Greetings,


Was at the local HD dealer with the wife over the weekend kicking tires. Rather, my wife was shopping at the local HD dealer over the weekend and after about 10 times of "how do I look in this (and she does look great)?", decided I'd look at bikes.


I'm currently on a Switchback with Stage II and suspension mods. I made the very stupid mistake of taking a test ride on an M8 RK last Oct and have since been smitten. So, while at the dealer, I decided to expand my knowledge base and plant my *** on a RGS, Ultra, SGS and again, an RK. The big surprise for me was my wife she liked me on an Ultra. My wife also rides a Switchback and it's rare she rides with me. Having said that, the rider triangle of the Ultra was really good, and surprisingly, didn't feel much different from the RGS/SGS when lifting from the stand. The RG series feels like the dash is very far away. Reminds me of a 1950's Buck Rogers spaceship. Conversely, the batwing bikes have their fairing very close. My wife sat on a SGS. That one moment is going to send shock waves through my wallet. I could see the twinkle in her eye of the allure of the big bike. And then there was the RK. When I close my eyes and picture myself doing a major trip, I picture the view of the RK. Anyway, some questions.....


ElectriGlide -In doing some research, I came across the EG. How is the EG vs. the Ultra? It seems the Ultra comes with the Twin Cooled engine and the better Infotainment system. I was comparing the price of an SGS to the EG and while there are some trade offs, in Vivid Black, the EG is less than $500 more. You get aux lights, the full Daymaker set / LED's, the tour pack, lowers, longer suspension and the plush seat. The SGS has the better Infotainment, but past that the EG seems to offer so much more for the $. If I were to get this bike, I'd probably get the quick detach kit for the tourpack.


Is there a fork length difference from the bikes with the 12" suspension (RGS, RKS, SGS) compared to the 13" suspended bikes (RK, EG, Ultra)?


Is a fairing really that much better than the windshield? If so, how? As much as like all the "stuff" on the bigger bikes, the RK still has the romance that resonates with me. However in reality, I'm wondering if the faired bike would be a better choice. I mean, if I'm going to drop $20k for an RK, should I just the extra distance and get "the" one.


I should never have taken that test ride in Oct. Sighhhhh.

 

To answer your queries you need to go into a darkened room, with only the H-D website for company and study - and study.....

When you come back blinking into the bright lights you should know your way ahead! All front forks are the same length AFAIK. Is a batwing better than an RK windshield? In my experience emphatically yes. By the way, I suspect your wife fancies being on the back of that Ultra....

 

I have owned an Electra Glide and two Road Kings. Both are great bikes. The batwing will give you more wind/rain protection but the trade off is heavy low speed steering. Personally I like the RK for me and my riding style. If I were to go across country or take a several day trip I would probably like the batwing for the protection and the music. Your answer lies in what type of riding do you do most? Are you a long haul, several day rider or mostly day and weekend trips?

 

Was driving the wife nuts yesterday, since this is what I did for most of the day.

Thanks for the info. My wife started riding before me. She's the reason I ride now. She likes her Switchback. Although, I could tell the wheels were spinning when she was on the SGS.

 

Mostly day and weekend trips, with 1-2 multiday trips / year. Part of me thinks the RK with Bluetooth from my phone to helmet speakers would work.

 

I took a 7-day 2300 mile trip on my road king - the windshield did a great job with fork fangs helping. windshield alone works fine for shorter trips
enjoy!

 

Like stated get to know what is available, decide what you need/want.....
Then go for some test rides, if you are still in doubt rent your top picks for a day or weekend and try them out.

I was set on a heritage (removable windshield) I was looking at bikes to buy.
A friend said try the RK & EG before you buy
I picked up an EG, and within a year of that a Limited
If all goes well my next (retirement) bike will be a wet head (Twin Cooled engine).

After a couple decently long trips last summer, I made the right choice.

 

If you do decide on an Ultra. Do yourself a favor and go ahead and do it right, get the Limited. The extras are worth the $$$.

 

1-Is your wife still going to ride on her Bike ? ?
2-If the answer to 1 is no, for $500.oo more, get the Electra Glide Classic.
3-If the answer to 1 is yes, get the Bike you really lust after.

A Batwing Bike will be more comfortable than a Windshield Bike any day of a week.
A Windshield Bike will be lighter, faster, and more maneuverable over a Batwing Bike.

You have a hard decision to make Rauchman.

 

HAVE no fear,,, you can take a road king out for weeks.. it just depends on the bike you like.....all bikes can tour or be ridden around town,,,,, i could take my dyna out for weeks,,,,,if you think a street glide is "the one" then get that....ive never seen anyone be able to listen to their fairing speakers at speed on the hiway....it can be done , probably with a ton of after market upgrades ,,, but sounds like crap... i blue tooth my phone to my ear buds and it sounds great