heart wants the batwing
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 73
Likes: 32
From: Florida
Rode a batwing for several years (Limited), was sure I wanted a Road Glide just from the looks. Test rode a couple, just didn't "feel" right, test rode a Street Gide, well, now I have a 23 Street glide.
Test ride & go with what you like & what "feels" right.
Test ride & go with what you like & what "feels" right.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 259
Likes: 140
From: Eureka, MO
I went from a 2016 Slim S to a ‘23 Street Glide Special in Oct. Everything on the RG just seemed too far away from me and everything on the SGS was well within reach. It’s my first bike with a fairing and, although there was a little bit of a learning curve on the highway, it didn’t take long at all. I also like the look of the batwing over the shark nose, so it was an easy decision for me,
Good luck with your decision!
Good luck with your decision!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
Ive own(ed) both
* If riding at sane speeds, pick your poison
* Prolonged super slab or high speed, personally, I prefer the shark
* HERES THE BIG DIFF - check the ergos to the dash as the shark is a bit further away
No wrong choice, just personal preference
* If riding at sane speeds, pick your poison
* Prolonged super slab or high speed, personally, I prefer the shark
* HERES THE BIG DIFF - check the ergos to the dash as the shark is a bit further away
No wrong choice, just personal preference
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,235
Likes: 1,210
From: AZ
I haven't ridden a shark nose but I'd like to try it. The batwing is certainly a big 'kite' no doubt & you definitely feel it in high winds. You get used to it but you need to pay attention for sure!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1,188
My comments do not apply to the newer models as I've their wind management is not great. Also, the are ugly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,152
Likes: 9,564
From: central NC
between my 20 Batwing and 22 shark, there was little difference to me in handling
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 245
Likes: 211
From: TX
I've been riding with a RG fairing for a few years now; I even rode around the country and am looking to do that again. I understand your sentiment - I find myself wanting to try the batwing. It's an iconic and attractive look. That being said, every time I sit on one - it feels cramped; the fairing is right there in your face. The handlebars are noticeably heavier since the fairing is fork-mounted. Whenever I think about having to do anything inside the fairing, or something with the bars, I shudder. It's more of a PITA on the batwings than the RGs.
I think the general breakdown goes:
SG
- Better wind protection for hands (unless you install handlebars)
- Slightly better wind protection for your upper body
- Better rain protection
- Cluster is far easier to see without taking your eyes off the road
- Radio/NAV screen is much more within reach
- Possibly better lighting if you add passing lamps/auxiliary lights
- The handlebars are very light, like a Road King - handling is light
- Frame-mounted fairing means that wind/passing trucks effect the bike frame, not your handlebars
- Feels far more open and less cramped since the fairing is far forward
- Far more fairing storage
- Slightly better mid/lower body wind protection
- Easier to work on in terms of handlebars and inside the fairing
- Larger speakers
- Better lighting stock
It's interesting how regional fairing preference is, and I wish that I knew why. I'm in TX and the local dealers all say that the RG is far more popular here than the SG. Heck, there are several brand new 2023 SG ST that still haven't sold and have been sitting for at least a year. Right now is the perfect time to go snag deals on recent model years, because everyone wants the new design. I've seen dealers here in TX selling 2023 SGs with low mileage for $15k. That's basically a brand new bike for half the price; they would have been $20k or so before.
The real question, though, is what intake/pipes/tuner/cam are you going to throw into it 😏
Last edited by aharleyrider; Aug 23, 2024 at 10:16 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 2,245
Likes: 2,163
From: West Coast
The SG is flawless unless you have little tiny girlie arms, RG are too common. Going to depreciate faster as the used market will flood
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 683
From: Forest Hill, Md
What he said. I've ridden batwings since forever, and I've never had a problem with buffeting. I've never ridden a Street Glide for a number of reasons, but the main one is the fear that it would remind me of a Goldwing I once owned. Sort of a joke.
My comments do not apply to the newer models as I've their wind management is not great. Also, the are ugly.
My comments do not apply to the newer models as I've their wind management is not great. Also, the are ugly.