So i poised a question on a FB group as to whether the engine guards will protect the lower fairings and cooling system in case of a gentle, low speed drop. And of course I get all sorts of answers, some which don't actually try and answer. Some of the answers contradict each other.

The reason for my question is that I really want to practice some low speed skills. Not that I am horrible rider, but I know that there are some skills that I would like to be better at. However when you look at the engine guard and the lower engine guard, it appears from certain angles, that the lower fairings actually stick out further than the engine guard.

My question is this: With the understanding that the lower fairings house parts of the cooling system, is it safe to assume that if the bike is dropped or laid down at a very slow speed or from a stopped position that the engine guard will protect the lower fairings and cooling system?

 

The bike will lay on the crash bars without the lower fairing hitting the ground. Do not ask me how I know.

 

I for one don't have to ask you how you know LOL.

Also, for the OP who may not already know, even if you do not have saddlegag guards if you tip your bike over in your garage, or anywhere else on a flat surface, your bags won't contact the ground.

 

Took the words right out of my mouth, even the do not ask me how I know part.

 

My engine guards have marks. My lowers & bags not. ‘16 FLHTK

 

I would not count on not having any paint damage especially on the edge of the lowers.
I know for a fact that you can have damage depending on speed and how hard you go down.
Don’t believe me check used bikes at your dealership probably half have marks on the lowers.

 

The crash bar will protect the lowers. Like everyone else I learned the hard way. If you're practicing low speed maneuvers you may want to tape some pipe foam onto the bars just to keep them from getting scratched. Just a thought.

 

If you drop the bike on an incline, expect some scrapes on edges of lower and upper fairings. I call them beauty marks.

 

I was at a demo days a couple years back. They had a Ultra Limited CVO for demo rides. Two different riders dropped that bike in the parking lot, 1 before he left, 1 after he got back. The first guy dropped it on the clutch side, no damage anywhere but a really mild scuff on the engine guard. Second guy dropped it on brake side and it scarred the outer edge of lower fairing. I couldn't believe it, 2 drops, 1 right after the other.