Opinions Please
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 15
From: Minneapolis, MN
Opinions Please
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
-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
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
RE: Opinions Please
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.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 3
From: Southeast Wisconsin
RE: Opinions Please
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!!
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!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 21,949
Likes: 6
From: My house
RE: Opinions Please
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.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Opinions Please
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.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: CLEVELAND, OHIO
RE: Opinions Please
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
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
RE: Opinions Please
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.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
RE: Opinions Please
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
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
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,950
Likes: 4
RE: Opinions Please
ORIGINAL: 05Fatty
Which bike do you think handles better at speed? A bike with a windshield or fairing?
Which bike do you think handles better at speed? A bike with a windshield or fairing?