Need input on new purchase
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 788
From: Louisiana
Need input on new purchase
Hello everyone, I've been lurking here on the forum and reading a bunch of threads and decided to sign up. I'm considering purchasing a new M8 Road Glide or Street Glide. I would like to get the "special" with all the bells and whistles, but I don't really know if it's a good investment or not. It adds $2700 to the bike, and I kind of feel guilty spending this much money as it is. I realize this is a decision I have to make, but am I overthinking this or missing something? I owned a SG back in 06 that I bought new and sold it a year later.
I just can't seem to get another bike off my mind. I really enjoy riding and owning a Harley. I am leaning to the RG because it seems to fit me better. I have a really bad back, and when I rented a RG about 3months ago I felt pretty good. The SG which I really like isn't as comfortable. I know I can change the seat and bars, but if it doesn't help I don't want to spend a extra ton of money. Unfortunately the dealership stopped renting bikes shortly after and I didn't get to rent the new SG to compare.
I would appreciate any helpful info anyone is able to give. I know there are tons of experienced riders with many more miles than me on here, and I'm sure I will have many more questions. Thanks
I just can't seem to get another bike off my mind. I really enjoy riding and owning a Harley. I am leaning to the RG because it seems to fit me better. I have a really bad back, and when I rented a RG about 3months ago I felt pretty good. The SG which I really like isn't as comfortable. I know I can change the seat and bars, but if it doesn't help I don't want to spend a extra ton of money. Unfortunately the dealership stopped renting bikes shortly after and I didn't get to rent the new SG to compare.
I would appreciate any helpful info anyone is able to give. I know there are tons of experienced riders with many more miles than me on here, and I'm sure I will have many more questions. Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,174
Likes: 1,960
From: Great State of Canada
Stage II
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Big Mule - I have just been through the exact same dilemma. I had a 2010 Fat Bob and decided it was time to change for a tourer and was originally drawn to a M8 SG. A couple of weeks ago I tried the SG and RG back to back with the Tallboy seat (I am 6'1") and the RG just fitted me better - just felt roomier. The dilemma was then do I go RG or RGS and for me, the linked ABS was worth the additional amount. I guess i could have ordered an RG with the ABS option but didn't want to wait and the RGS's upgraded entertainment system is nice.
Good luck - you can't go wrong with whatever you choose from these two superb bikes.
Good luck - you can't go wrong with whatever you choose from these two superb bikes.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 5
From: Corbin, Kentucky
I like the bars on the Road Glide better, but it doesn't feel as nimble to me how the fairing sticks out. You get a much better view of the road on the street glide and it feels like you can rip through curves better, just a personal opinion. I know they're the same bikes, but it does feel different to me. The street glide has a downward feel on the bars and hurts my back and neck after a while. Now I was sitting on Ultra Limiteds and Road Glide Ultra but same bike I assume without tour pack. I would get a Road Glide Ultra if you have a wife/girlfriend riding, no comparison, but if it's just you, get the road glide I think they are cooler looking and more comfy. With a tour pack I don't like the road glides, I think the street glide looks better with tour pack. Just my opinion, not an expert on anything.
I went with the special because I figured if i'm spending that much money, just as well spend a little more and get the upgrades. The painted inner fairing looks much better, the stereo is better, if you tried to add all that stuff after the purchase it'd be the same price anyway. I've had 4 harleys and this is undoubtedly the best bike I've ever owned.
Hello everyone, I've been lurking here on the forum and reading a bunch of threads and decided to sign up. I'm considering purchasing a new M8 Road Glide or Street Glide. I would like to get the "special" with all the bells and whistles, but I don't really know if it's a good investment or not. It adds $2700 to the bike, and I kind of feel guilty spending this much money as it is. I realize this is a decision I have to make, but am I overthinking this or missing something? I owned a SG back in 06 that I bought new and sold it a year later.
