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[Jerry/MD]

Today I make the grand change from the Batwing fairing of the SEUC to the shark nose of the SERG. Now, I know everybody has an opinion on which is best...and it comes down to personal taste in looks, handling, etc. But, I wanna approach this in a completely different manner. In sports...when picking between two evenly matched teams...we look at which mascot is tougher. So, I ask you my CVO friends...which do you think is tougher...the Bat, or the Shark?

Now give some explanation too. Tell us why you think your critter choice is tougher. Enjoy.  

TGIF,
Jerry

[CVOThunder]

The idea behind the RG and a frame mounted fairing sounds good but I just don't care for the dash layout plus prefer the traditional look of the EG. There is more room and distance on the RG which seemed acceptable but I'm just not a fan of the dash layout. JMO

[JCZ]

I think the batwing fairing will far exceed the goldwing fairing.    

[MUFFMAN]

Rode Eglides last 10 years and never thought I'd get used to the Shark nose. Now I'dhave a hard time going back to the Bat Wing. Lot more room, and the guages seem to be at a better angle. For me anyway. Everyone's different. Rode my brothers Ultra last week and it just didn't do it for me anymore. Switched back to mine at the next gas fill.

[Fired00d]

For me it's an "appearance" aspect that keeps me from liking the shark nose fairing and it doesn't have to do with the fairing itself. With the fairing being so far away and my height being 6'3"/6'4" to get a windshield that will work (be effective) it would have to be really tall which reminds me too much of a "Winger" (IMO). For that reason and that reason alone I don't see myself going that route anytime soon.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Wild Card]

Bat vs. Shark sounds like David vs. Goliath.  That bat had better have one hell of a slingshot!   

[grandpadoc]

I've ridden both and prefer the shark because with my old presbyopic eyes the instruments are about the right distance. I'm on my sixth winshield and finally found one that keeps those pesky bats away, so the shark and its rider are no longer annoyed by those damn bats it keeps hitting.    Doc

[09bagger]

I think the batwing fairing will far exceed the goldwing fairing.    

Your wrong for that. 

[Buy early]

From a looks standpoint, I used to prefer the bat but the shark has grown on me to a point where I slightly prefer the shark. I have never ridden either one so have no experience there.

[Twolanerider]

Easy question.  Both are great.

[SBB]

Easy question.  Both are great.

For me some days it's a bat and some days it's a shark.
Regardless, either of those two days is a fun day.

 

SBB

[grandpadoc]

Easy question.  Both are great.

...especially in red. 

[GregKhougaz]

Jerry,

        With that "mascot" theory, I hope you don't spend much on sports betting!       All joking not aside, let us consider the attributes of the bat:  hairless, blind, awkward,  blood sucking, and just consider the guano (bat sh*t).  Then consider the attributes of the shark, sleek, fast, the top predator, respected and feared in its habitat, etc.  So if you are talking mascots, you get the idea.
   
GK

[OTIS]

And what about the dirty air on interstate around roadtractors batwings dont compare to the Roadglide. the diffrence between between  pushing air and cutting air.

[JCZ]

Your wrong for that.  

Just funnin 09bagger.....no offense intended.   I could have taken the defense position of "hey, I'm not the one that copied the design from Honda".   

[Jerry/MD]

I think the batwing fairing will far exceed the goldwing fairing.    

Hmmmm, the results are pretty competitive so far. Stay tuned..........

[grandpadoc]

...looks like the batwing went to the school of barn door aerodynamics and worse yet attached the barn door to the forks. I like em both but as you can tell prefer the RG.

[Jerry/MD]

Jerry,

        With that "mascot" theory, I hope you don't spend much on sports betting!       All joking not aside, let us consider the attributes of the bat:  hairless, blind, awkward,  blood sucking, and just consider the guano (bat sh*t).  Then consider the attributes of the shark, sleek, fast, the top predator, respected and feared in its habitat, etc.  So if you are talking mascots, you get the idea.
   
GK

No I don't. Just look at my mascot choices here in Maryland.......a Raven, Oriole and Turtle. Pretty whimpy.  

