Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[GtreetSlide]

If you have owned both, which do you like the best and why?

jb

[BigLew55]

If you have owned both, which do you like the best and why?

jb

I actually bought a 2003 FLTRI and after 2 years of enduring the funnel reffered to as a fairing, I changed it to a batwing.  Best $1700 I spent on the bike.  Instantly made it enjoyable to ride.  I'm 6'1" and tried 4 windshields to the point it looked like I was driving the pope-mobile.  I also had 3 seats to use, too.  It's a shame, because I love the distinctive styling, but the bike was not functional for long distance riding and maintaining a decent amount of cool factor.  I'll never make that mistake again. 
Passenger said the difference was incredible, as well.  That may be even more important.

[JCZ]

There are a couple of members here in Nor Cal that both own SEEGs (yes, two each) and a SERG (just one each) and they both prefer the SEEG over the SERG when it comes to touring.

Maybe iselbulls or ak will see this and weigh in......

[Gank]

I tried an Ultra and did not like the batwing at all.  6ft 1, 250 lbs and I felt like I was sitting on top of the handlebars like on a kids three wheeler.. and the windshield was too close and would move with the wind on the farmers fields and felt heavier

I bought the SERG... love it... so much better on a windy day.  took off the little poor excuse for a windshield and put the other one on that I had... it works great

Now I might be biased toward fixed fairings.... previous bikes were an 84 Venture Royal and a 98 Goldwing... I would have bought another Venture... but it has a batwing on the 3d gen

Frankly I think they are good bikes, each designed around the same basic bike for different riders.

[skippy]

I have had a street glide and sold it to buy a cvo springer ,then the 09serg came out and I got one and I think it handles better  in all aspects it may just be me but thats my opinion .....

[RedDevil]

I've had both frame mounted (86 Goldwing and 85 BMW K100LT) and didn't like the way they handled.  I've been riding bat-winged HDs since.  There's no comparison in my book.  I like having everything in reach with the batwing, and the "dead zone" behind the fairing is much better, IMO, than the more forward fairing mounted frames.  I won't ever ride another frame-mounted fairing bike again.   

[TN]

tr's might not be for everone, but in my book they are the best handling bike hd has in the fl line. once ya go fl you'll never go back.

my barhopper is a tr.




TN

[arcticdude]

The RG is much better once you get a shield that works for you.  That's why Willie rides one.  The front end is much lighter than the batwinged bikes.  It rides like a Goldwing, which is the undisputed king of touring.

[Ron Hawkins]

JB, Wife made me sell the 06 FLHXI after i bought the 09 SERG late last fall. AS of now I have 1k on the SERG and hands down i like the handling of the fixed fairing better.

[09S/E roadglide]

SERG #1

[greglyon]

Handling, I vote for any road glide. Resistance to buffeting, bat wing far better.  Compromise =road glide with a face shield on helmet.

[wts]

                              I have both   ...   much prefer the RG

                                                           wts

[arcticdude]

Resistance to buffeting, bat wing far better. 

Have to disagree on that end.  The wind pushes the batwing around a bunch more than the frame mounted fairing.  With a batwing, it's pushing right on the handlebars.  Our SERG was MUCH more stable in Oklahoma winds than ANY of the Ultra's we've had.

[BigLew55]

Have to disagree on that end.  The wind pushes the batwing around a bunch more than the frame mounted fairing.  With a batwing, it's pushing right on the handlebars.  Our SERG was MUCH more stable in Oklahoma winds than ANY of the Ultra's we've had.

The only place a RG might be better is in a crosswind situation.  I believe the buffeting on the rider (affecting comfort) is much worse on the RG.  As far as 'wind-steer', the bat-wing has a slight disadvantage, but having experienced both fairing on the same bike, I'll take the protection of the batwing over the shark-nose any day!  It doesn't make sense to me to have a fairing that makes you more uncomfortable than not having one.  Frankly, the Road King I had immediately before the RG was better at protecting the rider and passenger from the wind and elements.

I'll also add a bit about aerodynamics too.  I did two iron butt rides on that bike.  a 1K with the shark-nose, and a 2K with the batwing.  The MPG didn't change, so that tells me the fairings are similar in efficiency.

