2011 Road Glide Custom -General Reviews
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
Picked up my 2011 RGC 103 last February and no noticeable shake for me at any speed, but at the 1k service, the dealer stated that the steering head was out of spec, so they fixed it. No annoying wind buffeting with my 12" Windvest sheild, chrome front fork air baffle, and $30 plastic air deflectors installed. I will be adding soft lowers next winter, but only to reduce the cold updraft. By the way, I'm 6ft with 34" inseam.
In terms of performance, I'm pretty happy with my Stage 1 upgrade, but really want to add cams, as the factory 96 cams are not all that thrilling. All I really want is a little more Mid-Range and Top-End passing power, mostly for when riding 2-up, which is about 75% of the time. If I add them before the 2yr warranty expires, I'll go with the SE-254 cams, as my dealer will still honor the warranty if they install them. If I install cams after 2yr warranty expires, then I may go with Wood 555 cams, but not sure yet, and am too broke right now to be thinking about a $1k upgrade.
Ultimately, I'm still happy with the bike and don't have any Buyer's Remorse. I say go ahead and pull the trigger. By the way, you may get more RG opinion info on the Road Glide Forum.
In terms of performance, I'm pretty happy with my Stage 1 upgrade, but really want to add cams, as the factory 96 cams are not all that thrilling. All I really want is a little more Mid-Range and Top-End passing power, mostly for when riding 2-up, which is about 75% of the time. If I add them before the 2yr warranty expires, I'll go with the SE-254 cams, as my dealer will still honor the warranty if they install them. If I install cams after 2yr warranty expires, then I may go with Wood 555 cams, but not sure yet, and am too broke right now to be thinking about a $1k upgrade.
Ultimately, I'm still happy with the bike and don't have any Buyer's Remorse. I say go ahead and pull the trigger. By the way, you may get more RG opinion info on the Road Glide Forum.
Last edited by Tek74; Jul 1, 2011 at 06:13 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Update
I went to see my local dealer today and he is willing to drop the out the door price to $ 21,900 from $ 24195 total (its a 2011 Road Glide Custom with the power pak, abs, and cruise, 5yr ESP with Tire/Wheel option) I also asked for 20% off all parts and 10 % labor on anything I buy at purchase of the bike. Im waiting to hear the sales managers answer.
Update. Made the deal as listed above. OTD 21,900, including 5yr ESP (7yr total) with tire/wheel on a 2011 FLTRX with Power Pak option, and 20% off parts and 10% off labor
Last edited by XARAN; Apr 2, 2012 at 11:06 AM. Reason: corrected spelling
Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: California
First I want to apologize in advance to the sage members here for being such a noobie, but I am what I am. I am on the verge of joining the HD family after many, many years of lusting. I wish I could say I am a long experienced road rider but I'm entering new territory here ... I grew up riding bikes since I was 10 (a 1968 Honda 160) and long distance cross country desert racing all thru my teens, but have sadly been wanting to get back onto two wheels ever since.
So now that my life situation is where I now have the spare time and cash to reach that dream, I've been gravitating towards the Road Glide custom as a perfect combination of around town riding and occasional long haul comfort. One thing I'm a little concerned about is the lowered height given I'm just a tad over 6'4". I sat on a RGC at the local dealer and just felt like I was sitting very low ... But then I'm also just not accustomed to any 'road' bike let alone a HD for riding position. If I got a RGC would anyone recommend an aftermarket seat to raise me up a little or is this just a get used to it issue? Also a decent windscreen would be required given my height.
Thanks for any recommendations or feedback. And yes I intend to take it very very slow on the learning curve :-). I grew up racing and was very good in my day, but I realize other than the basic mechanics I'm going to have to completely relearn riding technique for the 4x bike weight and on road versus off road and kicking off the rust from the 30 years of downtime.
So now that my life situation is where I now have the spare time and cash to reach that dream, I've been gravitating towards the Road Glide custom as a perfect combination of around town riding and occasional long haul comfort. One thing I'm a little concerned about is the lowered height given I'm just a tad over 6'4". I sat on a RGC at the local dealer and just felt like I was sitting very low ... But then I'm also just not accustomed to any 'road' bike let alone a HD for riding position. If I got a RGC would anyone recommend an aftermarket seat to raise me up a little or is this just a get used to it issue? Also a decent windscreen would be required given my height.
Thanks for any recommendations or feedback. And yes I intend to take it very very slow on the learning curve :-). I grew up racing and was very good in my day, but I realize other than the basic mechanics I'm going to have to completely relearn riding technique for the 4x bike weight and on road versus off road and kicking off the rust from the 30 years of downtime.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
First I want to apologize in advance to the sage members here for being such a noobie, but I am what I am. I am on the verge of joining the HD family after many, many years of lusting. I wish I could say I am a long experienced road rider but I'm entering new territory here ... I grew up riding bikes since I was 10 (a 1968 Honda 160) and long distance cross country desert racing all thru my teens, but have sadly been wanting to get back onto two wheels ever since.
