differences in road and street glide??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 60
From: Greer, South Carolina
The main difference is the fairings. Street Glide has a fork mounted batwing fairing. Road Glide has a frame mounted shark nose fairing. Some say the Road Glide fairing makes for better touring because it's less affected by wind (mounted to frame).
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
all the touring models share basic frame & drivetrain. Geometry is the same excepting that some of the "custom" models have 12" rear shocks compared to 13".
differences are in plastics and speakers, badges and wheels.
the ride experience will be different on a batwing fairing'ed bike, wind on the fairing can translate into "steering input", but the rider can tuck into the fairing in crap weather.
with the frame mounted fairing, crosswinds can require a lean into the wind to go straight...an all-day lean can crick the neck.
test riding is the only way to decide with suits you best
mike
differences are in plastics and speakers, badges and wheels.
the ride experience will be different on a batwing fairing'ed bike, wind on the fairing can translate into "steering input", but the rider can tuck into the fairing in crap weather.
with the frame mounted fairing, crosswinds can require a lean into the wind to go straight...an all-day lean can crick the neck.
test riding is the only way to decide with suits you best
mike
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 4
As previously stated the way the fairing is mounted is the big difference, also the design of the fairing is different. The Road Glide's fairing is designed with a chine nose (taken from boating designs-helps cut thru waves) at mid fairing. This design is more aerodynamic than the Street Glide Batwing. The chine splits the wind up and down and the Batwing just pushes it up and out. I would take a ride on both, I have never ridden a RG but have sit on them and the front end is super light. PM some of the RG owners on this site and get their opinions.........LOL
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,902
Likes: 29,882
From: PNW
Main difference is - one looks cool the other looks, well, fugly. 
Seriously, the only difference is the fairing, as it always has been.
I've never heard that before. But it makes sense. Very interesting.
I've ridden both and owned only batwings. Both great bikes. The air bubble is farther forward on a Road Glide and a little smaller. But you can adjust with a bigger windshield.
Seriously, the only difference is the fairing, as it always has been.I've ridden both and owned only batwings. Both great bikes. The air bubble is farther forward on a Road Glide and a little smaller. But you can adjust with a bigger windshield.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
It doesn't "require" a lean into the wind. The bike naturally leans into the wind with no input required from the rider because of the aerodynamics of the frame mounted fairing. I can ride no handed in fairly strong crosswinds, even though it freaks my wife out when I do it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 471
From: along the Front Range in Colorado
.......... i've never heard/read anyone call a Street Glide 'fugly' before ..... 
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Yeah, they shouldn't knock Street Glides.
They're not that bad, if you like that sort of bike. 
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Actually they ARE that bad. Never understood why anyone would want to ride a flat faced wall that is connected to the steering...and then say that they handle better than the Shark. HA! But hey...to each his own...i guess Harley hit a home run when they decided to drop extra hay in the field because the sheep keep coming and coming....lol.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,158
Likes: 2,565
From: CT/FL
The street glide is one of the bikes with 12" shocks that ride like a truck. IDK if the road glide is too. The passenger seat on a street glide sucks too.