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At what outside temp do you remove the lowers on an Ultra?

Started by 176, April 25, 2012, 02:34:45 PM

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176

Starting to warm up around the country...most parts anyway...lol.
Would like to hear from Ultra owners at what temp do you remove your lowers if ever?
Thanks in advance.
176
02 Heritage, 08 Ultra Classic, Mesa Arizona

hbkeith

you will hear all differant answers to that ? , i know guys that have ultras and have never takin there lowers off,i know guys that take them off over 70,  i use soft lowers and i take em off when my legs get hot  :up: :down:

Dogbone45ACP

Never, it can be cold and wet in the Seattle area at 0400. Then 85 at 1630. This would be a hot summer. Normal would be 65-75.

runamuck

pulled mine off last month..been cool here in the A.M. but warm by lunchtime..and 90 today..DFW area.

clarkg1124

I've never taken mine off.The heat has not been a factor for me.
Clark
Wanna buy a possum????

burnout1550

Mine are vented, no need to remove. They also serve to protect my legs from things getting kicked up off the road
DM 103" Mega Sphere
Fueling 594 Cams, Doherty PACC, RB Racing Black Hole, TTS

IndyHarley

since they 1st put them on I have left them on year round and three bikes later I still haven't had a problem. I ride as often as I can and I am retired so it's allot.
Member since 1865
Founder of IN PGR - Legion Post #186 Commander

02 Ultra

02 Ultra Classic mild 95"

glens


Sc00ter

I don't remove the lowers, but I have removed the vents...

JohnC

I have the vented lowers but went ahead and removed the doors completely.  I leave them like that year round.  I find that the plastic bodies minus the doors still provide plenty of protection against cold and rain while still allowing plenty of cooling air to the motor.

JohnC - Kechi, KS

surf

Left them on all last year, took them off when I got back from Daytona this year, gave the bike a good cleaning and going over, still off. Would put them back on if I was going on a trip, keeps the feet dry when you hit rain.

PoorUB

Like other riders, I take them off when the temps stay over 70-75 degrees. I left them on last year when we went to Tennesse and then on to Texas and it got so friggen hot I took the lowers off and mailed them back home. Highs for the day were always above 100F and every little bit helped.
I am an adult?? When did that happen, and how do I make it stop?!

dunbarton

Came off the day I bought it 12 years ago and never went back on.

Dennis The Menace

I never removed mine.  But, I nearly always ride with feet out on the highway pegs, so heat never got to me.  That was on my 03 Ultra.  I dont plan to own them again tho....dont care much for the look.

Sixspeed

Keep mine on, but made it easier to open and close the vent doors while riding.
:bike:

[attachment removed after 60 days by system]
"The HAPPIEST people just make the Best of Everything"

Bladesmith

Took them off when I first got the bike...They sit in th garage next to the tourpack I've Never used.
If my thought dreams could be seen they'd  put my head in a guillotine.. Dylan

Bigs

2011 Road Glide Ultra's lowers came off when the temp was going to hit a high of 75 in the day but was around 50-55 in the mornings. I have the quick disconnect kit on them so their fairly easy to take off or put back on. The only time the engine heat bothered me was when I had to sit in traffic for a long time.
   Bigs

Gadgetech

I bought them for my FLTRX and haven't taken them off yet but I have been considering doing so. It will be hot here soon enough.

fourthgear

I'm in the sunshine state & don't remove my vented lowers .

Helps keep the rain off my boots ,when I get caught in it on the way home from work @ midnight.

ViennaHog

Never, like them for storage and it doesnt make a big difference in engine heat or rider comfort when off. JMHO

War Horse

Never, since I do allot of 55mph + riding I like the wind deflection and really dont feel the difference with heat, I got highway pegs too, just drape the legs over them and let the wind blow up the pants legs to cool off if need be...  :teeth:
A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory

slo-poke 03

I never take them off, I open and close the vents acording to the weather.

truck

I tried taking them off once, didn't like the wind blowing up in my face, they stay on now.
Listen to the jingle the rumble and the roar.

Jeffd

For me they make a huge difference in heat reduction at anything over 70* I normally cruise ~80-85mph and the wind on the legs feels better then the head on the legs. It is easy to take the off and on even without the detach kit.  I am probably in the minority, but I think the bike looks 10X better without them (2011 RGU)

harborjohn

I have never taken them off. I live in calif and routinely ride in 100 deg heat. I do alot of high speed riding (90+) when im crossing the calif deserts and I dont have a problem with them. In fact it blocks most of the air around my legs and actually directs air onto the motor.

Princess Butt

When we got our '06 Ultra, I figured I would remove them if it got too hot. Traded the bike a week ago, at 51,000 miles, and they had never been off.

Our 2012 Ultra Limited throws more heat, mainly because it's new. I'll see how it goes this summer, but I'm betting they stay in place.

I thought someone figured out the heads are about 10 degrees cooler with the lowers in place. Don't recall where I read that, but it shouldn't be too hard to test with an infrared thermometer.
Shiny side up, rubber side down.

