Road King vs Electra Glide
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 341
Likes: 16
From: Michigan
Road King vs Electra Glide
I considering getting either a Road King or Electra Glide next year. I've always road a Super Glide (which I love) but the wife is really getting into it and wants to take more long rides. The Dyna just doesn't cut it for long distance two up riding so I'm thinking touring bike.
Other than the fairing is there a big difference in ride quality and handling? My wife broke her tail bone years ago and she still has trouble going more very far without stopping.
Would the EG be better for her or is there not much difference between the two?
Other than the fairing is there a big difference in ride quality and handling? My wife broke her tail bone years ago and she still has trouble going more very far without stopping.
Would the EG be better for her or is there not much difference between the two?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
I went from a Dyna to a Limited.If you're not sure that's what you want don't let your wife sit on one.Nothing short of a Goldwing even comes close.Yes you can put a tour pack on a Road King and the comfort will be about the same but it will look like a Road King with a tour pack.Now on the other hand if you want the capability to strip it down to a basic cruiser with a bunch of quick detach add-ons the Road King is the way to go.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,555
Likes: 119
From: Brockport, NY
Pricing is another subject you'd want to think it over. Road King with so many detachables and a better seat would cost you a fortune while Ultra or Limited got everything for a price you're looking for.
Bottom Line, Both bikes are good. Used to own a '06 Road King Classic and currently own a '09 Ultra Classic. The one and only reason why I upgraded is just because I wanted more storage which keeps my stuff dry at all times.
Thorey
Bottom Line, Both bikes are good. Used to own a '06 Road King Classic and currently own a '09 Ultra Classic. The one and only reason why I upgraded is just because I wanted more storage which keeps my stuff dry at all times.
Thorey
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
I just picked up my 05 Ultra a few weeks ago. Road my buddies 08 RK a few times and loved it.
To me....it came down to long distance, comfort and storage.
As said, you can put a batwing on a RK, you can get the tour pack, you can get the lower fairings...etc.
By the time it's said and done....you could start out with an EG.
Since you mentioned long distance and 2 up, my vote is EG.
If you tooled around town more...and rode solo more, I'd say RK.
To me....it came down to long distance, comfort and storage.
As said, you can put a batwing on a RK, you can get the tour pack, you can get the lower fairings...etc.
By the time it's said and done....you could start out with an EG.
Since you mentioned long distance and 2 up, my vote is EG.
If you tooled around town more...and rode solo more, I'd say RK.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,468
Likes: 4
From: South Carolina
you dont see many road kings on their side with a guy trying to push it up with his butt against the seat and his wife pulling from the other side while traffic is stopped waiting on them. The Ultra traffic jam.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
They're both fine bikes.You live in Michigan,I like that the batwing and lowers make early Spring and late Fall riding a bit more comfortable.My wife really loves the stock Ultra seat and tourpak backrest combo.Tourpaks on Road Kings look and work just fine.
Buying new ? Road King can still has an air cooled motor (which I prefer) No music on the King but I wouldn't miss having tunes at all.Now that they've changed the wheels the new Kings are in my opinion the best looking bike in the Touring line.
Buying new ? Road King can still has an air cooled motor (which I prefer) No music on the King but I wouldn't miss having tunes at all.Now that they've changed the wheels the new Kings are in my opinion the best looking bike in the Touring line.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
What's your priority? Storage and tunes, or the ability to quickly strip it down to a cruiser? Both are great bikes. I like simple, so the King won out for me. There's no downside to either, but different options to think about.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 653
Likes: 116
From: Texas
I've owned (2) RK and EG since the RK first came out in the mid 90s. Prior to the RK I rode FXRs. I bought a 13 Road Glide and like it too.
To me the RK is a versatile touring / cruiser bike with good handling manners- not a lot of stuff like fairing, radio tour box and etc. very retro bike.
The EGs are touring bikes period- the only thing you can take off is the tour box if its not a SG. If all - most of your miles are going to be 2-up long mileage trips the EGs are good.
In the end if you think you want music, communication the EGs have the factory edge - or you can add a fairing - radio to the RK, a tour box and pull it all off when you want. In the past the biggest difference between aftermarket and factory radio was the thumb controls for volume and program changing - I understand that there may be some aftermarket choices available.
Lots of choices - have fun - either way they are both good rides.
To me the RK is a versatile touring / cruiser bike with good handling manners- not a lot of stuff like fairing, radio tour box and etc. very retro bike.
The EGs are touring bikes period- the only thing you can take off is the tour box if its not a SG. If all - most of your miles are going to be 2-up long mileage trips the EGs are good.
In the end if you think you want music, communication the EGs have the factory edge - or you can add a fairing - radio to the RK, a tour box and pull it all off when you want. In the past the biggest difference between aftermarket and factory radio was the thumb controls for volume and program changing - I understand that there may be some aftermarket choices available.
Lots of choices - have fun - either way they are both good rides.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
as the Dyna platform has it's variations, so does the touring frame.
If the passengers comfort is a prime mover, then the back support of the tourpak and a cushy seat could make the decision for you.
if you get an Ultra or Limited, that gives her some control of the radio which she may like
test ride is in order
the RK is probably 50 pounds lighter so a little easier at low speeds- and that weight is carried high on the EG.
Mike
If the passengers comfort is a prime mover, then the back support of the tourpak and a cushy seat could make the decision for you.
if you get an Ultra or Limited, that gives her some control of the radio which she may like
test ride is in order
the RK is probably 50 pounds lighter so a little easier at low speeds- and that weight is carried high on the EG.
Mike