Which Touring Model
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: western mass.
I currently have a 2011 Fatboy that I really love.
But I am considering switcing to a touring bike. I have done the online research and know the mechanical/options differences and I am scheduling test rides for the Road Glide Ultra and Electra Glide Classic (and the Street Glide as a more streamlined model).
What I cannot get is what I am hoping those here can provide, Personal experiences and feedback. Can someone who has transitioned from a softtail to a touring bike give me some feedback on the changes I can expect?
Thanks in advanced.
But I am considering switcing to a touring bike. I have done the online research and know the mechanical/options differences and I am scheduling test rides for the Road Glide Ultra and Electra Glide Classic (and the Street Glide as a more streamlined model).
What I cannot get is what I am hoping those here can provide, Personal experiences and feedback. Can someone who has transitioned from a softtail to a touring bike give me some feedback on the changes I can expect?
Thanks in advanced.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 992
Likes: 20
From: Arizona
I went from a 2010 Fatboy Lo to a Road Glide Custom. I could not be happier. I loved my Fatboy but because of neck issues could not take the harsh ride any longer. On a tourer you don't side down in the bike but higher up. Big difference here in Calif is it's not as easy to split traffic---saddle bags and all. You will love the cruise control and radio but I still miss my Fatboy for around town. Another big plus is the storage in the saddlebags. Make the switch, you won't regret it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,992
Likes: 653
From: bklyn,ny
! went from a dyna to a RK. I felt the batwing was too close. I felt the sharknose was too far away.I wanted to be able to be in the wind,and sometimes not, the removeable wind shield makes that possible.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 538
Likes: 3
From: Florida
all touring models have the same wheel base: 63.5"
all touring bikes of the same model year share the same chassis, drivetrain, front end, and suspension, the "custom" models have 12" rear shocks, most have 13"- so more travel.
the differences in models is the radio and the plastic hanging on them- under the skin they are all the same.
your question compares frame mounted fairing to fork mounted fairing to fork mounted with no tourpak and shorter shocks.
the entire drivetrain is rubber mounted, you will notice that at idle speeds the motor may bounce around. at speed it smooths out.
a tour pak will put about 35 pounds up high this affects handling some, a road king is the lightest at about 820 pounds, the RGU and Ultra are at about 920 pounds.
as for handling low speed or high speed, this chassis is proven and just watch a couple of videos of motor officers and you can see the bike is usually far more capable than the rider.
fairing type:
The batwing fairing allows the rider to tuck in when weather is crap.
however wind gusts are translated into "steering input", in addition the fairing unloads the front end at speeds above 85. so the front end can dance around at very high speeds...traction is reduced and the gusts can push you around- this can also be an issue riding close to the edge in mountain canyons, updrafts can affect the fairing and steering.
the RG fairing is frame mounted, wind gusts do not affect steering, but can push the whole bike within the lane(s). a steady crosswind will put you into an all- day lean into the wind just to go straight.
The cockpit is more exposed, when it rains, it pours.
all touring bikes of the same model year share the same chassis, drivetrain, front end, and suspension, the "custom" models have 12" rear shocks, most have 13"- so more travel.
the differences in models is the radio and the plastic hanging on them- under the skin they are all the same.
your question compares frame mounted fairing to fork mounted fairing to fork mounted with no tourpak and shorter shocks.
the entire drivetrain is rubber mounted, you will notice that at idle speeds the motor may bounce around. at speed it smooths out.
a tour pak will put about 35 pounds up high this affects handling some, a road king is the lightest at about 820 pounds, the RGU and Ultra are at about 920 pounds.
as for handling low speed or high speed, this chassis is proven and just watch a couple of videos of motor officers and you can see the bike is usually far more capable than the rider.
fairing type:
The batwing fairing allows the rider to tuck in when weather is crap.
however wind gusts are translated into "steering input", in addition the fairing unloads the front end at speeds above 85. so the front end can dance around at very high speeds...traction is reduced and the gusts can push you around- this can also be an issue riding close to the edge in mountain canyons, updrafts can affect the fairing and steering.
the RG fairing is frame mounted, wind gusts do not affect steering, but can push the whole bike within the lane(s). a steady crosswind will put you into an all- day lean into the wind just to go straight.
The cockpit is more exposed, when it rains, it pours.
And you cant do this on a road glide? Maybe im riding a batwing bike disguised as a shark nose because I tuck in behind my fairing all the time to stay of of the "crap weather". I also dont have that shorty windscreen on my bike anymore either. Maybe thats what you were referring to? The shorty screen? Its gotta be the reason for you to say that because I know you are basing your comments solely on experience right?
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Twin Cities
I moved from an '08 Fat Boy to a '13 Street Glide. I really loved the Fat Boy, but I found myself going on longer and longer rides and felt I was fighting the throttle a bit on the twists and turns on hills. When I sold the Fat Boy, I felt a pang of remorse when I saw it riding off, but that all ended the minute I jumped on the Street Glide and I haven't missed it since. The touring bikes are great for just chewing up miles in comfort. Probably the biggest thing I noticed was the added weight. Factory stock, the SG wasn't as quick as my FB was with V&H Big Shots was (but that can be remedied), and the added weight on the front end does take a little getting used to. The FB was more forgiving when braking during turns at very low speeds as well (which isn't a good idea anyway.) That being said, I couldn't be happier with a touring bike and don't think I'd ever be able to go back. Good luck, any of the bikes you are considering would be winners.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 107
From: Joplin, MO
Once you go there, you will never go back! It's like stepping up from a Taurus to a Cadillac. Touring bike is gonna vibrate at idle, but is smooth as silk once you raise the RPMs. Feels like a beast between your legs!
