I hate to ask this, I've searched threads, haven't found answers I'm after, so I reluctantly post. The plan is trading in my FXDWG this winter for a touring bike. I currently have a Saddlemen seat and luggage that doubles as a back rest when I ride solo, and a HUGE ugly Memphis Shades wind screen that rarely sees use, honestly I just plan on using it for my iron butt ride. I'm looking to make changes on the next bike.

My initial thought was getting an '18+ Road Glide Special and making it my own. I don't tour a lot currently on the WG, but I imagine when I have a bike better suited to do so, I'll do more. I do a lot of in town stuff as well, an Ultra just isn't my speed quite yet. I worry on the RG that the shorter screens aren't going to do a well enough job and I'll be going to a taller, less attractive option and only imagine switching them back and forth is less than accommodating.

I've always had a thing for Road Kings and would be looking at '18+ Specials, but have been worried about making a purchase and being less than satisfied with wind pushing me around. I refuse to buy a bat wing style fairing for the bike, I dislike the look, and lets face it, if you don't like the way your bike looks, you won't like the bike anyway. I like the thought of no screen in town or shorter highway runs (sub 100 miles) to local-ish bike nights etc... and putting on a screen as I currently do on my WG for touring. Something about running around with no fairing I just like and almost fear not having it with a fairing bike. I do know that my current screen needs some modifications to make it perfect, I'm just not investing enough time in that monstrosity and wonder if I'll be finding myself doing the same on a King. With the lack of fairing figuring out a stereo on the bike is a little bit of a chore, but with enough lid options and maybe lowers or hiding speakers up front, I think I'll be fine.

Does this just boil down to "Ride 'em both" and make my decision the day of type of dilemma? I always try and get a good deal and winter riding is out in Central Iowa, so I'm some what trying to "prep" my decision.

Thanks ahead for all of the input guys

 

my opinion is to go to Harley and try them both...you can always get a taller windshield to make it more comfortable. I've got a king and love it ,but I don't run the shield as I like the wind at all speeds.....

 

He's right ride em both. I ride an 07 RK with and without the shield. As to tunes, blue tooth ear plugs and away I go.

You've spot on as well, if you don't like the look you won't like the bike. My buddy bought a bat wing for his 09 RK, used it one winter and went back to his shield.

 

About the only difference in the two is the fairing on the Road Glide. Big benefit is the sound system and the fairing also provides hand protection. The Road King special doesn't even come with a windshield. You'd have to add it. As far as sound, Bluetooth in your helmet is the way to go. The Road King will be a little better around town, the Road Glide better on the highway.

I have a Road King and a Limited. I have the Road King setup as a solo and use it to commute. The Limited I use for touring. I took the windshield off the Road King once. Never again. I used to love my softail but I never realized how great that windshield was until I took it off.

My suggestion is to decide what you are going to use the bike for the most and put the two side by side and see which one speaks to you. Keep in mind that the only thing better than a Harley is two Harley's. Keep the Dyna until you can afford to add the Road Glide to the stable and have one for fun and one for touring.

 

I have and love both bikes. See sig. The shields for both are at about nose height and work awesome. Only in the most ideal conditions do I take the shield off of the Road King but love to have it stripped bare when the mood strikes me. Get either bike you want but test ride them both as much as you can if you can only have one.

FWIW the shield on my Road King is an LRS offering and has been on the bike for about 10 years. This is my 3rd Road Glide and all shields have been the recurve style.

 

...... who says taller is less attractive ?

....... this is a 14"

......... get the Road Glide

 

Since I do not listen to music when I ride a Road King suits me perfectly. Never ride without a shield but have two, summer and winter. Having speakers in the helmet seems a better solution than blasting music loud enough to hear but what do I know never had tunes on a bike.
If I were to buy a Harley with fairing it would be the Road Glide. Love the look and Craig Vetter proved a long time ago frame mounting the fairing is the best option.

 

If tunes are important to you, put in a set of foam ear plugs. They'll block the wind noise and allow you to hear your stereo clearly without cranking it up to 11. This works with fairing speakers or in-helmet speakers. You'll still be able to hear traffic just fine.

Protect your hearing, you'll be glad you did.

 

Thanks for the reply’s guys I like all of the heads up and info/experience. Tunes are listened to via ear buds now and only for longer ride days generally, I don’t like distractions with them in town.

 

I was in a similar situation when it was time to upgrade my ‘06 Street Glide. I loved the look of the Road King. I knew I would ride with windshield probably 80% of my miles, but didn’t like the stock windshield. I also didn’t want to give up the music. I ended up going with the Windsplitter Windshield, which I think is much better looking than stock and I still have the ability to remove for a stripped down look. Freedom Windshields makes a CVO model that is similar but doesn’t have the vent and comes in a variety of sizes. I also added amp, Bluetooth controller, lower fairing with speakers and speakers lids.