When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I usually take them off in warmer temps. According to the manual and service book for my 07 UC it cautions that the lowers are NOT to be used at temps above 50 degrees F.
That being said with my super tuner and a good tune I have not had any more heat problems with or without them on. I do find that I like the way the air flows much better with them off, while they are on I seem to get more air pushing up from around the bottom than I perfer.
I don't know much about this but I've been told by a much more experienced Harley owner that the design of the lowers actually force more air into the front cylinder area than it would without the lowers. Also, I don't remember reading that Harley recommends to remove the lower in hot weather.
Check the HD web site for the lowers you can purchase and there will be a NOTE or WARNING link you can click that states the 50 degree warning. It is also in the owners manual for my 07.
All that being said when they are on it does shove a boatload of air to the heads, especially with the vents opened up and they are good about keeping road wash off the legs in the rain.
With the heat I had before the super tuner and a good tune I can see where HD might not want them on above those temps, damn things about roasted my eggs!!
I have vented lowers on my bike and take them off in hot weather.I have an oil cooler and temp gauge and they definately restrict air to motor.I would say 10 to 20 degrees hotter.By the way these are the newer vented lowers which I run wide open in warmer weather.
I asked the Dealer when I bought my UC. He said the lowers didn't restrict air to the engine at all. in fact it is designed to put more air on the engine. They are designed to keep wind and rain off the riders legs when closed. The adjustable air wings on the bat wing fairing is designed to put more air on the rider. Dealer told me this!!!
sounds good but do we ALLWAYS beleive the dealer , but will leave mine on and also have the bat wing air wings
I take them off in summer just so my legs will be more comfortable. I also run a shorter windshield during that time as well.
I likey the wind as long as there is no turbulence. Present bike - a road glide - no turbulence.
I don't know much about this but I've been told by a much more experienced Harley owner that the design of the lowers actually force more air into the front cylinder area than it would without the lowers. Also, I don't remember reading that Harley recommends to remove the lower in hot weather.
IIRC its only the "non vented" lowers that they recomend removing. Ive run my vented lowers in temps close to 100* and havent had any problems.
Made from tough, lightweight vacuum-formed ABS, these fairing lowers protect the rider from the elements and direct cooling air to the engine.
Protective Soft Lowers P# 58502-80C
Constructed of reinforced vinyl with polyester backing and black snaps. Install on engine guard for protection against the elements. Easy installation and removal. Should not be used when air temperature is above 50 degrees.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.