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[jprkzoo]

This subject has been beat to death, but thought I would share a few quick thoughts to those who may actually face the same dilemma I did a couple weeks ago; (I got on this forum and others to seek real world experiences)  The dreaded RG vs SG/EG decision. The time had came to let go of my CVO Road King.
 
So, I decided it was time to seek a new CVO SG or EG.....and I rode home on a Anniversary RG.    The looks of the RG began to grow on me, and decided to ride one (obviously the only way you can make an objective decision yourself) to find out what all the hype was about.  Funny thing was, I actually never really considered a RG, as the fairing reminded me of my first road scoot in college, with an ugly Vetter faring on it.  I hopped on the RG test bike, and never even thought about "seeing the front tire," "how far the fairing is away from you," etc.  The moment I let out the clutch, the bike felt natural, and had a "went" where I looked feel.  The first mile on the highway I was immediately hooked, as it was a typical windy day in Kansas and the bike tracking was rock solid, stable, and effortless.

Bottom line:  I love the looks of the SG, and the EG is probably the best value in a CVO offering ..... not to mention these machines are all mechanically, almost identical with the exception of which whistle or bell is included.  I was truly "torn," as I like aspects of both the bat wing and the fixed fairing.  Like anything in life, there are always compromises .... and no "best" solution.  Both are good at different things, and
for different purposes.  IMHO, on the RG you will feel a little more wind on you regardless of windshield selected....but you gain superior tracking in the wind. The SG/EG provides a little better protection, convenience of things close, and just looks great as a cruiser (stripping the tour pack off, shock change, seat change on the EG)  Neither is bad, nor superior.  Just different.  I was shocked at how different the bikes "felt," and how the RG just wanted to dive right into, and through the corners ..... where the EG felt a little more apprehensive and not quite as "aggressive" in its handling. Some of this is probably rider perception, some due to the physics of weight distribution regarding frame vs fork mounted weight .... not necessarily the fairing itself.  All in all, it is truly a personal choice and very subjective, and maybe relative to what your intentions are for it's use. For me personally, the RG's handling flat out sold me .... as I wanted to start riding longer distances and the wind never stops blowing here.  Quite simply, the only one that can answer this question is you ...... go ride them both; I would have bought one of each If I had the funds.  

Thanks to all who posted on this forum regarding this topic, and sharing your experience and views;  A CVO scooter is not a inexpensive investment, and you really can't make a "bad" choice.  

[SBB]

This subject has been beat to death, but thought I would share a few quick thoughts to those who may actually face the same dilemma I did a couple weeks ago; (I got on this forum and others to seek real world experiences)  The dreaded RG vs SG/EG decision. The time had came to let go of my CVO Road King.
 
So, I decided it was time to seek a new CVO SG or EG.....and I rode home on a Anniversary RG.    The looks of the RG began to grow on me, and decided to ride one (obviously the only way you can make an objective decision yourself) to find out what all the hype was about.  Funny thing was, I actually never really considered a RG, as the fairing reminded me of my first road scoot in college, with an ugly Vetter faring on it.  I hopped on the RG test bike, and never even thought about "seeing the front tire," "how far the fairing is away from you," etc.  The moment I let out the clutch, the bike felt natural, and had a "went" where I looked feel.  The first mile on the highway I was immediately hooked, as it was a typical windy day in Kansas and the bike tracking was rock solid, stable, and effortless.

Bottom line:  I love the looks of the SG, and the EG is probably the best value in a CVO offering ..... not to mention these machines are all mechanically, almost identical with the exception of which whistle or bell is included.  I was truly "torn," as I like aspects of both the bat wing and the fixed fairing.  Like anything in life, there are always compromises .... and no "best" solution.  Both are good at different things, and
for different purposes.  IMHO, on the RG you will feel a little more wind on you regardless of windshield selected....but you gain superior tracking in the wind. The SG/EG provides a little better protection, convenience of things close, and just looks great as a cruiser (stripping the tour pack off, shock change, seat change on the EG) and you may gain a little better protection.  Neither is bad, nor superior.  Just different.  I was shocked at how different the bikes "felt," and how the RG just wanted to dive right into, and through the corners ..... where the EG felt a little more apprehensive and not quite as "aggressive" in its handling. Some of this is probably rider perception, some due to the physics of weight distribution regarding frame vs fork mounted weight .... not necessarily the fairing itself.  All in all, it is truly a personal choice and very subjective, and maybe relative to what your intentions are for it's use. For me personally, the RG's handling flat out sold me .... as I wanted to start riding longer distances and the wind never stops blowing here.  Quite simply, the only one that can answer this question is you ...... go ride them both; I would have bought one of each If I had the funds.   

