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[johnnyboy]

I cannot find any instructions on the lower fairing vent. Can anyone let me know
why it's there? Is it for rider comfort only? I'm getting readly for a 5 day trip thru
100 degree temperatures and want to know if it's supposed to be swung open or
closed for hot temperatures.

Thanks

[Twolanerider]

Open it when you want more air.

[LarryB]

really?

[Twolanerider]

really?

Be gentle Larry .

[Midnight Rider]

really?

Play nice now...

Yes, open them up as far as possible and make sure they stay open.

[grc]

The lowers are for rider comfort and protection.  The adjustable vents haven't always been a part of the lowers, they were added some years back to improve rider comfort in warm weather.  In cold or wet weather close them to keep your feet and legs warmer and drier.  The rest of the time, keep them open.


Jerry

[RioGlide]

And they are easily removable - HD sells storage bags for hot-weather disuse:
http://accessories.harley-davidson.com/product/touring/fairing-lowers/soft-storage-bag-for-fairing-lowers

And you can install a quick-release kit to pop 'em on & off quickly:
http://accessories.harley-davidson.com/product/touring/fairing-lowers/detachable-fairing-lower-hardware-kit


Enjoy it & ride safe.

[plasmadaddy]

I find that mine always manage to close themselves.

I prefer them open in the hotter weather so it's a pain in the arse when they keep closing!

[Twolanerider]

I find that mine always manage to close themselves.

I prefer them open in the hotter weather so it's a pain in the arse when they keep closing!

Not uncommon.  It often helps to tighten them a bit.  From the bottom in the center you'll find a 7/16" nut (if I remember right) that can be snugged up a bit to help keep them in place.  They're often loose enough to allow them to move in the wind going down the road.

[plasmadaddy]

Not uncommon.  It often helps to tighten them a bit.  From the bottom in the center you'll find a 7/16" nut (if I remember right) that can be snugged up a bit to help keep them in place.  They're often loose enough to allow them to move in the wind going down the road.

Cool, I'll give that a go!

[Rooster]

I just took those doors off now I don't have to keep checking and adjusting them.

[motor1]

I just took those doors off now I don't have to keep checking and adjusting them.

So, the million dollar question, how much cooler removed vs. open?

[grc]

When you snug up that nut, be very careful not to go to far and strip out the plastic that holds the carriage bolt.  Makes it very difficult to do any further tightening or loosening of the nut.

If Harley used a real spring to load the ratchet mechanism this wouldn't be such a big problem.  Try removing the nut and adding a wave washer for more of a spring action, then snug up the nut.  If you can get decent spring tension on the ratchet, the vents will stay where you put them through rain, wind, high speeds, and probably a hurricane if you were crazy enough to ride in one.

If I had it to do over again, I'd actually take it apart and modify the head of the carriage bolts to allow the use of a wrench or screwdriver to hold it rather than depend on the plastic.  Then I'd get a real spring instead of the strange piece they call a spring.  Since mine works OK right now, however, I'll just pass along the idea to those who are having a problem.


Jerry