batwing vs sharknose
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 300
Likes: 6
From: South Carolina
I test rode a RG today and at first the bike feels quite a bit differant. There is no weight on the steering but more on the frame so the bike feels more top heavy sitting still. I also tended to over steer a bit at slow speeds. Once rolling I noticed a good amount of wind hitting my face and ears. There's almost no wind shield in front of you and the dealer mentioned adding a wind splitter takes care of the wind. You do have a couple of compartments on each side of the fairing that seem to be the right size for glasses. The look is the thing.
Billy
Billy
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
the stock windshield is purely for looks. for function, i have a 12'' winsplitter. looks good, works fine for me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, Georgia
I have owned both, a 2008 police glide and my current 2012 rgc. Its not even a comparison between the two. Shark nose all the way. I will admit I was one of the biggest haters of a shark nose. I couldn't stand the look. Then I messed up and sat on one. Then I made a bigger mistake and rode one. The rest is history. As far as the short windshield, why would anyone even mention that as an issue when it can be replaced? Needless to say I replaced mine. Last week, I went to the dealer to get some parts and I sat on a batwing and since having the roadie so long, I felt like I was sitting ON the batwing instead of in the bike. That's how I feel with my road glide, feels like in sitting in it, almost like im sitting in a coupe or fighter jet. That faring is like a cockpit to me. And yes my lady complained about the buffeting, but so what. I got her a full face and the eventually got her a harley too. Besides, I didnt buy it for her anyways. And as far as handling goes, anyone that says it dont make a difference can try this...take a 35 pound weight and attach it to your handlebars and then go ride and let me know if the handling changes. I bet 99 out of 100 will say it will and the last one you just assume is lying. Good luck with whatever decision you make tho and happy riding.
I've owned both for multiple years each. I currently have a 2011 CVO RG Ultra. My next bike will be back to a batwing. I never had any issues with handling with my batwing bikes. The main issue I have is the weather protection. I'm not a strictly fair weather rider so I get caught in the rain plenty. On the RG, I get soaked much, much more than on the batwing. Even with both having lowers. One other thing. Maybe it's just the CVO gauges, but I can't read the gauges on the RG when it's sunny out. They are laid back at an angle that catches the sun.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I had a sharknose. Loved it after a road king! The wife quit riding and I got a rigid, then road king. Found a good deal on my current batwing and figured it can't be much worse than the old roadie. Man was I wrong! I haven't solved the buffet problem. The front is super heavy at low speed. Plus the front gets unstable over 80 and this '09 wobbles worse than my old '94 road king? I'm really thinking of putting a shark nose on it.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I've read a lot of threads about this but I'm gonna ask anyway. I know the sharknose is frame mounted and gives a more stable ride. For those who have ridden both, how much of a difference does it REALLY make.
Is it only when passing large vehicles at slab speed?
Does the batwing start giving grief at high speeds and if so, when ie 60 mph, 70, 80?
What percentage of your riding time does the sharknose make a difference
After hitting a bikeshow yesterday I'm leaning toward the batwing but I want some final experienced opinions before I pull the trigger.
Thanks for your patience and help
JW
Is it only when passing large vehicles at slab speed?
Does the batwing start giving grief at high speeds and if so, when ie 60 mph, 70, 80?
What percentage of your riding time does the sharknose make a difference
After hitting a bikeshow yesterday I'm leaning toward the batwing but I want some final experienced opinions before I pull the trigger.
Thanks for your patience and help
JW
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
OP, consider if you want your headlight to move for very low speed maneuvers like parking at night (minor, I admit), also having he radio controls closer to you and the power outlet moving with the bars.
The shark nose offers more stock illumination and storage up front. It is also easier to change the handlebars.
By all accounts the shark is better in a crosswind and has lighter steering. However it is also heavier and raises the center of gravity.
Both would turn identical lap times on a track and if anyone claims one is more aerodynamic than the other they better provide real data.
Hand position and helmet can make big differences in buffeting. We have 13" apes, a 8" curved windshield and the lower fork baffle and there is no buffeting.
Funny, your cockpit description is the exact opposite of the actual design of both bikes from a fairing placement perspective. Being identical bikes otherwise, the handlebars can play as much with the "in" vs. "on" sensation as well. Also the seat.
For us, passenger wind protection was very important.
The SG steering is VERY light, also handlebar dependent and I have NO desire for the RG whatsoever despite having ridden in serious crosswinds. In fact, I was bothered FAR more by not having lowers than any steering issue. Again, apes can make a difference from that respect.
The shark nose offers more stock illumination and storage up front. It is also easier to change the handlebars.
By all accounts the shark is better in a crosswind and has lighter steering. However it is also heavier and raises the center of gravity.
Both would turn identical lap times on a track and if anyone claims one is more aerodynamic than the other they better provide real data.
Hand position and helmet can make big differences in buffeting. We have 13" apes, a 8" curved windshield and the lower fork baffle and there is no buffeting.
Last week, I went to the dealer to get some parts and I sat on a batwing and since having the roadie so long, I felt like I was sitting ON the batwing instead of in the bike. That's how I feel with my road glide, feels like in sitting in it, almost like im sitting in a coupe or fighter jet. That faring is like a cockpit to me. And yes my lady complained about the buffeting, but so what.
And as far as handling goes, anyone that says it dont make a difference can try this...take a 35 pound weight and attach it to your handlebars and then go ride and let me know if the handling changes. I bet 99 out of 100 will say it will and the last one you just assume is lying. Good luck with whatever decision you make tho and happy riding.
And as far as handling goes, anyone that says it dont make a difference can try this...take a 35 pound weight and attach it to your handlebars and then go ride and let me know if the handling changes. I bet 99 out of 100 will say it will and the last one you just assume is lying. Good luck with whatever decision you make tho and happy riding.
For us, passenger wind protection was very important.
The SG steering is VERY light, also handlebar dependent and I have NO desire for the RG whatsoever despite having ridden in serious crosswinds. In fact, I was bothered FAR more by not having lowers than any steering issue. Again, apes can make a difference from that respect.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Just lost all credibility with that statement. Last I checked the rgc was lighter that the street glide, 817 lbs. vs. 823 lbs. So that statement was a lie. Also, the argument about the radio controls being closer is a wash because we have radio controls on our handlebars. Or maybe batwings dont have that feature? Maybe me saying that is like saying the roadie is heavier? Lol...
Last edited by Eshaw301; Jan 20, 2013 at 10:09 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
Just lost all credibility with that statement. Last I checked the rgc was lighter that the street glide, 817 lbs. vs. 823 lbs. So that statement was a lie. Also, the argument about the radio controls being closer is a wash because we have radio controls on our handlebars. Or maybe batwings dont have that feature? Maybe me saying that is like saying the roadie is heavier? Lol...
2013s:
Weight, As Shipped 783 lb. 809 lb.
Weight, In Running Order 811 lb. 838 lb.
Second, the hand controls don't control all the features of the radio, such as when having the iPod interface for selecting playlists, etc.
Maybe that is me saying learn your bike a little better.
Granted, there are still some other unexplained discrepancies. Such as the SG having a lower ground clearance yet same lean angle and seat height. Doesn't make sense.
Last edited by Deuuuce; Jan 20, 2013 at 10:42 PM.
