SG VS Classic?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
A few more differences:
SG has color-matched saddlebag latches; fairing mounted mirrors; clean front fender (along with the rear fender facia/LED); single color with many that are not available in EGC; different seat (which is typically not comfortable to the passenger for long trips); license plate located below tail light.
You can certainly change an EGC--HD sells the color-matched saddlebag latches; fairing mounted mirrors; etc. And you can change an SG to add the Tour Pak; saddlebag guards; etc.
On one level, the comparison is pure $$$ comparing the costs of changing one to include the features you like about the other model.
On another level, it's purely a "gut" choice of which bike you prefer, recognizing there are compromises whichever you choose.
SG has color-matched saddlebag latches; fairing mounted mirrors; clean front fender (along with the rear fender facia/LED); single color with many that are not available in EGC; different seat (which is typically not comfortable to the passenger for long trips); license plate located below tail light.
You can certainly change an EGC--HD sells the color-matched saddlebag latches; fairing mounted mirrors; etc. And you can change an SG to add the Tour Pak; saddlebag guards; etc.
On one level, the comparison is pure $$$ comparing the costs of changing one to include the features you like about the other model.
On another level, it's purely a "gut" choice of which bike you prefer, recognizing there are compromises whichever you choose.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Which bike stirs your soul?
Went through the same dilemma in 07 and "convinced myself" that the Ultra was the better deal. I could always strip of the bits I didn't like right? Well that sounds good in theory, but doesn't work that way in reality. The Ultra / Classic have way to many bits to take off (if you can) to get the Street Glide look.
The three major items I always liked about the SG were the white faced gauges, the lack of pin stripes and the clean fenders / rear fender fascia. These three items alone will run you $5k to change.... the Ultra is only 3k more and the Classic is roughly the same.
The practical items missing (for me) are the tour pak for travel, passenger floor boars for the wife and the additional front end lighting. These can all be done for ~$2k.
The choice really comes down to which style you like. Both bike are outstanding choices and really serve a little different purpose in their stock form. Either can be modified to mimic the other and realize the benefits... Which bike calls to you?
The Street Glide called to my soul in 07, but the logic of the Ultra made my brain say yes. Two years later after pinning at every Street Glide I saw on the road...I picked up my 09 Street Glide last weekend and love it.
Either choice is a good one.... best of luck.
The three major items I always liked about the SG were the white faced gauges, the lack of pin stripes and the clean fenders / rear fender fascia. These three items alone will run you $5k to change.... the Ultra is only 3k more and the Classic is roughly the same.
The practical items missing (for me) are the tour pak for travel, passenger floor boars for the wife and the additional front end lighting. These can all be done for ~$2k.
The choice really comes down to which style you like. Both bike are outstanding choices and really serve a little different purpose in their stock form. Either can be modified to mimic the other and realize the benefits... Which bike calls to you?
The Street Glide called to my soul in 07, but the logic of the Ultra made my brain say yes. Two years later after pinning at every Street Glide I saw on the road...I picked up my 09 Street Glide last weekend and love it.
Either choice is a good one.... best of luck.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
These bikes represent one platform while taking two different approaches. The SG is a compromise of style over function and the EGC is the reverse. However, if you really like the SG's understated styling as I do you'll buy one and tailor it to your preferences. The bottom line is that if you only want to scoot around town looking good and ride slow, the SG is a good choice in stock form. OTOH if you want to tour or you ride frequently above suburban speeds you'll need to either buy an EGC or modify the SG. Here are my views comparing the two models:
SG pro: Styling
SG cons:
No Tour Pak
No saddlebag guards
Lowered suspension gives a mediocre ride
"Wind deflector" is not a real windshield
EGC: Reverse the above
I ended up buying the SG, then fixing the deficiencies:
Tour Pak on detachable solo rack. I would've added the solo rack even if I had purchased an EGC.
Saddlebag guards and supports. These are readily available on Ebay for about $100. Don't forget that the saddlebag supports are also necessary, as the SG's won't work with the guards.
Clearview 8" windshield with recurve. I would've replaced the stock EGC windshield anyway since it is too tall for my taste.
Mustang solo seat. Would've replaced the stock EGC seat, too.
Progressive 440 12˝ rear shocks. Fixes the ride problem without affecting appearance. One-half inch just isn't noticeable, but makes a difference in ride characteristics. Or, just buy 13" Progressive or stock HD air shocks, which will give it the same riding height as an EGC. Higher is better for ride quality, within reason and all other factors being equal.
These aren't the only additions I made to the bike--far from it--but just those that were necessary to fix the SG's real or perceived weak points. The bottom line is that it will cost more than a comparably equipped EGC, but IMO the styling is uncompromised.
SG pro: Styling
SG cons:
No Tour Pak
No saddlebag guards
Lowered suspension gives a mediocre ride
"Wind deflector" is not a real windshield
EGC: Reverse the above
I ended up buying the SG, then fixing the deficiencies:
Tour Pak on detachable solo rack. I would've added the solo rack even if I had purchased an EGC.
Saddlebag guards and supports. These are readily available on Ebay for about $100. Don't forget that the saddlebag supports are also necessary, as the SG's won't work with the guards.
Clearview 8" windshield with recurve. I would've replaced the stock EGC windshield anyway since it is too tall for my taste.
Mustang solo seat. Would've replaced the stock EGC seat, too.
Progressive 440 12˝ rear shocks. Fixes the ride problem without affecting appearance. One-half inch just isn't noticeable, but makes a difference in ride characteristics. Or, just buy 13" Progressive or stock HD air shocks, which will give it the same riding height as an EGC. Higher is better for ride quality, within reason and all other factors being equal.
These aren't the only additions I made to the bike--far from it--but just those that were necessary to fix the SG's real or perceived weak points. The bottom line is that it will cost more than a comparably equipped EGC, but IMO the styling is uncompromised.
Last edited by iclick; Sep 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM.
Retired Admin
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 21,865
Likes: 9,047
From: Wisconsin
In 2006 I went through this same dilemma. When my dealer got his first shipment of 2007 SGs and EG Classics, I looked at them all and ended up with the EG Classic. Sadly, I crashed it just 3 weeks later and totaled it out. After I recovered from my injuries 12 weeks later, I bought the Heritage I'm riding now. I'm back to the same old dilemma though. I want a bagger and love the look of the SG, but my practical side says to get the Classic. I'll be doing some two up riding with the wife but mostly by myself. I'll probably get the Classic, lower the windshield, get a new seat and a detachable kit for the tourpack. Won't be a true SG, but it will be close.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
The SG is the best looking bike HD has made in years. But, I don't understand why the SG and Classic have the same MSRP. There is just less "stuff" on the SG.
The only explanation I can come up with for charging the same $$ for the SG is because they can.
The only explanation I can come up with for charging the same $$ for the SG is because they can.
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Retired Admin
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 21,865
Likes: 9,047
From: Wisconsin
That's why I bought the Classic. They take a Classic, strip off most of the shiny bits, lower it, remove the tour pack and running lights, then charge the same amount. I didn't get it in 2007 and I don't get it now. In 2007 it actually cost a bit more than the Classic as I recall.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I agree that it's easier to take off than put on, but..... If you don't want alot of the stuff that it comes with, it's crazy to buy it and put em on the shelf. I've already got a garage full of that. Sounds to me like what you really want is the Classic, even though you like the looks of the SG. Just get what you really want, or you'll regret it till your next purchase. Don't ask me how I know that one.