I would like to get some of your opinions on which touring bike would fit my needs best. I currently own a 05 Fatboy and may be looking for a touring bike for my wife and I. Below I have listed some of our intensions with the bike:

-Mostly shorter rides (couple of hours)
-Very limited cross-country
-Weekend trips to the Dakotas (I’m in MN)
-Some recreational bar hoping

Do I need a full dressed bike or a something in the area of a RK?

Price does not matter.

Thanks

 

You will get a ton of opinions on this one. I used to own a Fat Boy, and rode both with and w/o windshield. Now I have a Street Glide. The added protection of the fairing, along with the stereo, makes it my choice of bikes (compared to the Road King). I did not need the tour pack for storage either.

 

That's a toughy, you will get a lot of different opinions on this one. I know this...I went from a Wide Glide to a Street Glide and I am absolutely loving the wind protection from the batwing fairing, the lockable hardbags, and the stereo. I have not done much riding on Road Kings but my brother wouldn't have any other bike but that is because he likes to have the option of removing his windshield. Also, there is quite a bit of difference in the way the windshield-only bikes, batwing fairing bikes, and frame fairing bikes (Road Glide) handle and block the wind. I would strongly recommend test driving one of each.

Good Luck!!

 

As said, it's a personal decision based on looks, function, radio or not, fairings or not etc. the RK can have a tour pak added, any of the touring models will work for your intentions and will make a very comfortable ride for you and your wife. The test ride suggestion is a good way to get a feel before you buy. Good luck with your decision, let us know what you decide on. Personally if I had the money I would buy an Ultra or Electra Glide to go along with my RK, I doubt I will ever part with my RK.

 

I recomend test riding the Road Glide and the Street Glide. Both would do fine for barhopping and great for the longer rides. The Road King is a very pretty bike but I think you get more for your buck with the other 2 mentioned. I love my Road glide and use it for all the uses mentioned and its really nice to have a radio for the boring stretches of road.

 

Which bike do you think handles better at speed? A bike with a windshield or fairing?

 

if you are looking for all around handling i would say the road glide.............the fairing style is more aerodynamic, and with it being mounted to the frame as opposed to the handle bars, that is about 30 pounds of weight that are not being carried into a turn

 

The bikes with just windshields have a smaller upfront feel. But I don't find the Street Glide tough to manage in tight spots. It is heavy to move, but that is more because I am so short and can't get the best footing.

 

Before I made a purchase, I think I'd go rent the different types. I do feel that once you go dresser, you'll never go back. Each bike has its strong points.
The RK is lighter in the front, removeable windshield, typical Harley look, Down side is no tour pack included and looks kind of funky with one.
Road Glide is more aerodynamic, easier to turn than the EG. but frame mounted fairing means that the headlight does not turn with the front wheel. Full bags, Funky fairing shape has to grow on you.
Electra Glide Ultra gives you everything HD can put on it. at 800 lbs it's load. It also is so comfortable. Downside is slow speeds in parking lots.

You won't go wrong with either one, it's just a mater of personal preference. I won't ride anything other than an Ultra

But that's just my .02

Bubba

 

Yesterday I rode the same streach of road (50 mile almost dead straight) with a 20 Knt crosswind all the way once on an EG Classic and once on my RG. With the EG I had trouble keeping it going in a straight line; with the RG no problem at all. My wife also likes the RG better from the rear seat. But folks differ so like others have said that you should rent all the bikes on your short list and then decide which one suits YOU the best.