Jeffd

Quote from: harborjohn on April 26, 2012, 09:04:49 AM
I have never taken them off. I live in calif and routinely ride in 100 deg heat. I do alot of high speed riding (90+) when im crossing the calif deserts and I dont have a problem with them. In fact it blocks most of the air around my legs and actually directs air onto the motor.

My IR temp gun and the CHT sensor reading on the front cylinder via tts show that my head temps are hotter with the lowers in place. I don't have an oil temp gauge so not sure if there is a difference there, this is on a 2011 with vents.

tdkkart

 On the old Ultra Classic with non-vented lowers they came off as soon as the daytime temps reached 75*. Now with the Road Glide with vents I don't find a need to take them off.

harborjohn

Quote from: Jeffd on April 26, 2012, 09:26:55 AM
Quote from: harborjohn on April 26, 2012, 09:04:49 AM
I have never taken them off. I live in calif and routinely ride in 100 deg heat. I do alot of high speed riding (90+) when im crossing the calif deserts and I dont have a problem with them. In fact it blocks most of the air around my legs and actually directs air onto the motor.

My IR temp gun and the CHT sensor reading on the front cylinder via tts show that my head temps are hotter with the lowers in place. I don't have an oil temp gauge so not sure if there is a difference there, this is on a 2011 with vents.

Thats why I would never use a temperature gauge or temp gun. Why in hell would I want to know the temp? I already know its hot, its a hot day on a air cooled motor, its very hot. I change my oil often and dont worry about it. I have rode it many times in 100 deg temp at 100mph for a 100 miles at a time. 

Jeffd

Quote from: harborjohn on April 26, 2012, 10:32:52 AM
Quote from: Jeffd on April 26, 2012, 09:26:55 AM
Quote from: harborjohn on April 26, 2012, 09:04:49 AM
I have never taken them off. I live in calif and routinely ride in 100 deg heat. I do alot of high speed riding (90+) when im crossing the calif deserts and I dont have a problem with them. In fact it blocks most of the air around my legs and actually directs air onto the motor.

My IR temp gun and the CHT sensor reading on the front cylinder via tts show that my head temps are hotter with the lowers in place. I don't have an oil temp gauge so not sure if there is a difference there, this is on a 2011 with vents.

Thats why I would never use a temperature gauge or temp gun. Why in hell would I want to know the temp? I already know its hot, its a hot day on a air cooled motor, its very hot. I change my oil often and dont worry about it. I have rode it many times in 100 deg temp at 100mph for a 100 miles at a time. 

beats me, but you were saying they direct air onto your engine so I would assume that would cool it not heat it up.  I was just stating that my experience is different.  I change oil often too I am more worried about having the valve guides drop out of the heads LOL. :chop: 

harborjohn

Quote from: Jeffd on April 26, 2012, 11:00:20 AM
Quote from: harborjohn on April 26, 2012, 10:32:52 AM
Quote from: Jeffd on April 26, 2012, 09:26:55 AM
Quote from: harborjohn on April 26, 2012, 09:04:49 AM
I have never taken them off. I live in calif and routinely ride in 100 deg heat. I do alot of high speed riding (90+) when im crossing the calif deserts and I dont have a problem with them. In fact it blocks most of the air around my legs and actually directs air onto the motor.

My IR temp gun and the CHT sensor reading on the front cylinder via tts show that my head temps are hotter with the lowers in place. I don't have an oil temp gauge so not sure if there is a difference there, this is on a 2011 with vents.

Thats why I would never use a temperature gauge or temp gun. Why in hell would I want to know the temp? I already know its hot, its a hot day on a air cooled motor, its very hot. I change my oil often and dont worry about it. I have rode it many times in 100 deg temp at 100mph for a 100 miles at a time. 

beats me, but you were saying they direct air onto your engine so I would assume that would cool it not heat it up.  I was just stating that my experience is different.  I change oil often too I am more worried about having the valve guides drop out of the heads LOL. :chop:
Dont think I want my valve guides dropping out of the heads either LOL.

Baggerlady

Took mine off not long after I got it, and have never put them back on. My fuel milage improved from 35 mpg to 40 or so.  My vents would always close while I was riding so they would get hot.  :rose:

x52gnr

Mine stay on all year round, I just open and close the vents as needed
2012 Heritage Softail
2008 Gl1800 (Gold Wing) Airbagger

harleyjt

Even with the later vented versions, its just too hot for me here in the summertime (mid to high 90's routinely and high humidity).  They come off when the days reach 75 to 80 - usually late April or early May, and back on when the temps drop to below 70 in the daytime - usually late October or early Nov).  I've tried them in the warmer weather and just don't have enough airflow.  Sitting at a stop light is murder on a 90 deg day with those things on. 
jt
2017 Ultra Classic - Mysterious Red/Velocity Red

Tre_11 FLHX

One of the first things I purchased when I got my Streetglide, put hogtunes speakers in and they will never come off. Unless I sell the bike.