I just can't seem to get another bike off my mind. I really enjoy riding and owning a Harley. I am leaning to the RG because it seems to fit me better. I have a really bad back, and when I rented a RG about 3months ago I felt pretty good. The SG which I really like isn't as comfortable. I know I can change the seat and bars, but if it doesn't help I don't want to spend a extra ton of money. Unfortunately the dealership stopped renting bikes shortly after and I didn't get to rent the new SG to compare.
I would appreciate any helpful info anyone is able to give. I know there are tons of experienced riders with many more miles than me on here, and I'm sure I will have many more questions. Thanks
I just can't seem to get another bike off my mind. I really enjoy riding and owning a Harley. I am leaning to the RG because it seems to fit me better. I have a really bad back, and when I rented a RG about 3months ago I felt pretty good. The SG which I really like isn't as comfortable. I know I can change the seat and bars, but if it doesn't help I don't want to spend a extra ton of money. Unfortunately the dealership stopped renting bikes shortly after and I didn't get to rent the new SG to compare.
I would appreciate any helpful info anyone is able to give. I know there are tons of experienced riders with many more miles than me on here, and I'm sure I will have many more questions. Thanks
I traded in my Breakout with many thousands of $$'s put into it. Loved that bike. But I bought a 2017 Ultra Limited. The new bike is freaking awesome. I traded because I wanted the new motor and the suspension on the 2017 seemed really planted. It is not a trivial amount of money to spend, but I can say I am very happy with my choice. The key is to find a good honest dealer (yes, they do exist). Got mine for MSRP with no other add on charges (freight, setup, etc...). A good dealer will help you with your bad back and let you try multiple seats and backrests for no charge, to find what you like. I did this with my windscreen choice.
I posted a video on the Show us your M8 thread if you want to take a look.
LINK:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/milwa...our-m8-12.html
Good luck to you and thanks for joining the forum.
Two things, Test ride both. If your dealer has them sitting their ask for more off the RGS, all they can do is say no. I just got a RGU for 21k out the door. Of course everyone won't be able to but it is possible. Tell them your going to another dealer cause of the price. When they cave have them add a driver backrest that is adjustable to help with your back. I have a RGU & a Police Bike (Street Glide kinda). Love them both but the Road Glide is it. I'll probably end up with anthter Fairing for the police bike before its over
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1,936
From: Formerly Tampa Bay, FL, Currently Western PA
SG vs RG is personal preference, but I can also say that the faring seemd huge when I first got my RG and I felt the bike wasn't as nimble psychosomaticly. However, I've gotten used to the huge fairing up front very quickly and really don't notice it anymore.
As for Special vs non-special, well, I wanted black denim so that kind of removed the choice for me. But, I was also interested in the ABS since I'll be touring and taking the wife with me (and hopefully dog). Plus, I wanted the security as well which is extra on the base so that narrows the price difference even more. And, I've only used the GPS once so far, but I can see where it will be nice to have occasionally.
Percentage-wise, the upgrade to special isn't much - if you're feeling guilty or having issues with spending the money on the special, then I'm not sure the base model is a good decision either.
As for Special vs non-special, well, I wanted black denim so that kind of removed the choice for me. But, I was also interested in the ABS since I'll be touring and taking the wife with me (and hopefully dog). Plus, I wanted the security as well which is extra on the base so that narrows the price difference even more. And, I've only used the GPS once so far, but I can see where it will be nice to have occasionally.
Percentage-wise, the upgrade to special isn't much - if you're feeling guilty or having issues with spending the money on the special, then I'm not sure the base model is a good decision either.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 216
From: Davenport, IA
All I can say is, I know me. And if I go with a base model, I'll eventually put more money into it than if I would have just gone with the goodies already attached out of the box. So... I'm going with the RGU and a Stage 1. Bunch-o-bucks, but again, I know I will add all of those things eventually anyway, so why not just wrap it up into the purchase of the new bike.
Just my opinion.
Good luck. like the others said, you can't go wrong with either of these bikes. I've ridden them both, and I think the MoCo slammed it out of the park with these bad boys.
Just my opinion.
Good luck. like the others said, you can't go wrong with either of these bikes. I've ridden them both, and I think the MoCo slammed it out of the park with these bad boys.
