Shark Nose VS Batwing Fairing
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Texas
The reason they make a fixed and a fork mounted fairing are because people like different things. Personally, I'm a batwing dude, but I fully respect those that prefer the shark nose. I'm glad HD gives us a choice, and from my perspective both are the best touring bikes ever built. 
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 182
Likes: 1
From: Iowa City
My personal experience:
Owned a 2006 Street Glide for about 5 years, and now ride a 2010 Road Glide Custom that Ive owned for 2 years. I went in thinking open minded about my bike purchase, thinking about a Road King with Aftermarket fairing, newer Street Glide, or possibly a Road Glide. I test rode several bikes, and thought it would take some getting used to riding a Road Glide. Well it took me about 5 minutes to get used to the stationary fairing. I got a great trade in value for my Street Glide, and a good deal on a new Road Glide.
The Road Glide fairing is further away, and wind comes around the bottom sides of the fairing, whereas the Street Glide fairing is close, and does "protect" your upper body a little better. I also had the wings on the Street Glide, and they dont make them for a Road Glide. I do have to lean forward to reach the soft buttons on the HK stereo on the Road Glide, and on the Street Glide, I coud sit in my normal riding position. Not a big deal to me. As far as rain and getting more wet, I cant really tell the difference.
The Road Glide fairing is angled down and seems to cut through the wind, whereas the Street Glide, seemed to be like a wall going through the wind.
Handling on the Road Glide is better due to the frame mounted fairing vs fork mounted on the SG. Cross winds do push you to the side on the Road Glide, but Ive experienced this on every bike Ive owned. ( i have a 2003 sportster as well) in cross wind conditions, you simply have to lean. Cross winds on the SG seemed to move the handlebars around which effects the handling.
I would hot rod the Street Glide around, but going long distances, I didnt feel very safe on the STreet Glide above 70-75 mph. I can ride all day at 90mph + on the Road Glide.
Also you have more options with handlebars on the Road Glide.
Both are great bikes, but I love the Road Glide much more than I did my Street Glide. Could be also because of the newer frame, but ultimately the Road Glide just seems to handle better in any condition.
Now, low and behold, the FUGLY Fairing is in, and more and more people are converting from Batwings to Sharknoses.
Owned a 2006 Street Glide for about 5 years, and now ride a 2010 Road Glide Custom that Ive owned for 2 years. I went in thinking open minded about my bike purchase, thinking about a Road King with Aftermarket fairing, newer Street Glide, or possibly a Road Glide. I test rode several bikes, and thought it would take some getting used to riding a Road Glide. Well it took me about 5 minutes to get used to the stationary fairing. I got a great trade in value for my Street Glide, and a good deal on a new Road Glide.
The Road Glide fairing is further away, and wind comes around the bottom sides of the fairing, whereas the Street Glide fairing is close, and does "protect" your upper body a little better. I also had the wings on the Street Glide, and they dont make them for a Road Glide. I do have to lean forward to reach the soft buttons on the HK stereo on the Road Glide, and on the Street Glide, I coud sit in my normal riding position. Not a big deal to me. As far as rain and getting more wet, I cant really tell the difference.
The Road Glide fairing is angled down and seems to cut through the wind, whereas the Street Glide, seemed to be like a wall going through the wind.
Handling on the Road Glide is better due to the frame mounted fairing vs fork mounted on the SG. Cross winds do push you to the side on the Road Glide, but Ive experienced this on every bike Ive owned. ( i have a 2003 sportster as well) in cross wind conditions, you simply have to lean. Cross winds on the SG seemed to move the handlebars around which effects the handling.
I would hot rod the Street Glide around, but going long distances, I didnt feel very safe on the STreet Glide above 70-75 mph. I can ride all day at 90mph + on the Road Glide.
Also you have more options with handlebars on the Road Glide.
Both are great bikes, but I love the Road Glide much more than I did my Street Glide. Could be also because of the newer frame, but ultimately the Road Glide just seems to handle better in any condition.
Now, low and behold, the FUGLY Fairing is in, and more and more people are converting from Batwings to Sharknoses.
Last edited by DED HD; May 31, 2012 at 12:54 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
I wish we were. I started my career on a '92 FXRP, but HD hasn't manufactured a police bike with a fixed fairing since the FXDP back around 8-10 years ago. I've heard there a few RG police bikes out there, but they're custom jobs. HD only offers the police package in the Road King or Electra Glide.
I ride an '08 FLHTP daily, and have trained extensively in the cone courses over the years, both on Road Kings and for the past 4 years on the EG. The RK will turn tighter than an EG because of limits on the steering imposed by the batwing fairing. But I like the overall balance and feel of the EG better, and run the courses faster and smoother on the EG, which is an all around better platform for a police bike.
