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[Uncle Fester]

Playing with the idea of putting a fairing on my FLHRSE5. A bolt-on would be much cheaper and easier, and I may go that route, but the seldom look 'quite right' on a RK, at least the ones I've seen. I'd rather go whole-hog and do a SG or RG conversion. Best I can figure, parts and paint would run me around $5K, so not cheap, but I'd probably come out better than I would trading in.

Only thing I don't know is the feasibility of it. I don't know anything about building wiring harnesses, or what the CVO bikes have, and whether it'd be feasible to plug in fairing gauges and integrate an HK stereo and speakers with the existing Road King sound system.

Clearly, it's a varsity problem, but how varsity is it? It's beyond my tools and talents, but is this something a service department could work with me on?

[North Georgia Hawg]

It would be pretty extensive and a lot of work, I think. Given enough money, anything can be done. Maybe you could do, or have it done, for $5K... hard to tell until you start planning and add up the cost of all of the parts... and labor for things you would have done, such as getting a fairing painted to match.

The RK harness is very different from the harness in a fairing-equipped bike... just take a look at the wiring diagrams in the manual. You would need to provide all of the wiring for gauges, speakers, etc. And what about the speedo, indicator lights, and ignition in the tank? What would you put in the speedo opening in the fairing... another speedo? Lots of things like that to consider.

If you try this, good luck. But honestly, why would you want to go to all of the trouble and expense to even attempt it? The RK is a windshield bike... thats the appeal of it. If you want a bike with an integrated fairing, it would be much easier - and probably less expensive - to simply trade your SERK for a SESG or SERG.

Ken

[Twolanerider]

If I understand correctly you're saying you don't want to use one of the detachable aftermarket fairings that can sit on the front of a Road King (if so I agree, the stance of the things always look a bit off to me too) but instead want to do a factory mounted original fairing?  If so it's not that difficult a task.  No special tools needed. 

You'll not be converting the original Road King harness though.  To get everything you need inside the fairing for radio, gauges, lights, etc you'll simply get an Electra Glide main harness.

It will take awhile.  I've done the conversion in a long day before but had all the parts in hand off a donor.  No way I'd do that in a dealer's shop though.  They'd nickel and dime you over all the small parts and fasteners and the labor would be horrendous.

[CVO Brian]

Fester, Gotta agree with ken here 100%. I have built several custom Baggers both SG and RG and a couple RK's. To do the conversion from Rk to Sg or RG is probably the most difficult in terms of wiring, Handlebar change out etc. I love the look of the RG but just do not like the fixed fairing and air intake I get on the road. Maybe it's my size but have ridden several for long distances and just not a fan of the ride. Love my Batwings though. Look is not as cool in my opinion to the shark nose but the ride and handling is better for me. Your bike is beautiful but I have never been a RK fan at all, with that being said, Rk's have a huge following and someone out there will love that bike.

Trade it in and save the aggravation of that kind of project. The money is going to be about the same. If you trade to the dealer you will also save the tax money. I've heard that dealer up by you Academac HD is pretty fair. Good Luck brother and let us know what you decide.

[07CVO.RK]

I put a RG fairing on my 2007 CVO Road King this past winter. Absolutely love the bike now.

[brosen101]

Playing with the idea of putting a fairing on my FLHRSE5. A bolt-on would be much cheaper and easier, and I may go that route, but the seldom look 'quite right' on a RK, at least the ones I've seen. I'd rather go whole-hog and do a SG or RG conversion. Best I can figure, parts and paint would run me around $5K, so not cheap, but I'd probably come out better than I would trading in.

Only thing I don't know is the feasibility of it. I don't know anything about building wiring harnesses, or what the CVO bikes have, and whether it'd be feasible to plug in fairing gauges and integrate an HK stereo and speakers with the existing Road King sound system.

Clearly, it's a varsity problem, but how varsity is it? It's beyond my tools and talents, but is this something a service department could work with me on?

