1981 GS850 - I want to remove this huge fairing

[Guest]

Okay so this fairing has got to go: http://i.imgur.com/AnSqLRp.jpg

It rattles, it's heavy and the mounting components make it very difficult to get the valve cover off. I run without a windsheild on my other bike so I won't miss thing awful thing.

I have the fork brackets from a 1980 GS850GL, and the fairing has the headlamp assembly. I'm missing the headlamp housing, so I guess I'll need that. I'll need to find signal brackets too, because the ones I have are attached to the fairing.

I'm lazy and I don't really want to take the forks off to fit the brackets, is there something else I can rig up? Maybe some cool looking dual headlight system that I can bolt on?

[Grimly]

There are a few aftermarket headlamp mounting brackets that will split and re-assemble around the fork tube to allow exactly that.

[Steve]

If you have brackets from an 850L, you will need an L headlight, too.

If you want to use the headlight (and bucket) that is in the fairing, you will need to get some G brackets.

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[thewozza]

If you want to use the headlight (and bucket) that is in the fairing, you will need to get some G brackets.

Hmm. There's no bucket inside the fairing, just the headlamp attached directly. I'll have to hit up the wrecker to find something suitable, and failing that I'll buy something new.

[Steve]

Look carefully, there IS a bucket. There HAS to be, there are no brackets on the headlight itself, it sits in the bucket.

On the bottom side of the chrome light bezel is a tab that you need to push to release the bezel. Push it, give the bezel a short turn, it will pop off. What is left is your bucket. It can be used with a set of OEM headlight ears (brackets), I have done that a few times, myself.

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[Grimly]

Looks like a car headlamp bucket in that - seen that before.

[thewozza]

I went aftermarket and got a headlamp and brackets for $100. Looks great!

Now I've got this big old fairing sitting in the carport. It's yard cleanup week where I am so I'll put it by the side of the house and maybe someone creative will do something with it.

[mikerophone]

I went aftermarket and got a headlamp and brackets for $100. Looks great!

I'll be doing the same thing soon - what aftermarket headlamp and bracket did you go for and could you post some pics or links?