[MIKEYTEE]

 Have always liked the looks of the Batwing. That being said, I got rid of my Batwing for the better ride of the Shark!
The shark just fits and handles better to me.  
Mike
 

[GregKhougaz]

  Okay then:  Here is my mascot.

[9 1/2 Beers]

 Here is my mascot

[DesertHOG]

Bat drops guano on Shark
Shark eats Bat
Shark Wins

[GregKhougaz]

          Shark eats anything it damn well pleases, including Dracula.   

             

          Shark wins.   

[grandpadoc]

          Shark eats anything it damn well pleases, including Dracula.   

             

          Shark wins.   

...and pulling ahead as we post. Doc

[SBB]

This is a funny and entertaining thread.
Lets try comparing the reality of sales.
Taste is subjective but the MOCO builds bikes that are most wanted by their customers.
Since this is a CVO Screamin Eagle site let's use the "approx" production numbers the MOCO publishes for Shark nose/Batwing CVO/Screamin Eagles.
The reality of which bike consumers select as most popular is determined by sales.
Those numbers are,

Sharknose Screamin Eagles      8,900 

Batwing    Screamin Eagles    34,980

I have both, I enjoy both, but the reality of which is most popular is told by the numbers above.
Check the Harley CVO History site, even though it says the numbers are "approx" there is a clear sales leader.
But this thread is very entertaining.
No matter who eats who.

 

SBB

[1sharprdkg]

It took me a long time to "like/love" the Batwing. I feel the same as some of you other guys. Sometimes I like the Sharknose and sometimes not. I do like the Eagle graphics on some of them. I think it is the 09SERG in Silver that I like best. Not a big fan of the dash layout. I did sit on one down in Florida earlier this year, lets just say I have short arms, it was hard to reach anything even sitting still. Chances are very slim that I would change to a Sharknose any time soon. The shark is a bad azz critter, keeping with the poll.   

[Robmay]

This is a funny and entertaining thread.
Lets try comparing the reality of sales.
Taste is subjective but the MOCO builds bikes that are most wanted by their customers.
Since this is a CVO Screamin Eagle site let's use the "approx" production numbers the MOCO publishes for Shark nose/Batwing CVO/Screamin Eagles.
The reality of which bike consumers select as most popular is determined by sales.
Those numbers are,

Sharknose Screamin Eagles      8,900 

Batwing    Screamin Eagles    34,980

I have both, I enjoy both, but the reality of which is most popular is told by the numbers above.
Check the Harley CVO History site, even though it says the numbers are "approx" there is a clear sales leader.
But this thread is very entertaining.
No matter who eats who.

 

SBB

It is believed that between 25-40% now have genital herpes if you combine both types, but until they start tracking type 1 we will not know for sure. The stats change slightly each year. Doesn't mean I want them..........

[SBB]

It is believed that between 25-40% now have genital herpes if you combine both types, but until they start tracking type 1 we will not know for sure. The stats change slightly each year. Doesn't mean I want them..........

Doesn't mean I want them..........

Very true Rob!
But someone did.
34,980 customers ponied up for the bat as compared to 8,900 for the shark.
The numbers may change but for the shark nose to catch up you will have to buy a bunch.
Maybe two bunches.

 

SBB

[Robmay]

Very true Rob!
But someone did.
34,980 customers ponied up for the bat as compared to 8,900 for the shark.
The numbers may change but for the shark nose to catch up you will have to buy a bunch.
Maybe two bunches.

 

SBB

  Just funin whictcha!! 

[SBB]

Just funin whictcha!! 

I know, I know.
Back at ya!

SBB


Hey, just a thought, maybe Ken will get you another when you graduate.
 

[HogBreath]

Very true Rob!
But someone did.
34,980 customers ponied up for the bat as compared to 8,900 for the shark.
The numbers may change but for the shark nose to catch up you will have to buy a bunch.
Maybe two bunches.

 

SBB

What does WilleG ride?

There endeth the lesson.  Later--HOGBREATH

[SBB]

What does WilleG ride?

There endeth the lesson.  Later--HOGBREATH

Willie G rides?

 

SBB

[HogBreath]

A Sharknose! 

[BUCKNUT GREG]

A Sharknose! 

