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After putting 32K touring on an Ultra Classic and being caught in one too many wind storms I switched to the Road Glide and more and more are learning it is the best touring bike that HD makes. More miles of touring are done on Road Glides than Bat Wings.
Having said all that the best bang for the buck is the Road King. It is more nimble and more familiar handling for someone that is moving from a Dyna.
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.
Having a higher price tag does or resale doesn't mean its best performing or best value. This bike isn't ugly or the AMC Pacer of Harley lol.
Harley nailed it on this new Rushmore bike. I expect to see alot more of these and the Road Glide Ultra's on the road once people actually take them out of for a spin.
I would suggest either the Limited or RG Ultra for the long haul. Both have the 13" shocks, wind protection and the GPS/Radio.
I built my SG up to be basically an Ultra. This is because I don't care for the extra badges, fender lights, bumpers, etc. on the Ultras but that isn't an issue for most people. In 2014, Twin Cooling wasn't available yet so that wasn't part of the equation then.
Having a higher price tag does or resale doesn't mean its best performing or best value. This bike isn't ugly or the AMC Pacer of Harley lol.
Harley nailed it on this new Rushmore bike. I expect to see alot more of these and the Road Glide Ultra's on the road once people actually take them out of for a spin.
Everyone has there own taste. I'm going to have to disagree with you. , it's the front end and I can't deal with its just so fugly. On the upside when you're riding her you can't see how ugly she is. Kind of like the girl that has a smoking hot body, great in bed but but a really fugly face. You just gotta turn out the lights.
For the OP what kind of riding are you doing? Are you like me and doing mostly around town with just a little touring when you can find the time and money.? Or are you doing mostly touring and very little to no around town?
I went with the Roadking because 90% of my riding is back and forth to work which is 10 miles and around town riding. Less than 10% is long distance touring. Weather permitting the occasional weekend trip with the kid or girlfriend. So I choose the most versatile of the bikes, the Roadking. Plus I love the old style vintage look. And I can always throw a fairing with GPS and radio on later if I want and I have the advantage of being able to take it off if I want to. I think a lot of it comes down to your taste, and what style of riding are you going to be doing the most.
Am biased and love my Ultra Classic too much. If I'm going to buy a new bike next time...I'd like to try Road Glide Ultra. King Tour Pak and Lower Fairings a must for me since they are convienent.
Wow, All three models serve a purpose.
They are all pretty much the same mechanically.
RK a bit lighter and nimble all around bike.
SG ads a handlebar fairing with entertainment making it a great all around bike with a fairing.
RG adds a frame mounted fairing with entertainment which I am sure is awesome on long trips and beyond.
Its really what you the rider wants from a bike. They all serve a purpose and you did use the word "basic". Im pretty much basic with bikes but would call the RK far from basic. Im on the bike to hear the engine, ride, enjoy the surroundings. Everyone has different ideas or whats good for them.
One thing to be careful, compare apples to apples. Some comments in here are comparing one model of PRE Rushmore bikes with a different model of a Rushmore bike, then calling the new model superior over another older model. Any model of the new Rushmore will be superior to the pre Rushmore, no matter if its a RK, SG or RG.
Last edited by alarmdoug; Mar 8, 2016 at 06:21 AM.
I Traded my Dyna for a Road King. Kept it for 10 years. No complaints. Took an 11,000 trip to Alaska on her. No radio or gps. Just traded her in for an Ultra. I guess I'm growing up!
Go to your local HD dealer and test ride the ones your interested in.
That or renting for a couple days each once you narrow it down to 2. I'm very happy with my Road King, if i went for a fixed fairing bike I'd go Road Glide. I feel the RG is a more functional fairing than batwing, they make both for good reason, lots of batwing lovers out there.
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