Which bagger to get?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg, Va
and if you get the Bat Wing tourer, you need the tour pak. That is the best part of the bigger models and the Street Glide don't have it.
Shakey
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
2002 FLHT; a few modifications and she's an FLHX but with a better ride and, if you want, you can gear up with all the other luggage for longer trips or two up trips. 2002 still had bullet proof lower units; Timken crank bearing and forged cranks. They are out there for less than your budget wtih 25K-30K miles on them, most upgraded to Stage I with the luggage. I still lament the passing of the FLHT from the model line as I thiink it was the "best buy" of the touring models, particularly in the pre-owned market.
If I had to keep only one of my 4 bikes, I would keep the roadking. It is the most adaptable of the baggers in my opinion
You can add a windshield or if you want buy a fairing and you then you have a "streetglide" look with a stereo.
it can be a cruiser or a weekend bagger....
There are numerous seats and suspension options to lower the bike.
You can add a windshield or if you want buy a fairing and you then you have a "streetglide" look with a stereo.
it can be a cruiser or a weekend bagger....
There are numerous seats and suspension options to lower the bike.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: New Port Richey, FL
My vote is road king but Iam biassed. The road king is gonna give you the more standard stlye bike your used to. Yes you probubly would get used to a fairing eventually but why not get what you know your used to and already like. Like others have said you could add a fairing if thats inportant to you but by no means is one nessassary no matter what youve been told. If you want tunes ipod works just fine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 1
From: Superior, WI
As others have mentioned the RK is most versatile. You can add a fairing with radio, tour pack, etc. Also, the Ultra Classic’s have some have mentioned can be converted to SG clones easily, however with a price. Ride all three. I’ll tell you what, I didn’t notice too much of a difference with the batwing. I love my SG, to me it’s the perfect bike. It can be converted from full up tourer to around the town ride quickly, again, with a price.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1
From: NH
So, if you go and rent a RG , SG, and a RK you will be trying a new bike. A 02-04 will not compare to a new bike.
If you want to stay in the 02-04 range pick the one you like the looks of best .
Like others said, the Sportster will sit and collect dust after riding one of the baggers.
And as far as which one I would get, I cant live without the radio and I will never go back to a Street Glide.
If you want to stay in the 02-04 range pick the one you like the looks of best .
Like others said, the Sportster will sit and collect dust after riding one of the baggers.
And as far as which one I would get, I cant live without the radio and I will never go back to a Street Glide.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 11
From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
Good luck on your decision. Everytime I go to the dealer I wanna buy another model. I need to start collecting them!
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Thanks for all the insight. I can probably test ride all of them at the dealer, but it'll be different from the years I'm looking at. Can't buy new, living in SF on a teacher's salary. I don't like the RK custom at all, I'm not sure what all the differences are, but I hate the look of the bags. I also didn't realize the SG wasn't around before '06 that that probably prices me out of it. Sounds like my price range is suited towards the RK and I'll add the extra goodies later.
Can you get the rear tour pack and SG fairing for an RK? Some seemed to say yes. The versatility of the RK is appealing, the tour pack is functional, but the upgrade from the RK wind shield to the SG fairing would be more of a luxury than a necessity. As soon as my garage situation is taken care of it may be time to pull the trigger.
Can you get the rear tour pack and SG fairing for an RK? Some seemed to say yes. The versatility of the RK is appealing, the tour pack is functional, but the upgrade from the RK wind shield to the SG fairing would be more of a luxury than a necessity. As soon as my garage situation is taken care of it may be time to pull the trigger.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 33
From: Upstate NY
I agree with the others....rent them and decide by the seat of your pants. Tomorrow my Super Glide will be traded for a new Road Glide Ultra. I rode an Ultra, SG, and RK but the Shark bit me. Only you will know what is comfortable for you. Good luck.