Touring Bike
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 894
Likes: 11
From: Canton, Oh
Street Glide is #1 seller in the H-D lineup, so lots of people find them to their liking.
As others have said, it is personal preference as to which you like best. Ride them both HOW you plan on riding them, with passenger or without, then go with your gut.
As others have said, it is personal preference as to which you like best. Ride them both HOW you plan on riding them, with passenger or without, then go with your gut.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
The batwing has been around so long because it really works at keeping the rider isolated from the wind and comfortable. I like the look of the Road King, and lighter is usually better, but if I just had to have one, It would be th street glide.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Before I had a bike with a batwing fairing, after a while I was looking forward to the next stop. Since I have had a bike with a batwing fairing, I don't want to stop and do so only out of necessity (gas, food, pee).
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 35
From: Fl
My Streetglide is my first Touring bike, I still find the fairing distracting. I've been thinking lately about a 14 Roadking, best of both worlds. If the RK came with tunes I would own one now, I've really come to enjoy rocking out on the road!
The thing I would look at is if you live in an area that has a lot of butterflies,moths etc I would choose which ever bike with a mounted or removable fairing/windshield just so you don't have to wear the bugs when you ride so either bike will work but it's your preference which is best for you.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
Call me old fashioned. I like to think of myself as a traditionalist. I like the simplicity of my RK. Especially the tank mounted speedo like the original FL's. I ride mine mostly stripped down. That is I leave the bags on but my windshield, backrest/luggage rack and T-bag off. When I go on a trip I can have it all mounted in under 5 mins. I also like the visibility of a clear windshield versus the bat wing. If you want tunes get an ipod or an aftermarket fairing with a stereo. I'm actually thinking about one myself.
Don't get me wrong the S/G is a very sharp looking bike but I find the lowered suspension makes me very uncomfortable.
The single biggest advantage of the fairing bikes is the better wind protection for your hands especially in cold weather.
I rented an Ultra for a weekend and my buddy rented a RK. We switched back and forth all weekend. I found the RK to me a more maneuverable bike especially at low speeds. He liked the Ultra better primarily for the stereo. If you can talk a friend into doing the same thing i would bet you would have your answer by the end of the weekend. It was the best $300. I ever spent.
Happy shopping.
Rev
Don't get me wrong the S/G is a very sharp looking bike but I find the lowered suspension makes me very uncomfortable.
The single biggest advantage of the fairing bikes is the better wind protection for your hands especially in cold weather.
I rented an Ultra for a weekend and my buddy rented a RK. We switched back and forth all weekend. I found the RK to me a more maneuverable bike especially at low speeds. He liked the Ultra better primarily for the stereo. If you can talk a friend into doing the same thing i would bet you would have your answer by the end of the weekend. It was the best $300. I ever spent.
Happy shopping.
Rev
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 81
From: Largo, FL
When I was shopping, I thought I wanted a RK. Until I rode them both, the fairing and stereo sold me on the Electra Glide. As others have stated, the fairing makes a HUGE difference, even over a windshield. The fairing does take a little getting used to. But I really like the extra protection from wind, rain, and bugs, and like having the gauges mounted higher and easily visible. Even with a FF helmet, you can get headsets and listen to the music. I have a headset in my 3/4 helmet for music and comms.
In your 2 options, I prefer the SG. I also recommend renting each and riding them. When you find the right one, you'll know it.
In your 2 options, I prefer the SG. I also recommend renting each and riding them. When you find the right one, you'll know it.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
For around town, the Road King is hard to beat. You can take off the windshield and strip the bike down to give you that lighter feed.
However on the road it is nice to have the additional protection that a bat wing provides. You get the full gauges and most would agree that a tach is super nice to have. The gauges are much easier to read, and more in you line of sight. Do not need to look down at the tank to read spedo or gas gauge.
The newly designed bat wing has even smoother air flow, and has spent time in Harley's wind tunnel. The new fairing slot reduces turbulence and makes the ride quieter and smoother. The radio is nice to have when you want it, while some use it more than others. You also get the GPS which is pretty handy on long trips, and much easier than getting the map out.
Protection for your hands is much better and you get a slot to plug in and charge your phone as well as a music stick.
Another reason that people like the stripped down bagger look of the Street Glide. You get the lowered look, along with a larger, custom looking low profile tired front wheel. This gets rid of the "Geezer" look of the Ultra, while still giving most of the long distance capabilities.
If you are going to be running ultra long distances, running fully loaded two up, then the Ultra is gonna be another option for you.
With all the choices, you kinda get to pick the one that most fits YOUR needs.
However on the road it is nice to have the additional protection that a bat wing provides. You get the full gauges and most would agree that a tach is super nice to have. The gauges are much easier to read, and more in you line of sight. Do not need to look down at the tank to read spedo or gas gauge.
The newly designed bat wing has even smoother air flow, and has spent time in Harley's wind tunnel. The new fairing slot reduces turbulence and makes the ride quieter and smoother. The radio is nice to have when you want it, while some use it more than others. You also get the GPS which is pretty handy on long trips, and much easier than getting the map out.
Protection for your hands is much better and you get a slot to plug in and charge your phone as well as a music stick.
Another reason that people like the stripped down bagger look of the Street Glide. You get the lowered look, along with a larger, custom looking low profile tired front wheel. This gets rid of the "Geezer" look of the Ultra, while still giving most of the long distance capabilities.
If you are going to be running ultra long distances, running fully loaded two up, then the Ultra is gonna be another option for you.
With all the choices, you kinda get to pick the one that most fits YOUR needs.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 18
From: Upstate SC
My first Harley touring bike as a RK and I loved it. When I wanted to get a newer bike I found that the additional protection of the fairing and all around ride of the fairing bikes worked well for me. I bought a 2008 ElectraGlide and now a 2010 CVO StreetGlide. I love the batwing bikes but still miss the RK at times. I wouldn't switch back but either one will make a nice choice. As for the radio, I thought I would never use it. Now I have it on probably 80 % of the time. I also wear a full face helmet. Pick what speaks to you.