So now that my life situation is where I now have the spare time and cash to reach that dream, I've been gravitating towards the Road Glide custom as a perfect combination of around town riding and occasional long haul comfort. One thing I'm a little concerned about is the lowered height given I'm just a tad over 6'4". I sat on a RGC at the local dealer and just felt like I was sitting very low ... But then I'm also just not accustomed to any 'road' bike let alone a HD for riding position. If I got a RGC would anyone recommend an aftermarket seat to raise me up a little or is this just a get used to it issue? Also a decent windscreen would be required given my height.
Thanks for any recommendations or feedback. And yes I intend to take it very very slow on the learning curve :-). I grew up racing and was very good in my day, but I realize other than the basic mechanics I'm going to have to completely relearn riding technique for the 4x bike weight and on road versus off road and kicking off the rust from the 30 years of downtime.
So now that my life situation is where I now have the spare time and cash to reach that dream, I've been gravitating towards the Road Glide custom as a perfect combination of around town riding and occasional long haul comfort. One thing I'm a little concerned about is the lowered height given I'm just a tad over 6'4". I sat on a RGC at the local dealer and just felt like I was sitting very low ... But then I'm also just not accustomed to any 'road' bike let alone a HD for riding position. If I got a RGC would anyone recommend an aftermarket seat to raise me up a little or is this just a get used to it issue? Also a decent windscreen would be required given my height.
Thanks for any recommendations or feedback. And yes I intend to take it very very slow on the learning curve :-). I grew up racing and was very good in my day, but I realize other than the basic mechanics I'm going to have to completely relearn riding technique for the 4x bike weight and on road versus off road and kicking off the rust from the 30 years of downtime.
I think the main seats that will bring you up an inch or so are the seats better suited to Ultras. What I would recommend to stretch you out a bit is sending your stock seat off to Mean City Cycles to have it moded to fit you. They can seat you back 1-2". Once you do that, along with floor board extenders, you should feel much better. Another good comfort mod would be taller bars.
In terms of a more useful windshield, I think Windvest offers the best combination of Form and Function. I run a 13" Gunsmoke, and I'm right around 6 or 6'1" with a 34" inseam and stock seat. You may get some good info from the Road Glide Forum, as everybody there has a RG.
Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: California
Thanks Tek, I've been shopping around and have a few more dealers to visit in my area. The first couple I've visited haven't been willing to come down from MSRP much. The best I've been able to do was $400 off MSRP at the first dealer I visited. The sales guy basically took the position that with the lower production rates they don't need to reduce prices even though the economy is still soft. I just told him he must have plenty of customers knocking down his door without me then.
Has anyone experienced a dealer willing to come under MSRP by $1,500-$2,000? Given the spread between invoice and MSRP is around $4,500 not counting manufacturer incentives, you'd think there'd be some room to bargain in the middle of that spread. But maybe I my inexperience in this market is showing and dealers really can expect MSRP just due to the 'luxury' purchase factor? Or maybe this is a SoUthern California thing? Anyone have a SoCal dealer they'd recommend as willing to deal?
Has anyone experienced a dealer willing to come under MSRP by $1,500-$2,000? Given the spread between invoice and MSRP is around $4,500 not counting manufacturer incentives, you'd think there'd be some room to bargain in the middle of that spread. But maybe I my inexperience in this market is showing and dealers really can expect MSRP just due to the 'luxury' purchase factor? Or maybe this is a SoUthern California thing? Anyone have a SoCal dealer they'd recommend as willing to deal?
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Thanks Tek, I've been shopping around and have a few more dealers to visit in my area. The first couple I've visited haven't been willing to come down from MSRP much. The best I've been able to do was $400 off MSRP at the first dealer I visited. The sales guy basically took the position that with the lower production rates they don't need to reduce prices even though the economy is still soft. I just told him he must have plenty of customers knocking down his door without me then.
Has anyone experienced a dealer willing to come under MSRP by $1,500-$2,000? Given the spread between invoice and MSRP is around $4,500 not counting manufacturer incentives, you'd think there'd be some room to bargain in the middle of that spread. But maybe I my inexperience in this market is showing and dealers really can expect MSRP just due to the 'luxury' purchase factor? Or maybe this is a SoUthern California thing? Anyone have a SoCal dealer they'd recommend as willing to deal?
Has anyone experienced a dealer willing to come under MSRP by $1,500-$2,000? Given the spread between invoice and MSRP is around $4,500 not counting manufacturer incentives, you'd think there'd be some room to bargain in the middle of that spread. But maybe I my inexperience in this market is showing and dealers really can expect MSRP just due to the 'luxury' purchase factor? Or maybe this is a SoUthern California thing? Anyone have a SoCal dealer they'd recommend as willing to deal?
To answer the size thing, Im 6'3" and am very comfortable on my Glide. Look into a different seat, handlebars and floorboard relocators and your set. I went with a C & C seat, moved me back about 1.5 and down anout 1", Kuryaycan floorboard relocators (70.00) moved them forward 1" and out 1" and Heritage style bars a coupe inches back towards me the way I adjusted them.
