All touring models share the same frame?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,990
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From: Sandy Eggo's North County
I've never owned a Harley but am looking at the touring models and it looks like they all share the same frame. Is this true? As far as handling and comfort is concerned do they all ride/handle pretty much the same?
Any wind buffeting issues with the Road Glide, Street Glide or Road King? Sorry for all the questions just researching some different bikes before I start shopping around.
Any wind buffeting issues with the Road Glide, Street Glide or Road King? Sorry for all the questions just researching some different bikes before I start shopping around.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: NE Ohio
Sure did, that's what happens when a I've had a long night with only a couple hours sleep.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Columbia SC
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Stage IV
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 2
From: Atl
Good to know and I think I might be able to rule out the King as well. I like the fairing and really want a bike with a radio. Yeah I know I can get a radio for any bike but I want the radio in the dash. I should be able to mod the suspension if I end up really liking the street or road glide right? When I say heavy I should elaborate and tell you that I'm not obese, well maybe by our stingy american standards I am 
. I weigh about 240 pounds but it's all muscle.
. I weigh about 240 pounds but it's all muscle.
Road Master
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 846
Likes: 696
From: Near Memphis
I've never owned a Harley but am looking at the touring models and it looks like they all share the same frame. Is this true? As far as handling and comfort is concerned do they all ride/handle pretty much the same?
Any wind buffeting issues with the Road Glide, Street Glide or Road King? Sorry for all the questions just researching some different bikes before I start shopping around.
Any wind buffeting issues with the Road Glide, Street Glide or Road King? Sorry for all the questions just researching some different bikes before I start shopping around.
The only thing I don't like about the King is the terrible buffeting I was getting at highway speeds, I mean my lid would bounce around so much that I couldn't read road signs. I mostly fixed that by going to an aftermarket shield, but it's still there and annoying in certain conditions. Still searching for smooth air, I took advantage of a local dealer's test ride weekends and took out four models: a Street Glide standard, an Ultra Limited (also a bat wing), a Road Glide, and a Road Glide Limited.
The batwings, surprisingly, buffeted worse than my King, though the Ultra was very slightly better. The Road Glide standard's fairing seemed to limit my view over the handlebars and the RG Limited did not (go figure, the standard's suspension is a bit lower)), but both were vastly better with regards to buffeting. I'd say that the RG Limited was the better even than my previous R1200RT and DCT Goldwing. I have pretty much decided that a Road Glide Limited is the only bike I can go to when it's time to upgrade.
PS - at 6'2", as compared to my 5'6", your experience could be vastly different. As others mentioned, you can't go by what anyone tells you, you really need to go out and ride them. My point with this post is that there is a difference between batwings vs. "shark-noses" with regards to buffeting, so do pay attention to that as you ride them.
Last edited by Pappy35; May 15, 2023 at 03:03 PM.