Topic: Fairing Lowers (Read 8819 times)

07 CVO · « **on:** May 01, 2008, 02:26:43 PM »

I have heard many theories on lowers and all have some validity, and just wondering what most prefer for their own riding.

Mark

DESERTBEAR54 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2008, 02:31:54 PM »

With the issues of this 110 motor getting hot especially that aft cylinder I pulled my lowers off and boy did my performance get better. She runs stronger and I have no pinging anymore from heat buildup. My SEUC will always have its lowers off. It reminds me of the days when I had my Roadking!!

Hugh Janis · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:12:20 PM »

where I ride there is no such thing as traffic. I keep mine on. It's nice when getting caught in a quick rain that just the knees get wet.

Besides, I'm too damn lazy to take them off and they'd likely get scratched up or kicked around by someone when I'm gone on the bike anyhow.

Boatman · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:14:25 PM »

Quote from: Jester Wisperer on May 01, 2008, 03:12:20 PM

where I ride there is no such thing as traffic. I keep mine on. It's nice when getting caught in a quick rain that just the knees get wet.

Besides, I'm too damn lazy to take them off and they'd likely get scratched up or kicked around by someone when I'm gone on the bike anyhow.

I'm with Jim.

Fired00d · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:20:16 PM »

Mine stay on year round. Agree w/Jim and Bob.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

naitram · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:21:56 PM »

i think i only took mine of once, it was while the Fairing and TP were off. looked funny them on

grandpadoc · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:29:02 PM »

On the SE Roadglide the lowers don't vent very well and the heat is intense, so I take them off when the weather changes. I do like them when its cold though, makes a big diffenence. Doc

Hoist! · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:29:16 PM »

Quote from: naitram on May 01, 2008, 03:21:56 PM

i think i only took mine of once, it was while the Fairing and TP were off. looked funny them on

I took them off and never put em on again. Can't find em now. Oh yeah, never even had em to take off in the first place! And I don't even miss em!

Hoist!

BIGDOG · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:31:52 PM »

I leave mine on , looks odd with them off.

Fired00d · « **Reply #9 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:33:28 PM »

Quote from: Hoist! on May 01, 2008, 03:29:16 PM

I took them off and never put em on again. Can't find em now. Oh yeah, never even had em to take off in the first place! And I don't even miss em!

Hoist!

Ummm, your pic below and you aren't Beavis.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Hoist! · « **Reply #10 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:34:42 PM »

Quote from: Fired00d on May 01, 2008, 03:33:28 PM

Ummm, your pick below and you aren't Beavis.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Hehe! Good one d00d!

Hoist!

Hugh Janis · « **Reply #11 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:35:50 PM »

Quote from: BIGDOG on May 01, 2008, 03:31:52 PM

I leave mine on , looks odd with them off.

Trick is to take them BOTH off. Removing one is odd, removing two is even.

07 CVO · « **Reply #12 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:41:03 PM »

I had mine off for about three weeks last summer, and I didn't get any better oil temp readings plus I think the SEUC looks awkward with the highway pegs on the engine guard without the lowers. So mine have been on ever since

Mark

HogBreath · « **Reply #13 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:42:30 PM »

I'd take mine off this time of year...IF I had my bike..sighs..I miss that girl.

Fired00d · « **Reply #14 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:46:25 PM »

Ken,
You getting to know the SEVRod better during the down time of the SEUC?

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

07 CVO · « **Reply #15 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:48:40 PM »

Quote from: HogBreath on May 01, 2008, 03:42:30 PM

I'd take mine off this time of year...IF I had my bike..sighs..I miss that girl.

Hey I know how you feel Mine was in the shop last year for almost two months

Mark

J-Carr · « **Reply #16 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:50:33 PM »

I've had a Classic in the past and an 95" Ultra with no vents. It was only a little hotter on the Ultra with the lowers then the Classic so now with the vented lowers and the fairing deflectors that allow me to direct the airflow I don't see an advantage to taking them off. Besides... I'm anal retentive and need the glove boxes for my gloves, spare helmet cord, EX pass and sunglass holders.

