Tested a 2012 Road Glide

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Jul 31, 2012 | 07:29 AM

#11

bdavis

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 868

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From: Kentucky

I rode the Road Glide Ultra, Street Glide, and Ultra Classic (all 2012) before I decided on the Ultra Classic. For me, the buffeting was much worse on the Road Glide, which really surprised me. Part of it might just be because I am used to the batwing from my Street Glide, or because of my height (5' 8"). I really felt like I was stretching to the handlebars and it was made for taller riders.

The Road Glide is definitely a nice bike and the look has really grown on me, but it was not for me either.

Jul 31, 2012 | 07:43 AM

#12

madchad

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Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 61

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Quote:

Originally Posted by OldArmy

Tried one out when I bought the SG (2d one). Nice, different, cool but what I couldn't wrap my brain around was in a low speed turn when the wheel is going one way and the fairing another. I have also gotten used to having everything vertical and right in front of me too. Sweet but, not for me.

Ya, don't you just hate it when your headlights and fairing don't turn with the wheel?!

Jul 31, 2012 | 08:00 AM

#13

beary

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Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,928

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From: Edmond Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stubborn Irishman

The secret to eliminating the buffeting is to install the clip-on plastic wind deflectors on the cross bar between the forks, about a $32 option. After that it is completely gone

Yes, the sales guy I was working was surprised they weren't on my test RG. He said they are stock on the RG's now, at least the Ultras. He wasn't sure about the Custom. He has a RG Custom and also said they makes a big difference.

What I'm considering is getting the Custom. I have lower fairings and tourpack for long trips on my SG. I would keep them for the RG custom. Problem is they are vivid black, but the Harley rep pointed out it would be a lot cheaper to paint them the Candy Orange than to replace them. Why didn't I think of that? I will have to ask the painter though, they have told me in the past that some Harley colors are a bear to match, which doubles the cost.

Beary

Jul 31, 2012 | 08:27 AM

#14

wingman05

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 642

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From: Bellmawr, New Jersey

After 4 Batwings, I recently test rode a 2012 Road Glide Ultra. I now own a Road Glide Ultra. Low speed handling is much improved over the batwing.

Jul 31, 2012 | 08:50 AM

#15

bmaier

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 2,013

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From: Albuquerque New Mexico

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingman05

After 4 Batwings, I recently test rode a 2012 Road Glide Ultra. I now own a Road Glide Ultra. Low speed handling is much improved over the batwing.

Hmmm, then I wonder why the police skills competitions have a large percentage of Batwings and no RGs

Jul 31, 2012 | 09:23 AM

#16

djbiker

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 1,311

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From: Land Between the Lakes Tennessee

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmaier

Hmmm, then I wonder why the police skills competitions have a large percentage of Batwings and no RGs

No matter how hard they have tried, they just can't seem to get the Bat Signal to work on a bike without the Bat Wing, LOL!!

Jul 31, 2012 | 09:31 AM

#17

beary

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Edmond Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmaier

Hmmm, then I wonder why the police skills competitions have a large percentage of Batwings and no RGs

Yes, structurally they are the same bike, so it's hard to think it could improve. However, I think a lighter feel of the handlebars would give the impression of better handleing. I know I could turn my RKC faster than my SG doing full lock figure eights in a parking lot because there was less weight on the front wheel, but it handled the same.

I read an article a few years ago where some professional riders compared the Batwing bikes against the RG with some agressive riding on twisty roads. The riders were split on which bike they felt "handled better". I don't remember if that comparison was on bikes with the new frame.

Beary