Road King vs. Street Glide??
Novice
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 18
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From:
RE: Road King vs. Street Glide??
Definitely the SG, I had a RK for 3years and spent most of that time getting rid of all the fender tips and lights and all the little do dad trim they put on the fenders, the saddle bag hoops etc. Had my 07SG a month and 2400 miles later there is no comparison as to how much better I like the SG.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Santa Maria di Camisano, Italy
RE: Road King vs. Street Glide??
SportyPig, bottom line is their both nice bikes and "a few thoughts" as you can see are based off of personal preference. 
I'm no different.
I have a Road King Classic. It was the only touring bike I could imagine having. When I wasn't on patrol in Iraq I was gazing at photos of it (I ordered my '06 from Iraq), figuring out how to I could sell my Softtail to buy a RKC. The beauty of the RK is that it can be a Geezer Glide-esque ride when you want (detachable windshield, tour pak installed) or a very cool cruiser when you want (detachables detached). It's got classic old school glide styling to boot. Looks like an old Panhead if you squint.
Contrary to popular belief you can put a radio on it for those long rides (though it's probably not as good a radio as the one's in the fairings).
There's a lot to be said about both, but I'd go with the RK. It's a versatile bike.
I'm no different.I have a Road King Classic. It was the only touring bike I could imagine having. When I wasn't on patrol in Iraq I was gazing at photos of it (I ordered my '06 from Iraq), figuring out how to I could sell my Softtail to buy a RKC. The beauty of the RK is that it can be a Geezer Glide-esque ride when you want (detachable windshield, tour pak installed) or a very cool cruiser when you want (detachables detached). It's got classic old school glide styling to boot. Looks like an old Panhead if you squint.
Contrary to popular belief you can put a radio on it for those long rides (though it's probably not as good a radio as the one's in the fairings).
There's a lot to be said about both, but I'd go with the RK. It's a versatile bike.
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: Road King vs. Street Glide??
Thanks a ton for all the input guys!!!
Sounds like many have been torn between the same issues as myself. I am leaning more toward the RK, mostly because I love my little Sportster. She's great arond town, and on up to 200 mile solo rides out through back roads. However, not so good on longer trips, or 2 up riding. I've never had a bike with a radio, and honestly I'm not sure I want that. It might be nice, but I really enjoy the sound of the wind and the "bark" of my little PIG (the stock pipes are in a box in the garage). It's a nice solitude. Besides it gives me a chance to talk to myself, and I always enjoy some intelligent conversation. [sm=bicker.gif] hehe.
One of my local dealerships is having a Demo Day's thing this weekend. I've already contacted them to take both a RK and SG for a demo ride. I know the general manager at this dealership, and I think I may be able to get an "extended" demo ride. That would be sweet!
It was interesting that a couple of peeps mentioned the SG "feeling" lighter than the RK. I guess that's due to the lower center of gravity. I'll be certain to make notice of that on my demo rides this weekend.
Again, thanks for all the input, and more would certainly be welcome. I know I can't really go wrong with either bike, but I want to try my best to make the best choice for my type of riding. Which is actually a mix of around town, short trips, and some extended trips.
Sounds like many have been torn between the same issues as myself. I am leaning more toward the RK, mostly because I love my little Sportster. She's great arond town, and on up to 200 mile solo rides out through back roads. However, not so good on longer trips, or 2 up riding. I've never had a bike with a radio, and honestly I'm not sure I want that. It might be nice, but I really enjoy the sound of the wind and the "bark" of my little PIG (the stock pipes are in a box in the garage). It's a nice solitude. Besides it gives me a chance to talk to myself, and I always enjoy some intelligent conversation. [sm=bicker.gif] hehe.
One of my local dealerships is having a Demo Day's thing this weekend. I've already contacted them to take both a RK and SG for a demo ride. I know the general manager at this dealership, and I think I may be able to get an "extended" demo ride. That would be sweet!
It was interesting that a couple of peeps mentioned the SG "feeling" lighter than the RK. I guess that's due to the lower center of gravity. I'll be certain to make notice of that on my demo rides this weekend.
Again, thanks for all the input, and more would certainly be welcome. I know I can't really go wrong with either bike, but I want to try my best to make the best choice for my type of riding. Which is actually a mix of around town, short trips, and some extended trips.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
RE: Road King vs. Street Glide??
I can't say anything bad about the SG...I've never spent any time on one and I'm glad the SG wasn't available when I bought my bike...I had a hard enough time chosing one of the three RK models.
Eventually the nostalgic look of the Road King Classic won me over. I like the white wall tires, leather saddlebags, etc. and having a radio is not important to me (I hardly listen to the one in my car).
I like the versatility my RKC gives me with the easy-on / easy-off windshield. IMO, the RKC looks like a completely different bike with and without it.
Good luck on you selection. I think two things will happen after you've made your choice; a) you'll really like whichever bike you chose, and b) you'll always wish you could have bought both of them.
Ride safely
Eventually the nostalgic look of the Road King Classic won me over. I like the white wall tires, leather saddlebags, etc. and having a radio is not important to me (I hardly listen to the one in my car).
I like the versatility my RKC gives me with the easy-on / easy-off windshield. IMO, the RKC looks like a completely different bike with and without it.
Good luck on you selection. I think two things will happen after you've made your choice; a) you'll really like whichever bike you chose, and b) you'll always wish you could have bought both of them.
Ride safely
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 2
From: Matthews, NC
RE: Road King vs. Street Glide??
I'm partial to the Road King because I own one. I have nothing bad to say about the SG. I would deffinatley own one. At the time of purchase.. I was wanting the more old school look. Luckily.. I have budgeted for a detachable fairing this winter. I'll have the best of both worlds. As for the rear appearance of the SG.. I got that covered with last winters project list.
Stage III
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Road King vs. Street Glide??
I have an '07 Road King Classic and an '07 Street Glide. The RK seems to have a little more zip, However the SG Handles like there are no tires touching the road. The Street Glide wins hands down for quality of ride and ease of maneuverability. The suede blue pearl and black RK Classic has a great retro look to it . Then again the chrome on the deep colbalt blue SG really sets it off.... and the debate goes on....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,552
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
RE: Road King vs. Street Glide??
The Road King looks like a stripped down recovered theft! Everybody and their brother has one and thinks they're the true Harley. Go with the Street Glide
Everybody and their brother has one and thinks they're the true Harley. Go with the Street Glide
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Road King vs. Street Glide??
You know you are going to get strictly biased opinions from everyone that replies and most likely get more confused than when you started. Best thing to do is go to a dealer when they have demo rides and ride everything you can. You might find that there are more choices than these two. Bottom-line is whether you want a fairing bike or not. To me these two choices are very much different and only you can decide the right choice no matter what. Gut feeling is that you all ready know the answer you just need pushed over the fence. Good luck on your choice and enjoy!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,461
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From: Bay Area 41510 To Vegas!!!
RE: Road King vs. Street Glide??
Damn dawg,cornflakes a lil salty?
ORIGINAL: dawg
The Road King looks like a stripped down recovered theft! Everybody and their brother has one and thinks they're the true Harley. Go with the Street Glide
The Road King looks like a stripped down recovered theft!
Everybody and their brother has one and thinks they're the true Harley. Go with the Street Glide