Road Glide in cold weather
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 465
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Road Glide in cold weather
I ride year round in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio - as long as there is no salt/snow/ice on the roads. My BMW K1600B offers very nice wind protection - I am trying to determine how the RGS is in cold weather. There is an opening in the RGS fairing (not blocked by the adjustable vent closures) and I am wondering if this creates a colder ride in winter months. Any experiences to share?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,898
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From: NJ
I ride year round in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio - as long as there is no salt/snow/ice on the roads. My BMW K1600B offers very nice wind protection - I am trying to determine how the RGS is in cold weather. There is an opening in the RGS fairing (not blocked by the adjustable vent closures) and I am wondering if this creates a colder ride in winter months. Any experiences to share?
They did away with the closing vents for 2020. I find that with them open its pretty cold in the winter. Also even with stock bars you get a good amount of cold air on your hands, which is made worse if you have replacement bars. And unless you buy lower fairings or the soft lowers (which work very well) your legs will be cold. I dont ride below 55° Because Im not a huge fan of the cold but I dont think the Road glide is the worst bike in the winter, you just have to be prepared for where youre going to be cold. I think you will need all the same gear as you would on any bike with the emphasis on good gloves or heated gloves and some extra attention to your feet/ shins.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 471
From: along the Front Range in Colorado
...... i installed a pair of these (w/clear plastic) .... issue resolved.
....... i keep the vents closed thru the winter months
.. it's disappointing that the new machines eliminated the vent doors
..... and as Jersey Drew mentioned, hard lowers are highly advisable
.......... i'm a 12 month rider here in Colorado, whenever the roads are dry i like to ride
.......... Road Glide is a good cold weather machine, if you address the obvious issues
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 465
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Thanks - both my roadmaster and K1600 have heated seats and heated grips. I find this can keep me in the saddle for quite a long time in temps well into the 30's. I typically avoid below 32-35 due to unseen icing, particularly on bridges, but if dry all is good. I probably need to take a cold weather test ride. Just don't want to kick myself if I trade the K1600
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,341
Likes: 982
From: Trinity NC
I had a ‘18 RGS that I put lower fairings on and I had no issues riding in cold weather. I did have a heated seat, FXRG jacket and riding pants. I can tell you in my opinion it is all about the lower fairings. This past winter I was riding my ‘19 CVO RG for the first time in cold weather, about 40 with no sun. I had dressed the same as I had in the past on bikes with lower fairings. I can tell you I was COLD. I had to add an extra layer on my legs, upper body was ok.
Good Luck in your decision
Good Luck in your decision
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From: HereNthere
They did away with the closing vents for 2020. I find that with them open its pretty cold in the winter. Also even with stock bars you get a good amount of cold air on your hands, which is made worse if you have replacement bars. And unless you buy lower fairings or the soft lowers (which work very well) your legs will be cold. I dont ride below 55° Because Im not a huge fan of the cold but I dont think the Road glide is the worst bike in the winter, you just have to be prepared for where youre going to be cold. I think you will need all the same gear as you would on any bike with the emphasis on good gloves or heated gloves and some extra attention to your feet/ shins.
i dont have heated grips. Is it better to have heated gloves or grips?
Last edited by HarleyWannaBe; Sep 26, 2019 at 11:25 AM.