Tre'

11 103 FLHX-TW555 cams,10.5:1, FM 2-1-2 ex, FM heads, VPC, JP mufflers, PV tuner


HogBob

Mine have hung in the basement for the last 10 years.
Bob

r1mcdonald

I live in Florida and have a 02 non vented lowers and if my bike is on the road so are the lowers,never seen the reason to remove them not even for iron butt in July.

Shvlhed

Never take mine off either, they have never been an issue with me as far as the heat goes and they sure are nice to have when I get caught in the rain!
"Mountaineers Are Always Free"

FLTRI

The best we've experienced is the best we know
Always keep eyes and mind open

2tired

32° .  Don't ride much below that.  Started riding 45 years ago when there was no such thing.  Just personal preference as far as I can see. 

truck

Quote from: 2tired on April 29, 2012, 09:42:29 AM
32° .  Don't ride much below that.  Started riding 45 years ago when there was no such thing.  Just personal preference as far as I can see.
My dad told me he would wrap canvas around the crash bars when it got cold, acted like a lower fairing. I don't have a picture of it, but I do of the bike. It was taken before mom and dad were married and I wasn't born for a minimum of seven years after that. Maybe dad started something 73 years ago? :nix:

[attachment removed after 60 days by system]
Listen to the jingle the rumble and the roar.

GaryD

I use to take them off every April until last year when I installed woofers in them. Now I can either listen to great music or be comfortable.  :doh:
And on my new Tri Glide I'm really uncomfortable, but my tunes are more important.  :gob:
AMA Life Mbr.
USMC VietNam 66-67 3rd Tnk. Bat

hd06myway

Usually about the same temp my 'ol lady starts lowering hers.. :bike:

sgrand71

I took mine off when it was freezing outside so I would'nt interupt riding season. They never went back on.
The only normal people are the ones you don't really know!

skeets

If ya want to take them off why have them inthe first place???? :wtf:
Am fear nach gleidh na hairm san t sith, cha bhi iad aige'n am a' chogaidh

PoorUB

Quote from: skeets on May 02, 2012, 04:55:18 AM
If ya want to take them off why have them inthe first place???? :wtf:

Because an ultra comes with them!

Same reason guys remove tour packs, or slap on differant seats, because they want to!

Same reason guys buy Ultras and never used the CB or intercom. I know a guy with a EG Classic that has never turned on the radio, he said the other day he doesn't even know if it works.
I am an adult?? When did that happen, and how do I make it stop?!

GaryD

Because I need them in the Chicago winters. Keeps the slush off my boots.
and now they're home to my woofers so I can't take them off in the summer, dang it.
AMA Life Mbr.
USMC VietNam 66-67 3rd Tnk. Bat

glens

Because they hold my garage door transmitter, cigarettes, gloves, wallet (while motoring), etc.

Jeffd

Quote from: skeets on May 02, 2012, 04:55:18 AM
If ya want to take them off why have them inthe first place???? :wtf:

They came standard on my Roadglide Ultra otherwise I would not have paid extra for them.  Bike looks much better without them in my opinion. I bet many of the guys that swear by them make fun of Goldwings etc for having too much protection lol.

War Horse

I dont make fun of Goldwings, but I do make fun of some of the riders  :scratch: hmm, that goes for some of every group, eh ?  :wink:
A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory

glens

Quote from: Jeffd on May 02, 2012, 09:01:32 AM
I bet many of the guys that swear by them make fun of Goldwings etc for having too much protection lol.

It's not the amount of protection on the Goldwings, it's the frame-mounted fairing, HAHAHA!

Actually, it's the whole bike that instills making fun of Goldwings.  A fully plastic-shrouded soulless two-wheeled vehicle.

Jeffd

Quote from: glens on May 02, 2012, 12:30:41 PM
Quote from: Jeffd on May 02, 2012, 09:01:32 AM
I bet many of the guys that swear by them make fun of Goldwings etc for having too much protection lol.

It's not the amount of protection on the Goldwings, it's the frame-mounted fairing, HAHAHA!

Actually, it's the whole bike that instills making fun of Goldwings.  A fully plastic-shrouded soulless two-wheeled vehicle.

They have about as much soul as any t/c lol my 2011 rgu doesn't have a lot of soul but after a 1000 mile day I'll pick comfort over soul

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

sgrand71

I took mine off because I never liked them. They came with the bike at no extra charge. When I decide they have collected enough dust I'm sure they will be worth a small $ to someone.
The only normal people are the ones you don't really know!

Bladesmith

Quote from: skeets on May 02, 2012, 04:55:18 AM
If ya want to take them off why have them in the first place???? :wtf:



They came with the Ultra Limited I won with a $10 raffle ticket...Lowers and tourbox came off the day I got the bike..have never used the am/fm or cb.

The universe, fate, God or whatnot gave me the bike....I feel it would be Very wrong to get rid of it.
If my thought dreams could be seen they'd  put my head in a guillotine.. Dylan