Hell I thought it was the Pool Boy ...Zingggggg

[JR]

For me it was about looks. I personally thought the batwing looked better, especially from the front. Now, and after riding one, the shark nose has grown on me! I love the feel of ease when manuvering the bike. I also liked the feel on a windy day or behind a truck. I like them both and would be satisfied being in the seat of either one. I was hoping for another CVO Road Glide Ultra this year. Last years Cherry was my favorite but I haven't seen a Frosted Ivory in person yet. Chip, I believe maybe there would be more sharks if the MOCO had some of the paint schemes like they have had with the batwings. I also wish they never went away with the eagle on the fairings and would like to see the eagles on the tanks like the street glides. Being a person that loves bright colors  For the 12's I was hoping to see one with a little banana in it. Low and behold there is one...in a batwing! Hmmmmmmm........

[SBB]

A Sharknose! 

Does he ride or does he sit on bikes to have pictures taken?

 

SBB

[Screamin]

What does WilleG ride?

There endeth the lesson.  Later--HOGBREATH

In 2008 he was ridin this.

[SBB]

In 2008 he was ridin this.

So much for that lesson!

 

SBB

[FLSTFI Dave]

I would say the Bat has out sold the shark for many reasons.  The number one reason is looks, and that is what puts most people in the brand to begin with.  The bat is more traditional. 

I swore I would never own a shark, it was ugly.  Then a Salesman convinced me a Shark is what I wanted, a nice long ride on one. 

That is all it took to get me into a CVO Shark.  The look has grown on me lots.

The room on the bike, the shark wins for me.  The ride in high winds, the shark wins for me.  The ride going by 18 wheelers the shark wins for me.  Slow speed in parking lots and a nice twisty road the shark wins for me.

[TN]

 



TN

[Buy early]

What does WilleG ride?

There endeth the lesson.  Later--HOGBREATH

In 2009 he rode in on this. I think he pretty much rides whatever he wants.

[Chains]

I have one of each, and to me the Shark nose feels better as the bike seems to handle better.  I do however ride the batwing more as it already had more miles on it.  I think it is the stationary fairing that I like.

[BillH]

I'm definitely a Shark guy - Took this last October in the Pacific.

Bill

[SBB]

I have one of each, and to me the Shark nose feels better as the bike seems to handle better.  I do however ride the batwing more as it already had more miles on it.  I think it is the stationary fairing that I like.

When did you get a SERG?

 

SBB

[Jerry/MD]

This is a funny and entertaining thread.
Lets try comparing the reality of sales.
Taste is subjective but the MOCO builds bikes that are most wanted by their customers.
Since this is a CVO Screamin Eagle site let's use the "approx" production numbers the MOCO publishes for Shark nose/Batwing CVO/Screamin Eagles.
The reality of which bike consumers select as most popular is determined by sales.
Those numbers are,

Sharknose Screamin Eagles      8,900 

Batwing    Screamin Eagles    34,980

I have both, I enjoy both, but the reality of which is most popular is told by the numbers above.
Check the Harley CVO History site, even though it says the numbers are "approx" there is a clear sales leader.
But this thread is very entertaining.
No matter who eats who.

 

SBB

SBB,
Thanks for the stats. To be honest, I'm not surprised. As I ride I see very few Road Glides. I think most prefer the 'classic look' of the batwing. However, it appears the Moco is going out of its way to promote the RG. Why? Who the heck knows. Maybe somebody in marketing convinced WillieG that a new approach would help sales.

BTW, I started this thread strictly for fun, no controversy intended. And.....getting back to which mascot is tougher...The Bat is no match for The Shark.

[JCZ]

SBB,
Thanks for the stats. To be honest, I'm not surprised. As I ride I see very few Road Glides. I think most prefer the 'classic look' of the batwing. However, it appears the Moco is going out of its way to promote the RG. Why? Who the heck knows. Maybe somebody in marketing convinced WillieG that a new approach would help sales.

BTW, I started this thread strictly for fun, no controversy intended. And.....getting back to which mascot is tougher...The Bat is no match for The Shark.

Oh hell......and I thought we were talkin bout motorcycles.  Now you tell me you're talkin bout mascots?

