Greetings,

I have a 2022 RG 107 with HD Stage II Torque cam, Ohlins HD 044 shocks and Traxxion AR-25 fork kit. Last week my buddy had gotten a newly acquired 2017 Road King, and outside of a seat, sissy bar and luggage rack, stock, We went for a fav' ride up 9W from Bergen County, NJ to Rockland County, NY. At one point we swapped bikes. That day was also the first ride a newly acquired Corbin Dual Tour w/ backrest for my bike.

Gotta say, I was pretty shocked how much of a difference the RK sized wheels make in road comfort. Together with the stock 13" rear shocks, and no fairing on the fork, the ride quality of the Road King was surprisingly really good. Maybe because I'm getting older, but the stock M8 107 felt sprightly and I enjoyed the quietness of the stock exhaust. It didn't feel very far from my 107 w/ Stage II Torque cam up to 3500 rpm or, but after that you feel the difference with the cam. The RK felt compact and agile compared to the RG. Felt like you could zing it back and forth in a dirt bike that weighs 820lbs kind of way.

When heading back, we jumped on the Palisade Interstate Parkway, which is a 55mph road with traffic generally moving 70mph +. This is where the RG really shines...on the highway. That fairing slices through the wind. The preciseness of the bigger wheels (and yeah, the suspension upgrades) make the bike glide on the road through sweepers and what not.

I have zero regrets in getting the RG, have to say, the RK was a really nice ride. My previous bike was a bought new 2013 Dyna Switchback with cams and suspension. The RK felt like an adult sized version of the Switchback, but surprisingly was more agile on the road.

Also, his bike came with a Sundowner seat. My buddy and I are pretty close in height, he's just over 6', I'm just under, he's got a 33" inseam, I have a 34" inseam. We both found the Sundowner to give a commanding riding position on the bike, allowing a pretty neutral knee bend. No idea how it would be on a long ride, but for 20 min it was surprisingly nice. Conversely, the Corbin Dual Tour has already been sold. The seat is very firm, which I have zero problem with. I like the firmness, but don't like how it transmits/amplifies every vibe from the bike and every road imperfection. Also, for me, it was a bit too far aft.

So far I've been through, the stock seat, LePera Outcast 2 Up, Mustang SuperTour Deluxe, and the Corbin Dual Tour. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I'm liking the stock seat best so far. Jut wish it has better build quality. I found a used Sundowner and it should be here Wed.

:Lastly, the 16" rear rims on the RK really stood out for road comfort. Anyone use a 16" rear and what do you lose compared to the 18" rim?

 

I am a little surprised you prefer non fairing bike. I do have FLHR and FLHTCU, and there is a lot more wind on non fairing. Curious about seats and shocks.

I like 2 of my corbin touring seats. I have one I got used that is old, and that thing is rock hard. But the two from the last 15 years and I prefer them. Last seat I bough was corbin dual tour.

I can't help buy wonder if it is setup, but I didn't read with fine tooth come.

 

Everything’s a tradeoff. I’ve had a Street Glide, Road King, and Road Glide in the past three years. All different, but I’d own all three again.

 

Splitting hairs really. Some swear by each, RG, SG, RK. I like my RK but I am sure if I spent some time with a RG or SG, I would prefer them.

For me, HD had me at Touring Frame...

 

Ive owned both, road king and i have a 2022 Rg special. The glide is the best mile eater i ever owned. The rk is capable but for its intended use, the rgs just smokes it...

 

I've traveled the country on a FLHR, but I have enjoyed it more on FLHTCU. Same frame. If you put same seat, shocks, and bars, I find it hard to believe a non fairing bike would be more comfortable. I suspect is is not windshield vs fairing, that is influence your comfort.

In warm areas, the non fairing bike may be more confortable due to heat.

 

"...and no fairing on the fork..."

Your RG has a frame-mounted fairing

 

I have two RKs. I fitted a ‘78 fiberglass ElectraGlide fairing to my ‘97, the other I run with the windshield.
The fairing makes the handling in twisties a bit sluggish. I don’t notice much difference in wind buffeting at speeds under 55 mph between the two.

I enjoy riding in low temps. The biggest benefit of the fairing for me; It protects my hands from the wind in the winter. I can ride in thin deerskin gauntlet gloves in temps down to the mid 40’s.

My neighbor has a RG, he raves about its comfort on the interstates, but prefers his Softail with windshield for puttn the around our foothills.

 

Mid 40's ??? That's t shirt weather in northern Ohio!!! LOL

 

My '13 King has been a great touring bike for me. I can put on or leave off my detachable batwing and lowers whenever I want. It is this versatility that makes my King enjoyable and comfortable.