Ride Safe,
J-Carr

HogBreath · « **Reply #17 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:59:22 PM »

Quote from: Fired00d on May 01, 2008, 03:46:25 PM

Ken,
You getting to know the SEVRod better during the down time of the SEUC?

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

I've put several hundred miles on it. it rides great, but, it's just not made for long trips like the bagger. I love it, but, it'll never replace the SEUC! Ya know?

07 CVO · « **Reply #18 on:** May 01, 2008, 03:59:48 PM »

Quote from: J-Carr on May 01, 2008, 03:50:33 PM

I've had a Classic in the past and an 95" Ultra with no vents. It was only a little hotter on the Ultra with the lowers then the Classic so now with the vented lowers and the fairing deflectors that allow me to direct the airflow I don't see an advantage to taking them off. Besides... I'm anal retentive and need the glove boxes for my gloves, spare helmet cord, EX pass and sunglass holders.

Ride Safe,
J-Carr

I know what you mean, I use the boxes in the lowers for small stuff too, plus my DoD sticker is on the vent of the lower. I need that to get to work without a hassel of getting a temp pass.

Mark

Fired00d · « **Reply #19 on:** May 01, 2008, 04:02:48 PM »

Quote from: HogBreath on May 01, 2008, 03:59:22 PM

I've put several hundred miles on it. it rides great, but, it's just not made for long trips like the bagger. I love it, but, it'll never replace the SEUC! Ya know?

I understand that it's a world of difference. Hopefully your wait will not be to much longer.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

JCZ · « **Reply #20 on:** May 01, 2008, 05:23:44 PM »

Quote from: DESERTBEAR54 on May 01, 2008, 02:31:54 PM

With the issues of this 110 motor getting hot especially that aft cylinder I pulled my lowers off and boy did my performance get better. She runs stronger and I have no pinging anymore from heat buildup. My SEUC will always have its lowers off. It reminds me of the days when I had my Roadking!!

So are you selling them, then?

What are you asking for them?

Trapperdog · « **Reply #21 on:** May 01, 2008, 07:17:24 PM »

Got speakers in mine so they won't be coming off. Before the speakers they just accumulated junk. Now the junk is in the 3 winshield bags. I don't like junk in my saddle bags so I guess I will have to keep the windshield bags. Love the speakers in the lowers though!

MJZ · « **Reply #22 on:** May 01, 2008, 08:11:27 PM »

Should be another choice in the pole: keep a second bike without lowers for those really hot dog days of summer. I agree with those that said the bike looks funny without them and I too am too lazy to take them off.

grc · « **Reply #23 on:** May 01, 2008, 09:13:26 PM »

With the vented lowers, I can't see any good reason to remove them. I get plenty of air flow while moving, and when I'm not moving they have no affect one way or the other. It is nice to have a little protection for the shin bones after all those years of painful contusions from bugs or road debris, and getting caught in the rain is less of a PITA when your boots don't fill up with water thrown up from the road.

Jerry

aushog · « **Reply #24 on:** May 01, 2008, 09:48:57 PM »

I haven't been through a summer yet, but winter here can be hotter than summer some places. Heat seems OK with the vents open.

I miss the look of the heritage, but I sure don't miss the rocks in the shins!

Glove boxes? oh yeah, i forget they have glove boxes. Such a pita snapping the covers closed, I never use them. Anybody else have that problem?

Serkcus · « **Reply #25 on:** May 01, 2008, 09:56:56 PM »

Serk doesn't have lowers, but had to vote on way in here.

In fact no uppers on her either.

Not telling which catagorie I tainted.

wenchal · « **Reply #26 on:** May 01, 2008, 11:21:20 PM »

I like the look and the storage for little things but mine are coming off, probably in another 2-3 weeks. I like them on but TX heat is just to much.