[guppytrash]

Batwing

[CVOThunder]

Question...why would a bat be anywhere a shark could eat it?   If I build a draggin' bagger I'd probably go with the shark.

[Big Dog]

My first was an E and now on my second RG, could not go back to EG as I feel RG cuts the wind better and I feel more stable at high speed on my RG than I ever did with the EG, no offence EG owners, jmo, we all have our own preferences.

[Dracula]

          Shark eats anything it damn well pleases, including Dracula.   

             

          Shark wins.   

HEY...what did I ever do to you??   

[GregKhougaz]

     Nothing personal, Dracula!  We SERG riders just get hungry!   

     Dracula gets thirsty.      (I didn't know how to make the liquid red.)

[KKM]

We love 'em all...
Never rode the "shark" but the concept of a frame mounted fairing sounds good.
Still I like the Bat Wing for looks...

Kevin

[DesertHOG]

We love 'em all...
Never rode the "shark" but the concept of a frame mounted fairing sounds good.
Still I like the Bat Wing for looks...

Kevin

Now that's a face only a mamma batwing ray could love.

[Robmay]

It is Shark Week on Discovery after all..... 

[GtreetSlide]

awwwwww... the bat needs no eyes and navigates by sofisticated sound waves, but the shark is just a fish out of water...

;-)

[Jerry/MD]

It is Shark Week on Discovery after all..... 

Yep...this thread was the perfect segway. 

[DesertHOG]

awwwwww... the bat needs no eyes and navigates by sofisticated sound waves, but the shark is just a fish out of water...

;-)

Knock Knock.. who's there? LANDSHARK!!!!

[MKW]

Knock Knock.. who's there? LANDSHARK!!!!

LANDSHARK, funny SNL referance before it was SNL-Good memories of me and my dad watching Saturday Night Live back in Chicago.  "Baseball been berry berry good to me" 

[CVOThunder]

Ah yes, the good ol' days. Jane you sleezy slut...hand me a glass of fresh bass.

[Ironhorse]

For me it's all about graphics.

I think a Batwing takes to graphics better. In fact the ONLY factory RGs that I like are the SE bikes. I for one never liked the up side down Nike Swoosh on the non CVO RGs, and I certainly did not like the Anniversary Two-Tone silver and black RG. A Batwing can take all colors in solid and look good, but I can't say the same for the RG. The Duracell looks ok on a Batwing, but Gawdawful on a RG.

[Twolanerider]

For me it's all about graphics.

I think a Batwing takes to graphics better. In fact the ONLY factory RGs that I like are the SE bikes. I for one never liked the up side down Nike Swoosh on the non CVO RGs, and I certainly did not like the Anniversary Two-Tone silver and black RG. A Batwing can take all colors in solid and look good, but I can't say the same for the RG. The Duracell looks ok on a Batwing, but Gawdawful on a RG.

Always felt similar about the misaligned swoosh Mark.  There was one old Road Glide pre-CVO that was excellent to look at though.  The 95th Anniversary bike was a good looking bike for its day.

[chaos901]

I have one of each, an '07 Ultra and a '00 SERG. Both have good points, but the winning factor might just be that in the heat the Ultra will be a lot cooler. 

Now one important factor in why so many more batwings have been sold than the others is that the did just come out with a Ultra Road Glide.  Previously you could not get it with an intercom and such, plus the seat provided used to be the worst they made for the passenger.  Road Glide is better in the wind though.   

[Midnight Rider]

Despite it feeling "bigger", the RG ergonomics fit me better for some reason.  The handlebars come back a little further it seems...or at least they do on the 2011 SERGU.  I also like having the two glove boxes on the fairing.  The only issue I have is reaching the face of the radio...it's a bit of a stretch for me, but with 32" arms and 5'8", most everything is a stretch.

The Batwing says "Classic Harley"...no doubt.  It took a while for the RG to grow on me...I had been told by a couple of different people who own both that if I ever rode a RG, I'd be hooked.  They were right.  It feels like a completely different bike because of the frame mounted fairing, and it definitely handles headwinds and truck turbulence better.  The only issue I see is it might catch a bit more wind if you were riding with a strong sidewind, but I have not experienced that yet.  If I could, I'd have one of each..but if I've got to pick one, it's the RG from here on out.