I will not accept that one or the other is the best.  One may be better than the other for a particular rider.  I've weighed the pro's and con's in a way that few  can, and I don't think there's any confuion about what opinion I came too.

[FNGw/08SERK]

If one size fit all HD wouldn't spend the $$$ to R&D an entire lineup. There's an azz for every seat and I'm glide mine found the SERG 

[JCZ]

Just curious if anybody knows (not guessing) why the SERG is the only CVO that ran only one year?  And why is the MoCo dropping the Road Glide line?  Is it do to sales.....lack of popularity......what is it?

[Twolanerider]

Just curious if anybody knows (not guessing) why the SERG is the only CVO that ran only one year?  And why is the MoCo dropping the Road Glide line?  Is it do to sales.....lack of popularity......what is it?

JC, where has it been confirmed that the Road Glide model  is being dropped?  Not disagreeing.  Just hadn't seen anything that seemed highly confident on this rumor again this year. 

Last year the Road Glide was going to be dropped also.  And it was, for the Road Glide Custom.  Platform is still there of course; just a variation on the theme. 

Ask because a local here has been speaking with Denney's HD in Springfield.  That's the shop you called from when you needed service on your way west to Cripple Creek a few years ago.  He's planning on buying a new Road Glide with the 2011 models and Denney's has told him to expect the Road Glides in (among other colors) the new pearl blue and Sedona orange colors.  He's planning on the orange.

[BigLew55]

Just curious if anybody knows (not guessing) why the SERG is the only CVO that ran only one year?  And why is the MoCo dropping the Road Glide line?  Is it do to sales.....lack of popularity......what is it?

Ok, so even though you said (no guessing), I'm going to.

I think they ran the SERG in 2009 for 1 year as a CVO 10th anniversary model.  They don't have any more FXR's, so the SERG was the next logical choice? 

[RedDevil]

Just curious if anybody knows (not guessing) why the SERG is the only CVO that ran only one year?  And why is the MoCo dropping the Road Glide line?  Is it do to sales.....lack of popularity......what is it?

JC,
Without knowing what's in the minds of the maniacs at the MoCo, all one can do is speculate why any model was dropped or only ran for a single run.  My personal opinion, and it's just that, is that the Road Glide has a certain niche following within the ranks of Harley or wannabe Harley riders.  It's not as popular as the batwing fairing baggers.  Sales of the 09 SERG and still seeing some of them on the floor mid 2010 model year, leads me to believe that's the reason they were dropped in favor of the Street Glide.  To be honest, I was disappointed when they came out with the SERG instead of the SESG in 2009.  Almost every dealership I went to, at least from Texas to the East Coast, in my travels had a SERG sitting on the floor and it was there for at least a month or more.  My dealership gave theirs away to another dealership because they got tired of it sitting on the floor and not attracting any interest.  They've had no problems selling the SESG.  Like I said, it's just my opinion, but based on what I saw during the model year and the fact the the MoCo has limited the fixed fairing to one model, I'm probably pretty close.  

[GtreetSlide]

Great input folks thanks!

So far, it seems guys are really passionate about the Road Glide. Higher sales numbers point to the Street Glide as being more popular. When I was going to my first bagger in 2009, I test rode the Street Glide and the Road Glide. I didn't really see much difference in handling (after riding Dynas, Sportsters, and Softails they both felt like fat heavy pigs to me). Now that I have put about 9000 miles on my Street Glide I love everything about it. I've ridden in all kinds of weather and awful side winds and didn't notice any instability. The batwing doesn't seem to have any drawbacks and is very functional at protecting rider and passenger. I still fumble around looking for the foot pegs, but the boards are great on long trips. (and I moved the rear pegs to the front crash bar for those times I have "peg withdrawals".)

In the looks department, Road Glide is just plain sexy. I would be tempted to add one to my stable if they came out with a SE RG that had a detatchable matching tour pak. The feedbnack here is great. Don't let me stop the input. There are some very interesting points presented so far.

jimbob

[SBB]

 

Last year the Road Glide was going to be dropped also.  And it was, for the Road Glide Custom.  Platform is still there of course; just a variation on the theme. 

