Road Glide Owners?
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 2
From: East Tennessee
Road Glide Owners?
I am seriously considering trading for a Road Glide Ultra when the 13s come out. I have never ridden one but have a test ride scheduled for next weekend. I was wondering if you folks who ride them could give me some pros and cons about them.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Ride on and make your own decision.
IMO
1. best handling and most stable HD made in windy conditions due to the frame mounted fairing
2. slow speed (parking lot) handling is very good again because the fairing is on the frame not adding weight to the handlebars/fors
3. harder to get a windshield that works well for some riders due to the fairing being farther away
3. even harder to get a windshield that works for passenger and still looks good (not like a big sail)
4. buffeting from below the fairing for some riders, can be cured with lowers but not everyone wants lowers
5. Some people say their "FUGLY"
For me its probably the model of HD that Ill stay with until I stop riding
IMO
1. best handling and most stable HD made in windy conditions due to the frame mounted fairing
2. slow speed (parking lot) handling is very good again because the fairing is on the frame not adding weight to the handlebars/fors
3. harder to get a windshield that works well for some riders due to the fairing being farther away
3. even harder to get a windshield that works for passenger and still looks good (not like a big sail)
4. buffeting from below the fairing for some riders, can be cured with lowers but not everyone wants lowers
5. Some people say their "FUGLY"
For me its probably the model of HD that Ill stay with until I stop riding
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 471
From: along the Front Range in Colorado
Pros : Road Glides rock !
Cons : uh, ........... uhh .................... gimmie a minute here ....... uhh .... ............. lemme get back to ya on that, ok ?
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 2
From: Short Gap, W V
I had an 07 RG for 3 years. I liked it. It handled well and out on the road the shark nose sliced through the air and gave me great gas mileage. However, I could never satisfactorily solve the buffeting issue except for a very tall, very ugly windshield that I was forced to look through. My wife complained about the buffeting also. The RG also stretched me out a little more then I liked. I love my EG it fits me perfect and I have never had an issue with buffeting. Ride one before you buy it. Take it out on the road and not just for a short ride around town. It may work well for you. For me the EG is perfect.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
From: MKE, WI
RGU Is the best bike I've owned. I've had all the tour bikes HD makes and the RGU gives me the ride and comfort I was looking for. Did 1400 miles in 2 1/2 days and not once was a uncomfortable.
Good luck with your choice.
Ride safe.
T
Good luck with your choice.
Ride safe.
T
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Southern Ontario, Canada
+ 1 on this
Ride on and make your own decision.
IMO
1. best handling and most stable HD made in windy conditions due to the frame mounted fairing
2. slow speed (parking lot) handling is very good again because the fairing is on the frame not adding weight to the handlebars/fors
3. harder to get a windshield that works well for some riders due to the fairing being farther away
3. even harder to get a windshield that works for passenger and still looks good (not like a big sail)
4. buffeting from below the fairing for some riders, can be cured with lowers but not everyone wants lowers
5. Some people say their "FUGLY"
For me its probably the model of HD that Ill stay with until I stop riding
Ride on and make your own decision.
IMO
1. best handling and most stable HD made in windy conditions due to the frame mounted fairing
2. slow speed (parking lot) handling is very good again because the fairing is on the frame not adding weight to the handlebars/fors
3. harder to get a windshield that works well for some riders due to the fairing being farther away
3. even harder to get a windshield that works for passenger and still looks good (not like a big sail)
4. buffeting from below the fairing for some riders, can be cured with lowers but not everyone wants lowers
5. Some people say their "FUGLY"
For me its probably the model of HD that Ill stay with until I stop riding
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 3
From: North Georgia
Stock 103" is a DOG.
Cam & tune.... then you've got the ultimate Harley touring bike.
Bars suck (IMHO) but you may love 'em.
Beav
Cam & tune.... then you've got the ultimate Harley touring bike.
Bars suck (IMHO) but you may love 'em.
Beav
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
I owned an '04 Road King Custom and a '10 Street Glide.
I've rented a new Road Glide Ultra and Road Glide Custom. I'll be getting the Custom because I prefer the overall package and would hardly ever use a Tour Pak.
That said, the RGU is the most unique bike I have EVER ridden. Why? Because there's so little wind that I didn't need ear plugs, even at 80mph. I have NEVER ridden a bike at over 45-50 that didn't make my ears hurt so bad I had to put in plugs. Plus it's comfortable. Great overall bike, but I'm not mentally old enough to join the "Ultra" crowd.
The RG custom still has far better wind management than my Street Glide ever did. I fought the SG for three years and finally ditched it. Looked great, but the batwing fairing sucked.
Just a little taller shield than the toenail on the Custom and I'm good.
I've rented a new Road Glide Ultra and Road Glide Custom. I'll be getting the Custom because I prefer the overall package and would hardly ever use a Tour Pak.
That said, the RGU is the most unique bike I have EVER ridden. Why? Because there's so little wind that I didn't need ear plugs, even at 80mph. I have NEVER ridden a bike at over 45-50 that didn't make my ears hurt so bad I had to put in plugs. Plus it's comfortable. Great overall bike, but I'm not mentally old enough to join the "Ultra" crowd.
The RG custom still has far better wind management than my Street Glide ever did. I fought the SG for three years and finally ditched it. Looked great, but the batwing fairing sucked.
Just a little taller shield than the toenail on the Custom and I'm good.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,875
Likes: 32,917
From: King George, VA
Since I bought my RG is 06, I haven't even considered owning another model. I have the quick detach tour pac and use it only for extended road trips. Other than that, I can fit all the stuff I need in the saddle bags and on the rear fender.
It's a comfortable bike and I did an Iron Butt ride on it a couple years ago. Made that an easy achievement.
Customize it to reflect your personality or style of bike. Definitely upgrade the motor to wake it up. I have a 107 in mine with S&S 585GEZ cams, head work and Reinhart true duals. Road Glides only perform best with over 120HP.
It's a comfortable bike and I did an Iron Butt ride on it a couple years ago. Made that an easy achievement.
Customize it to reflect your personality or style of bike. Definitely upgrade the motor to wake it up. I have a 107 in mine with S&S 585GEZ cams, head work and Reinhart true duals. Road Glides only perform best with over 120HP.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Kalispell
+2 on this. I test rode the Street Glide and owned a Road King before I purchased my Road Glide custom.
+ 1 on this
Ride on and make your own decision.
IMO
1. best handling and most stable HD made in windy conditions due to the frame mounted fairing
2. slow speed (parking lot) handling is very good again because the fairing is on the frame not adding weight to the handlebars/fors
3. harder to get a windshield that works well for some riders due to the fairing being farther away
3. even harder to get a windshield that works for passenger and still looks good (not like a big sail)
4. buffeting from below the fairing for some riders, can be cured with lowers but not everyone wants lowers
5. Some people say their "FUGLY"
For me its probably the model of HD that Ill stay with until I stop riding
Ride on and make your own decision.
IMO
1. best handling and most stable HD made in windy conditions due to the frame mounted fairing
2. slow speed (parking lot) handling is very good again because the fairing is on the frame not adding weight to the handlebars/fors
3. harder to get a windshield that works well for some riders due to the fairing being farther away
3. even harder to get a windshield that works for passenger and still looks good (not like a big sail)
4. buffeting from below the fairing for some riders, can be cured with lowers but not everyone wants lowers
5. Some people say their "FUGLY"
For me its probably the model of HD that Ill stay with until I stop riding