I test rode the SG before buying the king and the wind buffeting didn't work for my height and I don't need a radio, I want to hear the motor which to me is therapy.

 

Just thought I would give an update. I finally had the time to do some test rides last week. I test rode a 2012 Road Glide and a 2011 Street Glide. Both bikes were great and very similar. I did have some issues with the dealer I visited allowing me to ride the floor model which is why I took the used bikes for a ride. Yes I could have rented but I'm a cheap bastard! Anyway, being able to ride a few bikes with some miles on them provided me with some good info as to how well the bikes were holding up. Both bikes ran very well, but I did find the transmission to be a bit cluncky on the 2011. Also both bikes felt under-powered compared to the Victory I rode just a few weeks earlier. I hate to say it but I was a little disappointed and for me the HD didn't wow me like I was hoping it would.

After a few days of mulling things over I stopped by the Vic dealer and took a XC Tour for a ride. With the HD fresh in my mind I was able to make a really good comparison between the bikes and at the end of the day the Victory won me over. I'm excited to say that I'll be taking delivery of my new 2013 XCT at the end of the week. I got the extended warranty for 5 years @ $300.00 and we'll see how she holds up. I know the resale value won't be as good if decide to sell but I really think I'll be hanging onto it for a good long time just like I did with other bikes I've owned. Quality, fit and finish seemed pretty much on par with the HD's I've looked at.

I appreciate the guidance and the help here. Looks like I'll be joining a Vic forum. Thanks again for the info and keep the rubber side down.

Jim

 

Enjoy the ride!

 

I have owned a 1988 Electra Glide, a 1997 Electra Glide, a 1989 Electra Glide & I've test driven a 2013 Electra Glide.

-The 88 & 89 are very surprisingly nimble, stable as well as very comfortable.....awesome bikes.

-The 1997 was comfortable, but felt "squishy squashy" in the corners and on the highway.....I personally hated it

The 2013 was very stable, and comfortable. It seemed heavier than the others though and not as nimble.....probably due to the extra engine weight I suppose.

Note, from my understanding and research:

1984-94 - same frame
1995-96 - same frame
1997-06 - same frame
2007-08 - same frame
2009-13 - same frame

 

Check with your Harley Dealer but if you are a shorter person there is an option "B" frame for the 2009 and newer touring bikes. It lowers the seating position but has the same wheelbase and takes the larger rear tire. It does limit you on seat choice from what I have been told.

 

What happened to 2009 and 2010? AFAIK, the frames are the same from 2009 to 2013. Also, I wasn't aware of any significant engine weight increases? How much heavier did they get?

Dave

 

OOPs typo! you are correct 2009-2013...I will correct my post.

I'm not sure about the weight.......just felt heavier to my dum-***.

 

Basically the following what I know about the frames Harley-Davidson used on the FL family.

The FL was introduced to the Harley-Davidson model line in 1941 with a 74 cu in (1,210 cc) version of the "Knucklehead" OHV engine. The FL shared its frame with the EL (using a 61 cid Knucklehead) and with the U and UL, which used a 74 cubic inch flathead engine. They used a "Springer" type front end. The FL continued relatively unchanged until 1948, when it and the EL were given redesigned "Panhead" engines. In 1949, a year after receiving the "Panhead" engine, the FL was given a new front suspension and a model name to go along with it. In honor of their first production motorcycle with hydraulically damped telescopic forks, the FL was officially called the Hydra-Glide. 1952 was the last year of the 61 cu in (1,000 cc) EL, making the FL the last remaining large-frame model. The frame was basically the same through all the early FL model years.

The FL model was given a new frame in 1958 and called the Duo Glide. This frame included a rear swing arm suspended by a pair of coil-over-shock suspension units. In honor of this fully suspended chassis, the FL's model name was changed from Hydra-Glide to Duo-Glide. In 1965, the final year of the "Panhead" engines, the name changed to Electra Glide and came equipped with electric starters. Beginning with the 1966 model year the motor changed to the Shovelhead, but kept the same frame. Beginning with in 1971 the FX (Super Glide) was introduced. The FX mated the FL frame with the forks of the XL Sportster, with buckhorn handlebars. The Shovelhead equipped FL models kept the same frame until the end of production in 1984.

The FLT Tour Glide was introduced with a new frame in 1979 still using the Shovelhead motor (as a 1980 model). Sold alongside the existing FLH Electra Glide, the FLT had a Different (larger) frame with rubber engine mounts, fork down tubes mounted behind the steering head, a five-speed transmission, the 80 cu in (1,300 cc) engine, and a frame-mounted fairing. The FLHT was introduced in 1983. This was an Electra Glide based on the FLT Tour Glide frame, but using the Electra Glide "Batwing" fairing instead of the Tour Glide frame-mounted fairing. With the end of the Shovelhead/4 Speed Transmission FLH in 1985 (Some Police model Shovelhead FLH models were sold in 1985), all Touring models thereafter used the FLT/FLHT frame with the new EVO motor. Ironically, the FLT Tour Glide, which introduced the "Rubber Mount" Touring frame, was dropped from the lineup in 1996. The frame-mounted Tour fairing would return with the FLTR Road Glide in 1998. 1998 was the last year for the EVO motor on FLHT/FLT models. Beginning with the 1999 model year saw the introduction of the Twin Cam 88 cid motor. But using the same "Rubber Mount" frame.

