Electra Glide Bat Wing Fairing vs. Road Glide Fairing
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis MD
Electra Glide Bat Wing Fairing vs. Road Glide Fairing
Interested in objective view points on wind deflection capabilities between the two bikes/fairings. If possible, assume "shorty" windshields on both. Looking for responses from those having owned both bikes or have had any practical experience with the two scenarios. If this topic has already been discussed, please post link to thread.
Thanks all in advance!
Thanks all in advance!
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 450
Likes: 2
From: Loudon TN. (30 miles from The Dragon)
I have owned an Ultra Classic and currently own a 2010 Road Glide. In my opinion (even though i love my RG) i think the batwing offers better wind protection and a more comfortable ride as it relates to wind protection. I still struggle with managing the wind buffeting on my RG. And yes it has lowers, wind protectors (them new things that snap on your engine guards) and the same windshield that comes on the 2011 CVO RG. But, the overall looks and handling of the RG are more important to me than a bit of wind. As said many times on here..... its a motorcycle!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Dixie!
Day before yesterday I traded my Ultra Classic with a batwing in on a Roadglide Ultra. Yesterday, I put over 400 miles on the new bike, and to me there is NO comparison. The RG is so much more stable at high speeds.
We rode in a pack (I was about 4 rows from the front; we ride side by side- not staggered) averaging 80-85 MPH. On the Ultra Classic, I was constantly fighting the effects of turbulence from the bikes ahead on the batwing. On the RG, any turbulence was unnoticeable. Passing big trucks on the interstate was a lot more pleasant, too.
We ran into sleet last night, and the RG fairing seemed to provide at least as good of protection as the batwing had.
My only real complaint is the windshield that comes on the RG Ultra. It is about an inch or two too tall to be able to see over it without stretching. Trying to duck down enough to see through it gets uncomfortable, too, besides trying to see through it at night thru rain, sleet and road grime. I will have a different one by next weekend's ride.
These are just my impressions after back to back experiences with the two fairing types. I'm sure others will have different opinions due to differences in riding styles.
Hope this helps.
We rode in a pack (I was about 4 rows from the front; we ride side by side- not staggered) averaging 80-85 MPH. On the Ultra Classic, I was constantly fighting the effects of turbulence from the bikes ahead on the batwing. On the RG, any turbulence was unnoticeable. Passing big trucks on the interstate was a lot more pleasant, too.
We ran into sleet last night, and the RG fairing seemed to provide at least as good of protection as the batwing had.
My only real complaint is the windshield that comes on the RG Ultra. It is about an inch or two too tall to be able to see over it without stretching. Trying to duck down enough to see through it gets uncomfortable, too, besides trying to see through it at night thru rain, sleet and road grime. I will have a different one by next weekend's ride.
These are just my impressions after back to back experiences with the two fairing types. I'm sure others will have different opinions due to differences in riding styles.
Hope this helps.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
Day before yesterday I traded my Ultra Classic with a batwing in on a Roadglide Ultra. Yesterday, I put over 400 miles on the new bike, and to me there is NO comparison. The RG is so much more stable at high speeds.
We rode in a pack (I was about 4 rows from the front; we ride side by side- not staggered) averaging 80-85 MPH. On the Ultra Classic, I was constantly fighting the effects of turbulence from the bikes ahead on the batwing. On the RG, any turbulence was unnoticeable. Passing big trucks on the interstate was a lot more pleasant, too.
We ran into sleet last night, and the RG fairing seemed to provide at least as good of protection as the batwing had.
My only real complaint is the windshield that comes on the RG Ultra. It is about an inch or two too tall to be able to see over it without stretching. Trying to duck down enough to see through it gets uncomfortable, too, besides trying to see through it at night thru rain, sleet and road grime. I will have a different one by next weekend's ride.
These are just my impressions after back to back experiences with the two fairing types. I'm sure others will have different opinions due to differences in riding styles.
Hope this helps.
We rode in a pack (I was about 4 rows from the front; we ride side by side- not staggered) averaging 80-85 MPH. On the Ultra Classic, I was constantly fighting the effects of turbulence from the bikes ahead on the batwing. On the RG, any turbulence was unnoticeable. Passing big trucks on the interstate was a lot more pleasant, too.
We ran into sleet last night, and the RG fairing seemed to provide at least as good of protection as the batwing had.
My only real complaint is the windshield that comes on the RG Ultra. It is about an inch or two too tall to be able to see over it without stretching. Trying to duck down enough to see through it gets uncomfortable, too, besides trying to see through it at night thru rain, sleet and road grime. I will have a different one by next weekend's ride.
These are just my impressions after back to back experiences with the two fairing types. I'm sure others will have different opinions due to differences in riding styles.
Hope this helps.
lower in windshield height degrades wind protection more than on the EGlide Batwing-
The closer you are to the windshield the easier it is to see over it and it's easier to see through it if you have to...And the more protection it's gonna give.
If you could ride both bikes in 30 degree temps for a while and experiment with various windshields on each it'll be obvious.
