Lowers, those with and those without.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 10
From: S.E. MO
For those comparing soft lowers to hard vented ones its not the same thing. I have ran both.
Soft lowers are great in winter and rain thats about it. Hard vented lowers offer style (although subjective) and are designed to actually help direct air towards the engine. As far as extra heat on the rider its only a little in town and dont notice any differnce at any speed at all.
Soft lowers are great in winter and rain thats about it. Hard vented lowers offer style (although subjective) and are designed to actually help direct air towards the engine. As far as extra heat on the rider its only a little in town and dont notice any differnce at any speed at all.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 65
From: CT
My Limited is the first bike of mine to have lowers, I love them and never considered taking them off. Only have 4,600 miles so far but they are a great help when I rode in 30-50 degree weather this spring. When it was hot out when I bought my bike last August I slid the vent open to let the air in. I basically open them up when it is over 65 or so. LOVE THEM, plus I think they look cool, but I'm getting old!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Had non vented lowers on my 95 ultra. Took them off in the summer back on in the winter. (I was living way up north then) Have vented lowers now. Going to take them off one of these days just to see the difference but they'll probably go back on. There is a difference with the vents. If you live where it gets COLD, buy them. (and heated grips.)
Last edited by BoonDock_Saint; May 9, 2013 at 11:08 PM. Reason: added text.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
I have to differ with everyone else. I think they are marginal at best, at 50mph the buffeting starts to get pretty bad. I just put a set on and the memory of the homemade setup I had is still very fresh in my mind so it is easy to compare. My homemade setup is far superior to the lowers. Compared to nothing the lowers are fine I suppose, but I know it can be much better. If I can't come up with something to improve them I'll probably sell them and go back to my homemade setup.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
And I'll add that when I bought my Limited, I fully intended to remove them ASAP. I rode the bike across country, sometimes in 100+ heat, with them on (vents open). They really didn't seem to cause an issue and helped in two rain storms, so I left them on, with no plans to remove them.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
I have never had them off, dont plan to either. They are great for wind/rain when its cold or chilly, when its hot, just slide the vents open, like they aint even there. I haven't used the glove boxes yet, snaps are a pain to open and close, so they stay closed.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 177
Likes: 1
From: Vandergrift,Pa
I have had the lowers on since new on my 08 Ultra. Love them on cold mornings and rainy days. Keeps the bugs off your pant legs,offers storage for my garage remote,disc brake lock and my 9mm Makarov. The snap covers are a pain in the ***,replaced them with magnetic doors. Had them on while driving through Utah,Wyoming,Sturgis and Arizona in August with 95 degree days. I personally would not go without them.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 14
From: Michigan
Road King
I think the Look is a bit goofy..But After having them on my Ultra...I had to get em on the Road King...Keep them on now....I have vented and when open you can feel the air..closed on cool rides. Need better doors...mine keep coming off? 2 of 4 snaps don't snap worth a Crap!!!
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