Road King Classic or Street Glide
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: ILLINOIS
Road King Classic or Street Glide
I have been looking at the touring models for the last few months and have narrowed my choices down to a Road King Classic or Street Glide, like the styling of either bike and have checked out the other touring models. Presently have a Dyna Super Glide and plan to ride more 2-up, I would probably add the detach tour pak on either bike, just want something more comfortable for myself and passenger. I have found both models at a dealer that are 09's. Any input would be appreciated......
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 880
Likes: 81
From: California
Two completely different looks IMO. The RKC is old-time style with the wide white walls and leather bags. Reminds me of the 60's. It is also more versatile than a fairing bike because the windshield can be removed for the "in your face" riding, or the windshield can be used for touring. It does quite well at keeping the wind out of your face. You can also purchase an aftermarket quick-release fairing, with or without tunes.
The Street Glide, on the other hand, is more of a "trendy" bike. Much more sleek and modern looking. Low profile shocks means it is lower to the ground. It too is certainly a gorgeous bike, but very different from the RKC.
Have you ridden the SG yet? Coming from a Dyna, you may or may not like a fairing. It limits your view of the road at your front tire.
The Street Glide, on the other hand, is more of a "trendy" bike. Much more sleek and modern looking. Low profile shocks means it is lower to the ground. It too is certainly a gorgeous bike, but very different from the RKC.
Have you ridden the SG yet? Coming from a Dyna, you may or may not like a fairing. It limits your view of the road at your front tire.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Went through the same debate last year when I bought my 09' Classic. I think the answer to your question is that it comes down to personal preference; do not think you can go wrong either way.
I'll tell you, the key is to test ride both back to back. After I did that, I found I did not like riding with the fairing, personal preference, but did love the lower ride height of the Street Glide. Solution: Road King Classic, lowered the rear and had the dealer switch my seat to the stock Street Glide. Have never looked back and am thrilled with my choice. Good luck, nice having to go through this debate isn't it!
I'll tell you, the key is to test ride both back to back. After I did that, I found I did not like riding with the fairing, personal preference, but did love the lower ride height of the Street Glide. Solution: Road King Classic, lowered the rear and had the dealer switch my seat to the stock Street Glide. Have never looked back and am thrilled with my choice. Good luck, nice having to go through this debate isn't it!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I was in the same delimia back in 2007.. here I am in 2010 and I've traded my roadking classic in for an Ultra Limited. I loved my FLHRCI and put almost 60K miles on her. I put just about every piece of chrome on her and even added a dead center detachable fairing. You can put a ton of miles on the roadking classic.. it will be similar to the streetglide in that you will want to add a more comfortable seat and backrest for the old lady to enjoy it. The advantage of the glide are the hardbags with locks and the radio (granted you'll have to update the radio).
Just pick what one you think will make you smile the most when you ride it and just get that one.. both are very capable long distance bikes.
Ralph
Just pick what one you think will make you smile the most when you ride it and just get that one.. both are very capable long distance bikes.
Ralph
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 125
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From: ILLINOIS
Two completely different looks IMO. The RKC is old-time style with the wide white walls and leather bags. Reminds me of the 60's. It is also more versatile than a fairing bike because the windshield can be removed for the "in your face" riding, or the windshield can be used for touring. It does quite well at keeping the wind out of your face. You can also purchase an aftermarket quick-release fairing, with or without tunes.
The Street Glide, on the other hand, is more of a "trendy" bike. Much more sleek and modern looking. Low profile shocks means it is lower to the ground. It too is certainly a gorgeous bike, but very different from the RKC.
Have you ridden the SG yet? Coming from a Dyna, you may or may not like a fairing. It limits your view of the road at your front tire.
The Street Glide, on the other hand, is more of a "trendy" bike. Much more sleek and modern looking. Low profile shocks means it is lower to the ground. It too is certainly a gorgeous bike, but very different from the RKC.
Have you ridden the SG yet? Coming from a Dyna, you may or may not like a fairing. It limits your view of the road at your front tire.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Agree on the different looks, like the old style and also the trendy look. Rode both and could go either way, I have a detach windshield on my dyna now that I rarely take off so I pretty sure the fairing would be ok. I guess I'm not sure if there is a difference in the bikes for 2-up riding?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
I had an 03 RKC. Loved the bike. I had to change the handle bars and seat right away though. Just very uncomfortable for long rides. I think you'll have to change at least the seat on either bike if your wife is riding with you... the passenger pinion is narrow on the stock.
RKC plus is the detachable windshield if you like to ride without it. I never took mine off though, liked the protection. My wife and I used MP3's for music which doubled for ear plugs on the interstate. The first time we went to Sturgis on the bike, my wife asked me to put the detachable tour pak on. It became so convenient that I never took it off. One thing I found a hassle on the RKC is the leather bags. You can't lock them. I jury-rigged some cheap locks by drilling into the leather...yuk and they only kept honest people from stealing anything while I was in a bar or gas station.
I too was worried about looking over the fairing. That turned out to be a no issue... no prolem at all and you get used to it very quickly. I love the tunes on my Ultra and not forgetting to plug my MP3 in before everyone leaves a stop. The fairing is better at keeping wind and rain off... the RKC wasn't bad, but the fairing is better for cold weather. Hard bags are great. If I were to get another Road King, it would be the standard.
As others have said, you need to ride both. With either, you can do some adjustment by getting a lower or more comfortable seat and handle bars. Both are on the touring chassis and weigh about the same. Try to figure out what kind of riding you will do and what the features of each bike are relative to that kind of riding. Both look great and you'll be happy with either!
RKC plus is the detachable windshield if you like to ride without it. I never took mine off though, liked the protection. My wife and I used MP3's for music which doubled for ear plugs on the interstate. The first time we went to Sturgis on the bike, my wife asked me to put the detachable tour pak on. It became so convenient that I never took it off. One thing I found a hassle on the RKC is the leather bags. You can't lock them. I jury-rigged some cheap locks by drilling into the leather...yuk and they only kept honest people from stealing anything while I was in a bar or gas station.
I too was worried about looking over the fairing. That turned out to be a no issue... no prolem at all and you get used to it very quickly. I love the tunes on my Ultra and not forgetting to plug my MP3 in before everyone leaves a stop. The fairing is better at keeping wind and rain off... the RKC wasn't bad, but the fairing is better for cold weather. Hard bags are great. If I were to get another Road King, it would be the standard.
As others have said, you need to ride both. With either, you can do some adjustment by getting a lower or more comfortable seat and handle bars. Both are on the touring chassis and weigh about the same. Try to figure out what kind of riding you will do and what the features of each bike are relative to that kind of riding. Both look great and you'll be happy with either!