View Poll Results: What do you think of the Road Glide's styling?
It looks fine.
68
63.55%
It's fugly.
18
16.82%
Keep your Softail Custom and add bags and a windshield.
21
19.63%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 107. You may not vote on this poll
Road Glide vs. Softail Custom
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
profile
I didn't like the RG at first until someone on here pointed out how nice the profile was compared to the other glides. He thought that the others looked kinda smooshed in comparison. Saw one all blacked out the other day on the road and had to agree that the RG cuts a most graceful profile. I like the others as well, but the Rg looks long and low to me.
And I'm inclined to agree that, in profile, the fixed fairing has the sleeker look. But I can't help but see the added bulk and windage as a negative. Still each bike has its' own charm, as these photos show.
Good post!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 1
From: Arkansas
I would do an RG over the softail, as I think it is an all around more versatile bike, but I wouldn't step back to an 03 to do it. As for the long and sleek look, I see that too, but with that fairing so "low", you have to compensate with a higher windshield if you want comfort, and you lose that low line real fast with a 10"+ shield on it.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
I'd keep the ST and get detachable bags and windshield for touring. When you go on a trip take off the gear and you got your cruiser back for running around. I've got an 09 FXSTC, I've rode a RK and I can't get used to the floorboards and the weight. Like someone said defintly wouldn't go back to an 03. Just my 2 cents.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
Can't say I care for the shark nose look but my buddies that have them are always saying how well they handle because of fairing being mounted to the frame, supposedly you care ride for may untiring hours.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island
You're comparing apples and oranges. The RG is a TOURING bike while the soft tail is a bike you can tour on if you want to after adding a bunch of stuff.
Forget looks if you want a comfortable touring bike and go with function - the RG.
Forget looks if you want a comfortable touring bike and go with function - the RG.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: USA
I can't believe someone who is serious about touring would base their decision on the styling of the bike.
Fact is, the RG's frame-mounted fairing is far more functional with regards to to wind management and over-all handling. That said, it is definitely due for a styling update but I'm not holding my breath.
Fact is, the RG's frame-mounted fairing is far more functional with regards to to wind management and over-all handling. That said, it is definitely due for a styling update but I'm not holding my breath.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I can't believe someone who is serious about touring would base their decision on the styling of the bike.
Fact is, the RG's frame-mounted fairing is far more functional with regards to to wind management and over-all handling. That said, it is definitely due for a styling update but I'm not holding my breath.
Fact is, the RG's frame-mounted fairing is far more functional with regards to to wind management and over-all handling. That said, it is definitely due for a styling update but I'm not holding my breath.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Geoff, Do yourself a huge favor and rent one for the day. I wish I had done that before buying my 2000 RG. I had it for a few weeks then the reality sank in that I really didn't like the bike. Most boring ride I've ever had on a Harley. I traded it in on my 99 RK and have been happily riding that bike for about 7 years now. I couldn't get used to looking at that Obnoxiously huge and fugly star trek enterprize control panel that they call a fairing. I couldn't get past the thing. It's all you see when you look at that bike. Whenever I look at an FLTR I don't see wheels, or custom paint or anything else, just that big ugly fairing. But that's just my opinion.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 13
From: Southeast WI
I've toured much of the country on my softail custom, but am now looking for a bit more comfort in my advancing age. I'm looking at getting a Road Glide or a Road King. I don't get all the derogatory comments about the Road Glide's looks - I personally think it is a great looking bike. Leaning towards the police edition King to save a bunch of money though.