Could use a bit of advice here. Been looking at moving up to a bigger bike for commuting around San Diego and up into LA about three-four days a week. Would like to get a Road Glide as it is more comfortable and a bit more versatile for longer trips. But a simple softail deluxe seems like a easier bike to use on a daily basis in heavy traffic. I cannot do a dyna just don't like them.

I am hung up on the width of the thing for splitting lanes though. Is anybody using a touring bike for commuting in California. Any real issues or are the trade offs in size worth it for comfort on longer days.

Price is not really an issue. Practically in traffic trumps all.

 

It's a little easier to split on the Softail but since its from San Diego to LA I'd go with the Road Glide.

 

Get both.


I have split lanes on my Wide Glide (pretty easy) and my Limited (a little tougher / slower).

 

I will end up with both in the long run. But I am more of a classic bike guy. But more then 30 miles on a 60 year old bike is to much for me.

 

Bike width should not be a deciding factor on your purchase. I lane split with fairing equipped bikes in Bay Area traffic for many years. Rearview mirrors on the bikes were the only occasional pinch point.

 

I'm a Softail guy, but if it were me purchasing between those 2 models, for that kind of use, I'd go with the Road Glide.

 

That is what I assumed but had no first hand knowledge of it. I have only ridden touring bikes outside of California on vacations and not a lot of traffic in Iowa.

No off to find a Sadona Orange locally with lower mileage and in good shape.

 

On a Road Glide you will sit a little higher, and have better visability going through traffic. Also you might find having a stereo and GPS handy for those longer trips.

Glide will also ride smoother due to suspension and the rubber mounted engine.

 

I have had both and ride LA traffic daily. The softail is better for splitting, the Road Glide is better for the long haul. Sold my softail for a Road Glide a few years ago. You split lanes a little slower on a Road Glide, (at least I do) but you'll still get there a lot quicker than in a car. My advice....Road Glide.

 

I split just fine in my SG so the RG shouldn't be much different. I'd prefer to be comfortable as I split.