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[twistedcherokee]

I may have had mine on for 6 mo since 2007. But mine is a 1999 & does not have the vents. Always thought I would put them on in the winter, but have not done it yet. Almost sold them once.

 Toby

[grc]

I've ridden many bikes over the past 47 years that didn't have lowers, and one bike that does.  My legs and feet took a beating with all those other bikes, but they remain unscathed with the lowers on my Harley.  I think I'll let the plastic parts take the beating, if it's all the same to the rest of you.

As for the air flow, I don't see a big difference in terms of air to the engine, but there definitely is a difference in the air coming off the top of the lowers and up the tank.  I'd think you folks who take them off in the summer might notice a difference in buffeting.

Jerry

[Rooster]

I tried taking them off but as Jerry says I didn't like the way the wind hit me so took the doors out and reinstalled the lowers and that is how they stay. Perfect for me and more air for big Jim

[trwtow]

I leave the lowers on just removed the doors and left them off.

same here

[Thermodyne]

I don't have an Ultra, but do have lowers, FLTRX.  And I don't remove them. 

The scooter could care less, it all about my comfort.  And while I might be a little cooler on a hot day without them, it really doesn't make that much of a difference.  After 4 or 5 hours at highway speed I want them on.  And being as I actually do ride in the rain on occasion, I glad to have them when the road is wet.  They also help to limit that air that comes up under the fairing.  Lots more buffeting on my head without them.

[phato1]

Given they typically vibrate shut over time on a long ride, I've removed the vents, but leave the lowers on...  

I just tightened the bolt that they pivot on a little bit and no more "automatic" closing vents. 'Course if you make it to tight they won't move at all.

But as to the original question, I leave mine on year round.

[scottt]

I don't like Lowers. I never put them on, winter and summer. 2007 SE Ultra

[Opossum]

Third Ultra and never had 'em off...where would ya put the gun? 

[AZ Sparky]

They stay on despite temps up to 120 this weekend here.
Don't want to risk the extra wind buffetting and various crap being kicked up off the road in traffic.

[VaEagle]

Third Ultra and never had 'em off...where would ya put the gun? 

On your person so you have constant possession of it and can use if needed. If due to circumstances you must remove it or valuables from your person then you might want to get one of these to secure things??

http://www.consolevault.com/harley-davidson-bagger-vault.html

[CVO Brian]

I keep my small colt 380 on my ankle. If I wear High boots my PPK goes in Bag. But my lowers still never come off.

[electraglideclyde]

Third Ultra and never had 'em off...where would ya put the gun? 

  The gun stays on my side...always.   Took my lowers off two years ago and haven't put them back on. Just hanging in the shop. Gets too dang hot in Georgia. I want as much airflow as possible.

[Racerdj]

I leave mine on all the time but might investigate quick releases.

[06ULTRASE]

Leave mine on year round even before the vented ones were around.

[woode]

I had hoped that the exhaust mods would have been enough, and before moving to Georgia, it may have been.  So, I just removed them last week, and it has made a big difference in heat dissipation.  For now, the negatives mentioned by everyone are an acceptable trade-off.  I have a set of soft lowers from a previous bike that fit the crash bar, so I carry them in the saddlebag in the event of unexpected rain or cold. That said, I like the look and function of the lowers, and I would REALLY prefer to have them installed.  What is the source of the quick disconnect that has been mentioned?   Finally, those of you who have removed the vents - is there a downside?  Do you retain any rain protection at all?