Help Deciding... Decisions, Decisions, Decisions....
Tourer
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 486
Likes: 301
From: Kentucky
I was in the same boat. Wanted a bagger, never trodden one before. Ever. Looks didn't matter, I was 100% about function. I had it in my mind I was going to get a Road Glide and didn't even bother looking at SG stock. Went to the dealer, checked them out, fell in love with the feel of the SG and rode it home. All the reading I did told me I wanted one thing. When I got there I wanted the opposite based on feel. Good luck with your decision, either way it's going to be a ride you love.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 312
From: Out of Commiefornia!
Thanks all... oddly enough, the input here seems to be directly in line with the threads I found searching! 
- no new revelations. I was surprised not to see input on the differences between the TC/M8 or 114/117, but I suppose they're both pretty new and less familiar?
I appreciate everyone's input.
- no new revelations. I was surprised not to see input on the differences between the TC/M8 or 114/117, but I suppose they're both pretty new and less familiar?I appreciate everyone's input.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 310
From: coastal sc
I have ridden both. I am 5'9" and find the batwing to be roomy enough for me. I like the wind protection of the batwing better. I am not versed on the m8 motors but I have read some really nice dyno numbers, they really seem to make some power. I would think cvo will put you in the 114 or 117 family. Good luck and post pictures when you get her home.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
Seems like all the batwing guys are here, so I guess I'll step up to represent the sharknose club!
My first touring bike was a CVO SG. I think I had it about 2 years before I converted it to a Road Glide. Last year I added a 2020 Road Glide Limited to the party.
The test ride will help you decide if you're indifferent to looks. I was already digging their looks of the RG, and my test ride on a demo day sealed the deal. I started planning my 2010's conversion the very next day.
For me, the batwing feels too close. Not claustrophobic or anything, just feels cramped above the tank. Beyond that, I absolutely love the ride on the Road Glide - it feels very planted, very stable, and passing semi's in either direction has very ittle input on the bike.
And the look - I feel like the Road Glide has a more aggressive and sporty (for an HD Touring bike) look to it. From the side profile, it just feels like the bike has a natural flow from front to back.
Lastly, before people start chiming in about the headlight not moving - when you're at speed with any bike, the headlight doesn't move with the bars. Parking lot/garage maneuvering is the only time you'd notice it.
My first touring bike was a CVO SG. I think I had it about 2 years before I converted it to a Road Glide. Last year I added a 2020 Road Glide Limited to the party.
The test ride will help you decide if you're indifferent to looks. I was already digging their looks of the RG, and my test ride on a demo day sealed the deal. I started planning my 2010's conversion the very next day.
For me, the batwing feels too close. Not claustrophobic or anything, just feels cramped above the tank. Beyond that, I absolutely love the ride on the Road Glide - it feels very planted, very stable, and passing semi's in either direction has very ittle input on the bike.
And the look - I feel like the Road Glide has a more aggressive and sporty (for an HD Touring bike) look to it. From the side profile, it just feels like the bike has a natural flow from front to back.
Lastly, before people start chiming in about the headlight not moving - when you're at speed with any bike, the headlight doesn't move with the bars. Parking lot/garage maneuvering is the only time you'd notice it.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2,310
From: WI
Having owned an M8 107 SG, and ridden a TC 103 SG, I can say that I've found my perfect bike in the M8 114 RGS. I do about 80 miles a day when riding to work, half during the day, half at night, almost entirely highway speeds with semis and crosswinds/open fields. The RG handles those situations better than the SG. Not that the SG is bad by any stretch of the imagination, just the RG is better.
The powerband of the 114 M8 is intoxicating. The comfort and front end stability/feel of the RG vs the SG was a much bigger difference than I expected. I loved my SG and how it handled, but the RG feels perfect.
I swapped bikes with my buddy on his Stage 1 M8 SG, and we did a roll race from 65 mph to County Jail speeds, and the RG pulled away like it was nothing. I was shocked at the difference, and my friend got off my bike grinning like an idiot.
