At first I removed the Lowers in the summer. But this was a problem when it rained because I had gotten used to the Lowers blocking the rain when they were installed. So I found, and installed aftermarket vents. It gives me the protection I want but allows me to use the vents during the warmer days. And the Non-Vented Lowers were lower in cost than the Vented Lowers.
+1 on the added air vents. Vented lowers didn't exist when I bought mine and I took them off in the summer due to heat issues (and just lived with wet legs when it rained). The vents in the link work and are inexpensive.
I rode last summer in 100* to 109* with vented lowers on. It was just plain old HOT period. A lot of the heat comes from the road surface. Removing the lower didn't seem to make much difference the year I did remove them.
+1 on the added air vents. Vented lowers didn't exist when I bought mine and I took them off in the summer due to heat issues (and just lived with wet legs when it rained). The vents in the link work and are inexpensive.
+2. Only my 09 RG, the aftermarket vents helped with the dead hot air behind the lower. Run the lowers yr round, no issues so far. Now installing the vents, "measure twice, cut once".... hard to slice through a $700 pair of new painted lowers and mess up.
vented, one of first things I added.next year added the quick detach bolts.I would recommend both.I found lowers online new for just over 500 and detach for 70 back in 07.
Would do it again. unless I moved to arizona,socal...
..... the aftermarket vents helped with the dead hot air behind the lower. ...... "measure twice, cut once".... hard to slice through a $700 pair of new painted lowers and mess up.
i just got a pair of vented lowers brand new with hardware from ebay for 419 free shipping ive always wanted a set but i wasnt bout to fork out 700 for harley ones and they seem really nice just a thought
I purchased a set of new vented lowers from LSHD.com for $549 shipped. They keep me warm and dry. I don't know if they keep the engine cooler when the vents are open but I feel cooler. My gas mileage has went up by 2-3 mpg with them on. The vents do get in the way when they are open. I don't notice the noise from the wind but I can hear more engine noise.
I found vented lower fairings from Faring factory, on Ebay with quick disconnect hardware for $360.00 Painted, clear coat. They are not harley, but look just like them. For that kinda money I think I may try them.