Road glide or Street glide
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 224
Likes: 109
From: San diego
Rode both and went SG. The SG felt attached to me, the RG felt too much like I had a tiller and was steering a sailboat.
Im 6 190 so maybe avg, but with 12 apes, 13 shocks, and a taller seat the bike corners great and fits me fine. Some buffeting above 75 with factory windscreen.
Im 6 190 so maybe avg, but with 12 apes, 13 shocks, and a taller seat the bike corners great and fits me fine. Some buffeting above 75 with factory windscreen.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,001
Likes: 11,441
Was sold on the Batwing. In 2007 dealer gave wife and I a loan while one of our bikes was being worked on . It was a RG we rode about 4 hours . When we got back she ask me what that bike was. 2 weeks latter we had a new RG and 75,000 miles latter a new RGU.
We are on our 5th RG or RGU now and have not looked back. Your view may be different. Some can not break away for the safe path.
We are on our 5th RG or RGU now and have not looked back. Your view may be different. Some can not break away for the safe path.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 11,630
Likes: 990
From: NC
I had a '14 SG, '15 Ultra and then a '17 FLTRXS.
I preferred the ride/air protection of the Street Glide/Ultra
over the RGS.
I don't know where these guys come up with better buffeting
protection/less wind with the RG.
If anything, the RGS had more buffeting.
No noticeable better ride/air protection on the interstate either.
Big trucks still blowed me around.
Better ride on my '18 Ultra Classic................
I preferred the ride/air protection of the Street Glide/Ultra
over the RGS.
I don't know where these guys come up with better buffeting
protection/less wind with the RG.
If anything, the RGS had more buffeting.
No noticeable better ride/air protection on the interstate either.
Big trucks still blowed me around.
Better ride on my '18 Ultra Classic................
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I had a '14 SG, '15 Ultra and then a '17 FLTRXS.
I preferred the ride/air protection of the Street Glide/Ultra
over the RGS.
I don't know where these guys come up with better buffeting
protection/less wind with the RG.
If anything, the RGS had more buffeting.
No noticeable better ride/air protection on the interstate either.
Big trucks still blowed me around.
Better ride on my '18 Ultra Classic................
I preferred the ride/air protection of the Street Glide/Ultra
over the RGS.
I don't know where these guys come up with better buffeting
protection/less wind with the RG.
If anything, the RGS had more buffeting.
No noticeable better ride/air protection on the interstate either.
Big trucks still blowed me around.
Better ride on my '18 Ultra Classic................
While I agree the lesser weight on the handlebars does feel more Road King like, for me it's not enough of an advantage over the buffeting.
That's not to say the RG isn't a fun bike, it's a Harley. What we choose to lay the big bucks on is a simple matter of choosing the elements we are willing to endure.
Barry
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,090
Likes: 3,882
From: Murfreesboro , TN
I had an 05 FLHT that I loved and had for almost 10 years. Took a break (hip issues). When I decided to get another bike last fall I took out another EG, and both my 16 RGS and a 17 RG with the M8. I wasn't aware of the various issues with the M8, but liked the feel of the TC.
That said, it was hands down after riding all three that I knew I wanted a Road Glide. It's a different feel for sure but just felt better for me. Interesting but I'm the opposite from not a sock and beary. The buffeting was much less noticeable on the RG for me.
That said, it was hands down after riding all three that I knew I wanted a Road Glide. It's a different feel for sure but just felt better for me. Interesting but I'm the opposite from not a sock and beary. The buffeting was much less noticeable on the RG for me.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 675
Likes: 252
From: Alberta
Sounds like the feel / ride is variable with different people, no generalities seem apparent in this thread. I guess what I will need to do if I get a new machine is to try both, maybe a day or two of rental might be the ticket to make the decision. Might end up with what you like the best. Right now my 2010 batwing ultra is running strong, still looks good and handles good enough for me.
I have an 05 goldwing (my wife finds it has more room and comfort) with the frame mounted fairing and I found cross winds and passing heavy trucks in a heavy cross wind somewhat entertaining. Therefore I have decided to get rid of the goldwing and stick with harley (my wife did not enjoy the heavy cross wind experience much either).
I have an 05 goldwing (my wife finds it has more room and comfort) with the frame mounted fairing and I found cross winds and passing heavy trucks in a heavy cross wind somewhat entertaining. Therefore I have decided to get rid of the goldwing and stick with harley (my wife did not enjoy the heavy cross wind experience much either).
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 646
Likes: 61
From: Raleigh NC
Currently have 19 road glide special with added tour pack etc.
Before that all ultra and limiteds. Much prefer that shark fairing for the perception of more room... bigger bike. However it also feels and seems heavier. Batwing fairing is smaller but closer to you. Im 6'2" with long legs and always wished Harley made a stretch frame for tall guys. I want it to seem very roomy. Perception of handling and nimbleness is better with batwing. Notice I said perception.
Before that all ultra and limiteds. Much prefer that shark fairing for the perception of more room... bigger bike. However it also feels and seems heavier. Batwing fairing is smaller but closer to you. Im 6'2" with long legs and always wished Harley made a stretch frame for tall guys. I want it to seem very roomy. Perception of handling and nimbleness is better with batwing. Notice I said perception.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
Likes: 607
From: Raleigh NC
10 years ago, the answer would have been easy
If the opinion of others is important to you.... get a street glide
At that time the Shark was known as "the FUGLY" one could ride a week, and see hundreds of other bikes, without a single shark nose...Today....both are common
If the opinion of others is important to you.... get a street glide
At that time the Shark was known as "the FUGLY" one could ride a week, and see hundreds of other bikes, without a single shark nose...Today....both are common
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 1,416
From: Northern NJ
If you don't have a clear preference after riding them both, go with which you like the looks of better.
I went to a demo truck event prepared to purchase a Street Glide in the following weeks; I knew immediately that I preferred the Road Glide.
Since then, I have spent some time on both, here are some functional differences that may not be immediately apparent.
I went to a demo truck event prepared to purchase a Street Glide in the following weeks; I knew immediately that I preferred the Road Glide.
Since then, I have spent some time on both, here are some functional differences that may not be immediately apparent.
- The fairing on the SG offers a little more protection from the cold, especially for the hands.
- The fairing on the RG has a bad sun-glare problem when the sun is behind you and low in the sky: the reflection of the sun, off of the screen and gauges, can be blinding.
- On the highway, the RG is more stable when passing trucks.
- After long days on the highway, you will find that you fought less with the wind on the RG, your arms and shoulders will be less fatigued.
- If you don't plan on changing the handlebars, the stock handlebars on the RG are like very mini apes compared to the SG, the difference in riding posture is surprising; on a RG, you sit back, on a SG you are more forward.
- The RG comes from the factory with better lights, however, there are better upgrades for the SG.
Last edited by hairymoth; Oct 16, 2019 at 08:47 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 224
Likes: 109
From: San diego
Not necessarily true, when the Rushmore bikes came out everyone was baffled they used daymaker on the SG and dual non-daymaker lights on the RG. There was a very obvious advantage of a brighter light on the SG.
