt and put a bracket there? Somthing like a saddle or upside down U between the tank mount and the frame. Then you would not have to drill new holes.

Good idea but I don't think it would work. Here's my idea for the main bracket. 3"x2" aluminum (or thin steel) tubing with a plate welded to the end to bolt to the fairing. Two pieces of the tubing would extend back to the frame mounting points. Two real reasons for this idea. First is strength. The fairing probably weighs 30 pounds and there's alot of stress on it from the wind, bumps, etc. In theory, this should be able to support the fairing all by itself. And second, for the wiring. I want to run the wiring through the center of the mount, through a hole I'll drill in the plate welded to the end. I think this will lend itself to a clean look.

[Monkeyman]

Got the tank off this morning. (What a PITA! I understand the 2x4 under the rear of the tank now.) I took some pics of my idea of a mounting bracket. I still need to get the correct angle for the front of the bracket as it will be welded to a plate that will bolt to the fairing. Thoughts?

I also removed the plastic covers at the front of the frame (cosmetic, I assume). Do you think the top bolt for those would be strong enough to be used as at least one of the mounting bolts? (I'd only have to drill one hole through the frame if those would work.)

While I was in a tinkering mood, I removed both dog bowls and the misc crap under the left one.