I traded an '04 EG Ultra for a '12 RGU, and can say without hesitation that the Road Glide is a superior bike in virtually every catagory. The handling at speed on the highway is smooth and rock solid. Crosswinds and vehicle wakes are of no account any longer. The RG just leans into the crosswind and directional control/stability is phenomenal compared to the EG, ditto for vehicle wakes. I had a chance to ride my buddy's '09 EG back to back with my RGU on a ride recently, and kept thinking "I put up with THIS for all those years and miles?" when on his EG. He, on the other hand, said that when it comes time to buy a new bike the RGU will be on his short list. I'm not dissing the Electra Glide, mind you. I love the classic design, and ride one for work. But the RGU is a graduate level motorcycle, an evolution of the EG that has surpassed the parent in many ways.
The fixed fairing has other advantages I've seen mentioned in other posts. The steering is lighter and the weight and balance of the RG is different than that of the EG. The bike is correspondingly more agile, and feels downright nimble in back to back comparisons. The differences are far more pronounced than you would believe possible, being that the EG and RG are built on the same frame with identical mechanicals. The protection afforded by the sharknose fairing is superior in many respects, even with the stock windshield. I smoke while riding, and find that I have to brush ashes off the tank if I don't take the trouble to flick them out into the windstream. Never had that problem with the EG. There is some buffeting around the ears, and the passenger gets more wind since they sit further back from the windshield than on the EG, but that is easily cured with a windshield such as a Cee Bailey Cee Glide or a Windvest. I hear LRS is coming out with a new windshield specifically for the RGU, so I'm holding off on that upgrade 'til I see what they've got.
The batwing fairing is good, as evidenced by its long production history with HD. But the sharknose is in another league altogether. If you do any amount of touring, you owe it to yourself to experience the RGU.
I ride an '08 FLHTP daily, and have trained extensively in the cone courses over the years, both on Road Kings and for the past 4 years on the EG. The RK will turn tighter than an EG because of limits on the steering imposed by the batwing fairing. But I like the overall balance and feel of the EG better, and run the courses faster and smoother on the EG, which is an all around better platform for a police bike.
I traded an '04 EG Ultra for a '12 RGU, and can say without hesitation that the Road Glide is a superior bike in virtually every catagory. The handling at speed on the highway is smooth and rock solid. Crosswinds and vehicle wakes are of no account any longer. The RG just leans into the crosswind and directional control/stability is phenomenal compared to the EG, ditto for vehicle wakes. I had a chance to ride my buddy's '09 EG back to back with my RGU on a ride recently, and kept thinking "I put up with THIS for all those years and miles?" when on his EG. He, on the other hand, said that when it comes time to buy a new bike the RGU will be on his short list. I'm not dissing the Electra Glide, mind you. I love the classic design, and ride one for work. But the RGU is a graduate level motorcycle, an evolution of the EG that has surpassed the parent in many ways.
The fixed fairing has other advantages I've seen mentioned in other posts. The steering is lighter and the weight and balance of the RG is different than that of the EG. The bike is correspondingly more agile, and feels downright nimble in back to back comparisons. The differences are far more pronounced than you would believe possible, being that the EG and RG are built on the same frame with identical mechanicals. The protection afforded by the sharknose fairing is superior in many respects, even with the stock windshield. I smoke while riding, and find that I have to brush ashes off the tank if I don't take the trouble to flick them out into the windstream. Never had that problem with the EG. There is some buffeting around the ears, and the passenger gets more wind since they sit further back from the windshield than on the EG, but that is easily cured with a windshield such as a Cee Bailey Cee Glide or a Windvest. I hear LRS is coming out with a new windshield specifically for the RGU, so I'm holding off on that upgrade 'til I see what they've got.
The batwing fairing is good, as evidenced by its long production history with HD. But the sharknose is in another league altogether. If you do any amount of touring, you owe it to yourself to experience the RGU.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 7
From: Wisconsin
Here is my experience from my RGC test ride that I posted on another thread. BTW, I did buy a vivid black RGC.
I test drove a 2012 FLTRX yesterday. I shouldn't have done that. I suspect there will be one of those in my garage in the next 30 days. Doh! Those HD guys are pretty smart...let 'em drive it and they might like it....
I specifically took the big blue pearl Road Glide out on the highway and hung around in the turbulent area behind tractor trailers. The bike never wiggled. My head (with helmet) was bobbling all around at 80 mph with the turbulence, but the bike was rock solid. Very cool.
I also noticed that low speed manuvering was very easy in parking lots. I suppose with the weight of the fairing on the frame and not the front forks it makes the bike more nimble at low speeds. Very cool.
The stock 103 seemed fine, for now, and the stock mufflers made the bikes exhaust almost silent above 60 mph due to the wind noise drowning them out. The hot rodder in me tells me it needs a stage 1 kit for sure and probably some cams just for some extra scoot. During the test ride I did use a lot more rpm than I normally would with my Ultra or RKC, so with higher revs and late shifting the 103 seemed pretty responsive.
