Upgrade to a Roadglide ?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island
I went from an '05 1200 Roadster to an '08 RG and I gotta disagree with Ben on a few things.
My stage 1 Sportster had more power than the RG everywhere. It was just a quicker, faster bike.
There is no comparison between the two when it comes to room for people and gear - Sporty=small, RG=big, period.
Slow speed handling with the Roadster, such as parking lot crawls was much more difficult than the RG. The RG is a dream to maneuver at walking speeds compared to the Sportster. The Sportster handles better at high speed but the RG is no slouch there either.
I loved my Roadster but I have no regrets buying the Road Glide. It's a sweet ride.
My stage 1 Sportster had more power than the RG everywhere. It was just a quicker, faster bike.
There is no comparison between the two when it comes to room for people and gear - Sporty=small, RG=big, period.
Slow speed handling with the Roadster, such as parking lot crawls was much more difficult than the RG. The RG is a dream to maneuver at walking speeds compared to the Sportster. The Sportster handles better at high speed but the RG is no slouch there either.
I loved my Roadster but I have no regrets buying the Road Glide. It's a sweet ride.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 0
The 09 Roadie is a great bike. Rumor has it that the FLTR is going to be available as an Ultra Model for 2010 only, so if you want a plain FLTR, better deal soon on an 09. (Or wait for the loaded Ultra version possibly coming.)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Hi Impalla:
I have a 05 1200C and a 08 Road glide. Like you, I had touring bike lust for some time. In 07 I rented an ultra for a few days and declared it OK for touring. I bought my 08 in May of 08 and have 17,000 miles on it (I have 58,000 miles on the Sportster).
The RG is definitely more comfortable. The power will be about what you have now with the 883 up to about 75 mph. Above that the RG will have more power. The RG doesn't really have that much more room for people or luggage. The ride is smoother. Handling at low speed is MUCH more difficult with the RG, but once you get above 15mph, you won't notice the difference.
I will be keeping the RG. It has taken me a while to get used to it, but now it seems just right.
I am 6' 5", and the head buffeting on the RG is MUCH worse than the Sportster with a WS.
I have a 05 1200C and a 08 Road glide. Like you, I had touring bike lust for some time. In 07 I rented an ultra for a few days and declared it OK for touring. I bought my 08 in May of 08 and have 17,000 miles on it (I have 58,000 miles on the Sportster).
The RG is definitely more comfortable. The power will be about what you have now with the 883 up to about 75 mph. Above that the RG will have more power. The RG doesn't really have that much more room for people or luggage. The ride is smoother. Handling at low speed is MUCH more difficult with the RG, but once you get above 15mph, you won't notice the difference.
I will be keeping the RG. It has taken me a while to get used to it, but now it seems just right.
I am 6' 5", and the head buffeting on the RG is MUCH worse than the Sportster with a WS.
No more room for people or luggage on a RG vs. a Sportster. You've got to be smokin' some the wildest stuff to ever hit planet earth!2. Buffeting is worse on a RG than a Sportster? Did you realize they sell different sized windshields? If you're 6'5", I'd strongly suggest you be looking for at least a 12-15" one. Your problem will be solved!
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 404
Likes: 1
From: Northshore in Massachusetts
Eventually we all change somewhat how we ride, I still ride pretty fast but not as fast as I did when I used to ride sport bikes, best one was a Yamaha R1, then went to a Vrod, then added a Road Glide. then traded the Vrod for a Dyna Wide Glide, I still ride fast but not like I used to, so it you are looking to go on long trips the touring bikes are the way to go, there will be days when you will miss the sporty, but the slow speed handling on all of the touring bikes are excellent. The Dyna and Vrod both feel semi floppy from the rake on the front fork not sure if the sport feels the same and the slow speed handling on a R1 is the worst I've ridden but the best I have ridden at speed 60-130mph..
All depends on how you are really gonna use the bike overall. I added saddlebags and a sissy bar to my dyna and during summer months and will be logging miles on that, but in the cold weather or cross country trips having a fairing and the added lowers on my RG is the best.. I rode my RG from MA to WI for the 105th round trip and that would be the only bike I would make that trip on..
All depends on how you are really gonna use the bike overall. I added saddlebags and a sissy bar to my dyna and during summer months and will be logging miles on that, but in the cold weather or cross country trips having a fairing and the added lowers on my RG is the best.. I rode my RG from MA to WI for the 105th round trip and that would be the only bike I would make that trip on..
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 659
Likes: 2
From: Lansing
You won't be sorry if you get the RG. But I have a hard time believing that anyone thinks the road glide is hard to ride slow. It might be harder than a 125 honda, but not much. They are considered by many to be the best low speed big bikes on the planet. They have perfect balance, nice large floor boards and good steering.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
From: Gillette wyoming
1. Are you on DRUGS?? No more room for people or luggage on a RG vs. a Sportster. You've got to be smokin' some the wildest stuff to ever hit planet earth!
2. Buffeting is worse on a RG than a Sportster? Did you realize they sell different sized windshields? If you're 6'5", I'd strongly suggest you be looking for at least a 12-15" one. Your problem will be solved!
No more room for people or luggage on a RG vs. a Sportster. You've got to be smokin' some the wildest stuff to ever hit planet earth!2. Buffeting is worse on a RG than a Sportster? Did you realize they sell different sized windshields? If you're 6'5", I'd strongly suggest you be looking for at least a 12-15" one. Your problem will be solved!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 5
Looks great..
