FLHT vs. FLTR Fairing
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 25
From: York, PA
I currently own a RG, I was thinking about trading in on a different bike like a classic or a SG. I rode my buddies classic for about 100 miles. I rode on the highway behind trucks etc and did not experience any issues with the handlbars flaking around like I have read when you are behind tractor trailers or on windy days ( it was breezy that day). Rode through the mountains felt fine to me in the turns. It just made me realize the batwing is not for me. Felt a little to cramped for my liking. But you will need to rent the two to decide what is best for you.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 471
From: along the Front Range in Colorado
.... the RG was my 1st motorcycle, and i've been supremely comfortable w/it on the road. I've test ridden SG's & Ultra's and they are both sweet rides, but the feel of the Road Glide, with the fairing a ways out in front is just spatially more compatible for me. Add in a pair of hard lowers & you've got a great, 4 season, ride.
....... AND.... the Roadie comes w/a 'life of the scooter' membership in the Secret Society of the Sharknose !
....... AND.... the Roadie comes w/a 'life of the scooter' membership in the Secret Society of the Sharknose !
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 7
From: tomball tx
have owned a 08 eg classic and now a rg. steering is lighter on the rg and i do not feel cramped. 6'1" tall so fixed fairing gives feeling of more room. i did like the classic and did not think anything was wrong with it til got the rg. will have to adjust w/s and possibly lowers to control the air imo.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 5
From: Central Calif
I have ridden 100's of thousands of miles behind a handle bar mount and 100's of thousands behind a frame mount and I have found no difference between the two as far as being more stable, or harder to see around or any numerous things I have heard
It boils down to what you like --
Currently I like the looks of the handle bar mount better -- but at the same time I would like the extra storage that the frame mount offers
It boils down to what you like --
Currently I like the looks of the handle bar mount better -- but at the same time I would like the extra storage that the frame mount offers
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
I've owned several batwing fairing bikes and now on my first Road Glide.
First- are you going to ride 2 up a lot? If so I would go with a EGC or Ultra. More comfortable for the passenger, smoother ride ( not as harsh-short shocks and all) more storage in stock form....just a better 2 up touring bike in my opinion.
As for handling, I think the RG handles better, more stable feeling to me, with the weight removed from the front forks and the fairing mounted to the frame (instead of the forks,) it feels lighter, nimbler in the twisties. I don't think it would be fair to compair my 2010 to my 2007 because of the frame, motor mounts and tire changes...but that's all I have. The RG does feel more harsh than my 07 EGC, but the 07 has longer shocks and a more comfortable seat...
I would rent both style bikes and make your choice from your feelings, not anything anyone said here....we're all different and we all like different things...
First- are you going to ride 2 up a lot? If so I would go with a EGC or Ultra. More comfortable for the passenger, smoother ride ( not as harsh-short shocks and all) more storage in stock form....just a better 2 up touring bike in my opinion.
As for handling, I think the RG handles better, more stable feeling to me, with the weight removed from the front forks and the fairing mounted to the frame (instead of the forks,) it feels lighter, nimbler in the twisties. I don't think it would be fair to compair my 2010 to my 2007 because of the frame, motor mounts and tire changes...but that's all I have. The RG does feel more harsh than my 07 EGC, but the 07 has longer shocks and a more comfortable seat...
I would rent both style bikes and make your choice from your feelings, not anything anyone said here....we're all different and we all like different things...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
Road Glide For Me!
I have owned and ridden 1974 FLH, 1982 FLH, 1985 FLHT, 1989 FLHTCU, 1998 FLHTCU. All with the "Bat Wing" fairing.
I have owned and ridden 1983 FXRT and now have a 2009 FLTR. Both with the Frame Mounted Fairing.
(I have also owned and ridden others that didn't have a fairing of any kind.)
When it comes to which is better, it is up to the rider. I have found that the Bat Wing Fairing is colse and make me feel it is right in my face. Most that don't like the Frame Mounted Fairing because they don't like the Fairing not turning with the Handlebars. I feel the Frame Mount Fairing is better because it makes me feel I have more room.
I have owned and ridden 1983 FXRT and now have a 2009 FLTR. Both with the Frame Mounted Fairing.
(I have also owned and ridden others that didn't have a fairing of any kind.)
When it comes to which is better, it is up to the rider. I have found that the Bat Wing Fairing is colse and make me feel it is right in my face. Most that don't like the Frame Mounted Fairing because they don't like the Fairing not turning with the Handlebars. I feel the Frame Mount Fairing is better because it makes me feel I have more room.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
Do you have a Road glide? If not Ride one for about 5 minutes on the freeway and it will make sense real quick. The dirty air that bounces some road glide rides comes from the bottom sides of the shark nose fairing. Taller riders dont suffer from it as much as the shorter riders. Lower fairings redirect the air and makes the ride more comfortable. Eg and street glide fairings suffer from it too but they mount the side vents to redirect the air around the rider and fixes the problem for about 50.00 bucks
Last edited by wattspd; Nov 4, 2009 at 03:15 AM.