fairing lowers
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 5
From: In the north
Mine are not vented and they stay on year round. I don't use the boards much as I has the adjustable highway pegs and that is were my feet are 99% of the time unless it is cold,cold,cold.
I don't have to fight the wind on my legs all the time especially if I am switching from the boards to the pegs. I took them off once and could not stand fighting the wind trying to blow my legs back behind my back all the time.
I don't have to fight the wind on my legs all the time especially if I am switching from the boards to the pegs. I took them off once and could not stand fighting the wind trying to blow my legs back behind my back all the time.
It only takes a few minutes to install or remove the lowers, even with the standard hardware. The quick install hardware can't save much more than about 5 minutes time, if that. It is much better looking than the standard hardware, though, and I'd consider buying it for that reason.
I usually pull my lowers off in July and August, unless I'm going on a road trip, and then they go back on.
I usually pull my lowers off in July and August, unless I'm going on a road trip, and then they go back on.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
There are several threads on the topic of removing lowers in summer. Some do, most don't. I bought the quick-release kit with the lowers but it was a waste of money, as I've never removed them in >3 years. Even if you plan on removing the lowers periodically, don't waste your money on this overpriced kit.
I don't find lowers hot in our S. LA summers and I like the rain protection and lack of wind that causes my pant leg to flap violently. Traditionalists will roll their eyes around at the latter remark, but I would rather have it calm down there. I've ridden many years the other way and I like it better with the lowers installed year-round, and in winter it is no contest for obvious reasons. Some remove the vents in summer, but I haven't felt the need to do that.
They tend to radiate some engine noise but also reduce wind that comes up from under the tank.
I don't find lowers hot in our S. LA summers and I like the rain protection and lack of wind that causes my pant leg to flap violently. Traditionalists will roll their eyes around at the latter remark, but I would rather have it calm down there. I've ridden many years the other way and I like it better with the lowers installed year-round, and in winter it is no contest for obvious reasons. Some remove the vents in summer, but I haven't felt the need to do that.
They tend to radiate some engine noise but also reduce wind that comes up from under the tank.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
screw the heat on your legs what about the extra motor heat. I have tts mastertune and did data gathering with lowers on and off and with off on same course conditions the engine temp was always lower with the lowers off. this was in fairly cool weather (under 60*) so not sure what difference it would make in 90* temps.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
before you install them , look at the vents in the full open position , you will see when fully open half the opening is still closed , mark this area on vent door remove the door and cut that area out then reistall the vent door , now when open it is fully open and much cooler , you still have plenty left to close the door
or you can avoid doing any cutting and just remove the doors during the summer months and then reinstall them in the fall.
screw the heat on your legs what about the extra motor heat. I have tts mastertune and did data gathering with lowers on and off and with off on same course conditions the engine temp was always lower with the lowers off. this was in fairly cool weather (under 60*) so not sure what difference it would make in 90* temps.
Last edited by skratch; May 29, 2011 at 06:07 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
Initially bought them w/intention of removing during summer months...now only time I take them off is to clean. Got awesome CraigsList deal (color match HD w/quick detach kit) so couldn't pass. Really help w/wind on legs and actually force airflow toward motor during riding. Does generate more heat while idle, but minimal. Detach kit does make removal/install much easier...JMO.
Last edited by Iceman24; May 29, 2011 at 06:31 AM. Reason: sp
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
That's what i am hopeing to gain Suprpig, the forecast might be 75 degrees at 3PM, but at 6am it is 46 degres. I guess I'm a wuss, but i hate freeezing my **** off on my way to work, on my way to fun I can deal. Just hopeing to be able to leave them on, as far as engine noise, my bike is stock, no big build here. Appreciate the feed back as usual, but, the damn things are pricey. I looked on ebay to get a set even if different color and have them painted, when all was said and done it was cheaper from Kutter HD with the open house 20 % off. Now just waiting for delivery. I guess if they are too hot I can throw a huge sub woofer in them and get some air from them. I hope momma doesn't read this, she just doesn't understand I do all this tweaking on the bike for her. lol
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: The little state of Delaware
HawgWired
Installed the four in the face (speakers in the lowers) so they ain't coming off. Rode the other day @ 93 degrees out, helps slightly with wind buffering, fully open didn't notice any additional heat build up.