Thinking about a trade
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 435
Likes: 10
Both nice bikes! I've had a roadglide and it really handled great. It is more stable in turbulent wind imo but also has more rider head buffeting whereas on the Ultra you are more in the pocket because you're closer to the wind screen and the flatter surface of the batwing. However 1st thing I noticed when switching to the batwing was increased wind coming over the lowers (just my impression).
The Roadglide is particulary functional for the taller rider because the fairing design and setup. It also has lighter handlebar turning due to the frame mounted fairing. I'm sure the head buffeting has been mitigated by MoCo's changing of the angle of the fairing and better designed windscreens on the market.
I would not go back to the Roadglide even though the batwing is more turbulent (imo) than the Roadglide. I just feel more comfortable with the Ultra.
The Roadglide is the hot bike right now! Also you have a great bike now, so I would really urge you to put some time on the Roadglide before you make the jump, money issues aside.
The Roadglide is particulary functional for the taller rider because the fairing design and setup. It also has lighter handlebar turning due to the frame mounted fairing. I'm sure the head buffeting has been mitigated by MoCo's changing of the angle of the fairing and better designed windscreens on the market.
I would not go back to the Roadglide even though the batwing is more turbulent (imo) than the Roadglide. I just feel more comfortable with the Ultra.
The Roadglide is the hot bike right now! Also you have a great bike now, so I would really urge you to put some time on the Roadglide before you make the jump, money issues aside.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,975
Likes: 5,213
From: Michigan
The 2013 CVO RG Custom is an awesome looking machine!
However, I chose the CVO Ultra as I think it's a better road bike and I prefer the batwing fairing.
After first riding the 2013 my first impression was that it does not offer as much as wind protection to the rider as my 2000 Ultra.
Today, I took the 2000 Ultra out to compare it to the 2013, and sure enough, I was right. The 2013, due to the shape and size of the newer style lower fairings, and the absence of the fork mounted wind baffle, allows more air to flowback onto the rider.
Mh thinking is that H-D made these changes in an effort to get more wind on the "96" (and bigger engines) to help keep them run cooler.
However, I chose the CVO Ultra as I think it's a better road bike and I prefer the batwing fairing.
After first riding the 2013 my first impression was that it does not offer as much as wind protection to the rider as my 2000 Ultra.
Today, I took the 2000 Ultra out to compare it to the 2013, and sure enough, I was right. The 2013, due to the shape and size of the newer style lower fairings, and the absence of the fork mounted wind baffle, allows more air to flowback onto the rider.
Mh thinking is that H-D made these changes in an effort to get more wind on the "96" (and bigger engines) to help keep them run cooler.
I owned a 2011 ultra limited and the handling on that bike was so much better then my CVO. I have put a taller shield and monotubes in and have a new set of 944's waiting to go on if I keep the bike. Tired of spending money to make it handle as good as the limited
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 435
Likes: 10
I just traded in my 2011 Limited even thought it was one runnin SOB, and was not hot after the pipes, cam, & Dyno (TTS Mastertune). It was the best H.D. I've ever owned, but I think my 2012 CVO Ultra is going to be better, once I get it ironed out.
The ride on the CVO inexplicably smoother, though it has the same crappy air shocks. I think the 2012 seat is awesome for a stock seat and a major part of the bike being smooth. I put my clearview 9.5" from the FLHTK on the 2012 and noticed an improvement over the HD shield as well.
Just curious what don't you like on the 2012 CVO Ultra that would make you want to get another bike? I know you said handling but what in particular?
Honestly, I'm crazy about my 2012 CVO but then it is my 1st CVO and is brand new.
The ride on the CVO inexplicably smoother, though it has the same crappy air shocks. I think the 2012 seat is awesome for a stock seat and a major part of the bike being smooth. I put my clearview 9.5" from the FLHTK on the 2012 and noticed an improvement over the HD shield as well.
Just curious what don't you like on the 2012 CVO Ultra that would make you want to get another bike? I know you said handling but what in particular?
Honestly, I'm crazy about my 2012 CVO but then it is my 1st CVO and is brand new.
It rides like you have to much weight in the rear. The tour pac on the CVO sets back farther then the Ultra classic or Limited and if you move it up then the wife (mine anyway) would be setting in my seat. It feels the same if solo or two up. Did not have this problem with the Limited or the SG I have. Love the SG so many the RG will handle the same
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 435
Likes: 10
It rides like you have to much weight in the rear. The tour pac on the CVO sets back farther then the Ultra classic or Limited and if you move it up then the wife (mine anyway) would be setting in my seat. It feels the same if solo or two up. Did not have this problem with the Limited or the SG I have. Love the SG so many the RG will handle the same
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 32
From: Canton, Ohio
If you lived closer, I'd trade you for a week so you can demo one. Mine is the Ultra however and they've only made the SERGU in 2011 so far. I went from an 02 UC to this one so it's a lot of differences to fairly compare the two. I do love the light feeling of the bars though without the batwing and all the components attached to them.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
I am lucky that I'm friends with people at the dealership so I get to take the bike out for a ride with the wife. Rained today so I have to wait. Yes it does try to put you in the passenger seat when you get on it lol. It was dyno'ed by Eddie at Topeka HD and he is also one of the beta testers for the new TTS.
I am afraid almost to like the RG because of all the extras that the Ultra comes with. I'm sure the wife will be the deciding factor
I am afraid almost to like the RG because of all the extras that the Ultra comes with. I'm sure the wife will be the deciding factor
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 32
From: Canton, Ohio
I am lucky that I'm friends with people at the dealership so I get to take the bike out for a ride with the wife. Rained today so I have to wait. Yes it does try to put you in the passenger seat when you get on it lol. It was dyno'ed by Eddie at Topeka HD and he is also one of the beta testers for the new TTS.
I am afraid almost to like the RG because of all the extras that the Ultra comes with. I'm sure the wife will be the deciding factor
I am afraid almost to like the RG because of all the extras that the Ultra comes with. I'm sure the wife will be the deciding factor