LRebel · « **Reply #27 on:** May 01, 2008, 11:26:15 PM »

Bought my bike - rode it home and took the lowers off that same day. Waxed the lowers, wrapped them in old towels and stored them on the top shelf of a closet. The 100 mile ride home in July was enough for me. Big difference with the lowers off - much cooler for me (besides, I like the looks without the lowers....without the lowers, it's not really a full dresser, right Howie

)

I have a set of the HD snap on vinyl lowers I carry in my tour pak. I can snap them on if it is cold or the roads are wet and then pull them off when out on a trip and store them in the bottom of my tour pak.

Capo · « **Reply #28 on:** May 02, 2008, 07:21:46 AM »

Quote from: LRebel on May 01, 2008, 11:26:15 PM

Bought my bike - rode it home and took the lowers off that same day. Waxed the lowers, wrapped them in old towels and stored them on the top shelf of a closet. The 100 mile ride home in July was enough for me. Big difference with the lowers off - much cooler for me (besides, I like the looks without the lowers....without the lowers, it's not really a full dresser, right Howie )

I have a set of the HD snap on vinyl lowers I carry in my tour pak. I can snap them on if it is cold or the roads are wet and then pull them off when out on a trip and store them in the bottom of my tour pak.

Too Early to decide if they stay for the Summer. I appreciate they have vents-seems the 95th anniversary didn't which was the only other EG I ever rode. I have a pair of soft-snap on if I do take the hard lowers off for bad weather, from my SERK. The do make my highway pegs a PITA to be where my short legs need them.

Hugh Janis · « **Reply #29 on:** May 02, 2008, 07:39:36 AM »

Quote from: aushog on May 01, 2008, 09:48:57 PM

Glove boxes? oh yeah, i forget they have glove boxes. Such a pita snapping the covers closed, I never use them. Anybody else have that problem?

Yup. I don't use mine either. e-glide goodies makes a replacement door. If I get more into trips I'll replace them.
http://www.jpcycles.com/productgroup.aspx?GID=CF3C2D6A-BC81-4913-B78B-B8ED3BF9852B

RedDevil · « **Reply #30 on:** May 02, 2008, 08:50:41 AM »

I like the looks of them on the SEUC, plus with the vents, they provide plenty of airflow when moving...like someone else said earlier, it doesn't matter if you have them on or off when you're stopped. I like the protection that they provide. So they stay on all the time.

scottt · « **Reply #31 on:** May 02, 2008, 07:18:10 PM »

I bought the quick release for my lowers and the storage bag from Harley. I love the bike with the lowers off. I will leave them off during the summer months, even for long trips. I think the bike looks better without the lowers as well.

Scott

JCZ · « **Reply #32 on:** May 02, 2008, 07:26:22 PM »

Quote from: Jester Wisperer on May 02, 2008, 07:39:36 AM

Yup. I don't use mine either. e-glide goodies makes a replacement door. If I get more into trips I'll replace them.
http://www.jpcycles.com/productgroup.aspx?GID=CF3C2D6A-BC81-4913-B78B-B8ED3BF9852B

Those are the glove box covers that I use. In the winter time, I keep my rain coat in one side and my rain pants in the other side. In the summer I use it for anything from CD storage, to power cord storage, ipod, etc. etc. With the locking doors, they're much more usable than the rubber flaps with the snaps.

WVULTRA · « **Reply #33 on:** May 02, 2008, 09:32:16 PM »

Have put 19k on the Ultra, and have never had the lowers off. Been in some 100+ deg southern wx going to the Keys, and thought the engine was receiving sufficient cooling with the vents open. But, I do have her cooled down with the SERT.

IMO, with the heat these '07/'08 Ultras are producing, especially the 110" CVOs, I would definitely yank them off if riding a stock bike. Also think H-D came out with the quick disconnect kit just for that purpose.

cash338 · « **Reply #34 on:** May 03, 2008, 01:19:15 AM »

Too hot down here in TX. Took them off and didn't look back. But kept them in case there might be a really cold ride sometime....Scot

Steve_G · « **Reply #35 on:** May 03, 2008, 09:46:35 AM »

I keep 'em on and put my mp3 player in the R hand glove box. One thing I like about having them on is that at freeway speeds, the wind isn't trying to blow my feet off the floor boards. This makes for more relaxed cruising.
I've only had this new bike since October and it's stock, but so far (about 2,000 mi.) it doesn't seem to run too hot.

