I ride a Shovel bagger that I plan on giving to my Grandson (if one ever comes along... not that I want one right now..... you get the idea...)
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Anyway, my lovely bride and I have been looking at the new bikes to take across country when I retire.
So, I have read a zillion threads about the pros and cons of all the models and had finally settled on either a FLHTC or a FLTR witha King Tour Pak. The same ol' issue of the rigid vs. batwing on the highway was the one thing I wanted to test for myself.
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I have been anxiously waiting the Demo Ride trailer to get here to Pensacola...If finally gets here TODAY! I take off work early and head over there. Middle of the work day and there are only a few people riding, so I get to ride each one twice each. Ok, so the EG is the Super Duper SE whizbang job, but I was just comparing the fairings and general feel, not all the toys...

Now that I have about 20 miles on each I AM NO CLOSER TO A DECISION THAN I WAS YESTERDAY [:@]&nbsp\\;They both ride great! But I never got into a situation that I could test a crosswind nor a semi passing me on the highway. Dammitt Man!
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I have to say I am leaning towards a FLTR, just for the feel of the dash. I really liked how the dash was out away from you and you did not feel cramped. Then again, I would have to get the TourPak add on........ and if I get the FLHTC I have to get the cruise added...
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Thanx for letting me vent................

 

its personal choice bro. i like the stereo and the protection from rocks and the elements a flht provides. i ride yr round so its nice. for looks the king is sweet but a slammed eg is my choice!

 

If you plan on really logging the miles
the RG is the way
We have 3 in our family.
I don't believe there is a better bike in the wind or at high speed.
In fact the lighter weigth on the bars make it better at slow speeds.
I have the tour pack and lowers on mine.
Just .02




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I&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;haven't rode a Road Glide, I can say my bat wing hasn't been a problem on the highway, passing trucks.&nbsp\\;\\\\\\; Both sweet bikes.&nbsp\\;\\\\\\; I have grown to like the Road Glides just like I grew to like the bat wing.
How about the seats, maybe one is more comfy for rider or passenger??&nbsp\\;\\\\\\; EG seats are pretty nice.
Cruise add on is only a couple hundred and a must have, ask to throw it in, if you go that route.&nbsp\\;\\\\\\; &nbsp\\;\\\\\\;

 

I may be speaking out of turn, I have never ridden a RG, I have logged MANY MANY miles, (thousands) on a frame mounted fairing bike, I had several in a row with Windjamer fairings, very similar to the RG. The only thing you have to get used to is the light staying pointed straight, when your turning. Otherwise I loved them.

OTOH, I rode a SG for about 6-7 hrs a couple months ago in Tucson, Az. (Rental) I absolutely LOVED it, so my next bike is going to be the SG, I had NO issues with cross winds, (There were some, for sure) and no issues with any tractor trailers on the road either.....

Go with what you like, both will serve the purpose you want I think....

 

You are dead right to want the tour pak and cruise. I was ready to get an EG Standard until I realized how much more bang for the buck the Classic was. I needed the tour pak and back rest for my wife, so I guess it was a no-brainer all along. It is something that will eventually wind up on most touring bikes, so might as well just get it right out of the box. The longer the ride, the more I appreciate the cruise control. Especially if I'm on the super slab for hours.
As far as the Batwing versus the frame mounted fairing, I can't say since I have never ridden a Road Glide. I can say however, that he Batwing is rock steady under any conceivable condition. I've heard all the horror stories about crosswinds and so forth on a Bat, but after 17,000 miles under all kind of conditions none of them have proven true to me. I guess it really comes down to what style you prefer. I like the classic look of the Bat. Function wise, it has earned my confidence. But if the Road Glide floats your boat, go for it. Still looks better than a Gold Wing.

 

I went with the RG
Removable tourpack
Fairing lowers
came stock with cruise
for less than an ultra.

All I am missing is the CB and rear speakers.....

In the catalog starting in 05 they now call it an "ultra road glide"




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I'm for the top of the HD line, the Ultra Classic. The FLTR... well....a picture speaks much..[sm=escape.gif]
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ride both for a day,,,then decide

 

Agree!