I was thinking I could simply buy an aftermarket Batwing for my RoadKing, instead of buying an Electra Glide, or StreetGlide.
I have to wonder if the snap on and off aftermarket Batwings provide as much protection as a stock Batwing, with factory gauges built into it? It seems the aftermarket Batwings might not fit as securely around the headlight.

 

They fit fine. Easy off and on. However once on, rarely take em off

 

Road Kings are very versatile....

Shield
Fairing
Naked

However you’re feeling!

 

Mine's just the Memphis Shades shell. Fits my needs and stays on all the time.

 

Trying to put factory gauges in a removable Batwing.... sounds like a pain in the @$s
Minus that, great idea.
If you want all the factory gauges in fairing buy the one that comes with a fairing.
Stereo, out side temp (anything you don't have to connect for anything but power & ground) is all good.

As far as protection I am getting 90-95% or the same coverage with my clip on VS the factory one.
The one thing I have not been able to acquire is the adjustable deflector on (both side) the lower fairing.
But I have not looked as hard as I could have (yet), had them on my ultra and would not mind having a set now.

Forgot another BIG plus to the clip on, LOWER CG.
Those factory bikes have allot higher CG (especially with the hog tunz).
My Ultra had it all (along with the weight to prove it).

 

I have a Memphis Shades fairing that stays on in colder weather but comes off a lot in warmer months. It isn't as tight fitting around the headlight area but provides plenty of protection. Plus the price is right.

 

It sounds like the clip on does well.
I was thinking about just the Memphis Shades shell, to help keep it lightweight. Or maybe one with an inner and outer fairing. I guess it would still be lighter weight, even with the inner/outer fairing.
I love the gauges in the fairing, but I'm ok with the RK gauge's on the tank. The trade-off in weight would help be a positive, to offset the negative of not having gauges in the fairing, so that's a wash.
Sounds like the snap on fairing provides 90% of the protection of the stock Glide fairing. So that's pretty close.
All in all, it appears to be a compromise, but a good compromise.
Here's my situation. I've got an 04 Road King that I've dumped a ton of money into, it's mechanically ready to be a great bike for many more years.
So I'm wondering if I should just keep dumping money in it, or keep it the way it is; cause it stays in my possession, and get an additional bike.
I'm always wanting another bike, but if I can squelch the urge another 2 years, then I'll be money ahead, because I want nothing newer than a 2016 twin cam. I will be able to find a nice 2016 example in 2021, much cheaper than today.
I'm sorry, but I have lost confidence in the M8 motor, and I don't see Harley as being very concerned with resolving the M8 issues.
So it's a nice twin cam for me, but that also means two less years of Electra Glide/Stiff Fame enjoyment, if I wait .
Even your next breath is a gift.