Soft Lowers
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 994
Likes: 28
From: NC
Thanks all, for the great feedback! In the pics that were provided it looks like the soft lowers guide the air inward and downward so I can see how most of that air would be swept underneath the bike and cause engine temp problems, but they also seem to all have space in front of the motor to allow cooling. My main purpose is to help decrease the turbulence, so after trying the other option available for wind deflection I may turn to this after all (or the vented hard lowers/knock offs that ppl mentioned even though I'm not crazy about the look). It's all trial and error I guess, just like most everything else, but I don't want to let this turbulence thing ruin my passion for riding. Never noticed it on my softails, guess old age is creeping up!
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Laconia, NH
I bought soft lowers for my street glide to make cold weather riding (30-50 degrees) more comfortable. edit: in case it wasn't mentioned, you should know they state not to use the soft lowers above 50 degrees due to engine heat issues
I would not buy them again. They do block the wind directly on the floorboards, but they also deflect some wind up towards the tank. I still have to wear my heavy leather boots and chaps when it's that cold, and found I am just as warm without the lowers on since I have to dress warmly, so I no longer bother putting them on.
What did help for cold weather was a wind splitter, triple tree scoop deflector, and fork deflectors. It creates a nice pocket from torso to head where I get very little wind.
I would not buy them again. They do block the wind directly on the floorboards, but they also deflect some wind up towards the tank. I still have to wear my heavy leather boots and chaps when it's that cold, and found I am just as warm without the lowers on since I have to dress warmly, so I no longer bother putting them on.
What did help for cold weather was a wind splitter, triple tree scoop deflector, and fork deflectors. It creates a nice pocket from torso to head where I get very little wind.
Last edited by haunaben; May 5, 2014 at 09:00 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,154
Likes: 2,562
From: CT/FL
I used Desert Dawgs om my 01' E-glide standard for three years... They were great in the winter, not so great for Texas summer heat.
The beauty of them was you could take them of in 30 seconds and store them in a the bottom of a saddlebag.
For what they are they worked well :http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/dese...s-rain-guards/
The beauty of them was you could take them of in 30 seconds and store them in a the bottom of a saddlebag.
For what they are they worked well :http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/dese...s-rain-guards/
They pop right off and stow in a bag if it gets really warm in the evening.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
I've used the cheap vinyl elephant ears since 1995. I have them for both of my bikes and they work great - can't beat 'em for the money.
I keep them on until the temps reach 70-80 degrees. No overheating troubles with either bike - just remember HD has to cover their *** which is the reason for the 50 degree warning.
Also, my bikes get nearly the same mileage with them on or off. The '95 EGC regularly gets 40+ and the '06 SG regularly gets 45+ mpg. Just did a 180 miler last Friday (60-70 degrees) and got 45.2 mpg from my SG with the elephant ears on all day.
AND...they come off any time I want and store easily in my bags - which is something you cannot do with hard lowers (plus hard lowers are just plain ugly).
I keep them on until the temps reach 70-80 degrees. No overheating troubles with either bike - just remember HD has to cover their *** which is the reason for the 50 degree warning.
Also, my bikes get nearly the same mileage with them on or off. The '95 EGC regularly gets 40+ and the '06 SG regularly gets 45+ mpg. Just did a 180 miler last Friday (60-70 degrees) and got 45.2 mpg from my SG with the elephant ears on all day.
AND...they come off any time I want and store easily in my bags - which is something you cannot do with hard lowers (plus hard lowers are just plain ugly).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,281
Likes: 3,418
From: Idaho Panhandle
I use Desert Dawgs. Mine are Vinyl not leather. I really enjoy them all winter and in heavy rain. They are easy on, easy off. When not on the hwy bars, they live in the saddlebag. I use them year round if I am going to be riding through more than an afternoon thunderstorm.
Mine do not seem to affect the handling as others have stated. Note that I have the Harley fork lowers installed and that may be why I get no buffeting or wind issues with them on or off. I prefer the soft lowers to hard lowers. I had Desert Dawgs on my previous bike. I bought new Desert Dawgs when I bought this bike in '10.
Mine do not seem to affect the handling as others have stated. Note that I have the Harley fork lowers installed and that may be why I get no buffeting or wind issues with them on or off. I prefer the soft lowers to hard lowers. I had Desert Dawgs on my previous bike. I bought new Desert Dawgs when I bought this bike in '10.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
I've had Airlite's for 4-5 years. They work great. The also have a mesh part that goes in front of the engine so it doesn't affect temps there. They are always in my saddle bag, available for use. Its take 30 seconds to install them, less that that to remove.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 839
Likes: 6
From: Virginia
Thanks for the feedback, I just got done doing some home-brew testing of my own this afternoon, using cardboard taped to the engine guard as a sample and you guys are right, it creates more turbulence than without them on. Plus, if they're not good to use during the heat then I'd be wasting $$$ since I'm not a winter time rider.
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