Lowers and the air protection they provide?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 5
From: Mesquite Tx
Lowers and the air protection they provide?
I've been riding for many years, started on dirt bikes as a kid and then moved to street bikes in my 20's. This is my 5th HD and my second SG but I've never ridden a street bike with lowers. On HD baggers there is that flow of wind than comes up around the tank when on the hwy at 70mph plus. The protection on the 14 does feel better than my 2007 due to the slot, so much so that the only buffeting I feel at high speed comes from down low around the tank. If I put my feet on top of the crash bar hugging the tank the air is perfectly calm. So for those than have added lowers to their SG does it clam some of the air coming up around the tank? I've read that the fork mounted air deflectors help with this greatly but I think those are the ugliest thing in the world...lol... And do the lowers cause any heat issues in hot climates in the summer? Thanks for the advice!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
Lowers
I can't say that they help with airflow really. I had a SG and went to a Limited, so I never added the lowers to the SG.
I like the vents in the 14's a lot better than the 13 and older lowers.
Heat isn't really an issue with the lowers in my opinion. The main advantage of the lowers is in rain and cold.
I like the vents in the 14's a lot better than the 13 and older lowers.
Heat isn't really an issue with the lowers in my opinion. The main advantage of the lowers is in rain and cold.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Montana, USA
Thanks for starting this thread. I ride an 06' SG and have the air flow problem as well.
If I ride with my feet on crash bar I actually feel down draft on my ball cap at speed.
Not the most comfortable position as I am 6'0" and 205 and not getting any younger.
I also think the fork deflectors and fairing extensions look leave a lot to be desired.
If I ride with my feet on crash bar I actually feel down draft on my ball cap at speed.
Not the most comfortable position as I am 6'0" and 205 and not getting any younger.
I also think the fork deflectors and fairing extensions look leave a lot to be desired.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 612
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Webo, I was wondering the same thing, I have been looking at different types of lowers although if I added them I may have to change my intake as it may hit. Might calm some of the pant legs flapping and whipping on the tank. If I went with them I would probably get some with additional storage.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 5
From: Mesquite Tx
John - Are you talking about the deflector that mounts to the bottom of the triple tree between the forks? I've seen those but it's so small I didn't think it could help that much for the air coming up around the tank.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
from my experience, riding with the lowers is totally worth it. yes, you will feel a little more heat, but in the summer i remove the doors for additional air flow. one of the reasons you feel more heat is that they direct more air to the engine to help cool it, heat has to go somewhere, so you feel the shedded heat.
without lowers, when i ride highway speeds, my beard beats the hell out of my face. with lowers, it barely even moves.
without lowers, when i ride highway speeds, my beard beats the hell out of my face. with lowers, it barely even moves.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Southeast GA
It does help some but is not a cure all.
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Banned
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: null
I also added fairing deflectors and again, not much help. So far I've gotten the most bang for the buck with a LRS xtreme windshield but still have issues with buffeting at 60 mph and above.
The air that still causes the buffeting I feel comes from underneath as you've mentioned so I've wondered about adding lowers to my SG also. Thanks for putting the question out there.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,932
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From: SOON TO BE A SAFE AMERICA
On my scoot they may ALL THE DIFFERENCE!
I haven't taking them off since I put mine own.
I am less wet, warmer, great wind pocket, (w/ the help off black wind defectors on engine guards, and Windvest screen) and my pants don't climb up my leg.
Well worth it to me. Also you can add speakers too if you want.
YB
I haven't taking them off since I put mine own.
I am less wet, warmer, great wind pocket, (w/ the help off black wind defectors on engine guards, and Windvest screen) and my pants don't climb up my leg.
Well worth it to me. Also you can add speakers too if you want.
YB