Which Touring ?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
The easy decision that would help is to rent a couple of different touring models for 1/2 day each. Ride them, and see what feels good to you. Most dealers will give you the $$ you spend on the rental off your purchase price. Best way to know what you really like is to ride it and find out for yourself. Nobody on here will be able to tell you what you'll like. They can only tell you what they like. Huge difference.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,953
Likes: 28
From: Houston, TX
I really like my Road King!!! 
If I can keep my helmet on, I like to pull off the windshield and look at the clear blue sky and open road.... When I throw the windshield on, I get very little wind, and love the ride. I rode it 1,500 miles through Colorado on a 5 day trip. Those were not really long days, only 300 miles per day... but in all 5 days, my back, shoulders, neck, butt, etc - NOTHING hurt. I was as fresh on day 5 as I was on day 1.
If I was gonna do a fairing, it would be a Road Glide.... it is wide open, and doesn't block the view.... and man o man, are those things SMOOTH!!!!! I have't ridden a Street Glide, but I've ridden CigarCritics (forum member) - I've ridden his Road Glide, and jeepers creepers that bike is smooth!!!!
But, to each their own. Harley sells them all. So it is just all a matter of taste.
If I can keep my helmet on, I like to pull off the windshield and look at the clear blue sky and open road.... When I throw the windshield on, I get very little wind, and love the ride. I rode it 1,500 miles through Colorado on a 5 day trip. Those were not really long days, only 300 miles per day... but in all 5 days, my back, shoulders, neck, butt, etc - NOTHING hurt. I was as fresh on day 5 as I was on day 1.
If I was gonna do a fairing, it would be a Road Glide.... it is wide open, and doesn't block the view.... and man o man, are those things SMOOTH!!!!! I have't ridden a Street Glide, but I've ridden CigarCritics (forum member) - I've ridden his Road Glide, and jeepers creepers that bike is smooth!!!!
But, to each their own. Harley sells them all. So it is just all a matter of taste.
At the core they are the same bike. Just have to figure out if you want a fairing or windshield or nothing. For me I dot care for the Road Glide looks and wanted a fairing so Road King is out. I will say this, I never cared about a radio till I got one. Now don't want to ride with it off its awesome. I love the Batwing and I Love my Street Glide.
If you're looking to buy used, check out usedmotorcycles.net for some good deals on private seller postings in your area.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, NM
Depends on the look your after too, the RK is classic FLH styling and is versatile that you can have a windshield or even a take off after market bat wing. They all are the same frame and running gear.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
I was in the same situation as you. I have a 2008 Nightster 1200 and wanted something bigger for longer rides. I bought a 2013 Road Glide Custom and I love it. Highly recommend you test ride one.
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
I'm in the same boat. Just sold my 89 Sportster and picked up a 94 Ultra. I don't have the budget a lot of guys have so I had to find a deal on craigslist and make due. I have only had it 3 days (ok 1 day and 2 rainouts). So far I really like it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,996
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
I had a Road king for 3 years sold it last year bought a Ultra Limited. Sold the Limited 6 months later and am back to a King. Put a king tourpak on the back and Momma is just as comfy on both. Me on the other hand felt the Ultra handled like a semi I just could not get used to the heavy frontend of the Ultra.
The radio is a plus but being able to ride with wind in your face is a bigger one for me. Many here love the Ultra and rightfully so but you can always add speakers if you so desire for music or helmet speakers if you wear one but you can't remove the Ultra's fairing when you want to ride naked.
Long freeway trips are just as comfy with the RK windshield, soft lowers, and fork deflectors you feel like you are on an Ultra. Minus the music of course
To each their own but for me it is the Road King
The radio is a plus but being able to ride with wind in your face is a bigger one for me. Many here love the Ultra and rightfully so but you can always add speakers if you so desire for music or helmet speakers if you wear one but you can't remove the Ultra's fairing when you want to ride naked.
Long freeway trips are just as comfy with the RK windshield, soft lowers, and fork deflectors you feel like you are on an Ultra. Minus the music of course
To each their own but for me it is the Road King