I bought an FLHS, predecessor of the RK, because I liked the basic style and simplicity. It now looks more like an Ultra and is a far better bike! So start with an Ultra or similar IMHO. No way could I live with an RG.......

 

Good advice ^^^

 

My first plan was a Road King with a it's detach windshield and adding a detached tour pak to create the most versatile bike I could. I ended up ordering an Electra Glide and was going to add a detach for the tour pak. After riding it I found the tour pak was so handy even for short around town trips I cancelled the detach kit.

The Roadglides are too ugly for me, and since this was primarily a touring bike the Streetglide's would have needed the tour pak as well as a suspension upgrade.

 

Check with your dealer if you can apply the rental to the purchase. Then rent each bike you are considering for a day or half-day each. Lay out a course to do, however long you want and take each out on the same ride.

I did that between an RK and an SG when I was deciding.

 

A lot depends on your budget and if you are going new or used. I'm on my third RK, partly because of price, I prefer a new RK over a used RG or SG. I do have a hearing loss so a sound system is useless to me. As others have mentioned Demo Days are great, they are ran by MOCO guys, not local people, therefore no pressure to buy. Good luck in your quest!

 

Exactly the same boat I was in. I just could not bring myself to buy a Roadglide it is the AMC Pacer of Harley. Plus in the used market the Streetglides hold their value better than a Electraglide.

 

Each model under the touring bikes are there for a reason, to accommodate the different rider styles, heights, solo, two up, how much luggage room, comfort with handling a bike (weight difference) ect, ect ect.........No matter how comfortable I am or the other riders are on this thread are with what they own. The bottom line is, first you need to know why you want a touring bike, how are you going to use it, how much room do you need for luggage if any, how comfortable are you with a heavy bike, mostly solo or two up, those are just a few questions that you need to know for yourself......

Once you figure that out go and ride each one.... good luck show some pics when you figure it out.

 

Roadglide for one up riding. Ultra if you are like me and ride primarily with a passenger.

 

I agree with the suggestion of riding these bikes a good while to see what you like. I'd say two hours minimum if you can because they each have their own give and takes. I was trying to choose between a SG and RG until after I test rode each. The was the pre Rushmors, but the test ride made all the difference.

Beary

 

Even though I've got a Limited, I love Road Kings. Most versatile Touring bike Harley makes!


Pros


Same Ground Clearance as an Ultra.
Can add aftermarket Fairing if needed.
Can add Tour Pak if needed.
Can add radio and aftermarket CB if needed.
Lighter weight
Still using Cable Clutch instead of hydraulic.
Great looking bike!
Can get with Security and ABS


Cons


Can't think of any...