Memphis Shades Gauntlet Fairing Assembly for Harley-Davidson Dyna and Sportster Models (1986–2021)
Elevate your motorcycle’s front-end styling while slashing high-speed torso fatigue with the Memphis Shades Gauntlet Fairing, engineered specifically for Harley-Davidson Dyna and Sportster models spanning model years 1986 through 2021. Designed to strike the perfect balance between minimal overall footprint and maximum rider wind protection, the Gauntlet provides a lean, aggressive quarter-fairing aesthetic inspired by West Coast club-style baggers and performance V-Twins.
Riding a stripped-down Dyna or Sportster at highway speeds subjects your chest and shoulders to constant high-velocity wind blast, creating fatigue during daily commutes and weekend road trips. Large touring fairings often look bulky and disrupt the nimble handling of narrow-glide and mid-glide front ends. The Memphis Shades Gauntlet fairing solves this issue completely by combining an aerodynamically sculpted Lucite body with an integrated smoked windshield, deflecting harsh turbulence over the rider’s helmet without adding unnecessary weight or bulk.
Why Choose the Memphis Shades Gauntlet Fairing?
Engineered for urban split-laning, aggressive carving, and long-distance highway cruising, the Gauntlet Fairing represents the industry standard in modular quarter-fairing design. Manufactured in the USA from durable, aviation-grade Lucite acrylic, this unit features a smooth gloss black outer finish ready to mount out of the box or easily color-matched by custom paint shops.
| MEMPHIS SHADES GAUNTLET FAIRING SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Fitment | 1986–2021 Harley-Davidson Dyna & Sportster XL Models (Narrow / Mid-Glide Front Ends) |
| Fairing Material | High-Grade Lucite Acrylic (Class-A Gloss Black Finish) |
| Windshield Tint | Integrated Factory Smoke Windscreen Section |
| Mounting System Compatibility | Memphis Shades Exclusive Trigger-Lock Mounting Hardware (Sold Separately) |
| Headlight Cutout Diameter | Precision 5-3/4″ Headlight Clearance Opening |
| Country of Origin | Proudly Made in the USA |
| Warranty Coverage | Memphis Shades Limited Manufacturer Warranty |
1. Aerodynamic Wind Deflection & Torso Protection
The angled stance of the Memphis Shades Gauntlet is visually sharp and aerodynamically functional. The inner smooth shell scoops around the headlight bucket and sweeps upward, channeling incoming air pressure over the rider’s chest and helmet. This drastically reduces wind drag on your arms, allowing for a far more relaxed, stress-free riding posture during long-distance miles.
2. Class-A Gloss Black Finish & Paintability
Out of the box, the Gauntlet features a deep, factory-quality gloss black finish on its exterior body. It looks great paired with stock painted tanks and fenders right away, but its high-grade Lucite structure also serves as an ideal base for custom painters looking to apply color-matched OEM paint, pinstriping, or custom graphics.
3. Seamless Trigger-Lock Quick Detach System
Pairing the Gauntlet with Memphis Shades’ patented Trigger-Lock Mounting Kit gives you absolute versatility. The tool-less mounting system lets you remove or reinstall the fairing in seconds. Swap from a full wind-deflecting fairing for your morning highway commute to an exposed front-end setup for evening bike nights with just a quick release of the spring-loaded glass-filled nylon latches.
Memphis Shades Gauntlet vs. Factory Windshields & Heavy Touring Fairings
Upgrading your Dyna or Sportster front end with the Memphis Shades Gauntlet Fairing delivers clear performance and aesthetic advantages over bulky windshields and standard trim setup:
| Performance Attribute | Standard OEM Clear Windshield | Memphis Shades Gauntlet Fairing |
|---|---|---|
| Style Profile | Traditional cruiser clear glass look | Aggressive West Coast club-style quarter-fairing profile |
| Wind & Turbulence Management | Can cause high helmet buffeting & uplift | Smoothed laminar airflow designed to reduce helmet buffeting |
| Weight & Handling Impact | Heavy metal mounting frames affect steering | Ultra-lightweight Lucite body preserves quick steering response |
| On/Off Flexibility | Requires tools and time to unbolt brackets | Instant tool-less removal with Trigger-Lock latches |
Comprehensive Vehicle Fitment Guide (1986–2021)
The Memphis Shades Gauntlet Fairing is engineered to fit 5-3/4″ headlight setups across 39mm and 49mm front forks on Harley-Davidson Dyna and Sportster families from 1986 through 2021.
Guaranteed Fitment Applications:
- Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 / 1200 / Forty-Eight / Iron (XL Models): 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
- Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide / Custom / Sport (FXD / FXDC / FXDX): 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob (FXDB): 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
- Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider (FXDL / FXDLS): 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
(Note: Requires model-specific Memphis Shades Trigger-Lock Mounting Kit for installation. Headlight extension block may be required on select models for optimal fitment flush to the fairing cutout.)
Step-by-Step Installation Overview
Installing your Memphis Shades Gauntlet Fairing using the Trigger-Lock mounting system is simple and straightforward.
Required Tools:
- Hex key Allen wrench set (Imperial)
- Open-end wrench set
- Microfiber cloth
Installation Breakdown:
Step 1: Install Fork Clamp Anchors
- Park the motorcycle on a level surface and clean the upper and lower fork tubes around the triple tree area.
- Attach the model-specific Memphis Shades Trigger-Lock fork clamps to the fork legs, tightening the bolts loosely to allow vertical adjustment.
Step 2: Position Headlight Extension Block (If Required)
- If your motorcycle’s headlight sits recessed inside the triple trees, install the Memphis Shades headlight extension block to bring the headlight forward.
- Verify that the headlight rim extends flush with the front lip of the fairing opening.
Step 3: Mount the Gauntlet Fairing Assembly
- Align the mounting plates pre-attached to the inner Gauntlet fairing body with the stainless-steel anchoring pins on the fork clamps.
- Push the fairing back onto the pins until the spring-loaded Trigger-Lock latches click into place.
Step 4: Final Tightening & Alignment Check
- Check steering clearance by turning handlebars fully lock-to-lock left and right to ensure fairing doesn’t touch the gas tank or turn signals.
- Torque all fork clamp hardware to recommended torque specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the Gauntlet Fairing include mounting hardware?
A: No. Memphis Shades fairings are sold separately from the mounting kits to allow riders to select the exact Trigger-Lock kit matched to their bike’s fork tube diameter (39mm or 49mm) and finish choice (Polished or Black).
Q: Can I detach the smoked windshield section from the fairing body?
A: No. The smoked windshield and black lower body section of the Gauntlet are factory-bonded as a solid, unified unit to ensure structural stability and eliminate vibration rattles.
Q: Will this fairing work with stock turn signals?
A: On most models, yes. However, if your turn signals are mounted directly to the triple tree clamps, you may need to relocate them using turn signal relocation brackets for proper fairing clearance.
Q: Where are Memphis Shades fairings manufactured?
A: All Memphis Shades products, including the Gauntlet Fairing, are designed, engineered, and manufactured in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Final Verdict: The Definitive Club-Style Fairing for Dynas and Sportsters
If you want to transform your motorcycle’s front end with iconic club-style aesthetic while enjoying real wind reduction on long highway stretches, the Memphis Shades Gauntlet Fairing is the ultimate add-on for your 1986–2021 Harley-Davidson Dyna or Sportster. Ride harder, look sharper, and conquer the road in comfort.
Upgrade your V-Twin’s front end today. Order your Memphis Shades Gauntlet Fairing now!
