Originally Posted by The Pawnbroker

Let's really get into this....

It's obviously a matter of personal preference in the long run. However, I would like to offer my opinion's and get other people's opinion's of the pro's and con's of each fairing design. I think it would be nice to get opinion's from those people who have ridden both a fair number of miles.

I've put I don't know how many thousands of miles on Batwing bikes starting in '07. Lot's. I've recently put 5,500 miles on my Road Glide.

1) The main feature that everyone states about the Shark Nose is that it's better in the wind. Such as out on the interstate. I have to say that I have found that not to be the case. Maybe it's the type of wind I usually ride in around here. It moves around and comes at you from different angles. I've been caught out in very windy/gusty conditions this spring many times while riding my Road Glide. I felt like I was being moved around quite a bit more than I ever was on my Batwing fairing bikes. I've put some thought into it and am wondering if the larger side profile of the Shark Nose catches more wind? Kind of like a mini barn-door effect? It really seems to push me even though it's attached to the frame. Maybe even more so because it's attached to the frame? In any case, I consider this "myth" busted. In my opinion and experience, the Shark Nose fairing is worse in windy conditions than the Batwing fairing. By the way, I've also never had the sensation that the Batwing fairing was pushing the steering around like some have commented on.

2) The windscreen and fairing in general on the Shark is a lot further away from the rider. I've ridden in the rain a few times on the Road Glide and get much more water on me by far than I did riding behind a Batwing fairing. Both had lowers. With the Batwing, I seem to be able to tuck behind it for more protection during really heavy rain.

3) At first I thought low-speed maneuvering was harder with the Shark. I seemed to be able to make tighter U-turns and was more able to "throw" the Batwing bike around at slow speeds. I'm going to reserve my final judgement on this because I'm getting a little better feel for the Shark. A lot of people make the assumption that because the fairing is attached to the steering on the Batwing, it makes it harder to slow-speed maneuver. I don't find that at all. The Shark fairing sits pretty far out in front and high up. I think it actually increases the center of gravity in such a way as to make it feel more "top heavy".

Of course, my Road Glide is a gorgeous bike and rides and handles fantastic in most conditions. It's a blast to ride. It's just that for me, I'll be going back to a Batwing for my next ride.

Have at it boys...

Originally Posted by bagman1

I dont know how you came up with that conclusion. I have about 120k miles on RGs but only a few thousand on a batwing. Most of the miles on the shark I was accompanied with friends on batwings. Theres deac air space behind the screen and you should stay dry. Maybe you are tall and need a taller screen, be sure it has a recurve, it gives you more comfort. High winds your arms are fighting the steering effort, RG you font feel it, just squeeze the tank with knees and counter steer using your feet.

Originally Posted by Streetglide1$

I have to agree with you about the Road Glide Shark Nose Fairing Versus the Batwing Fairing. I had my 2013 Road Glide for the past 11 years I traded it in on a new 2023 Street Glide Special this April. I knocked down over 10,000 miles on it this year till winter set in i live in Eastern Montana. My conclusion in all this is i like the Batwing Fairing better. I think it looks better and functions better than my old Road Glide Shark Nose Fairing. I don't notice anything different when passing Semi trucks on 2 lane roads or any other Buffeting issues. I have a 10 inch Wind Vest Windshield on my bike and it works perfectly with the Recurve at the top of the Windshield. You can order a Clear Windshield from them but you must contact them personally to special order it. I don't like any tint on mine because i ride at night off and on. Forget the Cool Factor putting a tinted Windshield on your bike it don't work riding at night.

Originally Posted by Evo-Wes

After a while you might as well be driving a car.
Whatever happened to "wind therapy"?
We gripe about buffeting? Really?