Looking to pull the trigger on my first bagger purchase next week and am on the fence as to whether to go with the 2016 Street Glide or the 16' Road Glide. I currently have a 2012 W. Glide which I intend to keep for short hops and in-city driving. Everything I've read suggests the RG is a better handling bike for long distance riding. and that the RG fairing handles better with less rider fatigue over distances,but I prefer the batwing look. I've also read that 6' plus tall riders benefit more from the shark-nose fairing. I'm 5'10" so I'm guessing the batwing would shield me enough. What about rider comfort on both fairings? Any opinions on the gauge layout differences between the two fairings? Seeing lots of SG's around, no so much with the RG. Resale value down the road between the two? Any advice from previous owners would be greatly appreciated

 

I own both (pre new style fairings) and they are both great and you will be happy with either. as for wind and buffeting i prefer the rg, i hear the new fairings make a difference

 

you just have to test-ride.

the frame mounted fairing makes more sense on paper.

you can tuck into the batwing in crap weather, all the instruments and radio are close

gusts and crosswinds can be a problem with the batwing as they are "steering input", but on a sharknose the whole bike will lean.
the batwing will lift at above about 85 MPH which reduces traction to the front tire- the front end can skip around

it's a taste thing so test ride some more...after testing i went with another batwing

mike

 

The RG has a better touring suspension due to the longer 13" shocks. You either dig the RG nose or don't. RG radio placement is a pain, it's harder to reach. Your height won't matter, a taller windshield is available for either. It seems like everybody and his brother has a SG these days, and like you said not too many RG's. I like my batwing bike well enough, but I'm liking the 14 and up Roadies. If I were in the market for a new bike, I'd look hard at the Road Glide. Have you test ridden either of them?

 

I bought a EG back in 04 - in 06 I changed that into a RG then in 08 changed it back to a EG - I am 5'6" and did fine on both -

It Really is a matter of what looks good to you - I have studied and read ALL the opinions of this one handles better - no This one handles better - I look back to the day I was leaving Winslow AZ back in April of 09 - Strongest cross winds of my life - looking back at the weather that day - sustained at 30 and gusts up to 50 - I was riding 2 up and 40mph was the best I could do - I was passed by another rider on a EG - he past right by me at about 55 - he had NO issue - So,,,, You do the math. I was amazed and realized that day - its More rider skill.

Bottom line - some people LOVE the looks of the RG others Not so much.

I went back to the batwing because that is what I like

 

Ride each, see what appeals to you.
See what you can get the best deal on $$$$ wise.

 

Taking the test rides this Wednesday, hope to have a better informed opinion after that. Not too concerned about the radio reach, looks like joysticks on the bars can handle all of that.

 

I've had both types of fairings. I liked the Road Glide better and wish I still had it, but it may be because I like the look of the Road Glide. Take a nice ride on both, let them think you stole it.
I don't know about the new bikes but the shorter shocks hurt my back on my 08 Ultra. I went back to stock, 13"?

 

Of course everyone is different. Have an electa glide but seriously considering a road glide. It's funny, 5 years ago, I never thought I'd own a bagger. Now I can't imagine life without it! Best of luck!

 

That is the only way to decide. Myself I can't wait to get a second bike again and it will be another Road Glide. It sure is nice having 2 bikes!!! I will be waiting until winter when I hope prices come down a bit???? Perhaps a topic for another thread...