I also was told that the Road Glide was going to be dropped.
Just as Don said above, it was.
The MoCo introduced a new model, the Road Glide Custom!
When I mentioned that I had been told the Road Glide was being dropped for 2010 and why was there now a 2010 Road Glide.
The answer was simple, the Road Glide Custom is a new model and dealers are charged more for new models.
Ahhhhhhhhhh, it appears us customers are not the only ones that get screwed abused by the Motor Company.

SBB 

[ROADROD]

yes the street glide is much more popular...thats why i bought the roadglide......

[TBird]

Roadglide is the true Harley Hot Rod Bagger, wouldn't ride anything else.

TBird

[Twolanerider]

Roadglide... wouldn't ride anything else.

TBird

I feel the same way; every time I'm on the Road Glide.

[Hotrod50]

I feel the same way; every time I'm on the Road Glide.

As long as it's yellow!!

[Twolanerider]

As long as it's yellow!!

Yellow?  That's some foreign language for dark red isn't it ?

[JCZ]

JC,
Without knowing what's in the minds of the maniacs at the MoCo, all one can do is speculate why any model was dropped or only ran for a single run.  My personal opinion, and it's just that, is that the Road Glide has a certain niche following within the ranks of Harley or wannabe Harley riders.  It's not as popular as the batwing fairing baggers.  Sales of the 09 SERG and still seeing some of them on the floor mid 2010 model year, leads me to believe that's the reason they were dropped in favor of the Street Glide.  To be honest, I was disappointed when they came out with the SERG instead of the SESG in 2009.  Almost every dealership I went to, at least from Texas to the East Coast, in my travels had a SERG sitting on the floor and it was there for at least a month or more.  My dealership gave theirs away to another dealership because they got tired of it sitting on the floor and not attracting any interest.  They've had no problems selling the SESG.  Like I said, it's just my opinion, but based on what I saw during the model year and the fact the the MoCo has limited the fixed fairing to one model, I'm probably pretty close.  

I tend to agree with you.

I remember when the 09 SERG came out and Andy got one.  I told him "if they come out with a batwing fairing in 2010 with that rear fender......and they'll have real streatched saddle bags by then (and they do).......I'm all over it!"  The rest is history.  The 10s came out as I was hopping and I was all over it.

I had opportunity to ride Andy's SERG up in the mountains.......handling seemed to be the same...maybe a tad bit lighter in the bars but what really stood out for me was all the buffeting of my upper body.  The fairing is just to narrow and to far out there to do any good for the rider. 

[Blazo]

yes the street glide is much more popular...thats why i bought the roadglide......

I'm with you there. From the front, ya can't tell a Street Glide from an Electra Glide from an Ultra Classic (lowers excepted). There's no mistaking a Road Glide though. From the back,the SESG is just a copy of the SERG3, although it is slightly better done with the functional saddlebags. I know SESG riders... it's a tough pill to swallow. Don't blame me though, it's the MOCO's fault for not being creative enough to truly offer unique motorcycle models instead of just changing a few cosmetic parts and calling it a new model. Ya right, all the FL models are essentially the same model... just dressed different. What's the saying? "Lipstick on a hog." The RG is slightly more unique though due to the frame mounted fairing.

That said, if the RG were unavailable, I'd take a SG any day over the other offerings.

[JCZ]

I'm with you there. From the front, ya can't tell a Street Glide from an Electra Glide from an Ultra Classic (lowers excepted). There's no mistaking a Road Glide though. From the back,the SESG is just a copy of the SERG3, although it is slightly better done with the functional saddlebags. I know SESG riders... it's a tough pill to swallow. Don't blame me though, it's the MOCO's fault for not being creative enough to truly offer unique motorcycle models instead of just changing a few cosmetic parts and calling it a new model. Ya right, all the FL models are essentially the same model... just dressed different. What's the saying? "Lipstick on a hog." The RG is slightly more unique though due to the frame mounted fairing.

That said, if the RG were unavailable, I'd take a SG any day over the other offerings.

Kind of like a Goldwing, huh?

[Blazo]

Kind of like a Goldwing, huh?

