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[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...