Soft lowers or Hard lowers ?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Maple Grove, PA.
Soft lowers or Hard lowers ?
Any one here ever used both? Which do you like better? I am currently using the soft ones (came with bike). I have considered buying hard lowers but the cost is what gets me. Is there a difference in air flow , the softs keep all wind off in the winter and looks like the hards might give more wind around ankles. Thanx for any insight.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
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From: north of Daytona
"the softs keep all wind off in the winter and looks like the hards might give more wind around ankles"
I guess that may be why the softies are not recommended above 50 degrees?
I have an Ultgra that I keep the lowers on all year long. I have never tried the soft
lowers though.
If the soft ones do what you want them to do...I say go with them.
Chuck
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 121
Likes: 1
From: Maple Grove, PA.
"the softs keep all wind off in the winter and looks like the hards might give more wind around ankles"
I guess that may be why the softies are not recommended above 50 degrees?
I have an Ultgra that I keep the lowers on all year long. I have never tried the soft
lowers though.
If the soft ones do what you want them to do...I say go with them.
Chuck
I guess that may be why the softies are not recommended above 50 degrees?
I have an Ultgra that I keep the lowers on all year long. I have never tried the soft
lowers though.
If the soft ones do what you want them to do...I say go with them.
Chuck
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I've only used the hard lowers, but would enthusiastically recommend them. They cost much more but can be used year-round. As Malmax said buy only the vented type, which cost only a bit more.
In winter they are a real boon, keeping the wind off your legs except around the knees. In summer this protection helps keep water off your boots in the rain, although in a downpour everything unprotected still gets wet. When moving they actually help with engine cooling, the wedge shape channeling air toward the engine, and the adjustable vents allow you to control airflow. When not moving and engine running they can hamper cooling because they trap air, but I have noticed no increase in oil temps in summer since installing them. When moving oil temperatures usually stayed slightly lower than the year before with no lowers.
Most people find the glove boxes useless, but my only complaint is the lame snap fittings that hold the covers on. HD and others make glove-box lids that allow you to lock them if needed, and I may go to that. The snaps are such a pain to use that I just don't use the glove boxes at this time, but I'd like to have the extra storage space, small as it is, and I'd especially like to be able to access them while moving. That's something I can't do now.
Also, I bought the optional quick-release kit, but that was a waste of money because I see now they they will likely never be removed. I also bought the liners, which was a waste of $20 since I don't use the glove boxes, and the pouches that I actually have used for small items like the cell phone. If I was buying the lowers again I would buy only the glove box doors and perhaps the pouches if I can figure out how to jury-rig them to the doors.
In winter they are a real boon, keeping the wind off your legs except around the knees. In summer this protection helps keep water off your boots in the rain, although in a downpour everything unprotected still gets wet. When moving they actually help with engine cooling, the wedge shape channeling air toward the engine, and the adjustable vents allow you to control airflow. When not moving and engine running they can hamper cooling because they trap air, but I have noticed no increase in oil temps in summer since installing them. When moving oil temperatures usually stayed slightly lower than the year before with no lowers.
Most people find the glove boxes useless, but my only complaint is the lame snap fittings that hold the covers on. HD and others make glove-box lids that allow you to lock them if needed, and I may go to that. The snaps are such a pain to use that I just don't use the glove boxes at this time, but I'd like to have the extra storage space, small as it is, and I'd especially like to be able to access them while moving. That's something I can't do now.
Also, I bought the optional quick-release kit, but that was a waste of money because I see now they they will likely never be removed. I also bought the liners, which was a waste of $20 since I don't use the glove boxes, and the pouches that I actually have used for small items like the cell phone. If I was buying the lowers again I would buy only the glove box doors and perhaps the pouches if I can figure out how to jury-rig them to the doors.
Last edited by iclick; Feb 5, 2009 at 08:36 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Rochester N.Y.
I had the soft lowers for my 06 FLHT and used them below 50 degrees as Harley recommended.
They worked well , did the intended job,and were quick to install and remove.
The soft lowers do block much more airflow to the engine,and cause high speed handling that I was not really comfortable with.
The hard lowers , especially the venteds , work very well , are expensive , and don't hurt airflow to the engine.
I also changed over to hard lowers on my 06 and loved what they did for comfort and style.
I had the harley glovebox cover pouches , which slide over the flaps , and allow you to stow a cellphone and other small items quickly.
After having the hard lowers , I wouldn't run without them again , I really like what they do and the styling they give.
I transferred the cover pouches to my new bike , and we're all happy again.
Highly recommended.
Mick
They worked well , did the intended job,and were quick to install and remove.
The soft lowers do block much more airflow to the engine,and cause high speed handling that I was not really comfortable with.
The hard lowers , especially the venteds , work very well , are expensive , and don't hurt airflow to the engine.
I also changed over to hard lowers on my 06 and loved what they did for comfort and style.
I had the harley glovebox cover pouches , which slide over the flaps , and allow you to stow a cellphone and other small items quickly.
After having the hard lowers , I wouldn't run without them again , I really like what they do and the styling they give.
I transferred the cover pouches to my new bike , and we're all happy again.
Highly recommended.
Mick
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From: Lake Charles, La
Soft lowers? They came with your bike? did you buy the bike used? I have never evan seen or heard of soft lowers. Ofcourse, I have been riding a Fatboy for years, and just go on my first touring bike about 8 months ago. I have an Ultra, and I live in south Louisiana, it gets hot here, and I leave my hard lowers on all year round. I open my vents in the summer, but never take them off.