Hard Lowers VS. Soft Lowers
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,469
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From: 310
Hard Lowers VS. Soft Lowers
I've been thinking of this for a while and was wondering if there is a substantial difference between the two when it comes to the air moving past the motor for cooling.
I live in SoCal so our winters are very harsh, something like 55* at night.
I know, it's terrible right? Anyways, I see people riding with hard lowers all the time. I recently purchased some soft lowers only for some wind deflection, but I noticed it made everything hotter. I *** u me it was because of the soft lowers. So, is it the same with the hard lowers? I know the hard lowers are a bit more aerodynamic looking as compared to soft lowers (basically a piece of leather), but does it make that much difference? Are the soft lowers that much more restrictive as compared to hard lowers?
I would love to hear from someone who has had both.
I live in SoCal so our winters are very harsh, something like 55* at night.
I know, it's terrible right? Anyways, I see people riding with hard lowers all the time. I recently purchased some soft lowers only for some wind deflection, but I noticed it made everything hotter. I *** u me it was because of the soft lowers. So, is it the same with the hard lowers? I know the hard lowers are a bit more aerodynamic looking as compared to soft lowers (basically a piece of leather), but does it make that much difference? Are the soft lowers that much more restrictive as compared to hard lowers?I would love to hear from someone who has had both.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
I haven't had both but I really like my Vented HD Lowers.
Open the vent in summer, close it when it's below 55.
....or it's only three bolts per side to put on or take off.
They even make a quick detachable kit too.
Open the vent in summer, close it when it's below 55.
....or it's only three bolts per side to put on or take off.
They even make a quick detachable kit too.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Centerville, Ohio
I had the soft lowers on my FLSTS and used them only when the weather got cold or in the rain....very convenient and easy to take off and put on......carried them in my saddlebags when on a trip.
Have the stock lower fairings on my Ultra but did ad vents to them and leave them on year around. I like the looks of the bike better with them on and the boxes provide extra storage. The vents do OK as long as you are moving but it does get toasty when you are in traffic when it's hot.....I've just gotten used to it. Hope this helps.
Have the stock lower fairings on my Ultra but did ad vents to them and leave them on year around. I like the looks of the bike better with them on and the boxes provide extra storage. The vents do OK as long as you are moving but it does get toasty when you are in traffic when it's hot.....I've just gotten used to it. Hope this helps.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
I'm in SoCal as well and tried the soft lowers borrowed from a friend of mine. I noticed the same thing you did, things got really hot fast. For us they aren't really practical unless you don't mind taking them on and off during the day since our temps vary so dramatically between morning and afternoon, sea level and the mountains. I bought a set of hard lowers and I really like them. I got the vented variety which is nice. As a side benefit they keep the wind blast off of your feet which makes it easier to keep them on the floor boards at 80+ on the 405. I think they're great and if they aren't too warm in the summer I'll just leave them installed.
Marc
Marc
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
I use the soft lowers on my '06 Streetglide and '95 Classic. Spent some time on a buddies ultra and the first thing I noticed was the additional heat. 'Bout the same as my vinyl "elephant ears". I usually put them on when the weather gets down to around 60 and have never had any heat related problems.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 1
First the soft lowers (which I have now) only protect from your knee down to your feet. I thought I read somewhere that the hard lowers direct air flow toward the front jug. But in warm weather you really need the vent set up. I go back and forth wheather to buy the hard lowers of remove the crash bar all together.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 0
From: The Peoples Republic of Massachusstts
I have an EGC and of course use only soft lowers. I put them on at about 40 Degrees and leave them on all winter as I ride down to 18 > 20 Degrees. 55 Deg like southern California is way to warm for them. The best part is they go on in less then a minute. I keep them in the tour pack. I just put on the HD fog lights and they fit over them also. I am going to do a couple of cut outs for the lights so I can run with them on for saftey.