New Road Glide or Road King
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Great Falls, MT
New Road Glide or Road King
Hello I'm new to the forum and new to HD. I've mainly had sport bikes(crotch rockets) for the last 11 years or so and still currently own a CBR1000rr that I will not be getting rid of. I'm one of those guy's that respect all motorcycle no matter the make or model. I'm going to be buying a new harley in the near future to add to the stable. I've been looking at the Road Glide's and Road King's and am looking for opinions seeings how I am unable to test ride do to the fact I currently live in Okinawa, Japan. I will be returning to the States beginning of 2013, but will be purchasing a 2013 HD prior to leaving here. I know you can add a fairing to the Road King but I'm really big on fit and finish and am worried that after market fairing will have that cheap look to it. I've also heard that the batwing isn't the best in the heavy wind and handling department. I will also be riding two up at times with the wife(she really likes the Road King). This is a big purchase, so I'm wanting to get the best bang for my buck. Thanks for all your opinions in advance.
I'm
5'9"
185lbs
I'm
5'9"
185lbs
I have had a Road King and currently have a Road Glide. Honestly this is way different than the normal batwing vs. shark fairing debate. My RK was a 2009, so it had the newer frame as well. The fit and finish of aftermarket fairings wouldn't be too big of a concern I would think as MANY guys on here run them It sounds like the biggest part you need to figure out is do you want factory radio or not and if you want to pay the couple grand more at time of purchase or later on to get a fairing. Both rides are sweet, but its honestly more of an apples to oranges comparison.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
OK, so all touring bikes of the same year are the same except for the amount of fiberglass hanging off of them and some cosmetics, like badges, wheels- and radio, no radio.
drivetrain, frame,suspension/ geometry are all the same across the series but for the "custom" models which may have 12" rear shocks rather than 13".
The batwing is not aerodynamic, like many things Harley, it is traditional and we are stuck with it.
It unloads the front end at speeds above 80-85, and any wind gusts are transmitted as "steering input" as it is attached to the forks.
The pluses are you can tuck into it in crap weather and the radio and other controls are close to hand.
The roadglide is sleek and swoopy- wind gusts will shift the bike as the fairing is frame mounted- a strong side wind can mean an all day lean into it on the bike- hard on the neck- rain protection is reduced as well.
The roadking can strip down- I have seen the memphis shades batwing, and I thought it was a good looking unit at about $400 in black.
I'd look for a way to delay your purchase until you can test ride---can't you get a hop home to somewhere that the H-D test fleet is ?
- I've had 6 Harleys, a bunch of other bikes too Euro, UK and Japanese.
I know that the Roadglide is probably better- and I've ridden them lots- but I enjoy the batwing ride better.
Make sure you get the ABS brakes !
Good Luck with your decision, Mike
drivetrain, frame,suspension/ geometry are all the same across the series but for the "custom" models which may have 12" rear shocks rather than 13".
The batwing is not aerodynamic, like many things Harley, it is traditional and we are stuck with it.
It unloads the front end at speeds above 80-85, and any wind gusts are transmitted as "steering input" as it is attached to the forks.
The pluses are you can tuck into it in crap weather and the radio and other controls are close to hand.
The roadglide is sleek and swoopy- wind gusts will shift the bike as the fairing is frame mounted- a strong side wind can mean an all day lean into it on the bike- hard on the neck- rain protection is reduced as well.
The roadking can strip down- I have seen the memphis shades batwing, and I thought it was a good looking unit at about $400 in black.
I'd look for a way to delay your purchase until you can test ride---can't you get a hop home to somewhere that the H-D test fleet is ?
- I've had 6 Harleys, a bunch of other bikes too Euro, UK and Japanese.
I know that the Roadglide is probably better- and I've ridden them lots- but I enjoy the batwing ride better.
Make sure you get the ABS brakes !
Good Luck with your decision, Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; May 12, 2012 at 03:07 AM.
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 140
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From: Bobcaygeon
5 - 9" , 185 lbs - Consider what suspension you are going to want out of the gate. If you are planning on riding 2 up the bulk of the time make it easy on you and your bride. Harley's are top heavy and for many this is one of the biggest challenges they face. Take a few minutes and watch this video please. http://youtu.be/Ej7fg-mUKMs
The one thing I did not know when I bought mine ( FLHTCU) was what to expect when it came to weight. For the most part the harley's handles like a dream, but when you are moving slow be prepared. Keep your foot on the rear brake, and work your clutch in the friction zone, and if you can swing it get a system like this. It comes with a full 3 year warranty, matches the bike warranty and can be financed at time of sale. Itdrops you 2.5 inches automatically based on your speed without giving anything up, and best of all makes it a breeze in slow speed maneuvers, it changes the rake and my friend you are back in control.
The one thing I did not know when I bought mine ( FLHTCU) was what to expect when it came to weight. For the most part the harley's handles like a dream, but when you are moving slow be prepared. Keep your foot on the rear brake, and work your clutch in the friction zone, and if you can swing it get a system like this. It comes with a full 3 year warranty, matches the bike warranty and can be financed at time of sale. Itdrops you 2.5 inches automatically based on your speed without giving anything up, and best of all makes it a breeze in slow speed maneuvers, it changes the rake and my friend you are back in control.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Sin City
Two months ago I was faced with the same decision. My other ride is a turbo Busa and at first I thought the RG would be best because of the similar frame mounted fairing and figured it would be less of a change as I was already use to the styling and handling of a non moving fairing. I ended up purchasing a RK classic because I felt the RG had too much plastic and for me I kept thinking that I already had a plastic bike at home. I find the classic styling and attention to details way too beautiful to hide behind a bunch of plastic. I will never find enough time to ride serious highway miles each year to take advantage of the long distance handling comforts the RG is capable of. The $2000 savings betwing the two bikes your considering was also nice. I like the ability to remove the windshield on the King and 95% of my city riding is done with it removed but I always have the option of simply adding it back on. Today I feel like I made the correct decision and am totally happy with my FLHRC and do not miss the radio.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 762
Likes: 14
From: Bellevue, NE
If you,re going to be riding two up, like on vacations, it's no contest, IMO. RGU. Yes, it's more money, but you'll be glad for the extra storage, radio, CB in case of trouble and there's no cell service (although that's getting to be less of a concern, you can still find yourself in a 'no coverage' zone), but the extra storage is really nice. You'll be amazed at the stuff she can't live without. 
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Ballwin, Mo
I thInk you'll love either one. I'm very happy with my Roadglide and find the ol CBR just collecting dust in the corner of my garage.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
Well I'll start a crap storm here but to me the non-fairing bikes are not in the same class as the fairing bikes. So it's kind of no contest for me. But then again I like all the stuff you can put behind that fairing. I mean these are touring bikes.