I've seen this done and when done correctly, it looks great.  I just sold my '03 CVO RK but for the past year of owning it I pondered the same task.  The thing that held me back, of all things was the task of painting.  Unfortunately the '03 paint scheme involved a gold colored painted frame, which I was wanting to change while adding the batwing.  To change the frame color would have meant a complete teardown of the bike.  I'm all for laughs and giggles, but no way did I intend to do that.  Had I gone that route, it would have been too tempting of an opportunity to upgrade the "might as well's;" time and money I don't have.

Wiring, while time consuming, is possible.  As someone said earlier, you can do anything you want at a cost!  I came to the conclusion that the bike is what it is, and trying to change it to something else didn't make sense, at least in my situation.  In hindsight, I'm glad I left it alone and sold it to someone that appreciated the RK for what it is in it's "natural" state.  No right or wrong answer whether or not to make this sort of mod, but yes, it can absolutely be done.  

Please update us on what you decided to do!
Brian

[brosen101]

I put a RG fairing on my 2007 CVO Road King this past winter. Absolutely love the bike now.

Beautiful!!!!

[Uncle Fester]

Damn, man, that does look nice. Color me envious. 

My previous bike was a Road Glide, and I miss the fairing. Not a matter of deciding if I like the looks or performance, just trying to identify technical hurdles. As for trading in, don't think I haven't thunk it. But, none of the 09-current CVO Sharks really ring my chimes. Fell in lust with the Road King the moment i saw it. I just want some more wind protection for the long-hauls, and I'd like it to look good, too.

From what I've gathered, if it was a non-stereo'ed Road King, this would be relatively easy (not cheap, but relatively easy). It'd just be a matter of getting the parts and harness for an equivalent-year SG/Ultra.

Difficulty is figuring out if it's possible to use the existing speakers and integrate them with an H-K head unit, and if so, how. Or rather, if it can be done before the money burn speed hits 'ludicrous'.

In touch with Glenn at Woodys Fairings and Joe at Xtreme Dimension for the paint, may go that route. At least I know that can be done, how much it'll cost, and I can do it myself in my garage! Just hope it doesn't wind up looking like a goofy hat on a racehorse, you know?

[07CVO.RK]

I too was asked "why don't you just trade it in?". But when I considered what I had invested in the bike already, including motor work versus what I could expect on a trade in, it just didn't make sense. I bought most of the parts used, including a few from this site. I bought the wiring harness new and also the LED headlights. As for the paint, I did a lot of research and ended up choosing Bigfatys (aka paint by gene) and he did an awesome job. I plan on sending him a set of saddlebags and tour pak that I am getting done to match my wide's CVO Convertible. So bottom line is, if that's what you want then go for it. You won't regret it.

[Roylfrancis]

Check out Dirtybirdconcepts.com they have a Road King to Road Glide kit.  I think it runs around 2,000 if I am not mistaken.


Roy

[05Train]

There's a guy on HDF who converted his Street Glide to a Road Glide.   The thread was bumped yesterday or today.  I think it cost him about 4 grand.   


Sent from my iPad, probably while I'm pooping.

[Cvostu]

I would agree with CVObrian.    Trade it and get the fairing bike of your choice.  I think you are going to hurt the value by converting it into something that it really isn't.  And in your heart you will always know what it is.  Plus all that work to convert it.  Trade it and go riding.   I know I would never be happy with that.   Good luck what ever you decide to do.   

[07CVO.RK]

Check out Dirtybirdconcepts.com they have a Road King to Road Glide kit.  I think it runs around 2,000 if I am not mistaken.


Roy

 

I would NOT buy a single thing from this place. John Shope is an arrogant prick. Customer service absolutely sucks.

[FlaHeatWave]

Unless you had a donor bike, You might consider putting speakers in the gauge holes. I think that I would consider a custom shop instead of a dealer.

Years ago I saw one of the gold '03 CVORKs with a batwing on it, it appeared that no expense was spared, it was Awesome!!

[Sea Biscuit]

Well, this looks good to me: