Red Rock had one of these on the floor when I was out there Saturday. What are you waiting for?!!?

 

Speaking of current models, a Road Glide is only 27 lbs heavier than a Road King. On bikes this heavy the difference would be barely noticeable.

(Unless you meant a Road Glide Ultra, but you didn't say so)

 

I'm only 5' 7" but I've always been somewhat athletic so managing the weight isn't bad, but even for someone that is very light and short, the weight is manageable, all motorcycles are sensitive to heavy front brake input with the front wheel turned, but touring bikes are exaggerated even more. fwiw, I'd look into seats that sit you lower before actually physically lowering the bike...


think you reversed that, the Road Glide will be heavier than the Road King...

 

I was in your situation in 2012, but deciding on an RK and an SG. I rented a weekend and took the RK on a Saturday and put it through it's paces on a given route I had planned. Then took the SG on Sunday on the same route. Both bikes I like but the SG felt heavier in front due to the batwing. In the end I decided on the King for it's versatility. I can strip it down and "bar hop" or add detachables (tourpak, lowers, and batwing) for full on touring. I've gone from NC to CA a couple of times and to the 4-corners with some riding buddies. Very comfortable ride for me, and I'm 5'6".

I would do the rental route, as most dealers will deduct the rental off the purchase. Good luck on the bike that speaks to you!

 

I'm a huge fan of the King , bike before that was a fixed fairing , never listened to the radio and I missed seeing the road ahead of me . I've ridden both and love them both , never really noticed much in weight difference . When you finally pick the bike you want , set up will be the most important thing you can do first , then ride , you'll soon get used to the way it wants to ride . I've owned my King for approx 5 years now , usually do 10k a year and love every second of it .

 

that’s damn good advice. See if the dealer will discount the rental fees off a new purchase…or worst case…ask them for a gift card totaling the rental totals if you purchase.
Rent each one for a day and take the same paths/trips. Put a solid 100 miles or so on each (or more..lol) and get a good feel for city, slab and super slab.

 

https://harley-insider.com/specifica...pecifications/

 

In 2019 when looking for a new ride after my 2004 Fat Boy twin cam I attended a demo day at the local dealer with all intentions of riding and then buying a Road King. Was told I would have to wait two rounds to try that model, but I could go in the next round on a Street Glide Special. Figured I would give it a test ride. When the group pulled out, we headed right for the highway. Making sure to keep up with the road captain I looked down to notice I was doing nearly 90mph. Was personally shocking that I could actually see things in my rear view mirror without distortion, my hands weren't vibrating and there was great wind protection. So between the M8 and the batwing, I was sold. I never rode that Road King...

But obviously, ride what inspires you and what meets your needs. Yes, the weight was something to get acclimated to. I found the challenge was constant practice, especially smooth stopping to beat the muscle memory into my brain. After the first riding season, I stopped thinking about the extra weight.

 

I'm partial to the King but I'll have to admit I've not ridden a Road Glide. Many SG's but not a RG. I'm hesitant to test a RG because I've put so much effort in making my King Special my own over the last 2-1/2 years and I've been told many times don't ride the RG unless you're ready to commit. The balance of the fork mounted fairing on the SG is just not for me. I'm 5-8 and 64 years in about 3 months. Yeah, you'll experience more wind on the RK than the RG but to me it's worth it because I do more solo day rides than anything else. The first long trip I made on it was from Lexington, SC to Daytona and back with the wife and a TP on the back and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again although she now rides her own.
I love the versatility of my King.
If I want music I use my earbuds.
If I want navigation I use my phone.
If I want an extended road trip I mount my TP and throw in a back pack & stuff.
If I want a overnight trip I use my small fender bag.
If I want bare bones riding I remove the windshield.

 

OP, read this, give the bat a chance!