Hey baggers,

I am seriously considering trading my trusty 2003 FXD for a new 2012 Road Glide Custom.
I took one for a 2 hour ride today and it just about iced the deal for me.

Used prices on Street Glides and Road Glides are so close to new ones that it just makes sense to me to buy new. The dealer and I are so close on numbers that at least the negotions are behind me.

Some specifics, I am 5'8" and 175 lbs. My wife is 5'2" and 125 lbs.

A few of questions and observations for experienced Road Gliders.

The one I rode today was from their rental fleet and had the stock windscreen on it. The wind in my ears was horrible. I could feel the blast right at eye level on me and my wife said it was lifting her helmet when we were at highway speeds, 75-80 mph. Anything above 40 was annoying. I could tuck my head down a couple of inches and it was much better.

I rode a Road Glide CVO earlier this year when the demo truck was in town and it had a recurve on it, probably the HD windsplitter. Wind on me was not an issue with that shield. It also had those deflectors on the engine guard bars. Not sure how effective those are.

I know that I can tune some of the wind on me out with a recurve or taller windshield. How succesful is it going to be for me to tune it out for my wife behind me. I have to keep her happy.

Also, the lighting on the rear is just really lacking. I had a guy run up on us at a stop sign, and I noticed he had to brake hard. He either thought I was going to roll thru the sign, or I think, he just could not see the brake lights mounted so low on the bike.

Those are the only complaints, but whats not to like on a $20,000 motorcycle.

I was impressed at how nimble the bike was. I expected it to be slower to react than my Dyna in twisty turns, but it was steady and nimble. A very sweet ride. On the interstate, just no comparison. Smooth power, rock steady around other cars and in the wind.

Anyway, any input on the windscreens will be appreciated. Any ideas on a way to light it up better in the rear also.

Any other advice, appreciated as well.
Thanks in advance.

 

I am your height and have a new CVO road glide and love the screen. I had a 11 RGC that had the stock shield, and noticed a huge improvement on the CVO... I think it's the 12" windsplitter like you said. I also have the thing that mount to the crashbar, but have not taken it off to compare how it is without it.

My advise: get the cvo wind splitter shield.

 

Any input on how the windsplitter treats the passenger?

I think those deflectors that mount to the engine guards are about $30. Almost worth that just to experiment.

 

I have the 12" windsplitter on mine as well. I picked it up on leave and was only able to get about 350 miles on it, none with my OL on back. The windsplitter is sometimes a source of debate. Some say it works, others don't. I do think it is one of the best looking for the RG though. I did some impromptu testing on the highway. I could feel the wind blast from around the tank (which will be mostly fixed with the lowers I have waiting at the house) I started to raise my hand above my head. I couldn't feel the blast until my hand was a few inches above my helmet. Some guys have said it puts the wind right in the passenger's face. I wouldn't sweat it too much though. HD has that new program where you can demo seats and windshields on your bike before you buy it. Also, some dealers do it with Klockwerks shields as well. Also check out sancho's wings. I think its www.sanchoswings.com, he makes some deflectors that mount to the sides of the fairing. They are supposed to work pretty well also.

 

like brett says, demo the different windshields that the dealer has available, i have the 12'' windsplitter, but i ride solo only. a lot of folks have said that that shield does not offer much in the way of deflection for the passenger. they do make a 15'' as well, but it is only available in light smoked. i use one for the winter.

as far as the lighting goes, i have added the run/turn/brake tri bar upgrade to the bottom of the rear fender, and also the custom dynamics 'magic brake light flasher'. i have it set to flash 4 times then go steady, then repeat. it isn't like the brightasslight, in that it isn't blindingly bright, it is after all still the stock lighting.

 

Enjoy the new bike when you get it. Plenty of summer weather left.

 

This forum is good for general Harley stuff, but for Road Glide specific stuff you should try roadglide.org.

There are many makers of aftermarket sheilds and it is a highly personal matter as to what you will like best. I have a 16" Madstaad. Both Momma and I think it works great.

 

I never even tried the stock shield on my RGC - had it switched our to a 9" windsplitter and am happy with the result (and I am 6'5"). Wife is on her own bike, but never heard any concerns when she rode with me. I am sure the 12 will be even better. I also have the engine guard deflectors installed.

Lights - front and rear both need improvement. I have HID's and have installed LED turn signals:

http://www.roadglide.org/showthread.php?t=20938

 

I'm 6ft1 and have the stock windshield on my RG Ultra. It takes the wind over the top of me and I can still ride looking over the top which I like. Some like to look thru the windshield and others like me prefer to look over the top. You may have to experiment some but I like the size of the Ultra stock one myself.

 

I made the same move last year, don't regret it. I have the 12" wind splitter, and the bar deflectors, both made a difference. I'm 6'3" and need a taller shield, but the wife has had no complaints about wind. Welcome to the club! As others have said check out roadglide.org for more info.