Ya... kinda like that... but not at all like a SG or UC of EG or Limited or RK with an aftermarket fairing... but yeah... kinda like a Goldwing, only faster and with more character, but not cuz it's more like a SG or UC or EG with a different fairing. You obviously understand exactly what I'm saying... unique and a hard to classify cuz it's really it in a class of its own. 

[JasonDeezy]

So why are all of the "World's FASTEST Baggers" shark noses?...

[Gank]

PSSSTTT

Dont be pointing out the obvious

[BigLew55]

So why are all of the "World's FASTEST Baggers" shark noses?...

Because you can get them cheap??

[JCZ]

Ooohhhhhhhh......did I hit a soft spot.   Sorry guys......I didn't realize the RG guys are so sensative.

[grandpadoc]

I've ridden both but have more time on a RG. In the looks department I prefer the RG and it does handle better without all the junk mounted to the forks. At very high speeds you really need a frame mounted fairing, but for the average rider it wouldn't make that much difference. I don't think either one has the edge on wind protection. The frame mounted fairing with lowers wins hands down in in the rain and I'm sure all of us can agree on that.
In my opinion we need a better designed frame mounted fairing with integrated lowers for rider comfort and to hide the plumbing on the 150/150 wet motor that will come with it.  For now I'll take second best, my SERG.  Doc

[RedDevil]

I've ridden both but have more time on a RG. In the looks department I prefer the RG and it does handle better without all the junk mounted to the forks. At very high speeds you really need a frame mounted fairing, but for the average rider it wouldn't make that much difference. I don't think either one has the edge on wind protection. The frame mounted fairing with lowers wins hands down in in the rain and I'm sure all of us can agree on that.
In my opinion we need a better designed frame mounted fairing with integrated lowers for rider comfort and to hide the plumbing on the 150/150 wet motor that will come with it.  For now I'll take second best, my SERG.  Doc

Sorry Doc, but speaking from personal experience, I have to disagree with you on the rain protection issue.  I'm much better protected with my batwing fairing and lowers in the rain, then I ever was on either of my frame-mounted fairing bikes with lowers.  No comparison.  With the fairing mounted so far forward on the frame-mounted bikes, the dead-zone behind the fairing was forward of me so I got the "swirl-around" effects of catching what came behind the dead zone.  With the batwing fairing being closer, I'm in the dead zone and more protected.  To be honest, with the exception of high-speed handling, which is irrelevant to me because I rarely drive above 90, which goes hands down to the frame mounted fairing, I think it's just a matter of personal taste as to which is preferred.   

 

[grandpadoc]

I'm just saying you get a tighter seal between the fairing and the lowers with the RG and that just isn't possible with the batwing. Out here in SoCal that isn't much of an issue but I have to say my buddy rides a ULTRA and we definitely stay dryer especially from the knees down. My friends with Wings just laugh at both of us.   Doc

[wldsyd]

I am a new member as of today!  My first motorcycle was a 2007 Street Glide; I currently have a 2009 CVO Road Glide.  I found that I had more protection from rain on the Street Glide by far since you seem to sit higher on the Road Glide, and my hands are better protected on the Street Glide as well.  Handling in the wind goes hands down to the Road Glide but only if the wind is from the side; the buffeting without a new windshield was unbelieveable!  The RG lighting is better than the SG hands down.  The other advantage to the SG is that it is SO MUCH less expensive on repairs since the fairing removal on the RG seems to take the local HD service guys days to take apart and put together!   Have to say that I like the handy storage pockets too on the RG!

My SG was black; I have the pearl yellow RG -- I get more compliments on the RG and more attention -- including comments on visibility!  Black may be cool and "slimming" -- but yellow gets the attention, notice and compliments!  Plus the notoriety of being a gal on the big yellow CVO helps too!  LOL!!!!

[Crusty]

Welcome wldsyd !

Funny, just like every other subject (oil, windshields, helmets, suspension, audio...) there is usually no clear winner; everyone's got their own opinion. I'm 6'3" and love my SERG with the stock shield. The batwing is OK, but I'll take my frame mounted fairing anyday.. but then I put 100k miles on my Goldwing in 4 years, so that is what I am used to riding behind. Never ridden behind a batwing, so I can't speak to it... but I'll say I never thought I'd jump on the Harley "bandwagon" (lol) until I saw the yellow SERG... it was love at first sight. 