[Jerry/MD]

Despite it feeling "bigger", the RG ergonomics fit me better for some reason.  The handlebars come back a little further it seems...or at least they do on the 2011 SERGU.  I also like having the two glove boxes on the fairing.  The only issue I have is reaching the face of the radio...it's a bit of a stretch for me, but with 30" arms and 5'8", most everything is a stretch.

The Batwing says "Classic Harley"...no doubt.  It took a while for the RG to grow on me...I had been told by a couple of different people who own both that if I ever rode a RG, I'd be hooked.  They were right.  It feels like a completely different bike because of the frame mounted fairing, and it definitely handles headwinds and truck turbulence better.  The only issue I see is it might catch a bit more wind if you were riding with a strong sidewind, but I have not experienced that yet.  If I could, I'd have one of each..but if I've got to pick one, it's the RG from here on out.

X2. After my first week I am shocked at the difference between my old SEUC and the new RG. I do a great deal of highway riding and the frame mounted fairing seems to suit my needs better. As you know from my previous threads on this subject I never expected to switch. But now, I'm glad I did.  

[DesertHOG]

  Had a couple of these in Sturgis during the HD Bike Show judging.

[GregKhougaz]

LA Times, Aug. 12, '11:   Bats Cause Rabies in Humans

Knew it all along!      

[GtreetSlide]

Knock Knock.. who's there? LANDSHARK!!!!

da...daaa...da.da....da...da....da..da... BATMAN!

[RioGlide]

Shark > Bat

[CVOThunder]

I might need to rent a RG and check it out. I don't mind the outside portion of the fairing and being frame mounted is a good idea. Sure do wish they could put the EG dash styling though.

[Jerry/MD]

I might need to rent a RG and check it out. I don't mind the outside portion of the fairing and being frame mounted is a good idea. Sure do wish they could put the EG dash styling though.

Beware...a demo ride on a RG was how I got hooked. 

[Grizzly]

Depends if you want to FLY or SWIM.

Personally I have only ridden a RG a few times and could never quite get comfortable with the fixed fairing.

Many friends love their RG's, but for me it's EG all the way.

[PMG1]

Great conversation. I have owned a 07 CVO Ultra and now a CVO Road Glide. Being 6'3 I have fell in love with the RG. Faring is away from me and love the stability it has in the wind. However I like them both. Ultra has the class styling that HD stands for. I have to say while in Sturgis this year we were riding back from the Tower and on an 80 mile stretch I thought "dang" I have seen tons or RG and Jill laughed and said I was thinking the same thing.

The 09 SERG started a new trend for HD and it's gaining steam. Again I like them all and we are all blessed to have 1 or a few in some cases

[BigLew55]

Have to chime in here.  I have owned a RG and 3 batwings.  Actually, one was both.  I REALLY want to like the RG!  I like the distinctive styling.  BUT, I won't get beat by the wind for hours just to look different.   

While in Sturgis, I rode the '12 FLTRU and the FLHTK back to back. The Ultra provides far superior wind protection to the rider, and I don't know if I'll ever get my BSR to ever sit on a RG again.  In her words, she HATED it.  The Ultra was much smoother with less buffeting for me, and the BSR appriciated it as well. 

We ride a Street Glide (with and seat from an Ultra for touring) with a 10.5" HD windshield, which we switched to a 8.5" KlockWorks Flare while there.  Even with the shorter windshields on the batwing, the buffeting is much less than the FLTRU with full windshield and lowers.  I will never understand how folks ride the FLTR bikes any distance and compare them to the batwing.  I get that folks are different, but it seems like simple physics to me?  This was confirmed as I was in line when the guy who rode the FLTRU after me wanted to write a check for it on the spot.  Different strokes for different folks, indeed.

In closing, all I can really offer here is simple advice.  Test ride them both, and back to back if you can.  The best accessory I added to the '03 FLTRI that I owned was a batwing.  I wish I had taken my own advice back then.  I'm sure Fireguy can attest to this as well, as he has done the same mod to his FLTRSE3.


