Need opinions, FLHX vs FLHR
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Behind you
I recently traded a SG for a RK. If you're not turned off by the look of fairing, the sound system and gauges are worth the extra $$$. The music is the only thing I miss from the SL and, I'm still looking for a good "hidden system".
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
I test-rode the SG extensively while deciding which '09 to buy and ended up with a Road King for the following reasons:
1) The RK's windshield provided better protection. The wind blast that comes up from under the Batwing is quite strong.
2) The Batwing made the low speed handling feel noticeably heavier.
3) Passing lamps
4) Passenger floorboards
5) Classic looks
6) Removable windshield ... didn't want to bake behind a big fairing in hot weather.
7) Didn't need a radio, the motor makes enough music...
If you're into Batwings, give the EGC a look. For the same price as an SG you get a Tour-Pak, passing lamps, passenger floorboards and a more comfortable touring seat.
1) The RK's windshield provided better protection. The wind blast that comes up from under the Batwing is quite strong.
2) The Batwing made the low speed handling feel noticeably heavier.
3) Passing lamps
4) Passenger floorboards
5) Classic looks
6) Removable windshield ... didn't want to bake behind a big fairing in hot weather.
7) Didn't need a radio, the motor makes enough music...
If you're into Batwings, give the EGC a look. For the same price as an SG you get a Tour-Pak, passing lamps, passenger floorboards and a more comfortable touring seat.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 4
From: GA
You can't go wrong with either bike and will get a great ride either way. I am partial to the batwing, especially in cold weather. It really does make a difference on your hands staying warm. Plus, I really do like the styling better of the FLHX. IMHO, if you get the RK, get the one with the hard, lockable bags, though.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 724
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Get a standard, swap out the seat and get a shorter windsheild and an aftermarket radio and you've got 2 different seats and winshields to play around with and can add and subtract from it as you go.
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Joe Kucinski
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Well I'm in the process of trading my 02 RKC for a 09 SG. That being said, I think you need the Road King (RK). If 90% of you driving is local, the RK is a great bike and very comfortable. While for some reason a lot of us bikers are attracted to the SG, non-bikers and most women like the RK more. I know you are married, but it still feels good when a lady complements your bike in a crowd of bikes.
Taking of the windshield off in five seconds is a great feature that I will miss dearly on the SG. I've test road a few SGs and Ultras and in all honesty, there is very little those bikes do better as far as ride than the RK. I agree the RK turns easier with less weight on the front wheel. The radio is a nice option and you will have to figure that out. The cruise control is a must whatever you get. It comes stock on the RKC, not the SG.
If you find riding is so much fun that you do a lot more two up long distance riding than you thought, well then that might be the time to consider trading over to a bike with a fairing.
If you get a RK, get the classic with the leather bags. They hold more and are more appealing to classic lines of the bike. And I found leather bags take less time to apply leather conditioner than waxing hard bags. Once you decide to travel long distances, then you can go to the smaller lockable hard bags.
For starting out, the cheaper RK is a great bike. The only option I would suggest you get at the time of purchase is a removable seat rest for the wife.
One last thing: My wife and I were in the dealership the other day looking at colors for the SG. She turned around, pointed at the blue RKC and said, "Now tell me why you don't want that one again?". I didn't really have a good answer.
Beary
Taking of the windshield off in five seconds is a great feature that I will miss dearly on the SG. I've test road a few SGs and Ultras and in all honesty, there is very little those bikes do better as far as ride than the RK. I agree the RK turns easier with less weight on the front wheel. The radio is a nice option and you will have to figure that out. The cruise control is a must whatever you get. It comes stock on the RKC, not the SG.
If you find riding is so much fun that you do a lot more two up long distance riding than you thought, well then that might be the time to consider trading over to a bike with a fairing.
If you get a RK, get the classic with the leather bags. They hold more and are more appealing to classic lines of the bike. And I found leather bags take less time to apply leather conditioner than waxing hard bags. Once you decide to travel long distances, then you can go to the smaller lockable hard bags.
For starting out, the cheaper RK is a great bike. The only option I would suggest you get at the time of purchase is a removable seat rest for the wife.
One last thing: My wife and I were in the dealership the other day looking at colors for the SG. She turned around, pointed at the blue RKC and said, "Now tell me why you don't want that one again?". I didn't really have a good answer.
Beary
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: NC
Thanks for all the responses. I can't wait until saturday so we can go take a look. I gotta admit it is a tough decision. They are both fine machines. I'm gonna have to take em both for a test ride(hopefully) and go from there.