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I've put lowers on my last three bikes. They're worth it. I average about 18,000 - 20,000 miles a year and they stay on all the time. I've found you can somewhat control the amount of heat, especially on the right side, by adjusting the vent.
I had them on my 2010 Ultra (stock) and took them off and on at first. After awhile, even though it was a 5-minute ordeal, I just left them on. Felt right, looked right, and I never noticed any additional heat with the vents open.
I've grown to think they look particularly bad-*** on the Roadie. When I can afford to get a set in black quartz, I'm doing it, and they will never come off.
Interesting thread, I have the lowers for my '05 Roadie and had them on my '09 EGC. On the '05 they aren't vented and above 65 degrees they cook my legs. On the '09 they were vented and were still uncomfortable above mid seventies, on both bikes I couldn't wait to remove them when the weather breaks in the spring.
With all of that said, when it's cooler, they are wonderful. not only do they help keep you warm and dry, they cut down on buffeting.
Get the quick release kit so you can remove/replace in about 5 minutes.
Never had lowers on my 08 SG. Wanted them. Just never did it. I used the cloth lowers like.you said. They're a little better than nothing. Then I bought an 11 RGU. Immediately fell in love with the lowers. Traded the RGU in on the 16 RGS. Ordered the color matched lowers before I signed all the paperwork. Bike is black quartz so the cheap eBay vivid black was not an option. I won't have a bike without lowers now. Like was said. When it's hot. It's hot. The lowers have never made it to where I wanted them off. If I was more air in my legs. I have highway pegs.
I'm looking to add some to my 15 RGS, but I really wish I had just bought the Ultra instead of piecing one together.
Really I have spent more on my FLTRX upgrading than if I had bought an Ultra to begin with. Right now I am just waiting for the last of the parts to arrive to install my King Tour Pak.
As for the lowers I never take mine off, plenty of cooling with the vents open in the summer and the protection from rocks and large bugs is well worth it.
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I have spent more on my FLTRX upgrading than if I had bought an Ultra to begin with. Right now I am just waiting for the last of the parts to arrive to install my King Tour Pak.