If your close enough try Antelope Valley HD in Lancaster Ca, ask for Greg in sales or Gary the Sales Manager and they can make a serious buyer a good deal. Unfortunately in So Cal there are not many dealers that will move off MSRP. When I got mine it was a 2011 and the 2012 were hitting the floor, they were great to deal with and will throw in the first service free and a parts discount on top of the deal.
And to add a comment, I started this thread last July when I was looking for a new bike, a little over 10,000 miles later I love my Road Glide and IMO its the best HD Ive owned and I am completely happy with the bike.
Last edited by XARAN; Apr 2, 2012 at 10:59 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
Thanks Tek, I've been shopping around and have a few more dealers to visit in my area. The first couple I've visited haven't been willing to come down from MSRP much. The best I've been able to do was $400 off MSRP at the first dealer I visited. The sales guy basically took the position that with the lower production rates they don't need to reduce prices even though the economy is still soft. I just told him he must have plenty of customers knocking down his door without me then.
Has anyone experienced a dealer willing to come under MSRP by $1,500-$2,000? Given the spread between invoice and MSRP is around $4,500 not counting manufacturer incentives, you'd think there'd be some room to bargain in the middle of that spread. But maybe I my inexperience in this market is showing and dealers really can expect MSRP just due to the 'luxury' purchase factor? Or maybe this is a SoUthern California thing? Anyone have a SoCal dealer they'd recommend as willing to deal?
Has anyone experienced a dealer willing to come under MSRP by $1,500-$2,000? Given the spread between invoice and MSRP is around $4,500 not counting manufacturer incentives, you'd think there'd be some room to bargain in the middle of that spread. But maybe I my inexperience in this market is showing and dealers really can expect MSRP just due to the 'luxury' purchase factor? Or maybe this is a SoUthern California thing? Anyone have a SoCal dealer they'd recommend as willing to deal?
Stage I
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Cropwell
right side heat from my pipes
I sold all my other bikes for a 2011 RGC... If you plan on longer rides the comfort from this bike just can't be beat.
1. Common problems - (a) front end shake/wobble - There is a shake/wobble/whatever at 38-43mph. And it does not go away with proper tire air pressure...some have been able to cure it with a new tire, tightening the steering head nut to achieve proper bearing loading, balance of the wheel, or all of the above. For some the problem is still present after doing all that...In my case the only thing the dealer did was to adjust the steering head nut and adjust the swing pattern to 1 1/2 from 3 swings. Shake fixed. (b) on bikes with the 103 and oil cooler - oil leak from the gasket or o-ring in the oil cooler adapter housing at the oil filter base. Quickly fixed by dealer by replacing gasket and o-ring. (c) heat from the cat headpipes - see 2. (d) stupid grin in my face - have not found the cure for this one... trying to wore it off by riding the bike as much as possible, will report back.
2. Pipes... good luck, this one has many options available. What you should really do right away is to replace the stock headpipes with catless headpipes to get rid of the heat and this will also give you a better sound of your stock pipes... after that then you can decide on what slip ons to go with.
3. Comfort will depend on how tall you are... me, at 5' 7" and shrinking
, will be sending my stock seat to Mean Cycles to get me a inch or two closer to the floor... What you will want is to get the heritage styled bars for a little bit more pull back, better riding position for very little money...
I hope that helps.
1. Common problems - (a) front end shake/wobble - There is a shake/wobble/whatever at 38-43mph. And it does not go away with proper tire air pressure...some have been able to cure it with a new tire, tightening the steering head nut to achieve proper bearing loading, balance of the wheel, or all of the above. For some the problem is still present after doing all that...In my case the only thing the dealer did was to adjust the steering head nut and adjust the swing pattern to 1 1/2 from 3 swings. Shake fixed. (b) on bikes with the 103 and oil cooler - oil leak from the gasket or o-ring in the oil cooler adapter housing at the oil filter base. Quickly fixed by dealer by replacing gasket and o-ring. (c) heat from the cat headpipes - see 2. (d) stupid grin in my face - have not found the cure for this one... trying to wore it off by riding the bike as much as possible, will report back.
2. Pipes... good luck, this one has many options available. What you should really do right away is to replace the stock headpipes with catless headpipes to get rid of the heat and this will also give you a better sound of your stock pipes... after that then you can decide on what slip ons to go with.
3. Comfort will depend on how tall you are... me, at 5' 7" and shrinking
, will be sending my stock seat to Mean Cycles to get me a inch or two closer to the floor... What you will want is to get the heritage styled bars for a little bit more pull back, better riding position for very little money...I hope that helps.
This is my 2011 Road Glide Custom and the heat from the right side is so bad that it takes a lot of the fun out of riding. I have after market straight pipes so no catalytic converter, I had my pipes wrapped and put the heat shields back on over the wrapped pipes and nothing has helped with the amount of heat coming off of the right side. I road my last HD Road King with shorts on but that's not possible on the Road Glide. Any suggestions of anything else that I could try?