I like these Road Glide bashing threads, to many on the road now. 2008 you hardly saw any and now you see them all the time.

 

For me, it's more the way HD sets them up from the factory than anything. Stock, the RG is a great touring bike except for passenger comfort due to the buffeting issues, IMO. May not be a problem at all with a shorter passenger. For us, it was.

 

Odd, my wife loves the '12 RGU compared to all the other bikes (EGU/SG/CVOSG) we have owned for her comfort. She's 5'6" and long legged so maybe her build keeps her head out of the wind but she said "please do not change a thing".
I changed the shield out to a Clear View GT Small with recurve and as soon as I tightened the last bolt she was standing there saying "take me a ride"! She wanted to make sure the new shield did not screw up her comfort. It actually made it better so all is good.

 

+1 on the buffeting being a result of wind AROUND the shield, not necessarily the wind OVER the shield. Again, lots of aftermarket choices that can reduce or eliminate this problem. Have heard very good reports from folks using the National Cycle V Stream.
Check out the forum on Roadglide.org, look at the Windshields thread there. Lots of great info!

 

Not "all the time," but maybe one or two a day.

You can buy a bunch of different shields and experiment, or you can buy a Madstad and be done.

Beav

 

Harley has a new windshield called the "Windsplitter". It has the "hips" to increase downforce and/or reduce buffeting and a recurve at the top. They have three different sizes each for the Batwing and the Road Glide "Shark" fairing. The dealers have a try-it-before-you-buy-it program where you can borrow one for 24 hours. If I were you, I'd take a test ride on the Road Glide Ultra with the stock shield and maybe one or more of the Windsplitter shields and see what you think. Bring your passenger along of course.
It's probably just about the only way you're going to know for yourself whether it's the ride for you.

 

I have both a 08' ultra classic and a 11' roadglide Ultra. I have a baggershield on both bikes. In the case of the RG I ride with the shield in the 10.5" tall position when I ride solo, then I switch it to the 17.5" height when I ride two up. The wife has no complaints on either bike when I have the WS adjusted in the tall position. This is the only WS I have found that offers two riding options and can be adjusted in 15 seconds. Also since the top shield stows in behind the lower, you can change it anytime or anywhere.

www.baggershield.com

 

I think you fair weather riders are missing the whole idea of what riding a bike is all about. Let the ole lady drive and yall ride on the back. Ha I just made myself laugh.

 

I have a RGC and use a 12" Windsplitter. The wife has never complained about the wind or buffeting--she's very happy.

 

Madstad guaranties no buffeting. That is on my short list of wants.