13 Road Glide
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 35
From: Fl
I ride a Streetglide, my bud rides a Roadglide. He is 6"4", he loves his bike and feels cramped on a batwing. I'm 5'7", I feel great on my batwing and think his bike is way to stretched out, never felt comfortable to me. Bottom line, get whatever makes you happy.... but remember, Harleys should only have a single headlight, two looks goofy!
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 679
Likes: 8
From: Southern California
I have the 2012 CVO RGC, posted earlier that it fits me fine with the stock 8" windvest. (I'm 5'11)
Also, I did ride a batwing and did not like the fairing so close! I also can really feel the bars/wind on the batwing.
The roadglide is far better for me.
But, I agree: If you are interested you should rent one of each and have a blast. Get a buddy to rent the other one on the same day (even if you pay for both).
Then, you can hop on and off and REALLY compare the bike on the same roads and same conditions.
I would love a detailed report! DO it ! ! !
Also, I did ride a batwing and did not like the fairing so close! I also can really feel the bars/wind on the batwing.
The roadglide is far better for me.
But, I agree: If you are interested you should rent one of each and have a blast. Get a buddy to rent the other one on the same day (even if you pay for both).
Then, you can hop on and off and REALLY compare the bike on the same roads and same conditions.
I would love a detailed report! DO it ! ! !
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 516
Likes: 1
From: Damascus MD
Heh, you guys kill me. Its all personal prefference, thats it. The bikes are basically the same except for the fairings, both bikes are bad a$$.
- The RG ride is a little less affected by turbulence but you get a little more wind on the rider with stock winsheild
- The SG ride is affected a little more by turbulence but blocks more wind on the rider with the factory winshield.
I own a 12 SG but really really like the RGs, I think the SG looks a little more sporty, but the RGs are flat out cool and nasty looking. For me, the RG felt like the radio was a reach compared to the SG and looking at the radio text and gauges with my deteriorating eye sight was real the deciding factor, I found myself squinting and really looking down allot trying to read stuff on the RG, yeah sucks getting old. Other than that I would have got the RG, the handling, the little fairing compartments, the dual headlights, were nice features the SG doesnt have. I started wearing reading glasses 2 years ago and was struggling to see what the radio said so that alone makes my ride a little more safe, and enjoyable. I will own a RG one day - fact.
- The RG ride is a little less affected by turbulence but you get a little more wind on the rider with stock winsheild
- The SG ride is affected a little more by turbulence but blocks more wind on the rider with the factory winshield.
I own a 12 SG but really really like the RGs, I think the SG looks a little more sporty, but the RGs are flat out cool and nasty looking. For me, the RG felt like the radio was a reach compared to the SG and looking at the radio text and gauges with my deteriorating eye sight was real the deciding factor, I found myself squinting and really looking down allot trying to read stuff on the RG, yeah sucks getting old. Other than that I would have got the RG, the handling, the little fairing compartments, the dual headlights, were nice features the SG doesnt have. I started wearing reading glasses 2 years ago and was struggling to see what the radio said so that alone makes my ride a little more safe, and enjoyable. I will own a RG one day - fact.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
I am willing to bet numerous of the guys saying you won't like the RG haven't ridden one. I am 6' and I have the 12" windsplitter. I like the way it looks better than the stocker and it suits me fine. I do have a set of lowers going on, but mostly because I want to add speakers. I have not had any issues with wind being harsh. It is a bike afterall.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 679
Likes: 8
From: Southern California
Been wanting to ask this for a while. Does the faring block enough wind so you dont have to wear ear plugs. Ive never riddin with a faring. Sound system on my softie would be pointless on the freeway. If you dont have to wear ear plugs going down the road at 75 and could actually hear the radio that might be nice but if not Id toss the radio in the trash.
Cruisin around is fine and I rock out with the stereo and no ear plugs.
But on the freeway at 75 the road noise and wind is too much for me. I like earplugs or iPod for that.
I can crank up the stereo and hear it on the freeway, but that is just "really loud noise" to hear over the "loud noise".... at some point it all just gets a little too loud.
Been wanting to ask this for a while. Does the faring block enough wind so you dont have to wear ear plugs. Ive never riddin with a faring. Sound system on my softie would be pointless on the freeway. If you dont have to wear ear plugs going down the road at 75 and could actually hear the radio that might be nice but if not Id toss the radio in the trash.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 496
Likes: 6
From: League City, TX
Man, I never looked at it like that. You're right I should have gotten one because everyone else did. How about the fact that there are more models in the line up with batwing fairings than without? Out of your 7 ot 8 batwings, are they all street glides? All Ultras? Nope!!!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
Line up 10 dailey ridden Harley Davidson touring bikes and the ratio will usually be about 7 or 8 Batwings to 1 or 2 Road Glides and maybe a Road King thrown in there. Say what you want, you've all been to rallys and have all seen it and know it's true. Bats are out riding and not having to defend there purchases. Says it all...