Chief · « **Reply #36 on:** May 03, 2008, 10:23:36 AM »

Where's the choice for take them off and leave them off?

Twolanerider · « **Reply #37 on:** May 03, 2008, 10:55:39 AM »

Quote from: Jester Wisperer on May 01, 2008, 03:35:50 PM

Trick is to take them BOTH off. Removing one is odd, removing two is even.

cool look is taking them both off the front crash bars and then remounting them on the rear bars in front of the saddlebags

Capo · « **Reply #38 on:** May 03, 2008, 11:06:46 AM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on May 03, 2008, 10:55:39 AM

cool look is taking them both off the front crash bars and then remounting them on the rear bars in front of the saddlebags

HUH?

Twolanerider · « **Reply #39 on:** May 03, 2008, 11:13:28 AM »

Quote from: Capo on May 03, 2008, 11:06:46 AM

HUH?

Don't pay any attention to twolane. He is occasionally full of chit.

porthole · « **Reply #40 on:** May 03, 2008, 11:16:42 AM »

Had them off once didn't like the way the engine got so much road grime.

Decided to leave them on once I saw how the fork lowers were starting to show the effects of "road sand blast"

They stay on now all the time, especially with speakers now mounted in the holes.

Hugh Janis · « **Reply #41 on:** May 04, 2008, 10:03:08 AM »

Quote from: JCZ on May 02, 2008, 07:26:22 PM

Those are the glove box covers that I use. In the winter time, I keep my rain coat in one side and my rain pants in the other side. In the summer I use it for anything from CD storage, to power cord storage, ipod, etc. etc. With the locking doors, they're much more usable than the rubber flaps with the snaps.

I tried putting my HD rain jacket in one and the pants in the other for my York trip. Fidn't Dit! I went there with them empty because the damn covers make them nearly useless. I'll try to squeeze them in again since you say they fit. BTW, the jacket is XXL and the pants are XL. I may have more material than you.

charger · « **Reply #42 on:** May 04, 2008, 01:42:14 PM »

After just spending 5 days riding in 28 - 45 Deg Rain, snow & sleet I think I will keep mine on. OH except for the one that was removed by a 45 Gal. drum that flew of a truck I was meeting at 75 MPH, but that is another story.

J-Carr · « **Reply #43 on:** May 05, 2008, 01:40:28 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on May 03, 2008, 10:55:39 AM

cool look is taking them both off the front crash bars and then remounting them on the rear bars in front of the saddlebags

Now that's just plain silly. It's much better to put them in your coat sleeves as elbow armour.

Ride Safe,
J-Carr

napalm · « **Reply #44 on:** May 05, 2008, 01:57:28 PM »

I take mine off when it really gets hot and mount them to my mufflers with quick disconnects in case it starts to rain!!!!! Mounting them to the mufflers keeps the exhaust off my saddle bags!!!!!

napalm

Garznhogs · « **Reply #45 on:** May 05, 2008, 08:09:20 PM »

Quote from: charger on May 04, 2008, 01:42:14 PM

After just spending 5 days riding in 28 - 45 Deg Rain, snow & sleet I think I will keep mine on. OH except for the one that was removed by a 45 Gal. drum that flew off a truck I was meeting at 75 MPH, but that is another story.

Holy POOP! Hope YOU are OK, Charger!

spydglide · « **Reply #46 on:** May 05, 2008, 09:34:08 PM »

Quote from: charger on May 04, 2008, 01:42:14 PM

After just spending 5 days riding in 28 - 45 Deg Rain, snow & sleet I think I will keep mine on. OH except for the one that was removed by a 45 Gal. drum that flew of a truck I was meeting at 75 MPH, but that is another story.

