Road King vs Road Glide
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 1
From: Abingdon, Maryland
I'm not a fairing guy so the RK was the logical choice for me. I don't even like windshields. I like a clean unobstructed view. It's been said before but with the RK you have many many options. Heck, you can even have a fairing and stereo added in Sturgis if you change your mind at a later date and they look like they just came from the factory...and probably with at least as good (if not better) equipment. If I was going to get a bike with a fairing, it'd be the Street Glide. Not to bash Road Glide owners, but some people are turned off by the batwing fairing.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Northern Nevada
Yes, this is what I don't like about the RK, either. The other gauges on the RG are nice to have, as well, but I don't really need them. The wind isn't much of an issue for me, but I was riding 300-500 mile days on an 883 before buying the RK. Any other Harley would have been an improvement over that Sportster.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
The "ride difference" that you feel is the extra 150 to 200 pounds of weight your bike has because of the extra plastic and fiber glass.
All of the component part numbers are the same genius. Same motor. Same frame. Same trans. Same suspension. Same wheels. Same shocks. Same brakes. Same belt. Same gearing.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
I said "same engine, frame, transmission" Both are touring bikes, and most parts are interchangeable.
The only difference in seats, is the RK has a short nose and a long console, while the EG/SG/RG use the long nose, and short console.
Seats are in the same location on the frame, and you CAN use either seat on any TOURING bike (1997-2007)
RK uses "risers" and handlebars, while the EG/SG/RG don't use "risers" (edited to add) or rather, we don't have the RANGE of risers the RK, and other models have)
Floorboards are mounted in the same location on the frame of all touring bikes.
Most riders wind up replacing the bars, and seatsright off the bat. I don't care for the RK's stock bars, but then again, I wasn't too fond of the RG's bars either.
I like MY Road Glide... it suits me just fine, but the RK is ok... just not MY thing.
For me... the big difference is the speedo location. The RG has them up in the "line of sight" while the RK has it mounted on the tank, which requires the rider to look down. not a terrible thing, but something I don't like
The only difference in seats, is the RK has a short nose and a long console, while the EG/SG/RG use the long nose, and short console.
Seats are in the same location on the frame, and you CAN use either seat on any TOURING bike (1997-2007)
RK uses "risers" and handlebars, while the EG/SG/RG don't use "risers" (edited to add) or rather, we don't have the RANGE of risers the RK, and other models have)
Floorboards are mounted in the same location on the frame of all touring bikes.
Most riders wind up replacing the bars, and seatsright off the bat. I don't care for the RK's stock bars, but then again, I wasn't too fond of the RG's bars either.
I like MY Road Glide... it suits me just fine, but the RK is ok... just not MY thing.
For me... the big difference is the speedo location. The RG has them up in the "line of sight" while the RK has it mounted on the tank, which requires the rider to look down. not a terrible thing, but something I don't like
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 409
Likes: 3
From: Nor Cal/Wine country
Yeah...and cops know what works on a two wheeler prolly better than anyone else. When you spend that much time in the saddle you tend to subscribe to the "form follows function" philosophy.
Fact of the matter is that most HD riders nowadays base their purchase decision on what they think makes them look good first and what actually rides well a distant second.
Fact of the matter is that most HD riders nowadays base their purchase decision on what they think makes them look good first and what actually rides well a distant second.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
I think the definition of touring is different in some minds than others. An overnighter to me is maybe 300 mi each way. On the other hand my take on touring is 500+ mi a day average day after day. The way my RG is set up those are very realistic #s for my wife and me. I suggest renting a RG and taking a serious 2 day trip and the same for the RK. Either way you are still in the wind.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 3
Yeah. Whatever. Come back and talk to me when you've actually read the parts manual and service manual.
The "ride difference" that you feel is the extra 150 to 200 pounds of weight your bike has because of the extra plastic and fiber glass.
All of the component part numbers are the same genius. Same motor. Same frame. Same trans. Same suspension. Same wheels. Same shocks. Same brakes. Same belt. Same gearing.
The "ride difference" that you feel is the extra 150 to 200 pounds of weight your bike has because of the extra plastic and fiber glass.
All of the component part numbers are the same genius. Same motor. Same frame. Same trans. Same suspension. Same wheels. Same shocks. Same brakes. Same belt. Same gearing.
Listen D-bag, you're only getting my wrath now because YOU originally chose to flame away for no reason to a post I made about the bikes being different rides for different sized people (TRUE statement.) I never once said they didn't share components. Go sit and spin and get off my back.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: North Cackalacky
Get a rode glide, because it is one FUGLY machine and I love laughing at them as I ride by. I know they are supposed to handle better in the wind, but you always lose points for style! So my personal satisfaction, go with the rode glide!
