Soft lowers and air temp.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 716
Likes: 154
From: Canada
Soft lowers and air temp.
https://www.airlite.ca/
I just had these soft lowers delivered. The manufacturer recommends not using them when the temperature is above 50F. What have others experienced when using these or similar products. Hard lowers are used in all temps although I believe they allow more air flow.
I just had these soft lowers delivered. The manufacturer recommends not using them when the temperature is above 50F. What have others experienced when using these or similar products. Hard lowers are used in all temps although I believe they allow more air flow.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I put mine on last winter and left them on. Just did over 300 miles recently in the upper 80's. Since the engine guards angle in the soft lowers act as a scoop and direct more air to the opening between them and not less or the same.
But then don't listen to me my wife claims I'm dumb.
But then don't listen to me my wife claims I'm dumb.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
I tested this because I monitor actual cylinder temp. Note: I am using different soft lowers. I found on the Interstate that lowers actually cool the motor faster and it runs cooler with them on. Around town sitting in traffic I get hotter faster.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
My bike came with soft lowers...50şF is what they say.
why would I question that?
and where in AZ can I find temps below 50şF. ?
I have hard lowers now, very nice.
and they do drop the oil temps about 25ş on a 105ş day
mike
why would I question that?
and where in AZ can I find temps below 50şF. ?
I have hard lowers now, very nice.
and they do drop the oil temps about 25ş on a 105ş day
mike
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Bothell, WA
Great topic. I started with the new HD soft lowers and didn't like the way that they fit with my rotating highway pegs (thread here). I purchased the airlite.ca product and really like the fit:
Yes they do have that 50 degree warning however I wanted to try them out so I took them out for a short highway ride of about 15 miles followed by some in town riding in about 65 degree weather. While riding in town the EITMS did not kick in, but it felt a bit sluggish when taking off from a stop... Note that I do have fork deflectors and the baffle between the forks.
I took it out again for some in town riding and didn't feel that sluggishness. While I wouldn't mind keeping these on in the cooler months, I will be keeping an eye on this. I wish I had a way to measure the temp...
FWIW, I have the 103 with stage 1 (super sucker, SE tuner module, V&H twin slash pipes).
Yes they do have that 50 degree warning however I wanted to try them out so I took them out for a short highway ride of about 15 miles followed by some in town riding in about 65 degree weather. While riding in town the EITMS did not kick in, but it felt a bit sluggish when taking off from a stop... Note that I do have fork deflectors and the baffle between the forks.
I took it out again for some in town riding and didn't feel that sluggishness. While I wouldn't mind keeping these on in the cooler months, I will be keeping an eye on this. I wish I had a way to measure the temp...
FWIW, I have the 103 with stage 1 (super sucker, SE tuner module, V&H twin slash pipes).
Last edited by ReidRik_Von; Jun 3, 2013 at 08:59 AM. Reason: Added engine detail...
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Bothell, WA
Now that the weather is a bit cooler I have been trying to find the right setup to use my airlite chaps. As I mentioned earlier the bike seemed to be running hot with the chaps on plus the fork baffle and fork deflectors. This past weekend I took off the baffle and the engine still seemed to be getting hot...it was making some unusual sounds while pulling up a minor hill with the air temp in the high 50's. When I came to a stop EITMS kicked in. Next I tried removing the fork deflectors and this seemed to make a big difference in that the engine didn't seem to be overheating during mid-50 degree riding. I am will keep this setup (chaps and no deflectors) and see how it goes.
FWIW, I really didn't notice much difference with the fork baffle removed however I haven't ridden in the rain yet. With the fork deflectors off my knees were getting more wind but my feet were very comfortable.
FWIW, I really didn't notice much difference with the fork baffle removed however I haven't ridden in the rain yet. With the fork deflectors off my knees were getting more wind but my feet were very comfortable.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Bothell, WA
So I was looking to see if there was way to use the airlite chaps in higher than mid 50 degree temps. I traded email with the owner about an idea I had to remove the mesh that sits between the engine guard and in front of the engine. He did see an issue and felt the the chaps would still hold their shape. So on Saturday morning I got out the utility knife and started carefully removing the mesh...this took all of about 10 minutes.
Took the bike out for a 40 mile ride today in mid 50 degree weather and didn't get any overheating. I will be keeping my eye on this.
Took the bike out for a 40 mile ride today in mid 50 degree weather and didn't get any overheating. I will be keeping my eye on this.