heart wants the batwing
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 683
From: Forest Hill, Md
Brother in law rode a Softail Deluxe for years, rode that thing with my sister in law on the back all over the place. We did Maine from Maryland and they loved it. Did The Tail a couple times. He traded it in on a 12 Road Glide and hasnt enjoyed a single ride weve done. Just not for him. I told him to try an Ultra but he jumped on the RG. Hell probably sell it beginning of next year.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 894
Likes: 537
From: Central NY
Honestly I like road glides and street glides, when it came time for me to buy a new bike, I test rode a 2022 road glide special and that was it for me. I have ridden a street glide a few times in the past but I really, really, liked the road glide. Even though I think they did a beautiful job on the 24 street glides, I never looked back, I honestly believe that if I got a street glide, I would have either regretted that decision, or traded it for a road glide. I have new 12" KST bars, a corbin seat, luggage rack and passenger backrest suits the wifey just fine on trips. I have almost 12000 miles on my road glide, and I'm loving every minute of it, except this morning coming to work at 42 degrees, deer were everywhere.
Be careful out there everyone!
Be careful out there everyone!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 2,205
The Street Glide is the best selling model. The Road Glide may be second, but if popularity matters to you, go for it.
I ride with a guy who has an RG and loves it, to each his own.
Last edited by downzero; Aug 23, 2024 at 11:05 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 425
Likes: 266
From: Kansas
2024 SG selling for less
When I was trying to make this same decision, I rented one of each for a day and rode as much as I could. I didn't notice a stark contrast in comfort or handling at the time, but it's not like I put the bike through rigorous, edge-case testing. If the bike in your sig is any indication, I imagine you'll be purchasing something newer/newish. It's worth renting a bike with either fairing to see which you prefer. You may even save some bucks if you try it out on rider share, rather than Eagle Rider. Either way, it's far cheaper to spend a few hundred to determine the right bike than it is to buy one and regret it.
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
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 😏
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 😏
Ive had 4 Batwings in the past on EG Ultras and the past on a EG Limited over 4 plus decades.
Just recently bought a RG fairing and love it. On high wind days it cuts the wind much better and doesnt get bogged down.
Thats about the biggest difference, I like both.
Why just own one 😃
Mike
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 204
Likes: 216
From: Kitsap County
As a rider that planned on ripping off my batwing for a RK nacelle, I can only say sometimes other things matter more. I live in the PNW, and after moving here from the SW desert, I could never have predicted how important hand protection is.
Not only am I keeping the batwing, I don't think I'd bother with another touring fairing. I love old twin lamp RGs style, but i love warm hands in winter and rain even more.
Just my two.
Not only am I keeping the batwing, I don't think I'd bother with another touring fairing. I love old twin lamp RGs style, but i love warm hands in winter and rain even more.
Just my two.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,578
Likes: 8,406
From: Inland NW
Then get the bat!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,767
Likes: 1,802
From: Newnan, GA
I've gone as fast as 110 MPH without any issues and lots of twisties.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 245
Likes: 211
From: TX
As a rider that planned on ripping off my batwing for a RK nacelle, I can only say sometimes other things matter more. I live in the PNW, and after moving here from the SW desert, I could never have predicted how important hand protection is.
Not only am I keeping the batwing, I don't think I'd bother with another touring fairing. I love old twin lamp RGs style, but i love warm hands in winter and rain even more.
Just my two.
Not only am I keeping the batwing, I don't think I'd bother with another touring fairing. I love old twin lamp RGs style, but i love warm hands in winter and rain even more.
Just my two.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,728
Likes: 9,227
From: Snow Hill, NC
I put 112000 miles behind my 07 Electra Glide and now on my 2nd Tri Glide. Not saying any bad against the Road Glide as I never owned one but Ive made all these miles with a Batwing and really have no recollection of bad handling on the highway.