Street Glide lower fairing
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: DC
I had HD lowers on the Street Glide, and now have Hogg Chops on the Road Glide. Both work and look great - HC's are significantly cheaper, though.
I'm not sure how Garemlin saw more buffeting; they made for a HUGE decrease in buffeting at highway speeds for me on both bikes. Guess it depends on your ride profile.
It's a common misconception that lowers cut off airflow to the motor. Air actually flows around the front fender (like water around a boat rudder) and hits the bike at the frame; that's why oil coolers are located there. They may make you feel a little warmer, but the only times things seemed noticeably hotter to me was riding around on hot days (90+) at residential-street speeds; say, 30-45 mph or so. Slower than that, airflow isn't helping the heat with or without lowers. It was never so bad as to make me want to take them off, though.
Like most bike stuff, it's a matter of personal preference. I liked the SG lowers enough that they were one of the first things I got for the RG.
I'm not sure how Garemlin saw more buffeting; they made for a HUGE decrease in buffeting at highway speeds for me on both bikes. Guess it depends on your ride profile.
It's a common misconception that lowers cut off airflow to the motor. Air actually flows around the front fender (like water around a boat rudder) and hits the bike at the frame; that's why oil coolers are located there. They may make you feel a little warmer, but the only times things seemed noticeably hotter to me was riding around on hot days (90+) at residential-street speeds; say, 30-45 mph or so. Slower than that, airflow isn't helping the heat with or without lowers. It was never so bad as to make me want to take them off, though.
Like most bike stuff, it's a matter of personal preference. I liked the SG lowers enough that they were one of the first things I got for the RG.
It would look even better if he had black bag guards
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 2
From: Western KY
I agree. I was thinking about doing some powder on mine as well. Mainly engine parts, like the rocker boxes, primary cover, timing cover, and parts like that. Instead of getting the chrome engine package, I was thinking just powder the polished parts. Not sure on the end results though. Would sure like to see this on one though. I was thinking the grey and black contrast would look alright.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, NY
Me too!
Just traded my '08' 1200C under the Sportster program on a new '09' Electra Glide Classic. In addition to the 103 Stage II upgrade I am having the lower fairings added as well. Got a great deal on it and it has Criuse, ABS, Flame Blue Pearl and Pewter Pearl. Awesome ride and not looking back... although I do miss my screaming eagle sporty in town. I am in upstate NY so the fairings should help prolong my riding season. Can't wait to get it back. Ride ON.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,282
Likes: 52
From: DFW
I have had them on all my Street Glides. This is the first Summer that I removed them. I've enjoyed the "different" ride characteristics with just the engine guard, but for me, the lowers make a world of difference in the ride of the SG. It makes for a totally smooth ride, with very minimal turbulence. In fact after removing them it took me a while to get used to not having them. I'm getting ready to put mine back on for the winter. Pic below of a SG w/lowers
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I installed lowers on my SG in Feb. '08 along with a quick-release kit and have yet to remove them. The only downside I see to these is that they keep air off your leg in summer, thereby reducing a bit of cooling on your legs, but the difference isn't enough for me to remove them.
Uncle Fester is correct that lowers do not increase heat, at least they don't while moving and in fact decrease it by channeling more airflow to the engine. Someone reported talking to an HD engineer in Sturgis who said they increased cooling while moving but can trap air while stationary, thus may cause increased heat in slow-moving traffic. After running these for two summers I can say that they may run a bit cooler in motion but I haven't seen any difference one way or the other at idle based on oil temperature or radiated heat that I can feel.
Of course in winter and rain they are a great asset, and do decrease the turbulence coming up from the tank, especially when the vents are closed. Together with fairing air deflectors you can reduce almost all turbulence from the tank area, although some does still get through. It is, after all, an open vehicle and not a car so I'm not complaining.
The bottom line for me is that they were worth the money paid, and if you buy hard lowers be sure to get the vented type.
Uncle Fester is correct that lowers do not increase heat, at least they don't while moving and in fact decrease it by channeling more airflow to the engine. Someone reported talking to an HD engineer in Sturgis who said they increased cooling while moving but can trap air while stationary, thus may cause increased heat in slow-moving traffic. After running these for two summers I can say that they may run a bit cooler in motion but I haven't seen any difference one way or the other at idle based on oil temperature or radiated heat that I can feel.
Of course in winter and rain they are a great asset, and do decrease the turbulence coming up from the tank, especially when the vents are closed. Together with fairing air deflectors you can reduce almost all turbulence from the tank area, although some does still get through. It is, after all, an open vehicle and not a car so I'm not complaining.
The bottom line for me is that they were worth the money paid, and if you buy hard lowers be sure to get the vented type.