Street Glide or Road Glide?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
Still not convinced that having to rely so much on thumb controls for the radio would make me happy. However, to each his own. I can think of one advantage to the more distant radio of the RG in that I now have invested in sunglasses with readers built in to see up close. The radio pushed further out might alleviate the need for the readers... Other than that it seems like the endless Apple vs Microsoft or iPhone vs Android debates. It's probably best to just get out and ride each of them a lot pre-purchase to decide which works for you before putting money down.
Here's a guy who gave the RG a try and decided it wasn't for him:
Here's a guy who gave the RG a try and decided it wasn't for him:
but, back to the whole premise here. some people like chocolate, some like vanilla. that's why they make both.
a wise man once said, bwffbw. if you know, you know.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 810
Likes: 1,526
From: Bloomington, IN
I went from a Road King to a Road Glide. Prior to the Glide I also test rode a few bat wing equipped bikes. Though the Road King handles better than both of them, I felt the steering of the bat wing bikes wasn't as responsive. They also seem to be pushed around by the wind more. My least favorite thing was how cramped the ride felt. It was like being in a car.
The Road King will always be my favorite "rider's bike" of the three. But I felt the Road Glide offered the best balance between an open, no-so-cramped riding experience while still getting those handy touring gadgets. I'd sacrifice those gadgets and go back to a Road King before ever getting a Street Glide. I hate the bat wing that much. That's why they make different machines for different people, though.
The Road King will always be my favorite "rider's bike" of the three. But I felt the Road Glide offered the best balance between an open, no-so-cramped riding experience while still getting those handy touring gadgets. I'd sacrifice those gadgets and go back to a Road King before ever getting a Street Glide. I hate the bat wing that much. That's why they make different machines for different people, though.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 314
From: Ohio
again, you don't have to rely on the thumb controls. i just do because i don't like finger smudges. i watched that whole video, and the only thing that jumped out at me about it was he was selling it because he didn't like the look of the fairing from the front angle. he didn't say one word about the ride.
but, back to the whole premise here. some people like chocolate, some like vanilla. that's why they make both.
a wise man once said, bwffbw. if you know, you know.
but, back to the whole premise here. some people like chocolate, some like vanilla. that's why they make both.
a wise man once said, bwffbw. if you know, you know.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 193
Likes: 88
From: South Dakota
The last 10 touring Harleys I’ve owned before my current bike were batwings. I’ve used Freedom Shields on every one-including my current CVO. My experience is that I had better wind protection with the batwings. I’m very happy with my new bike -except I got a “whistler”.
I also need to mention that I’ve never had to fight the wind and been tuckered out after a long days ride on my previous bikes.
I traded bikes with a friend last year who has a RGS and I was surprised at the extra helmet buffeting on his bike.
My last bike was a 2020 Ultra Limited. I just like the more open feeling on the shark nose. If my CVO is supposed to handle better, I can’t really notice any difference.
Buy the one that you like best. There is no wrong choice.
I also need to mention that I’ve never had to fight the wind and been tuckered out after a long days ride on my previous bikes.
I traded bikes with a friend last year who has a RGS and I was surprised at the extra helmet buffeting on his bike.
My last bike was a 2020 Ultra Limited. I just like the more open feeling on the shark nose. If my CVO is supposed to handle better, I can’t really notice any difference.
Buy the one that you like best. There is no wrong choice.
Well, I guess that brings another dimension that as an independent I'm completely oblivious to but respect. Whether it be black & white, red & white, red & gold, etc. apparently your MC may also play a factor in your decision.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 2,163
From: West Coast
I need help with "bwffbw" = ?
- between we fine fellows, bat wing!
- big women fart frequently be warry?
- buy what feels fresh big wuse?
- been with five fantastic beautiful women?
- but we fanboys fear bat wings?
Last edited by Taxgod4u; Feb 6, 2023 at 12:13 AM.
Last edited by UrbanRunner; Feb 6, 2023 at 12:24 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 380
From: Philly Burbs
Definitely test ride both bikes. I loved my SGS, but could never find a cure for the helmet buffeting i experienced with the batwing fairing. With my RGST, I haven't experienced any helmet buffeting. YMMV.
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