The FLHT/FLT (Rubber Mount Frame) basically remained the same, but with minor changes, until the introduction of the new frame beginning in 2009. There are frame years that limit their use to certain year groups. The following frames year groups can be interchanged. 1980-1992, 1993-1995 (oil tank moved under the Transmission and battery under the seat), 1996-2007 (Rear brake master cylinder moved outside the frame rails forward of foot board, Frame widen to accommodate new battery). 2008 is a solo year due to major changes on the frame to accomadate the 6 gallon fuel tank and different seat.

For the 2009 model year, Harley-Davidson redesigned the entire touring frame. The changes included a new frame with a completely revised engine-mounting system, new swing arm, 17-inch front wheels for all models (except the Road King Classic), and a 2-1-2 exhaust that passes the cross over exhaust pipe under the frame. The changes result in greater load carrying capacity, better handling, a smoother engine, longer range and less exhaust heat transmitted to the rider and passenger. This frame has remained unchanged through the current model year (2013).

Also released in the FL Touring range for the 2009 model year was the FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic, the first three-wheeled Harley-Davidson since the Servi-Car was discontinued in 1973. This model features basiclly the same frame, but uses a different end assembly that bolts to the rear of the main frame. In the 2009 introduction it used a 103 cid engine exclusive to the trike. But beginning with later years the 103 cid motor was an option and then standard on most FL models.

I believe this is all correct information, but if I am wrong, someone will post about it. I hope this helped.

 

I've had two SGs which I love for a whole lot of reasons. And I'm your size and have had no issues with the suspension but I ride solo. RG selections, as state, will be used, no new ones right now. RKs are very cool for customizing, going "old school" with fishtails, whitewalls, etc but a windshield is NOT same as a fairing. Don't want to put a bug in your mind but a test ride is mandatory. I thought I wanted a RG but (my issue) I just couldn't get get my brain wrapped around the visible portion of the bike fairing being pointed one way and the front wheel going another. Good luck.

 

More info as quoted from Wiki:

Touring

See also: Harley-Davidson FL
The touring family, also known as "dressers", includes Road King, Road Glide, and Electra Glide models offered in various trim. The Road Kings have a "retro cruiser" appearance and are equipped with a large clear windshield. Road Kings are reminiscent of big-twin models from the 1940s and 1950s. Electra Glides can be identified by their full front fairings. Most Electra Glides sport a fork-mounted fairing referred to as the "Batwing" due to its unmistakable shape. The Road Glide and Road Glide Ultra Classic have a frame-mounted fairing, referred to as the "Sharknose". The Sharknose includes a unique, dual front headlight.
Touring models are distinguishable by their large saddlebags, rear coil-over air suspension and are the only models to offer full fairings with radios and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_Band_radio. All touring models use the same frame, first introduced with a Shovelhead motor in 1980, and carried forward with only modest upgrades until 2009, when it was extensively redesigned. The frame is distinguished by the location of the steering head in front of the forks and was the first H-D frame to rubber mount the drivetrain to isolate the rider from the vibration of the big V-twin.
The frame was modified for the 1994 model year when the oil tank went under the transmission and the battery was moved inboard from under the right saddlebag to under the seat. In 1997, the frame was again modified to allow for a larger battery under the seat and to lower seat height. In 2007, Harley-Davidson introduced the 96 cubic inches (1,570 cubic centimetres)[104] Twin Cam 96 engine, as well the six-speed transmission to give the rider better speeds on the highway.
In 2006, Harley introduced the FLHX Street Glide, a bike designed by Willie G. Davidson to be his personal ride, to its touring line.[105]
In 2008, Harley added anti-lock braking systems and cruise control as a factory installed option on all touring models (standard on CVO and Anniversary models).[106] Also new for 2008 is the 6-US-gallon (23 l; 5.0 imp gal) fuel tank for all touring models. 2008 also brought throttle-by-wire to all touring models.
For the 2009 model year, Harley-Davidson has redesigned the entire touring range with several changes, including a new frame, new swingarm, a completely revised engine-mounting system, 17-inch (430 mm) front wheels for all but the FLHRC Road King Classic, and a 2–1–2 exhaust. The changes result in greater load carrying capacity, better handling, a smoother engine, longer range and less exhaust heat transmitted to the rider and passenger.[107][108] Also released for the 2009 model year is the FLHTCUTG Tri-Glide Ultra Classic, the first three-wheeled Harley since the Servi-Car was discontinued in 1973. The model features a unique frame and a 103-cubic-inch (1,690 cc) engine exclusive to the trike.[109]