 
 

[MIKEYTEE]

I guess I'm from the old school BW. ( Before Windshields )
The wind buffeting doesn't bother me. I had never ridden with a windshield until 2000 when I bought my EG. So I think the RG is fine with wind, still like to feel the wind. If I want no wind I drive the cage with the windows up.
Love the stretched out comfort and handling of the RG.
Mike
 

[Midnight Rider]

I think it's harder to get the windshield height "just right" on an RG because it's further away from your line of vision.  Plus, and I'll probably get some flak over this...I think it's better suited to a FF helmet so that your head becomes part of the airstream, and not a parachute, like a half helmet.  Plus, those black plastic things that go between the lowers and the upper frame to help break the vacuum behind the screen make a difference too, IMO.  The stock shield on the SERGU didn't cut it for me, as I'm 5'8" and my BSR is 5'3"...so, I installed a 14" Cee Bailey.  It was OK on flat ground, but when I went up an incline, the top was in my line of sight.  Fortunately, Cee Bailey gives you one free cut down, so mine is now on it's way back to CA to be cut down an inch, which I think will be perfect.  Plus, I wear a FF all the time, as does my BSR.

Both styles have their advantages/disadvantages with regards to functionality, and then there's the look...

[RioGlide]

Great conversation. I have owned a 07 CVO Ultra and now a CVO Road Glide. Being 6'3 I have fell in love with the RG. Faring is away from me and love the stability it has in the wind. However I like them both. Ultra has the class styling that HD stands for. I have to say while in Sturgis this year we were riding back from the Tower and on an 80 mile stretch I thought "dang" I have seen tons or RG and Jill laughed and said I was thinking the same thing.

The 09 SERG started a new trend for HD and it's gaining steam. Again I like them all and we are all blessed to have 1 or a few in some cases

I had the same experience out there - from nowhere, all of a sudden sharks are showing up in big numbers.  The bats have had more models to choose from historically but it seems that the Moco is showing the RG a lot more love lately and sales have picked up a lot just judging from my eyeball analysis.

Plus I saw a ton of RG custom bijes (not the official HD custom - I mean radical customs) based on the shark.  Seems to be the current fave in this crowd - the long lines help a lot.

I'll post pics if I can figure out how to put them up from this ipad.

[DesertHOG]

Somewhat Radical Shark........

[2k]

For me its about looks......for some reason the shark looks disconnected from the rest of the scooter.

[DesertHOG]

For me its about looks......for some reason the shark looks disconnected from the rest of the scooter.

We all have different tastes. For me the shark looks the better package and the bat looks squat nosed and funky. Via la difference!

[2k]

EXACTLY, D.H. Thats why they make different kinds. as always.....Ride What U Want!!!!!

[Spiderman]

I think what you're going to see on this thread is a bunch of people trying to come up with technical support for what is purely an asthetic choice. The batwing fairing has the classic H-D look that's been around forever. My 1st full size H-D was an 84 Electra-Glide and it had just a shell of a batwing that came off as easily as a Road King windshield. I do believe that shell would most likely fit a 2012. So people like the look of the batwing and you know when you see it instantly that it's what used to be called "King of the Road" hence later on down the line H-D coming out with a model named "Road King"  
Technically speaking, you cannot support a batwing over a sharknose. The batwing is bolted to the front end and you can feel that weight as well as the effect on handling of wind against it. If you've ever ridden a batwing in high cross winds and also have ridden a shark nose in high cross winds you will never try to convince anyone the batwing is better. Buffeting Schmuffeting - - if you chose the correct height windshield, you won't feel anything. No wind, no nothing. The weight of the sharknose is carried by the frame and it shows in handling. I've had two Road Glides and have never experienced high speed wobble with either. Sure as hell has experienced it with an Electra-Glide. When you are in heavy winds there's no doubt that GOD has his hands on your handlebars with an EG. On an RG, the feeling is that you being nudged a bit by the Great Biker in the Sky. Maybe a little reminder as to who's running the show vice a huge slap upside the head. The entire RG experince for long distance riding is superior to any EG ever made. And that's speaking technically.
Now, do I prefer the looks of the batwing over the sharknose ?  HELL YES !  I'd love to own an 04 Black and Blue or an 05 Banana. Gorgeous motorcycles. And the 2011 CVO Street Glide in black/orange is about as pretty as they come. So before anyone tries to put down what I'm saying because I ride a Road Glide and not an Electra-Glide hear me. I THINK THE ELECTRA GLIDE IS BY FAR BETTER LOOKING.

