Finally rode a SG. Question.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
I have a 14 Dyna LR that I have owned since new. I have done some long weekend trips that just tear me up by time I get home. So I finally rode a 17 Street Glide. Wow! I was absolutely not expecting the quiet, smooth, comfortable ride that I got. No wonder you guys ride so much!
I didn't have time to ride a Road Glide. What are everyone's thoughts on one vs. the other? Is there a definitive advantage of the RG fixed fairing vs. the SG batwing fairing, or vice-versa?
I will definitely ride both before buying, but I am not sold on the looks of the RG. Just wanted to hear some thoughts.
Thanks.
I didn't have time to ride a Road Glide. What are everyone's thoughts on one vs. the other? Is there a definitive advantage of the RG fixed fairing vs. the SG batwing fairing, or vice-versa?
I will definitely ride both before buying, but I am not sold on the looks of the RG. Just wanted to hear some thoughts.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Good input here everyone. I thank you. To be clear, I will definitely ride all of them. But the brief test ride can't compare to the thousands of miles of actual saddle time that you all have. I am just looking for all of the info.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 378
Likes: 100
From: PA
This is much cheaper than deciding that you don't like the one you bought. Buffeting is a problem, you might find that it is better (or worse) on one depending on your dimensions and helmet type.
FWIW, both bikes are fantastic. I have a SG, but I'm planning a RG for it's replacement in a couple years.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 10,790
Likes: 19,651
From: On the move
I test rode both and like them both equally for different reasons. The RG felt more roomy and I liked the shark nose fairing better at highway speeds. Ultimately the SGS was chosen because I liked the look of the bike better and it felt strange riding a bike with a fairing that didn't move when the forks are turned.
Both bikes are great though and I love riding my 2017 SGS but whichever model you choose it will be a winner.
Both bikes are great though and I love riding my 2017 SGS but whichever model you choose it will be a winner.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 469
Likes: 130
From: Portland, Oregon
Prior to trading my 14 SGS in for a 16 Ultra Classic, I test rode an RGS. The main difference I noticed was how they handled cross winds and truck drafts. As you would expect with a fork mounted fairing, a cross wind tries to turn the forks meaning you need to counter steer to offset the effect. With a frame mounted fairing on the RG, a cross wind tries to push the entire bike...so rather than steering to correct, it's more of a shift in balance. I'm not saying either is better or worse...just different. I prefer the SG handling but I can understand why others would prefer the RG. So as others have said...you do want to ride each long enough to get comfortable with the difference in handling.
There were several points that had me leaning towards the RG. The steering is far lighter at low speeds. I also like the fairing storage and think the shark nose looks better than the batwing. If they made a "road glide classic" that had the tour pack without all the "ultra extra's"...I might have bought that instead of my UC. What pushed me to the UC was saving $3K over either of the ultra's. I also wanted the lower fairing storage and didn't want the twin cooling (not really needed in Oregon). One other like on the SG side is that the headlight turns with the steering.
Anyway...those are my observations. YMMV.
There were several points that had me leaning towards the RG. The steering is far lighter at low speeds. I also like the fairing storage and think the shark nose looks better than the batwing. If they made a "road glide classic" that had the tour pack without all the "ultra extra's"...I might have bought that instead of my UC. What pushed me to the UC was saving $3K over either of the ultra's. I also wanted the lower fairing storage and didn't want the twin cooling (not really needed in Oregon). One other like on the SG side is that the headlight turns with the steering.
Anyway...those are my observations. YMMV.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,983
Likes: 2,144
From: Ohio
Thought about a Road Glide until I rode one. Just couldn't get past the shark nose fairing. It seemed HUGE!! I felt like I sitting behind a coffee table mounted to the frame.Give me a batwing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 199
From: Vancouver BC
I've had 2 road glides and now an SGS. They're both great bikes. I feel no difference in handling or wind protection. The buffeting is worse on the SG, cured by fangs and a slightly taller screen. Buy what you like.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 157
There was an excellent YouTube done by (I think they were) 2 motorcycle magazine editors comparing the Bat Wing and Shark Nose Harleys. They touched on many aspects of the 2 designs. They both had the same pre-ride expectations that the Shark Nose [with it's frame-mounted fairing] would feel lighter in the front-end and slightly more nimble. Interestingly, after riding both, they both were of the opinion that the Bat Wing had the better ride. I got a sense that their reviews were fair and objective. I'd still ride both if I was you.