[wldsyd]

Hi Crusty --

Thanks for the welcome!

I know what you mean; I had every intention of buying a BMW, but a friend of mine talked me into buying his "used" 07 RG with only 94 miles on it!  (He wanted to build a custom bike).  I asked him "Are you sure it's not too big for me for my first bike?"  He said -- "Nah -- If you go to the dealership they'll sell you a sportster and I know you well enough to know that you will be bored inside of a week! You'll do just fine on this one!"

And he was right!  Harley girl ever since!

[LarryB]

welcome WLDSYD, see you live in Darien, I used to live at 79th and Cicero. nice bike but i'll take the Silver lol.
RG over any batwing for me.

[wldsyd]

I originally planned to buy the silver --- but when I saw it in person the lower color is an army olive greenish shade.  I grew up in a military family and every single vehicle we owned was some shade of army camo  -- I just couldn't go there!  Besides -- I have a bright and sunny personality!  LOL 

[Crusty]

  Besides -- I have a bright and sunny personality!  LOL 

WOO HOO! We can use all the bright & sunny personalities we can get around here!   

[BADBAGG]

I agree with the RG side.

[BADBAGG]

I have owned both. The RG is a much better ride imo. My wife rides a street glide and i have swapped with her on windy days because the streetglide just moves around way to much. I also like having the fairing farther away then the batwing. It gives you the feeling of riding a bike with no fairing while still having protection from the elements. Oh yeah and a radio.

[motor1]

I have owned a 2001 FLTRSEI2, 2006 FLHTCUSE, 2007 FLHTCUSE2, and currently own a 2008 FLHTCUSE3, and 2009 FLTRSE3. On the highway (good weather or bad ) Road Glide gives me better protection ( gotta have lowers on ). On hot days the Ultra keeps me cooler, esp with the adjustable vent wings. Bottom line, if I am taking an out of state trip, I would always want the Road Glide.

[Indenial]

Interesting posts and great comparisons. Glad I made the correct choice.

[Hot Rod]

I will just stick with my street glide! Hot Rod

[bknerr]

rider magazine will compare the two next month, oct.  they review the road ultra this month.

[GtreetSlide]

LOL, I started this thread and have since that time made some new discoveries. I could not understand why some claim better handling at high speed with the fixed fairing. My SG handles fine at any speed and even in high crosswinds. This last trip into Colorado, I did find a week spot in high speed crosswinds. When you hit a side (and from the rear) side draft, it catches the flat backside of the batwing fairing and pushes it around slightly. I can live with that since it only happened once in two years. The RG just doesn't suit my needs in other areas. I feel it is too far forward and doesn't give a tall guy like me adaquate wind and rain protection. I still love my SG, but will admit the RG is good looking. I'll let you know more after my trip to Alaska next spring..

jb

[CJ]

I like them both, I just sold my 08 Street Glide and waiting on 11 Cvo Street glide. I like the Road Glide on the hwy and the Street Glide Around town. Both bikes are cool for me but the misses like the Road glide So i ordered a king tour pack for her and made it a Cvo Road glide ultra. I am 5'9 so both fit me well and because we use to road glide for touring she let me have the Street glide for me if i promise to buy her all the shoes she wants. I think thats a good trade off.

[grandpadoc]

I like them both, I just sold my 08 Street Glide and waiting on 11 Cvo Street glide. I like the Road Glide on the hwy and the Street Glide Around town. Both bikes are cool for me but the misses like the Road glide So i ordered a king tour pack for her and made it a Cvo Road glide ultra. I am 5'9 so both fit me well and because we use to road glide for touring she let me have the Street glide for me if i promise to buy her all the shoes she wants. I think thats a good trade off.

I hope you ordered her a "shoe box" too, Bushtec makes a nice one for those long trips.   Doc

[CJ]

I hope you ordered her a "shoe box" too, Bushtec makes a nice one for those long trips.   Doc

 
 Doc I think i need a shoe room, she came home with five pair I will check out Bushtec