Batwing vs. Sharknose vs. Windshield
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 435
Likes: 10
I just came off a Roadie to the Bat Wing, and really it was as if the air around my head just moved to my sides & knees. I was kind of shocked since I now have lowers.
The Roadie cuts through the wind or and seems more stable or that is simply the sensation because the frame mounted fairing. The Roadie is more aerodynamic, but requires a really good shield like the Clearview to minimize the buffeting, and the wellnuts can be a pita.
I love the Limited, and could have gotten the RGU for a little less, but I have no regrets. You need to put a little time on the Roadie to really begin to appreciate it.
Best wishes which ever you choose, both are great bikes imo.
The Roadie cuts through the wind or and seems more stable or that is simply the sensation because the frame mounted fairing. The Roadie is more aerodynamic, but requires a really good shield like the Clearview to minimize the buffeting, and the wellnuts can be a pita.
I love the Limited, and could have gotten the RGU for a little less, but I have no regrets. You need to put a little time on the Roadie to really begin to appreciate it.
Best wishes which ever you choose, both are great bikes imo.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
Between a Batwing flaring with a decent windshield, a Road Glide with a decent windshield and a Road King, which frontend will provide the most protection and rider comfort?
Im planning and stepping up to a touring bike this winter/spring because my Dyna just doesnt give me the long ride comfort like I want. Ive demoed all three (Road King, EG Ultra Limited & CVO Road Glide) a couple weeks ago but by the time I got comfortable handling the bike the ride was over. I did notice that the Roadie cut through the wind pretty good but couldnt hear the radio in the wind.
I was planning on picking the two I liked the most and rent them for a day but they all seemed cramped and my arms were numb by the time the 15 minute demo was over. Im 63 with long legs and arms, so I wouldnt be very comfortable riding a stock rental bike. What ever bike I get itll be getting a new seat, floorboard and handlebars the day I roll it into my garage.
I know Ive got a few more months and Ill test ride again, but I thought Id ask the masses since many of you have owned multiple different models.
Ive searched and read some of the past threads but most are either SG vs RK or SG vs RG and most are filled with X bike is cooler looking, X bike is ugly, or X bike because thats what I ride. Im not comparing different models or options and I know everyone has there opinions on looks.
So, back to the question of Batwing vs. Sharknose vs. Windshield, dose one offer better protection and rider comfort? Does one have more issues with buffeting/wind turbulence then the others?
Thanks in advance
Im planning and stepping up to a touring bike this winter/spring because my Dyna just doesnt give me the long ride comfort like I want. Ive demoed all three (Road King, EG Ultra Limited & CVO Road Glide) a couple weeks ago but by the time I got comfortable handling the bike the ride was over. I did notice that the Roadie cut through the wind pretty good but couldnt hear the radio in the wind.
I was planning on picking the two I liked the most and rent them for a day but they all seemed cramped and my arms were numb by the time the 15 minute demo was over. Im 63 with long legs and arms, so I wouldnt be very comfortable riding a stock rental bike. What ever bike I get itll be getting a new seat, floorboard and handlebars the day I roll it into my garage.
I know Ive got a few more months and Ill test ride again, but I thought Id ask the masses since many of you have owned multiple different models.
Ive searched and read some of the past threads but most are either SG vs RK or SG vs RG and most are filled with X bike is cooler looking, X bike is ugly, or X bike because thats what I ride. Im not comparing different models or options and I know everyone has there opinions on looks.
So, back to the question of Batwing vs. Sharknose vs. Windshield, dose one offer better protection and rider comfort? Does one have more issues with buffeting/wind turbulence then the others?
Thanks in advance
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
I have been lucky enough to put 80,000 miles on a 2004 EGC and about that many miles on Roadkings (got a new one every year for work) and recently bought a 2011 RGU that I have put about 4000 miles on. No real difference between the EGC and the RGU the RK with stock shield has less protection then either of the other two. I have ridden in all kinds of weather from 20* to 110* rain, hail and snow. I think bottom line get the one you like the looks of best.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
I have owned both a RG and a EGC. For me the bat has worked out best. The fixed fairing gives the RG a little edge on how the bike handles, but the EGC with the Bat gives me more protection in all weather.
So for me the Bat gets a slight edge over the RG.
LIke just about what everyone has said. All of the touring bikes a great it is really up to the individual rider which model works best for him or her.
So for me the Bat gets a slight edge over the RG.
LIke just about what everyone has said. All of the touring bikes a great it is really up to the individual rider which model works best for him or her.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I have never ridden an RG, so can't comment on the sharknose, but my Glide originally came with a windshield and I eventually changed it for a batwing. The problem I found with the windshield is that it created too much turbulence, also was not very stable in some conditions, such as strong crosswinds. The batwing is superior and solved those problems, and gives us both a more comfortable time.
Harley don't exactly push forward the boundaries of aerodynamic excellence with their bikes, so I doubt if any of them is going to be as good as they could be. You only have to look at the various bits and pieces we can tag onto a batwing, to give improved comfort, to confirm that!
This is what I did to reshape my windshield. BMW does study aerodynamics and so I copied their Custom flat-twin. It improves airflow around our heads and reduces buffetting. Not very scientific, but an improvement!
Harley don't exactly push forward the boundaries of aerodynamic excellence with their bikes, so I doubt if any of them is going to be as good as they could be. You only have to look at the various bits and pieces we can tag onto a batwing, to give improved comfort, to confirm that!
This is what I did to reshape my windshield. BMW does study aerodynamics and so I copied their Custom flat-twin. It improves airflow around our heads and reduces buffetting. Not very scientific, but an improvement!
Last edited by grbrown; Nov 23, 2010 at 07:16 AM. Reason: Added Photo
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
I like a windshield and loved my Road King Classic but now that I have a bat wing with all the accessories on an Ultra Classic, that beats the plain ole windshield. ymmv
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Spring, Tx
I've had a batwing and now ride a RG. The amount of percieved comfort depends on how much time and money you want to spend configuring it for you and your riding style. Head to head with no other mods they provide about the same protection and comfort... which isn't much. Put decent windshields and lowers and they are both great bikes. I personally like the sharknose for looks as well as handling. The fixed fairing just seems to handle better at speed and in crosswinds.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Thanks for everyone's input so far, and feel free to keep them coming. I was 80% sure I would end up with a RK, but since this is a bike I intend on having for a while I want to make sure I wouldn't miss an flaring down the road. I've been doing a lot of research here and it seems many RK owners end up on a EG/SG or RG down the road.
It's starting to sound like the tall crowd favors the RG. When I test road the RG, I could barely hear the radio on the highway. Does anyone else have this issue? The radio seemed great on the EG I test rode.
It's starting to sound like the tall crowd favors the RG. When I test road the RG, I could barely hear the radio on the highway. Does anyone else have this issue? The radio seemed great on the EG I test rode.