Doing some test rides on different models, yesterday rode a 2012 Ultra Limited that had the lower fairings installed. I was surprised at the heat I felt on my thighs when at slow speeds or at a stop. Bike also had the heat guards installed. My question is should I expect the same amount of heat to come off of it with the lowers removed?

Thanks

 

Yes, but not as bad while moving...bike's running hot (lean). Guessing it had OEM exhaust (header) w/ CAT...??

 

Iceman24 is probably right. I'd like to also ask, did you look at the adjustable vents on the lowers? They may have been closed by mistake.

I ride a Road King most of the time with out lowers. I doubt I would ever add them but I wouldn't think of taking them off my Limited either. I like the wind and rock protection on my lower legs.

 

iCEMAN, Unknown, I did notice it had screaming eagle exhaust. I was not looking "at this bike" to buy, but just to see if I liked the riding position, how it rode, if it talked to me etc etc. First time on a Ultra and it was nice,

Edwardk, no I did not even think to check. This time of year the heat was not bad, but during summer I would bake, I am also pretty short legged so I was 'hugging' the bike at stops.

Thanks for the input.

 

I swapped my motor on my 07 FLHTC from 96” with Cams to a stock 103HO from a 14 Street Glide...It’s hotter and I have a catless 2in1 exhaust with a decent tune. It’s hot with and without lowers, I take my lowers off in the summer. I am reinstalling them today as well as my deflectors for a trip to the hills Thursday...I like the extra airflow in the summer...crotch cooler from Captain Itch.. They are hot air cooled motors....

 

I have a 012 Ultra. I always ride with the lower vents fully opened up to allow for more air flow. I also killed the cat in the header pipe,which helped..They are lean running and that produced more heat for sure.

 

Just to be clear are you saying that the 96 ran cooler? Thanks

 

Yes and a good tune riches the air fuel mixture a bit and cools it off.

 

PukinDogs, I had an 09 Classic that ran great. When I traded & bought my 11 Limited Ultra, I was in panic mode thinking something was wrong because of all that heat. Then I found out about the catalytic converter in 2010 (I think) and newer. As soon as I replaced the head pipe (I did Vance & Hines Power Duals) the heat "disappeared." Well, not actually disappeared, but back to what I'd call "normal heat." I think it won't matter if you have vents open near lowers, no lowers, or fans, it ain't gonna make the heat go away. You need to get a catless header. I now have a 16 Limited Ultra, and even before I rode it away from the dealer, I had Power Duals put on. That's the 1st thing I'll do to a new bike from now on.

 

Good info, thanks!