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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.
Coming from Dyna model and planning on transition to touring models. Prefer comfort and smoother for long distance riding. So, which of these basic touring models in a stock form gives me my desired preference? Is it the RoadKing, Roadglide or StreetGlide. Thx
Test ride them..I did. Street Glide Special, Road Glide Ultra, Road King. I ended up with a Road King. During the test I just did not like the batwing on the front end. The frame mounted RoadGlide Fairing felt very maneuverable to me, better than the Street Glide, but after a 6 hour test ride, I tried the Road King. Just felt right to me. But I came from a long line of Road Kings, ElectraGlide Sports and FLHs, so I had no long term history with the bat or the shark, except that I have an aftermarket batwing fairing for the Road King and after one winter, it hangs in the garage.
That's me. My riding buddy would not ride anything but a Road Glide. His wife loves the Street Glide Special. No one can coach you. Take each for a long ride. With you superglide experience, one of them will become your friend after 4-5 hours. Take a long test ride, 150-200 miles. A short ride will just give you the worst of each, a long ride will show you what each style has to offer you.
Everyone likes something different,After riding Dynas for years and saying I would never buy a Touring I looked at a Road King and then ended up with a 14SGS if I were to do it again it would probably be an Ultra . Go and test ride all and then decide. Good Luck and safe riding
I would go to my friendly, local HD dealer, preferably one that has a big showroom inventory. I would then sit my *** on the seat of every bike that caught my fancy. Some will fit, some will not. Some bikes will be too high, some too low. The last thing you want is to have to stand on your tippy toes when you pull up to a stop sign. Once you find a bikes that "fits" your body, ask to take it out for a demo ride. If they give you any static, go to another dealer and repeat.
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.
Looking at that pic I swear I hear 'Bohemian Rhapsody' playing
I have a Road King and a Limited. You need to give us more info on what you want to use the bike for.
I love my Road King and it's the bike of choice when it's just me. But my wife will not ride on it. She loves the comfort of the Limited.
The big difference in the bikes you listed is the tunes. When on the Road King I have bluetooth speakers in my helmet. They all have the same frame. Fairing vs fixed fairing vs windshield.
You've already made he right decision to go to the touring family. All you have to do is decide which one has the features you like the most.
Great advice from a lot of folks more knowledgeable than me.
I went from a Dyna to an Ultra Limited based on one test ride. I should have ridden more and taken more time, but, I have no regrets. I wanted water cooled. My bike has no problems. Doesn't leak a drop of oil or coolant. Bought the Kuryakyn slider bar for the tour pack to give my wife more room and we're both happy now. No head butts.
If I changed bikes anytime soon, I'd ride the RGU again (took it for a short spin. Nice.), the RK or one of the Indians, but that's another discussion.
Only question is the detach kit for the TP. Some love it. Some that have it say they never take it off. I like having the storage.
Ride them all. A lot. Rent a bike one weekend; another the next weekend. You really can't make a bad decision.
