Looking for some thoughts on lowers. I have a 2014 Street Glide.

Wondering about lowers to add to my bike. What are the advantages/disadvantages of soft vs hard lowers? What do the hard lowers offer for the additional money? and finally, how hard are the hard lowers to attach and remove?

Thanks all

T

 

After having both I have to say I prefer soft lowers.

Pros -

They do a great job - imo as good or better than hard lowers.

They don't interfere with my extended pedals.

I can take them off whenever I want easily.

I actually like the way they look - old school. On my bike that works.

Cheap - $85

Cons -

Honestly, I can't think of one.

PS - I would love to see more pics of that Fire Fighter Edition

 

i have the hard lowers.
in the cold they keep the breeze off, and you can fill them with small items.
held in place by a p clip at bottom, 2 bolts up top. harley fixings.
you can get the pattern ones from china, as good as the harley ones, probably from the factory that makes them for harley. or you can go mutazu.

 

Looks... Speakers... Keeps cold and rain off. Mutazu and easy on and off.

 

Thanks so far for the info. Kind of leaning towards soft lowers.

For Nevada72 here is a link to a bunch of pics of the bike

https://flic.kr/s/aHsjNZaL6Z

 

Both kinds accomplish the same purpose, and with the quick-change hardware the hard lowers do not take long to put on or take off, so the real question is: what do you like looks-wise on your bike?

 

That's a sweet looking ride.

Another thing I should explain a bit more under the "easy removal" category - It's nice to be able to remove them on the fly, i.e. at a gas station on your way south as things get warmer. So often is the case that I leave in 40 degree weather and end up in an 80 degree destination. It's nice to be able to instantly ditch the lowers.

I was skeptical until I tried them. Now I'm sold.

 

This ! Exactly why I went with them. Plus, I like the reflective edge piping they have and the map holder pouches on the rider side with zippers.

 

Remember: Harley does not recommend riding with soft lowers above 55 degrees, if my memory serves me correct. The hard lowers can stay in year around. Just open or close the vents. I would go with hard lowers, if $$$ allows.

 

I've heard that. But I have yet to see it in print, nor did the parts guy tell me as much. The reason I question it is because it follows the shape of the crash bars. As such, each side angles towards the center of the bike (motor). I would think that would funnel air to the motor. I could be wrong.

Regardless, I use mine for cold weather mainly. My riding pants and boots are pretty waterproof so no need for wet weather protection in the summer. When it's warm, I take them off in 10 seconds.

As far as vents - I couldn't even use the left one. With big feet and an extended shifter, the vent door is a big problem when opened.

Here's a shot of them on our last trip -