The powerband of the 114 M8 is intoxicating. The comfort and front end stability/feel of the RG vs the SG was a much bigger difference than I expected. I loved my SG and how it handled, but the RG feels perfect.
I swapped bikes with my buddy on his Stage 1 M8 SG, and we did a roll race from 65 mph to County Jail speeds, and the RG pulled away like it was nothing. I was shocked at the difference, and my friend got off my bike grinning like an idiot.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 10,790
Likes: 19,651
From: On the move
My last H-D was a Batwing SGS and last year I switched to a RGL. It seems like folks who are on the taller side prefer the Shark Nose to the Batwing. I will say having owned both types that the Road Glide is better on the highway and is easier to maneuver due to a lighter front end. Even though both bikes share the same frame the Road Glide feels roomier. If I still owned both bikes I would choose the Road Glide 100% of the time if I was riding on the slab.
My only complaints with my 2020 RGL was with the way the back end looked (had sort of unfinished look to it), but swapping the rear fender solved this problem. A CVO version would solve that problem.
The touring bikes are great value and it's almost like owning two bikes once you remove the tour-pak for cruising around town and day trips. Plus you get the lowers, heated grips and a few other goodies.
My only complaints with my 2020 RGL was with the way the back end looked (had sort of unfinished look to it), but swapping the rear fender solved this problem. A CVO version would solve that problem.
The touring bikes are great value and it's almost like owning two bikes once you remove the tour-pak for cruising around town and day trips. Plus you get the lowers, heated grips and a few other goodies.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 312
From: Out of Commiefornia!
Thanks for the additional insight. I'm leaning towards the RG, as I'm 6'2 and have seen several talking about the spacing of the fairing relative to how tall or short they are. Seems like I will probably prefer the extra distance of the RG fairing for my particular application.
I was looking at rental options, but not seeing many choices through EagleRider. I guess I'll call a couple of the local dealers and talk with them to see what options I have for test rides.
I was looking at rental options, but not seeing many choices through EagleRider. I guess I'll call a couple of the local dealers and talk with them to see what options I have for test rides.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 10,790
Likes: 19,651
From: On the move
Thanks for the additional insight. I'm leaning towards the RG, as I'm 6'2 and have seen several talking about the spacing of the fairing relative to how tall or short they are. Seems like I will probably prefer the extra distance of the RG fairing for my particular application.
I was looking at rental options, but not seeing many choices through EagleRider. I guess I'll call a couple of the local dealers and talk with them to see what options I have for test rides.
I was looking at rental options, but not seeing many choices through EagleRider. I guess I'll call a couple of the local dealers and talk with them to see what options I have for test rides.
At 6'2" you'll definitely appreciate the Road Glide more I think but don't be surprised if you find yourself really liking both bikes. Back when I bought my SGS it literally came down to a coin toss but If my test ride at the time took me on the highway the Road Glide would have been a clearer choice. If you can rent both bikes that would definitely be the way to go and would make your decision easy.
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
Banned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 2,361
Thanks all... oddly enough, the input here seems to be directly in line with the threads I found searching! - no new revelations. I was surprised not to see input on the differences between the TC/M8 or 114/117, but I suppose they're both pretty new and less familiar?
I appreciate everyone's input.
- no new revelations. I was surprised not to see input on the differences between the TC/M8 or 114/117, but I suppose they're both pretty new and less familiar?I appreciate everyone's input.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 362
Likes: 524
From: Claremont California
CVO is the way to go... I bought the 2020 Streetglide and like the RDRS... I like that I can add a tailbag if I want instead of the tourpack... I wanted the roadglide but the few that were left were just too expensive for a very plain paintjob. I definitely like a hydraulic clutch. I do wish I had the speakers in the lowers but I could always add them if I get a loud exhaust.