My 99 twin cam road king felt lighter than my screamin eagle electra glaide and my new SGS. It felt higher which I liked and was very comfortable. The SGS sits lowest but has a very phenomial seat and overall is very comfortable. But it is very heavy, unneedlessly so.
My 2010 Multistrada by comparison had half the weight and twice the power it would do everything well but the SGS is more comfortable.

 

My opinion ---- The new SGS is the best handling touring bike Harley ever made.
Also the BOOM is the best sound ever produced on a stock motorcycle. The difference between a Rushmore bike and the ones before and I've had 3, is significant.

 

Here's the unasked question....What's your budget?

 

Take a test ride on a few bikes, if you like a sporty bike try a Dyna Switcback, then try a
Street Glide, then try an Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Take the wife if she is going to be a
passenger most of the time, at lease go to the dealership and the two of you sit on a few
different ones. You will know what feels right for you, the new bikes ride lighter then they
are once you get rolling.

 

More good info!! My budget is enough to allow a new SG but not a lot of options. But this is a long term investment. I love my Sporty and am currently in the beginning stages of planning a trip with a buddy. No hesitation to crawl on top of the Sporty and go. Just been thinking of getting something a bit more comfortable. Been reading both the touring and Dyna threads, getting more ideas...and confusion!! I see a lot of get what you like and make it yours. All fine and well, but I'd like a good platform to start.
Guess I'll keep reading these threads, ask questions, and keep contemplating for a while. Thanks for the input....keep it coming....and i'll be back!!!
Denny

 

A street glide is a great platform to start. The problem is once you start you can't stop. Lol! Good luck on your decision

 

If you can afford a Street Glide You might want to look at Ultras or Limiteds a few model years back.You can probably get an Ultra a few years old with a detachable tour pack and have it all for the price of a newer SG.Just a thought.The Switchbacks are lighter and quicker than the FLs but the saddle bags are small and the windsheld will not be a comfortable as a real fairing and can be difficult to get a decent sound system without a fairing.

 

If your set on a touring bike i would definitely consider an 09 and up for the new frame. I ride a street glide and love it. I ride 2 up a good 60% of the time with the only issues of the ol lady whinin that her *** hurts. That bein said depending on what kinda length trips you and the mrs. do is gonna depend alot on your choice as well. The ultra will have a better seat for her and you can set it up to remove the tour pack and dress it down to the look of a street glide for your short trips and attatch the tour pack for longer trips and more luggage. She probly wont like the street glide seat without a back rest due to the downward slant. If you dont car about a radio maybe the road king would be for you if you want to have that nostalgia kind of look. Or as some have suggested maybe a dyna switchback.

 

I would go to your dealer, sit on a few, test ride anything that you like and then rent the one you think you might want to buy for a day or two. You'll learn a lot about what you like (and don't like) if you rent it for a day.

Just an FYI - coming from a Sporty, you want ABS, cruise and security on your touring bike. Trust me on this. Stay with an '09 or newer model and if you can the 2014's are simply great.

After reading your responses, you sound like you should start with the Street Glide or Street Glide Special. If going used, jump on a Road Glide Custom just to compare.

Good luck.

 

Unfortunately the more you look, the more you will see! You have two options: keep looking in the hope that you suddenly become inspired; stop, take stock, consult and decide. Involve Mrs S at all times!

Ignore all that! Look for something that meets your current needs, do not buy something for what it might become. That is for owners who have a clear idea of their future, or a lot of money, but for mere mortals, it is better to buy, ride, enjoy, then mod if the urge eventually takes you!