Lowers on bikes
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Joined: Apr 2007
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Lowers on bikes
Who uses their lowers and why?
I never use my lowers as I don't like my toes up inside them. Probably just me but I don't use them. I took them off when new and put them away. My son took my bike to NC a few years ago and put them back on. I took them back off.
I do agree they are nice in cold or rainy weather, but I live in Florida, so I only deal with rain, and have rode through a bunch of that. I still get soaked.
I never use my lowers as I don't like my toes up inside them. Probably just me but I don't use them. I took them off when new and put them away. My son took my bike to NC a few years ago and put them back on. I took them back off.
I do agree they are nice in cold or rainy weather, but I live in Florida, so I only deal with rain, and have rode through a bunch of that. I still get soaked.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
they enhance cooling, I did back to back tests with ambient temps at 105ş
1/2 mile to freeway, 65 mph 8 miles and return.
without the lowers, the turbulent air from the front wheel/fender just kinda roils by.
with the lowers, the air is ordered and directed at the motor.
oil temps were measured 25 degrees lower, and the starting point for the oil temp was higher for 2nd test
I left them on after that
the recent vented lowers are a bummer for toe room, I like the old solid style better.
Mike
1/2 mile to freeway, 65 mph 8 miles and return.
without the lowers, the turbulent air from the front wheel/fender just kinda roils by.
with the lowers, the air is ordered and directed at the motor.
oil temps were measured 25 degrees lower, and the starting point for the oil temp was higher for 2nd test
I left them on after that
the recent vented lowers are a bummer for toe room, I like the old solid style better.
Mike
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 538
Likes: 3
From: Florida
I am also partial to the Harley lowers so I picked up a cheap set of leather lowers and keep them in the saddlebag. Its always nice to have them if I run into weather. I was amazed at how much heat they keep around my legs when I temps get below 40 and they keep my boots fairly dry.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
I like them in the cooler months plus riding in wet weather. I also like the glove boxes in the lowers as well. My feet always stay on the floorboards reguardless of speed.
The only thing I don't like....they do get in the way during maintenance. Try removing the gas tank with the lowers still on, you'll quickly find the tops of the lowers get in the way. The new ones don't seem to have that problem as they are mounted just a little lower.
The only thing I don't like....they do get in the way during maintenance. Try removing the gas tank with the lowers still on, you'll quickly find the tops of the lowers get in the way. The new ones don't seem to have that problem as they are mounted just a little lower.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,802
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From: SE Louisiana
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Wasn't sure about them when I first got the bike but I've gotten to like them. Mine have that adjustable vent which is kinda nice. I was gonna get quick disconnect hardware but decided to just leave them on.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
I've ridden both with the lowers on and with them removed. The last couple of years I haven't removed them except for maintenance. They are great in cold weather and in summer rains. In the middle of the summer I just use the highway pegs most of the time. Plus they add a small amount of storage.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,204
Likes: 1,192
From: Anywhere we stop
I tend to like them on all the time anymore. They seem to make the bike cut the air better and I seem to get less buffeting with them on. Without them I always seem to get wind coming up from my legs, with them I can control how much air hits me, and from where.