I have a sportster ans want to upgrade to a touring bike so that I can go on longer more comfortable rides.

Besides the obvious of either having or not having fairings, chest, passenger backrest etc, I would like to know some of the more general difference between the following...

Road King
Road Glide
Street Glide
Electra Glide

 

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...ersion=desktop

 

I will say this about my RKC. Great as it has a fairing for colder days or long rides, but you can remove it for a cool look, back rest makes it comfortable for the passenger, has the same frame engine as the newer touring models so ride/performance is similar, you can add the tour pak for more room if needed and has leather bags that I prefer over hard bags personally but that's my preference. Oh, and I down like the radio and all the gauges in the fairing, looks like a car to me and blocks my view.

When I looked at those same models, this one worked best for me.

 

I went with the bike that I knew I would want 5 yrs from when I bought it. I bought the Ultra Limited because I figured the wife would want to go after she could see how much fun I was having. Also knew I would need as much storage as I could get with her. But, if she doesn't want to ride for awhile, You...I can always take the trunk and the lowers off. I didn't want to loose $$ a year or two later by trading up to what I have now. I love it!

 

Been there and now would like input from people.

 

I have both an 06 1200C and 2013 FLHX and can tell you that you will love the upgrade no matter what you choose.

You need to rent each of the models and see what fits you the best.

Personally, I didn't like the fit of the Road King or Road Glide for different reasons, but absolutely fell in love with the Street Glide.

 

I get that some like hard bags and some like leather. Leather looks cooler but I think the hard bags are lockable. Sure won't keep out those that want in but it reminds the honest to stay out.

I wasn't aware of the tour pak although I suppose there is a solution for anything This is good to know as I like my LONG rides and having capacity for change of clothes and such is nice to have.

 

had a Street Glide, did not like the fairing all the freakin time.

Road King is the best all around touring bike. I can take my Road King from beach cruiser to full dresser in 10 min. From fairing with tunes, tour pack and lower fairings just like an e glide. Cant take the fairing off a e glide

Road Glide, I just don't like. This bike is a love it or hate it deal. I hate it.

all the touring models ride the same minus what the fairing does to its handling.

I would suggest you rent ea for a day.. a King, a E glide and a Road Glide.

 

Ask yourself how much bike can you handle. I started 14 years ago on a sporty, 7 years and got a wide glide, 7 more mad now I'm on EG ultra classic.. I wanted all the bells and whistles. But it's what you want out of a bike. You should ride then if you can. Visibility, comfort, storage, price... Lots of things to think about. Do you have a regular passenger? I'm sure there are lots of opinions on here and they all make good points. Happy riding

 

Get the biggest model you can with your finances, as it is cheaper to make tour pak and lowers detachable than buy and attach them. Plus all the creature features are nice.