Thanks to all who posted on this forum regarding this topic, and sharing your experience and views;  A CVO scooter is not a inexpensive investment, and you really can't make a "bad" choice. 

Great post jprkzoo!
I am fortunate to have two of each.
I have a favorite.
It is the one I ride that day.
As you said, both are the same but both are different.
I enjoy all of them.
And I enjoy riding the Aprilia SR-50's also. (we rode those today)
Maybe I just enjoy riding.
Great post buddy!

 

SBB

[jprkzoo]

Ha !  You have the ultimate solution !  Which shall I ride today   LOL   Always loved that blue on your RG .... awesome 

[dlhovland]

I have owned 2 electric glides and now own a road glide. The best thine about the road glide is how it handles especially with cross roads

[fastfreddy]

welcome to the shark side, congrats on the new bike

[Jerry/MD]

A demo ride on a RG made me a believer in the Shark Nose. Never thought I would like one but now I seriously doubt I will ever go back.

Jerry

[jprkzoo]

I agree Jerry ..... made a believer out of me; and I wasn't even considering one ..... so hopefully that means I was fairly unbiased.  lol
Iv'e already put mine hard in the corners breaking her in ...... pretty much scraping the asphalt and loving every minute of it.  

[SDCVO]

Funny thing was, I actually never really considered a RG, as the fairing reminded me of my first road scoot in college, with an ugly Vetter faring on it.

Funny, that was what me fall in love with the RG in the first place. It reminded me of my Kawasaki 1000 with the Vetter fairing which was my ONLY transportation in college...

[jprkzoo]

 But my poor old Yamaha 650 special .... was brown.... with a white Vetter and black stripes    Yuck   But being a poor college kid, it was all I could afford at the time.  Then I got stupid, owning a Kaw GPZ-750 tubo and almost off'd myself several times on that bike; but at least the small fairing matched.   

[lilcoot]

jprkzoo, welcome and keep a tight grip on your wallet; this site causes money to magically disappear into a black hole.  

Just wondering what was your impression of the SG vs the RG.  I always thought the RG was... ugly... but now I love them. I really like the idea of the fixed fairing, and wonder if the SG you drove was much different than the Ultra.  I'm currently have an SG and love it.  It has surprised me how well it drives in wind and turbulence.

Be safe,

Dan

[jprkzoo]

"Just wondering what was your impression of the SG vs the RG.  I always thought the RG was... ugly... but now I love them. I really like the idea of the fixed fairing, and wonder if the SG you drove was much different than the Ultra.  I'm currently have an SG and love it.  It has surprised me how well it drives in wind and turbulence."

Hi Dan

I have really been amazed with this topic, even just standing around talking to people how much attention the "debate" attracts..... little did I know what I was stepping into when I first test rode a RG.   

There is a reason the SG has been Harley's number one seller ..... especially the CVO's.... they just look great.  I must admit, I had my heart set on a '12 CVO SG in the Gunstock/Citrus .... but came to late to the party when I decided to start looking. Gone.  Nada.   I think an Ultra, be it in the RG or EG format, will have different seat and shocks..... so one must take that into account as you are gonna have a higher center of gravity, and will feel a little different in the way it handles.  That two inches or so in seat height, and increase height in the shock is definitely noticeable.  A higher rear shock height will probably put more weight on the front end too, as I really don't know if the fork height is different from a SG to an EG or RG Ultra; maybe someone can chime in on that one. Thats why I think you almost have to compare apples to apples when making a judgement call on handling; its kinda hard to compare an EG to a SG, or RG custom ..... because the shocks and seat shifts the center of gravity some, and if you pay attention you will notice it.  Of course, if you are riding two up, you need that extra shock height or she will bottom out; (Its amazing how much weight a woman can add to a bike, and I'm not talking her a$$ either; they claim the tour pack and bags !  )

IMHO, the SG is a great bike, and I still would own one. The lower stance and seat, a little more protection make the SG's a blast to ride ..... and the handling in the wind I think is good. My observation was that the RG and SG are just "different," both offering advantages. The fixed fairing though, really does work .... and I was sold instantly. In my mind, for a longer ride or touring the RG will truly offer less fatigue.... and I love the way it just wants to dive right down and through the corners.  The ultimate solution is still, own both.   