IMHO: - The RGU's a kickazz touring bike,it'll slip through the wind easier cause it's streamlined that'll mean more miles per gallon,and it's a cool looking cycle in full touring form,but the batwing's better at keeping Wind/Cold/Rain off the rider.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
I road a Road Glide for 4 years before going with a limited.
I think the batwing offers a little more wind protection along with minimal buffeting.
As far as stability,cant tell much difference.
I think the batwing offers a little more wind protection along with minimal buffeting.
As far as stability,cant tell much difference.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 14
From: Idaho
I test road the hell out of the RG & the Ultra, Trust me I think my local dealers were getting tired of me but here in the high desert the winds play hell with all sorts of bikes. From cold to hot & then cross winds. I even rented a RG for a weekend. If your going to put a shorty on it be it RG or Batwing I would go the batwing because you you still have a lot of fairing then that lil shorty so it still looks "cool" but your not giving up much & as many have stated the Batwing is much closer to the rider where the RG is out from the rider. With this you can't get to short of windshield without losing A LOT of protection.
Another factor to consider the RG without lowers causes a lot of up draft. Where the batwing for "me" didn't seem to be such a issue, but it was still there.
I do think the RG is a more stable ride but coming from a Dyna to a touring bike Both the Batwing & Shark nose are both very stable bikes.
So with all that side IF a shorty windshield is a MUST I'd go the batwing because you don't give up to much in protection.
Another factor to consider the RG without lowers causes a lot of up draft. Where the batwing for "me" didn't seem to be such a issue, but it was still there.
I do think the RG is a more stable ride but coming from a Dyna to a touring bike Both the Batwing & Shark nose are both very stable bikes.
So with all that side IF a shorty windshield is a MUST I'd go the batwing because you don't give up to much in protection.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 18,776
Likes: 42
From: Walker WV by way of NEW YORK CITY
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
Day before yesterday I traded my Ultra Classic with a Batwing in on a Road glide Ultra. Yesterday, I put over 400 miles on the new bike, and to me there is NO comparison. The RG is so much more stable at high speeds.
We rode in a pack (I was about 4 rows from the front; we ride side by side- not staggered) averaging 80-85 MPH. On the Ultra Classic, I was constantly fighting the effects of turbulence from the bikes ahead on the Batwing. On the RG, any turbulence was unnoticeable. Passing big trucks on the interstate was a lot more pleasant, too.
We ran into sleet last night, and the RG fairing seemed to provide at least as good of protection as the Batwing had.
My only real complaint is the windshield that comes on the RG Ultra. It is about an inch or two too tall to be able to see over it without stretching. Trying to duck down enough to see through it gets uncomfortable, too, besides trying to see through it at night thru rain, sleet and road grime. I will have a different one by next weekend's ride.
These are just my impressions after back to back experiences with the two fairing types. I'm sure others will have different opinions due to differences in riding styles.
Hope this helps.
We rode in a pack (I was about 4 rows from the front; we ride side by side- not staggered) averaging 80-85 MPH. On the Ultra Classic, I was constantly fighting the effects of turbulence from the bikes ahead on the Batwing. On the RG, any turbulence was unnoticeable. Passing big trucks on the interstate was a lot more pleasant, too.
We ran into sleet last night, and the RG fairing seemed to provide at least as good of protection as the Batwing had.
My only real complaint is the windshield that comes on the RG Ultra. It is about an inch or two too tall to be able to see over it without stretching. Trying to duck down enough to see through it gets uncomfortable, too, besides trying to see through it at night thru rain, sleet and road grime. I will have a different one by next weekend's ride.
These are just my impressions after back to back experiences with the two fairing types. I'm sure others will have different opinions due to differences in riding styles.
Hope this helps.
I have rode many Batwing models. From my first one, a 1974 FLH to the last one a 1998 Ultra.
The RG offers better protection at High Speed from rain and stability from crosswind effecting the steering.
But at low speed and slow travel around town, the fairing and windshield is of less effect. I tried a Low Hight windshield. I was beat to death from the wind at freeway speeds. Around town, it was like I didn't even have a windshield. I don't think the "Shorty" shields are useless.
I feel the Frame Mount Fairing gives more space than the Batwing. It is like having no fairing, but having the protection of it at the same time.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1
From: NH
I just went from a 2008 Street Glide to a 2011 Road Glide Custom. The first 10 miles with the stock short wind deflector on the RG was like having someone beating my ears with ping pong paddles. I picked up a 8.5 Klock Werks windshield and that seems to make it about the same protection as the short windshield on the SG. The bat wing might give a little more protection from the wind but I never cared for the the way it came from under the fairing and straight up my chest under my glasses. That sucked in the rain. With the RG the air is more direct and I can now keep my hat on at highway speeds. As far as handling goes there is no comparison, The RG cuts thru turbulence like it is on a rail. I am on a motorcycle so I expect and want wind in my hair (at least what hair I have left) therefore I would give up the little if any wind protection going from the SG to the RG.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
From: milwaukee by da big water
would you be opposed to the MOCO using a wind tunnel and maybe some enginering to develop a replacement for the shark nose fairing? Every time I look at it AMF comes to mind. My 2 cents, the bat wing forever.
Last edited by axel black; Dec 5, 2010 at 06:24 PM.