BUT - - - you can't beat the ride of a Road Glide. Not when you're running the 3,330 miles of highway that I do between Dago and Maine or any other ride of more than a day. Sure, a long day ride on an EG is nice. But if you're gonna get into who knows what for 5, 6. 7 days in a row, you want the RG. Beyond argument, the better handling of the two. I don't know how anyone can even think it's a close comparison. It's not.  The sharknose is a long miler, the batwing a day tripper

B B
     PS, not  to be an arrogant prick, but if you're going to argue with me on this one please do it from the standpoint of having ridden both types for at least 5 consecutive days through all kinds of weather. NOT from having ridden a buddy's bike for awhile on a day trip etc etc.

    

[SneakyPete]

Just an observation while riding to Sturgis a couple years back, seemed once I got west of the Mississippi, The number of RG versus EG increased substantially.  My guess they are a better open road bike, therefore more popular out west?

I own an EG, but have ridden the RG and I love it. More wind passes around the windshield, but otherwise I would buy one as my next HD.

[SBB]

This thread is fun.
Lots of opinions, not many facts.
Lots of passion showing through these post.
My opinion is that Road Glides are great.
My other opinion is that Electra Glides are great.
I own both and both are different.
The only fact I present in this post is, both are fun to ride.
Just not sure which one I will ride today.
But it will be one of them.
 
Or maybe one of these.
They are the most fun we ever had going slow.

 

SBB

[BigLew55]

Technically speaking, you cannot support a batwing over a sharknose. The batwing is bolted to the front end and you can feel that weight as well as the effect on handling of wind against it. If you've ever ridden a batwing in high cross winds and also have ridden a shark nose in high cross winds you will never try to convince anyone the batwing is better.

Buffeting Schmuffeting - - if you chose the correct height windshield, you won't feel anything. No wind, no nothing. The weight of the sharknose is carried by the frame and it shows in handling. I've had two Road Glides and have never experienced high speed wobble with either.

Sure as hell has experienced it with an Electra-Glide. When you are in heavy winds there's no doubt that GOD has his hands on your handlebars with an EG. On an RG, the feeling is that you being nudged a bit by the Great Biker in the Sky. Maybe a little reminder as to who's running the show vice a huge slap upside the head.

The entire RG experince for long distance riding is superior to any EG ever made. And that's speaking technically.


Now, do I prefer the looks of the batwing over the sharknose ?  HELL YES !  I'd love to own an 04 Black and Blue or an 05 Banana. Gorgeous motorcycles. And the 2011 CVO Street Glide in black/orange is about as pretty as they come. So before anyone tries to put down what I'm saying because I ride a Road Glide and not an Electra-Glide hear me. I THINK THE ELECTRA GLIDE IS BY FAR BETTER LOOKING.

BUT - - - you can't beat the ride of a Road Glide. Not when you're running the 3,330 miles of highway that I do between Dago and Maine or any other ride of more than a day. Sure, a long day ride on an EG is nice. But if you're gonna get into who knows what for 5, 6. 7 days in a row, you want the RG. Beyond argument, the better handling of the two. I don't know how anyone can even think it's a close comparison. It's not.  The sharknose is a long miler, the batwing a day tripper

B B
     PS, not  to be an arrogant prick, but if you're going to argue with me on this one please do it from the standpoint of having ridden both types for at least 5 consecutive days through all kinds of weather. NOT from having ridden a buddy's bike for awhile on a day trip etc etc.