Sorry for the "windy" answer .... lol    BTW .... I can't find my wallet ! Maybe thats a good thing !

Ride safe

Pete

[North Georgia Hawg]

Ahh yes - the Sharknose vs. Batwing decision! I ride a '12 CVO SG, so maybe that says what I think. Or maybe not...

When I bought the Honey Badger on Aug 26, 2011, I had actually been looking for a '12 Maple Metallic CVO RG, but no one in GA had one for sale at the time. I was interested in the Maple Metallic CVO RG because it looked the best on the H-D website. I came to realize that the H-D website is the absolute WORST place to look at paint colors. On the site, all of the bright colors look much darker and far less appealing than they do in person. I think its the way they do the highly-diffused lighting to avoid any reflection or glare in the pictures - but it really dulls down all of the colors. I thought the '12 CVO RG skunk bike looked just plain ugly on the site - but when in saw my first on in person I was stunned by the beauty of the pearl white and that beautiful black they used. It's absolutely gorgeous!

I had also looked at an '11 CVO RGU in Rio Red, but someone else bought that before I made a decision on it. I found my bike down in Macon at H-D of Macon, and bought it immediately for MSRP, no setup fee, and a $250 doc fee... not because it was a CVO SG vs. a CVO RG - but because I just fell in love with the paint job with the "phantom flames" the minute I saw it. I love bright colors, and orange is my absolute favorite color for a CVO.

I had also been interested in a '09 CVO RG in the orange over black - but I couldn't find one of those anywhere at the time either. If I had found one, that's what I would be riding now! It's my favorite CVO ever, in a tie with my bike!

I think things have a way of working out the way they should, and I have never looked back nor have I had any regrets since buying the Honey Badger. I am thoroughly in love with it, and I cannot foresee ever selling it. I will almost certainly ride it for the rest of my riding days.  It's the perfect bike for me. It handles like a dream... rock solid at all speeds up beyond 120 with absolutely no buffeting  - even when passing a semi going the opposite direction on a two-lane road.

In the end, buy what really moves your soul. It's your money and the bike will be yours to love riding. It really doesn't matter at all what anyone else thinks. If we all thought the same, the world would be a pretty boring place... and everyone would probably be riding black Ultras! Except me... 

Ken

[redbeard719]

Congrats on the new bike!  Post some pictures!     And welcome to the Shark Tank!

It's a tough decision, that is for sure.  I agree with the others that neither motorcycle is a bad one to own.  But, of course we don't always love the same things.

I bought a 2010 CVO SG in Sept 2009.  I was pulled in the moment the brought it to the floor, while I was looking at regular SGs.  

From there, it's been a fun ride, literally and figuratively.  

This past fall in 2012, I rode a RGU at a demo day.  Already pulled in by the looks of a RG, I was struck by how well the fixed fairing handled, and how much better it felt, to me.

So, I began to weigh my options, and decided a conversion, if done right, would be the best fit.

Before:


After:

[lilcoot]

Fish Eye, that's a great conversion!  I bet it's like a brand new, completely different bike.  Like the Front wheel and fender too.  

You've got the best of both worlds.  Now all you need is a TourPak and BSR.  That would basically give you 3 bikes; a CVO RG, SG,and Ultra, all in Tequila Sunrise.

[redbeard719]

Fish Eye, that's a great conversion!  I bet it's like a brand new, completely different bike.  Like the Front wheel and fender too.  

You've got the best of both worlds.  Now all you need is a TourPak and BSR.  That would basically give you 3 bikes; a CVO RG, SG,and Ultra, all in Tequila Sunrise.

Thanks lilcoot.  It really was a fun project, and there's a thread somewhere here about it.  Brand new feeling is right!

And, I do have the King TourPak and a great BSR, though she prefers the low sissy bar only (an adrenaline junky!).  But, I also have the solo and 2-up mounting plates, so I can get comfy on those long trips when she stays home!