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I'm 51 and the RK does it all. Could not be happier with its flexibility. Two up or solo it shines and looks good doing it. I have detachable everything and can configure it to my needs of the day.
There basically the same bike. Decide if you want a radio or not. Decide if you like the look of the fairing or windshield better. Gonna need 1 or the other if doing much of highway riding. Rent each of them for a day and do lots of riding.I'm sure 1 will stand out in your opinion. Which is the only 1 that should matter here.
There is a lot of difference between a windshield bike and a fairing bike. If you want uncluttered looks, the king is a better choice. If you want the wind/rain protection of a fairing, get a glide. And you will be money ahead to get a classic or ultra. If you don't need or want the tour pak or lowers, sell them on eBay and get some of your money back. The pak is worth a grand and the lowers will bring half that. My vote would be the glide. Never heard anyone say after 8 hours of riding "I sure wish I didn't have a fairing and a radio"
Tough to disagree with this logic. To the OP, you said you were wanting a more comfortable bike. I know 4 guys with RKs. NONE of them take off their windshield. Without fail, they opt for the more comfortable wind protection. That said, if you are truly motivated by comfort, the Glide will do more with its fairing and radio in the comfort department than a windshield.
I currently ride a 12 Superglide. About 4100 miles. I ride mainly solo. I'm 49 and getting to point where I think my "Hotrod" days are over and go to something just for comfort. I know I'm going to ride. 180 lbs and considering weight. I think I've narrowed it to a Street Glide or a Road King. Any opinions or thoughts I'll considerate. Also gives me bargaining tools. Thanks all.
Both great bikes, but go with the Road King. But don't take my word for it. Do a search on the forum for "buffeting" and you will see that is mostly a fairing related issue that really bothers many Street Glide riders. Also, if you are concerned about comfort, the Street Glide shocks have reduced travel and therefore the ride is not as comfortable, although that may be less of an issue if you if you only weigh 180 and ride solo most of the time.
OK, the real reason--I like Road Kings more. A classic look that can easily be transformed with quick release detachable parts into many different bikes.
I know riders that have ridden most of the US and Canada on Dynas.
You have a great bike now. Why take a big hit on trading? Give it a couple more season's.
I have a 10 Super Glide and I'm only 72.
Real good advice. If your convinced to trade in, you need to ask yourself how important a radio and gauges are to you. If their not then the Road King will serve you well, if their important then the Street Glide. Test ride em both putting at least 50 miles on each then decide....take em on the freeway also.
The final decision is yours alone to make. I love the looks of the Road King. I really love the looks and luggage capabilities of the Ultra. In my opinion once you ride a bike equipped with a fairing you'll never not want one. Be it a Street Glide, Road Glide or an Ultra. As others have suggested take test rides or go all the way and rent each of the models you're interested in and you will undoubtedly make your mind up for yourself. Good luck.
If you are set on a "trade up" then I would suggest renting each one for a day or so to see what tickles your fancy. No matter what you buy you will probably want to do some changes too. Assuming you can see beyond those changes the trade up should be self evident, OR NOT!
My last buy I was torn between a Heritage and a Road King. The Heritage fit me like a glove. Sitting on it, it felt like it was "fitted" for me, the Road King not so much. Reading the posts in here about the usual "sore back syndrom" that the stock RK bars sometimes give the rider I opted to purchase the King knowing that the seat and bars would be among the first changes.
The long and short of it is that I bought the RK, made the changes and never looked back. I am glad that I went "bigger" and the wife absolutely loves her throne. Take the rides. Make a decision. Do the deed and enjoy the new scoot!
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