Losing My Mind
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
Honestly Guys/Gals, Whats a guy to do--- all this info is making me crazy, I am/was planning to buy a 2014 sgs in the next day or two, riding one today (snow finally melting in Buffalo) All I keep hearing is suspension sucks, infotainment sucks, buffeting sucks, Should I be looking at the ultra and just take off the tour pak? Been riding a rkc for 8 yrs and have been very comfortable, but thought the radio abs and other refinements would be nice for my later years (61 this year) sheesh might as well keep the rkc and the $27,000.00. Any real well thought out advice would be appreciated
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 107
Likes: 69
From: Richland
I bought my limited last august I currently have 4500 miles on it. I the redesigned fairing and front end makes a huge difference. Riding in the wind isn't a chore anymore. The buffeting is greatly reduced. I put on a recurve windshield I don't have any buffeting. The new cams are great the powerband is spot on for my riding style. If you are going to use the infotainment I would recommend looking at the ultra. It already has the communication plugs built in. You will get the lowers as well. I know in your area I would want lowers. I spent the 80's in Oswego.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Seattle/Tacoma area
I traded in a 2004 RKC for my 2014 SG. I loved my RKC and rode it for years....great bike.
I did not get the SG special, as I wanted the bike completely black, with no pin striping. The dealer did upgrade the stereo and also added some agitator wheels and blacked out the front forks. Since the suspension is basically the same as I had on the RKC, I think it works just fine. My wife and I ride the new bike and it feels the same as the old one as far as bumps, etc....
The handling on the SG is way better than my old bike. I absolutely love the fairing, even though I always said I would not have one. The stereo is way more than I need or use. I have never used my navigation, but mostly because I just ride and don't care to mess with it.
I think you will be very happy with the new bike. Like anything else, there are always things that could be better, or you may wish to modify......no different than your current bike. Get the new one, have fun riding it and fixing it up....and enjoy yourself....you deserve it!
I did not get the SG special, as I wanted the bike completely black, with no pin striping. The dealer did upgrade the stereo and also added some agitator wheels and blacked out the front forks. Since the suspension is basically the same as I had on the RKC, I think it works just fine. My wife and I ride the new bike and it feels the same as the old one as far as bumps, etc....
The handling on the SG is way better than my old bike. I absolutely love the fairing, even though I always said I would not have one. The stereo is way more than I need or use. I have never used my navigation, but mostly because I just ride and don't care to mess with it.
I think you will be very happy with the new bike. Like anything else, there are always things that could be better, or you may wish to modify......no different than your current bike. Get the new one, have fun riding it and fixing it up....and enjoy yourself....you deserve it!
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 9
From: LaSalle, Ontario
If your current bike meets your needs and is reliable enough for what your using it for why spend the money? If you want a different bike because your needs or riding style has changed then it might make sense. Does it have to be a 14 or would a 11, 12 or 13 work for you? You could save a whole lot of coin going with a slightly used one and there are a lot of excellent bikes available that were traded just because some guys had to have a 14. As far as SG vs Ultra I went the Ultra route and it works well for me, lots of guys buy the SG for looks but I would go for comfort and the Ultra wins hands down and looks great to boot. Good luck with your choice.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, California
You know I was in your same position a few months back and read the 251 posts about infotainment, gps, etc... But my dyna had no bags, touring suspension, windshield, fairing, 6th gear, and didn't even have EFI. I lost sleep over the posts but then thought about all the bugs with our lexus gps...and sound issues with my BMW. The way I look at it, if the benefits outweigh the negative ( there will always be some negatives), you look at it as an entertainment decision. I bought mt 14 SGS to ride to fun places and hang out with fun people... I'm going to try my best not to let it pop my bubble every time my Bluetooth doesn't sync correctly, or the adoptive voice system doesn't self adjust like it's designed to do. Harley could have probably done better with the infotainment but overall I think the bike is worth the price they sell it for. Every forum will have the good with the bad, Toyota, ford, Chevy have miles of negative threads from people experiencing problems, but you have to realize most people with issues have to confirm the issues and post more than people not having problems. Now I would have more reservations if the posts were safety or reliability related... Most are ride stiffness or techie issues with radio/gps.