I was very surprised at the shorty windshield. Below 60 it seemed to work pretty well. Above 60 I would get a pretty good wind blast in the forehead. The wind would try to lift my helmet off of my head. Easy enough to fix that by taking off my helmet (it was a dealer test ride you know). I might also add klockwerks windshield pretty quick.
Oh, the rumors of the cigarette lighter hitting the tank are false. As tight as I could turn the bike, I couldn't get the lighter to hit the tank. Rumor busted.
I also really liked how the bike seemed to stretch you out, even with the stock controls, floor boards and seat. I suppose that is one of the big differences between the shark nose and bat wing.
Cool bike. I think I'll add one to the garage to replace my recently sold RKC.
I test drove a 2012 FLTRX yesterday. I shouldn't have done that. I suspect there will be one of those in my garage in the next 30 days. Doh! Those HD guys are pretty smart...let 'em drive it and they might like it....
I specifically took the big blue pearl Road Glide out on the highway and hung around in the turbulent area behind tractor trailers. The bike never wiggled. My head (with helmet) was bobbling all around at 80 mph with the turbulence, but the bike was rock solid. Very cool.
I also noticed that low speed manuvering was very easy in parking lots. I suppose with the weight of the fairing on the frame and not the front forks it makes the bike more nimble at low speeds. Very cool.
The stock 103 seemed fine, for now, and the stock mufflers made the bikes exhaust almost silent above 60 mph due to the wind noise drowning them out. The hot rodder in me tells me it needs a stage 1 kit for sure and probably some cams just for some extra scoot. During the test ride I did use a lot more rpm than I normally would with my Ultra or RKC, so with higher revs and late shifting the 103 seemed pretty responsive.
I was very surprised at the shorty windshield. Below 60 it seemed to work pretty well. Above 60 I would get a pretty good wind blast in the forehead. The wind would try to lift my helmet off of my head. Easy enough to fix that by taking off my helmet (it was a dealer test ride you know). I might also add klockwerks windshield pretty quick.
Oh, the rumors of the cigarette lighter hitting the tank are false. As tight as I could turn the bike, I couldn't get the lighter to hit the tank. Rumor busted.
I also really liked how the bike seemed to stretch you out, even with the stock controls, floor boards and seat. I suppose that is one of the big differences between the shark nose and bat wing.
Cool bike. I think I'll add one to the garage to replace my recently sold RKC.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 774
Likes: 54
From: Brandenburg,Ky
I have a 09 Ultra Classic and I'm thinking about getting a 2012 Road Glide Ultra ,, I talk to a guy today that has both ,,He told me his lady WILL NOT RIDE on the Road Glide ,, He said the wind on the Road Glod Beats Her to death, but she will ride all day on the Ultra Classic
So does anybody have the same problem , and if so how did you fix it ???
So does anybody have the same problem , and if so how did you fix it ???
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 182
Likes: 1
From: Iowa City
I have a 09 Ultra Classic and I'm thinking about getting a 2012 Road Glide Ultra ,, I talk to a guy today that has both ,,He told me his lady WILL NOT RIDE on the Road Glide ,, He said the wind on the Road Glod Beats Her to death, but she will ride all day on the Ultra Classic
So does anybody have the same problem , and if so how did you fix it ???
So does anybody have the same problem , and if so how did you fix it ???
I think most people that are touring 2 up on their RoadGlides will put on a large Touring Windshield to keep their passengers happy, like the ones from Cee Baileys. They dont look good (IMO), but i hear they work well.
I have a 8" KW Flare on mine, and my GF doesnt complain. Guess I got a good one! ( she will wear a full face helmet sometimes, and that keeps her protected in more ways than one!
http://sanchoswings.com/
I have them and think they work well.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 32
From: Canton, Ohio
These are fixed but they are similar to the wings on the Batwing fairing.
http://sanchoswings.com/
I have them and think they work well.
http://sanchoswings.com/
I have them and think they work well.
Now about that cigar lighter issue I read about. I've read that a few times already and have to laugh. The lighter will never get closer to the tank on an RG as it's in a fixed postion on the fairing that doesn't move. I hope nobody else looking at a RG doesn't believe that crap. On my ECU I was worried about using a power plug for a garmin but never did do that. Didn't want to risk it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
I have a 09 Ultra Classic and I'm thinking about getting a 2012 Road Glide Ultra ,, I talk to a guy today that has both ,,He told me his lady WILL NOT RIDE on the Road Glide ,, He said the wind on the Road Glod Beats Her to death, but she will ride all day on the Ultra Classic
So does anybody have the same problem , and if so how did you fix it ???
So does anybody have the same problem , and if so how did you fix it ???
Which Windshield works best for the passenger??
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 32
From: Canton, Ohio
I have a 12" KW Flare on mine now and MBH doesn't complain about the wind. Then again, she's just happy to be able to jump on the back seat anytime.