Who uses soft lowers? I'm leaning towards a purchase but would like something better than the canvas or poly stuff that HD sells. Maybe leather? If anyone has any pics that would be cool. I searched the forum and found a few threads but most were about wind deflection and eventually go off topic toward fork deflectors etc. I also checked out some of the forum sponsors and did not find anything, but googled and found Chilhowee products, which look kind of nice, but thought some of you guys who already have soft lowers can chime in on where you got yours. Thx!

 

My ex had the canvas HD "soft lowers" on her heritage for about a week. They suck. They cause so much turbulance it's not worth it. Putting two flat surfaces on the front of your motorcycle isn't very aerodynamic. Get hard lowers off craigs list.

 

a set came with my 09- I got $50 for them.

for one, they should only be used under 50º

and they are not aerodynamic

hard fairing lowers are somewhat aerodynamic, provide wind protection and storage and also enhance cooling by ordering and directing air to the motor- so can be used under all weather conditions.

color matched are available from HD and pricey, or you can check the classifieds.

mike

 

HD used to sell leather (leather like) ones. I have a set.

 

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/

 

I have the Harley soft lowers and while they are ugly they do a good job of protecting lower legs from cold or rain. They make a huge difference when the temps are below 45*f and as Freebee said they come off in 30 seconds.

 

+3

Can't be beat for the money as protection from the elements and ease of removal.

 

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.

 

i used soft lowers on other bikes in the past. better and more protective for wind and rain than hard lowers which are good also. I've had both.
Softs are great and easy to remove. Aerodynamics really do not play into this accessory imo ( under 90 mph lol). When it was cold in the am I used them. An hour later, took 'em off. no prob.

 

Yup, my thoughts exactly. And they fold up and go away in the bottom of one of the saddle bags too.

Mine are on all the time in the Spring and Fall...if temps are about 15c (60F) or warmer I take them off.

They are ugly...and they catch the wind. LOL!

If I somehow end up with the cash for a set of the $250 ebay hard lowers, I will give a set a try.