RoadGlide vs Bat Wing
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: Collegeville, PA
I owned two ultra's ('01 &'04) before I got my '08 Road Glide. I would say that the RG handles slightly better than a batwing bike. I notice it most at parking lot speed. The RG is also better on the highway when passing a semi. When you hit that air pocket as you are coming by the cab of a semi, the batwing will flutter more in the turbulence while the RG is rock solid. I also feel the RG has an easier turn-in than a batwing.
However, the air pocket on the RG is much harder to manage. Read the threads here on windshields and you'll see that most riders can't ride the bike with the stock shield without getting beat to death from the wind.
All that being said, I'll never own a batwing again. I love this bike
However, the air pocket on the RG is much harder to manage. Read the threads here on windshields and you'll see that most riders can't ride the bike with the stock shield without getting beat to death from the wind.
All that being said, I'll never own a batwing again. I love this bike
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
There was a review by a magazine that compared several Harleys against each other. I can’t remember who it was but the rider who compared the Batwing to the Road Glide said the Batwing handled better in the twisties and he would personally choose it mainly for that reason. I was surpised, but He was a very experienced test rider and commented that the extra weight on the front wheel made trun slower.
However, the Road Glide does better when it comes to crosswinds and gusty head winds because front wheel isn’t being jerked around by the fairing. That being said, I ride in the windiest state (Oklahoma) and I think my SG is very stable in gusty and windy conditions beause lets face it, these bikes are heavy and plow right through. I think it is notable that the RG is even better gusty winds and is a good reason to be consider for the long haul riders, but I don’t think the Batwing should be considered bad in the same conditions.
I’ve never ridden a Road Glide but I was very seriously thinking of getting one and did a lot of research. Oklahome Harleys don't rent for what ever reason, so I could never find a Road Glide to test ride. I did a lot of research and the main reason I choose a batwing bike was because the owners of Road Glides seem to spend a lot of money and time trying to find a comfortable windshield. Many are still looking.
I don’t like to say that it is a personal opinion and so you need to test ride the two bikes because I know you really do want opinions one way of the other. But I think that you need to consider test rides in this case because the fairings on both bikes don’t disperse the air around the rider very good. They are both just down right terrible in fact. My Road King had much less turbulent air on the rider and passenger than my SG. So I think you need to test each bike for rider comfort alone. Then consider the hangling second.
Beary
However, the Road Glide does better when it comes to crosswinds and gusty head winds because front wheel isn’t being jerked around by the fairing. That being said, I ride in the windiest state (Oklahoma) and I think my SG is very stable in gusty and windy conditions beause lets face it, these bikes are heavy and plow right through. I think it is notable that the RG is even better gusty winds and is a good reason to be consider for the long haul riders, but I don’t think the Batwing should be considered bad in the same conditions.
I’ve never ridden a Road Glide but I was very seriously thinking of getting one and did a lot of research. Oklahome Harleys don't rent for what ever reason, so I could never find a Road Glide to test ride. I did a lot of research and the main reason I choose a batwing bike was because the owners of Road Glides seem to spend a lot of money and time trying to find a comfortable windshield. Many are still looking.
I don’t like to say that it is a personal opinion and so you need to test ride the two bikes because I know you really do want opinions one way of the other. But I think that you need to consider test rides in this case because the fairings on both bikes don’t disperse the air around the rider very good. They are both just down right terrible in fact. My Road King had much less turbulent air on the rider and passenger than my SG. So I think you need to test each bike for rider comfort alone. Then consider the hangling second.
Beary
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Twin Cities
Hey, c'mon now, that's not fair. The Ultra is the only bike that has lowers stock. You would have to put lowers on the RG and any of the other batwing models to really compare it. Which is why I have a set of Hogg Chopps on order.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
I've ridden the Road Glide quite a bit. My brother owned one along with his Road King. Whenever I went to visit him for a week or so, I'd ride the Glide, and he'd ride the King. It's a personal thing, but I really didn't like how far everything is away from you. Also, I didn't notice any appreciable difference in quality or handling. Long story short, he sold the Road Glide and kept the King. Same thing I would have done. If you're 6'1"+ it might fit you better. Many folks just don't like the look of the sharknose, hence the name "fugly". You need to make your own call on this one. Everyone is packing their own biases. Like Leo said, whichever one you own is best.... As that's the one you determined fit your needs the best!
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From:
im not sure if the actually handle better. the true test would be to put a skilled rider and have them ride a timed course. The road glide with the frame mounted fairing takes less effort to move the bars due to the fairing being off of the forks. So i can see where perception has it that it is handling better. It does steer lighter.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 900
Likes: 4
From: Wisconsin
#1........I actually like the look of the RG when fixed up properly.........That being said it is a buffeting nightmare!!!! Stock.........
#2....... And as far as "handling" .........no difference. It "handles" the same as a batwing. Whether you drag race it, ride it along in the twisties.......its all personal preference......Anybody that says theres "handles" better, if you compare apples to apples, is dreaming.
I will run with any COMPARITIVELY equiped RG anytime.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 715
Likes: 1
Have both of what you're looking at, '09's and the Roadie is without a doubt smoother on the highway. Minus the buffeting issues which appear to vary greatly with your stature and the windshield chosen. The batwings are noticeably busier on the highway for the obvious reason the fairing is fork mounted. By no means bad. Like being in a room with a fidgety child vs. being alone in the room. For some, they never even notice, for others, it's annoying to varying degrees. Depending on the windshield, the batwings can beat you too, I can attest to that. No matter what you do to a batwing, she'll still dance a little going down the road, whereas the Roadie ride can be vastly improved with the right windshield and even better with lowers. The Roadie rides like a freight train, straight through any nonsense with nary a concern.
But, by all means, rent one and as with all rentals or when evaluating a completely stock bike, don't place a lot of emphasis on items that are easily changed that may address a disconcerting feature like seats, windshields, handlebars and so on. Let's face it, you gotta love it no matter what Harley you get! Best of luck with your choices.
But, by all means, rent one and as with all rentals or when evaluating a completely stock bike, don't place a lot of emphasis on items that are easily changed that may address a disconcerting feature like seats, windshields, handlebars and so on. Let's face it, you gotta love it no matter what Harley you get! Best of luck with your choices.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
i own an 08 sg, but to do it again, i would have gotten the roadglide. i'm 6'4" tall, and feel almost cramped on my sg. i did put an 09 roadglide seat on my streetglide, and it made a tremendous difference for comfort. short guys need not try this at home. but for someone who's tall, that seat rocks. it's up to you. the electra glide type fairings are cool, nostalgic etc, but the sharknoses are truly sinister looking i think. either one is fine, but as long as mine is paid for, i'm just really as happy as can be with it.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Mtn High CO
For me a big factor was my height and vision. I'm 6'2" and wear reading glasses. I felt cramped on the SG and the guages were too close to rear with a quick glance at riding speed for me. On the RG, I have plenty of leg room, my arms can strech out, and I can see the guages just fine. I also think the front end is lighter and quicker turning because the frame mounted fairing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 18
From: Belmont, MI
I ride a Eglide but did have the opportunity to ride a RG. My experience was it did seem to handle a little better but I did notice the buffeting. My wife absolutely hated it due to the excessive wind beating she was taking. I might consider one if I rode solo most of the time. I actually like the looks.
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Rick
?Rick