Let us know what you decided and why... Helps other people digest all this info.
Let us know what you decided and why... Helps other people digest all this info.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 244
Likes: 8
From: N. Tonawanda, NY
I came off an 11 SG and it is a much nicer bike. I don't know why people are saying the suspension is bad. The new shocks on the SGS are way better than the air shocks. New cams make a big difference also. The new fairing helped me. I love mine. Just make sure you shop around. I ended up getting mine at Gowanda. Don't know if you have ever been there, but give them a shot. I'm glad I did. It was a different world compared to who I was dealing with.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Behind you
You could just get a SGS and improve the shocks (if they're not to you liking). I went with the Limited and went the removable TP route. Now I have a watercooled Street Glide and can drop on the TP when traveling.
Stage IV
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: watertown,ct
I came off a 2012 sg, and dont regret it for a minute. The 14sgs is awesome. if the 27k sticker is upsetting, look for a used one. I bought my 14sgs for 22k delivered to my door. had 1500 miles on it, but now the pricey 1k mile first service is out of the way..
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Supporter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 77
From: NW Ontario
I am new to the Harley world, having ridden metrics for most of my adult life. One test drive convinced me that a new Street Glide Special was for me.
Having been in sales and customer service my entire life, I would ask you to keep the following in mind:
1. When people are happy with a product, they tend to go on their merry way. They don't scream from the rooftops how great it is... They are too busy enjoying it. Although they will give great information when asked. So maybe find some people who have purchased what you're looking for and proactively ask their opinion.
2. The internet lends itself to anonymity. Many people that post reviews, especially negative reviews, do not own the product and maybe have never even seen the product. They may read an article or review that lists 27 great thing and 2 things that could be improved upon, then position those two bad things as reasons to not buy a product. Sometimes they do it just because they have nothing better to do, and sometimes it's to justify the reason why they don't have the product (when the reality could be that they can't afford it, or maybe their spouse won't let them have it, or maybe they're scared to make a decision). Geeks are notorious for doing this. When a new computer or tablet or phone comes out they will point to 1 feature that doesn't live up to expectations and call it a piece of ****, when the rest of the world loves it. They simply look at the specs or take somebody else's word for it without ever putting their hands on it themselves.
Go take one for an extended test ride, or rent one, or ride a friend's. After you make your decision, let us know.
Having been in sales and customer service my entire life, I would ask you to keep the following in mind:
1. When people are happy with a product, they tend to go on their merry way. They don't scream from the rooftops how great it is... They are too busy enjoying it. Although they will give great information when asked. So maybe find some people who have purchased what you're looking for and proactively ask their opinion.
2. The internet lends itself to anonymity. Many people that post reviews, especially negative reviews, do not own the product and maybe have never even seen the product. They may read an article or review that lists 27 great thing and 2 things that could be improved upon, then position those two bad things as reasons to not buy a product. Sometimes they do it just because they have nothing better to do, and sometimes it's to justify the reason why they don't have the product (when the reality could be that they can't afford it, or maybe their spouse won't let them have it, or maybe they're scared to make a decision). Geeks are notorious for doing this. When a new computer or tablet or phone comes out they will point to 1 feature that doesn't live up to expectations and call it a piece of ****, when the rest of the world loves it. They simply look at the specs or take somebody else's word for it without ever putting their hands on it themselves.
Go take one for an extended test ride, or rent one, or ride a friend's. After you make your decision, let us know.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Honestly Been riding a rkc for 8 yrs and have been very comfortable, but thought the radio abs and other refinements would be nice for my later years (61 this year) sheesh might as well keep the rkc and the $27,000.00. Any real well thought out advice would be appreciated