Lowers off in summer
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 328
From: Arizona
Gotta love guys bitching about the heat in parts of the US that don't even get hot. My lowers are not only installed but kept closed for better wind mgt. Commute all the time in 100+ heat. Maybe yall should double up on oil coolers and get some of those silly fans.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
Thanks for the replies everyone. Already have fangs to remove buffeting, they got rid of most of it. Considering lowers for longer rides and possibly removing rest of buffeting. Did not realize many remove the lowers then reinstall for multi day rides. Good idea!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
need a like button...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 34,661
Likes: 36,273
From: outskirts of ba habba
Well BigWaterJim....If taking them off makes your riding experience better
for you, then by all means yank them puppies off and store'em away !!!
Don't really think I'm doing myself a disservice at all by leaving mine on,
I adjust the vents as needed.....
So....if you're happy and you know it, slap your clam
for you, then by all means yank them puppies off and store'em away !!!
Don't really think I'm doing myself a disservice at all by leaving mine on,
I adjust the vents as needed.....
So....if you're happy and you know it, slap your clam
Yes, but you are talking about dry heat. 100 degrees in the southwest is much different than even 90 degrees and humid in the east. It is supposed to be 100 here in Maryland this weekend. Couple that with the humidity, I will indeed have the cooling fans on. Will ride early instead of middle of the day. Once the afternoon hits, I may wash the cars in the shade instead of riding the bike... or just have a beer.... or two....
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 94
From: SE Michigan
This. It's 48 this morning up here near the shores of Lake Huron. Riding in my jacket and hooding to work today. The next four days are going to be over 90. Michigan is just to unpredictable. Hell, road in snow in May on a club run this spring. I just keep them on and open the vents.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,012
Likes: 6,908
From: NC
Lowers force more air on the motor. Haven't compared with my 2002, but on my 1989 Ultra Classic we measured higher engine temps with out the lowers. The rider and passenger feel cooler in the summer with the lowers off, but the motor doesn't.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,282
From: OH, USA
This. It's 48 this morning up here near the shores of Lake Huron. Riding in my jacket and hooding to work today. The next four days are going to be over 90. Michigan is just to unpredictable. Hell, road in snow in May on a club run this spring. I just keep them on and open the vents.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 692
Likes: 34
From: Texas
If I am not mistaken, there is/was a service bulletin/service instruction that recommended taking the lowers off once average ambient temp reached 85 or so. This applied to the generation of bikes prior to "parade mode." On my 2010, I leave them on. I have thought about the quick disconnect kit. To be honest taking them off is not a big deal. Getting the lowers back one and lined up well is usually a pain for me.
The bulk of my miles are highway miles. I will say I like the looks of the vents on the newer bikes.
The bulk of my miles are highway miles. I will say I like the looks of the vents on the newer bikes.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post