06 side panels, do you open or keep close?

[wiskeyjac1]

Just curious as to how many riders are putting the side panels in the open position. I've tried both ways and can't seem to tell which is cooler on the legs. The open position certainly cools down fast over about 45 mph, but at a stop seem to be a bit warmer. BTW, this is certainly one of those just silly questions, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

Whiskey Jack

 

[Bagger]

Just curious as to how many riders are putting the side panels in the open position. I've tried both ways and can't seem to tell which is cooler on the legs. The open position certainly cools down fast over about 45 mph, but at a stop seem to be a bit warmer. BTW, this is certainly one of those just silly questions, but I thought I'd ask anyway.
Whiskey Jack

Well, Jack.... I tho't about asking the very same thing. But, yesterday, I opened the side deals.... rode 100 miles and think that in the "open" (aka... outward) position, the bike is HOTTER.

Today, I closed the faring panels and found that it was somewhat cooler..... albeit, just a smidge. The left side was pretty warm compared to my other bikes (WING, VTX1300) ... and I understand the various differences between the bikes.

Soooooo... I think the bike is warmer with the panels in the "outward" position, Jack.

BAGGER

 

[FantasticJohnR]

If you look closely at the side panels towards the front- it appears to me that the outward "open" position is designed to gather the engine heat and move towards the rider whereas if they are closed then this air is pushed outward away from the rider and the bike. So, even though I haven't messed with mine personally- looks like the close position is the cooler position.

I have been riding with the closed position here in Austin Texas with the recent temps reaching 100 and haven't found the heat to be bad from the bike- unless stopped in traffic then certainly feel the heat on the lower legs that is likely coming from the catalytic converter.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

If you look closely at the side panels towards the front- it appears to me that the outward "open" position is designed to gather the engine heat and move towards the rider whereas if they are closed then this air is pushed outward away from the rider and the bike. So, even though I haven't messed with mine personally- looks like the close position is the cooler position.
I have been riding with the closed position here in Austin Texas with the recent temps reaching 100 and haven't found the heat to be bad from the bike- unless stopped in traffic then certainly feel the heat on the lower legs that is likely coming from the catalytic converter.

OK this may be dumb, but I thought in late Fall/winter I was supposed to open the panels to allow engine heat to warm me. Kept them closed so far and am comfy, but the temps have been moderate here in southern Oregon.

 

[Joey]

I am new to the FJR world and don't have that many miles on mine yet. Our temperature has been in the upper 90's lately. I was testing the side panels both ways and found that with them open it is cooler if your legs are tucked in close. I was not sure until I closed them, but I seem to agree, except when your legs are tucked in, it does seem hotter.

 

[FJRski]

It's amazing, but neither the manual nor the heat management brochure seem to give any indication which position is cooler.

I think the closed position looks cooler. I think you get more hot air directed at the rider when you are logged on and the panels are open.