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Road King Classic vs. Street Glide

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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 03:28 PM
  #1  
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Default Road King Classic vs. Street Glide

I have a 2007 Road King Classic with a Hoppe fairing (with an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite stereo system) with 30,000 miles on it. I went to the local dealer and was offered what I think is a better than fair deal. But I don't know how the Street Glide handles or how comfortable it is. Would a 2012 Street Glide perform and be as comfortable as well or better than my 2007 Road King?

I like the fact the the Street Glide comes with the 103 engine, has ABS brakes, and an integrated oil cooler. But how does it perform on long road trips (North Carolina to Milwaukee, Sturgis, Tail of the Dragon, etc)?
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 03:38 PM
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the new frame is a real improvement.

the abs is awesome

the 103" wasn't enough for me to upgrade- the 96" was fine for what i do.

you should test ride and be your own judge, it's your money

the SG in an inch lower in the rear so stiffer ride- i run my shocks at 7 pounds and you should definately make sure that works for you.

when you test ride, have them give you a pump so you can check that out

mike
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by mkguitar
the new frame is a real improvement.

the abs is awesome

the 103" wasn't enough for me to upgrade- the 96" was fine for what i do.

you should test ride and be your own judge, it's your money

the SG in an inch lower in the rear so stiffer ride- i run my shocks at 7 pounds and you should definately make sure that works for you.

when you test ride, have them give you a pump so you can check that out

mike
I had a 2005 Road King and went to a 2009 Street Glide. Couldn't be happier.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 03:46 PM
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From what I hear the newer frame is a big improvement over the old one. Choose wisely.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 04:07 PM
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I went from a 2003 Road King to the above 2008 Street Glide and could not be happier and I don't have the new frame which improves the ride more. My wife says there is no comparison between riding on the Street Glide and the Road King. Glide wins hands down. You won't be sorry.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 04:15 PM
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I put 10 years on my 2001 Road King and jumped up to a 2009 Streetglide with new frame/tire, ABS, Cruise, Security, 6 speed, Stereo etc. and it was a huge leap in handling, and everything else. The only thing I recommend, is to swap out the stock shocks for the CVS shocks, add some Rineharts and a supertuner. Done.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 04:29 PM
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Lots of good advice here but I personally didn't notice a huge difference in the frame as everyone mentions. My 08 Softail, 2011 Limited & now 08 Roadking all handled about the same....I guess it's just me but I really didn't feel it. Ride the new SG & see how it fits you. Kinda sounds like you've turned your Roadking into a RK Glide already. I will say I really liked the ABS & the 103 is an improvement over a stock 96 but not by much. Good luck on your choice!
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 05:08 PM
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If you already have your RK set up like a glide why change? The money you would lose on even a "great" trade in could easily buy you a tour pack, then you would have the ultimate in flexibility... full dressed out tourer or stripped down bar hopper just my $0.02
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 05:17 PM
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Gotta say that I fail to see much difference in a SG and a RKC with a fairing added on except the shape of the bags.


But the new frame is NICE.
The OEM fairing and radio are garunteed to work right with the bike and any add-ons you decide on later.
I'll disagree on the 103" not being much different.
I notice a HUGE difference between my 103 and my wife's 96.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2011 | 05:51 PM
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I've got a new SG and as happy as a pig in slop...but you need to ask yourself what are you going to do with you new ride? Mostly touring, then I'd get an Ultra, mostly bar hopping and RK or SG would work great...
Me, I'm going to add lowers and a solo chopped tour box and it'll be set up great for me, touring and around town...but thats me...
Any of them will be a great bike.

I love the 103" motor and new frame, and I've had a ton of Harleys.
 
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