Oh yeah........I hope to hear that story sometime.

har!

spyder

harleydawg57 · « **Reply #47 on:** May 06, 2008, 03:46:51 PM »

Does any one offer vents for the older baggers lowers?

Twolanerider · « **Reply #48 on:** May 06, 2008, 04:01:24 PM »

Quote from: harleydawg57 on May 06, 2008, 03:46:51 PM

Does any one offer vents for the older baggers lowers?

http://www.hoppeindustries.com/

http://www.eglidegoodies.com/id16.html

grandpadoc · « **Reply #49 on:** May 06, 2008, 09:37:03 PM »

Today in Sedona on the Prescott ride it rained, snowed, and hailed, and I was very happy to have my lowers on.

My shoes and jeans stayed dry and made the last five hours of the ride more enjoyable. Doc

07 CVO · « **Reply #50 on:** May 12, 2008, 12:37:15 AM »

Quote from: grandpadoc on May 06, 2008, 09:37:03 PM

Today in Sedona on the Prescott ride it rained, snowed, and hailed, and I was very happy to have my lowers on. My shoes and jeans stayed dry and made the last five hours of the ride more enjoyable. Doc

grandpadoc, you must be lucky, because even with the lowers on the top of my legs and knees get soaked.

Mark

grandpadoc · « **Reply #51 on:** May 12, 2008, 10:21:14 PM »

Quote from: 07 CVO on May 12, 2008, 12:37:15 AM

grandpadoc, you must be lucky, because even with the lowers on the top of my legs and knees get soaked.

Mark

Must be a Road Glide thing. Here is a pic of Bubba Love and Baby Love returning from Prescott, and if you notice no lowers.

Doc

grandpadoc · « **Reply #52 on:** May 12, 2008, 10:26:46 PM »

...proof

grandpadoc · « **Reply #53 on:** May 25, 2008, 12:06:01 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on May 06, 2008, 04:01:24 PM

http://www.hoppeindustries.com/

http://www.eglidegoodies.com/id16.html

Ok Twolane, what do you think about the Hoppe vents. I'm tempted to do it, but have you heard anything pro or con on this set up. I would think by restricting the air flow to the motor by the flap you might compromise engine cooling a little.

Doc

toneman · « **Reply #54 on:** May 29, 2008, 08:28:18 AM »

I use HD soft lowers. If the weather warms up on a ride I just slip them off.

Grizzly · « **Reply #55 on:** May 29, 2008, 09:09:44 AM »

Whenever it gets too hot, I simply use the highway pegs more... I have ridden a friends bike who had removed them and I didn't find it much different, so I have never removed mine.

My personal feeling is I like the old style lowers (without the vents) way better. My knees get colder and wet in rainy weather as do my boots... On my '97 Ultra I hardly ever got cold or wet on the legs and feet, but with the way they cut the fiberglass out at the sides and from the top on the '06 and up models, it only stands to reason you're not as well protected from the elements. Most likely this new design is to cool the HOT engines and the heck with the rider!

Besides all that, I think the vents look ugly unless on a black bike and they are hard to keep clean.

So much for technology.

grandpadoc · « **Reply #56 on:** May 29, 2008, 12:15:06 PM »

Quote from: Grizzly on May 29, 2008, 09:09:44 AM

My personal feeling is I like the old style lowers (without the vents) way better. My knees get colder and wet in rainy weather as do my boots... On my '97 Ultra I hardly ever got cold or wet on the legs and feet, but with the way they cut the fiberglass out at the sides and from the top on the '06 and up models, it only stands to reason you're not as well protected from the elements. Most likely this new design is to cool the HOT engines and the heck with the rider!

Besides all that, I think the vents look ugly unless on a black bike and they are hard to keep clean.

So much for technology.

This must explain the wet pants for 07CVO's post. The fixed fairing on the RG actually overlaps the lowers for a better seal. Doc

Author Topic: Fairing Lowers (Read 8819 times)