    

As I stated in other posts, I have owned both and have done 1000 mile days behind both, and the absolute difference between our opinions of them baffles me.  I put 10,000 miles on the sharknose, then switched that bike to a batwing, and added another 12K.  It made the bike infinitely more rideable, especially for the long days.  Yes, I tried the gamut of windshields, and no, they didn’t help.  I tried the Corbin seat to sit me lower, but the buffeting still beat me up.  My BSR is WAY more animated about her preference than I am, too.   Even this handling advantage you speak of is minor.  I will acknowledge a slight difference, but from my point of view, only slight.

So, I understand different strokes for different folks.  You folks are steadfast in your opinions, but that is what they are, not fact. 

[Hawg]

As I stated in other posts, I have owned both and have done 1000 mile days behind both, and the absolute difference between our opinions of them baffles me.  I put 10,000 miles on the sharknose, then switched that bike to a batwing, and added another 12K.  It made the bike infinitely more rideable, especially for the long days.  Yes, I tried the gamut of windshields, and no, they didn’t help.  I tried the Corbin seat to sit me lower, but the buffeting still beat me up.  My BSR is WAY more animated about her preference than I am, too.   Even this handling advantage you speak of is minor.   I will acknowledge a slight difference, but from my point of view, only slight.

So, I understand different strokes for different folks.  You folks are steadfast in your opinions, but that is what they are, not fact. 

Was this on the RG?

[DesertHOG]

This thread is fun.
Lots of opinions, not many facts.
Lots of passion showing through these post.
My opinion is that Road Glides are great.
My other opinion is that Electra Glides are great.
I own both and both are different.
The only fact I present in this post is, both are fun to ride.
Just not sure which one I will ride today.
But it will be one of them.
 
Or maybe one of these.
They are the most fun we ever had going slow.

 

SBB

Nothing quite like a scooter. Right Chip?

[Twolanerider]

Just reread this thread in its entirety (ok, not really, but did get a kick out of the pic of Chip on the pink scooter [but I digress].  Having both here to ride all the time I should have an opinion on this question that is both relevant and profound.  I don't though.  So never mind. 

[cvobiker]

This thread is fun.
Lots of opinions, not many facts.
Lots of passion showing through these post.
My opinion is that Road Glides are great.
My other opinion is that Electra Glides are great.
I own both and both are different.
The only fact I present in this post is, both are fun to ride.
Just not sure which one I will ride today.
But it will be one of them.
 
Or maybe one of these.
They are the most fun we ever had going slow.

 

SBB

Its funny you posted this, my wife and I just decided to get us a pair of Scooters, maybe the Vinos, but not yet decided.  We spent a lot of time hiking on trails in Del Norte and getting to them from our base camp is a PITA.. We noted a lot of folks using Scooters and the idea caught on... So hopefully by our next planned camp out we're taking our new Scooters with us..  Some of these get like 95 mph.. WOW.. not bad..  

[SBB]

Nothing quite like a scooter. Right Chip?

Damn right DH!
It's funny when people look at that picture.
Some see me on the scooter.
Some see the pictures on the wall behind the scooter.
Either way, we had a blast.
Here's another picture from the same place-->    http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=66096.0
Post # 5.

 

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[SBB]

Its funny you posted this, my wife and I just decided to get us a pair of Scooters, maybe the Vinos, but not yet decided.  We spent a lot of time hiking on trails in Del Norte and getting to them from our base camp is a PITA.. We noted a lot of folks using Scooters and the idea caught on... So hopefully by our next planned camp out we're taking our new Scooters with us..  Some of these get like 95 mph.. WOW.. not bad..  

We have a blast with them.
As I said, "it's the most fun we ever had going slow."
Then there's those that think me and Nancy have a DUI and have lost our license.
Those scooter have been all over Charlotte, Daytona, Myrtle Beach and Gatlinburg.
And your right, 90 to 100 MPG.


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[BigLew55]

Was this on the RG?

  Sorry for the ambiguity.  Yes, the comments were in reference to the shortcomings of the RG.

Chip, I have to say that picture made me more than a little uncomfortable! 

[DesertHOG]

Damn right DH!
It's funny when people look at that picture.
Some see me on the scooter.
Some see the pictures on the wall behind the scooter.
Either way, we had a blast.
Here's another picture from the same place-->    http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=66096.0
Post # 5.

 

SBB


  That gal's grabbing gusto!