Road glide or Electra glide standard : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Jeff McKinney · 08-02-2009, 09:09 AM

Has anyone ridden them enough to make a back to back handling comparison?.I thought the only chice i needed to make was just what year EG to get,but i like the looks of the RG too.Main reason for the question is a guy at the Harley shop told me the RG handles better.

Being i come from a sportbike background,if it really does handle noticeably better,i'll buy the RG.Those are the only 2 options because i have to have a fairing.

20538 · 08-02-2009, 09:20 AM

I would go to a dealer and ask for a test ride. they're offering test rides to boost sales right now so you wouldn't have to rent as I would normally advise.

Now the Road Glide owners will come along and tell you they're the best bike to own. I've not rode one so no help from me.

TRazzo · 08-02-2009, 09:27 AM

I rented a RG and loved the bike, but would have to make changes to the bars and seat right away as the posture was way to stretched out for me (5'6" height with short arms). the EG fits smaller framed people better from the git go. I do like the frame mounted fairing.

vindex1963 · 08-02-2009, 09:39 AM

My Electra Glide handles great. Maybe it's the 09 changes but it handles better than my old 04 Softail Standard.

cincyMAT · 08-02-2009, 09:43 AM

Jeff,

Where you located in Cincy? I've got a 09 RG and really like the way it rides. I like the fixed fairing. However I've never rode an EG. My previous experience was with a Deluxe softail with a large windscreen. My input would be if you need all the goodies that are on EG it's expensive to add all that to an RG.

If you are on the north side of town a ride or drive to Buckminn's Harley in Xenia is worth the trip. The people there are very nice. Ask for Jamie in sales, I'm sure he can arrange a test ride on both for you.

Jeff McKinney · 08-02-2009, 09:44 AM

I'm in Reading,thanks for the advice!

cincyMAT · 08-02-2009, 10:10 AM

Reading is a nice place! My daughters go to Mount Notre Dame High School on Benson. I actually live in Milford but spend the summers at Lake Lorelei near Fayetteville.

Here's a pic of my RG I snapped a few minutes ago:

Just waiting for a little sunshine!!

The day I bought her..

Ride Safe!

Jeff McKinney · 08-02-2009, 10:13 AM

That is one beautiful bike!

cincyMAT · 08-02-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff McKinney

That is one beautiful bike!

Thanks Jeff!

Good luck in your search. One thing to keep in mind is the new frame introduced with the '09 model year on the baggers. Most folks think it made a big difference in the handling of the bikes. I can say riding my 09 RG vs. the 06 softail is night and day. The 09 just eats corners and is very stable. The 06 Deluxe just didn't ride as well. It was very difficult to wipe the S.E.G. off my face so I could negotiate a deal after my test ride.

n7ki · 08-02-2009, 11:07 AM

You probably don't want to wait to long to decide because the Electra Glide Standard isn't offered in 2010.

Jeff McKinney · 08-02-2009, 11:31 AM

I demo'd the 09's in Daytona but didn't get on a RG,unfortunately the 09 upgrades won't help 'cause i'm going to buy used 02-06 year range.

Leaping · 08-02-2009, 12:48 PM

I have owned two E/G Ultras with a Road Glide between the 2 Ultras. I tried the R/G because people told me how much better they handled. As far as I am concerned this is a bunch of crap. I soon went back to the E/G after I bought the R/G. I love the E/G and hate the R/G. But, there are a lot of people that feel the R/G is superior to the E/G. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I tried everything with the R/G to make it suit me. Added after market windshield, seat upgrade and lower fairings but still hated the buffeting effect that I do not have with the E/G. As far as I am concerned the R/G does not handle any better that the E/G. But, remember it is your bike and your money so you buy and enjoy which ever one turns you on. Like I said a lot of folks swear by the R/G so it must "fit" others better than me. Good luck in your decision.
Leon

Mattman22033 · 08-02-2009, 01:37 PM

Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one.

I had an Ultra for 5 years and my RG for 2 years.

The handling between the 2 is similar. The bonus with the RG is that you don't have to move the fairing with the bars so it will make the bike a bit more nimble.

The RG does cut through the wind better. An EG is better suited to a vertically challenged person.

You can't go wrong with either bike.

If you are buying used, decide what extras you want on the bike and start looking. You will find the bike you want, at the price you want to pay.

It is easier/cheaper to make tourpaks detachable versus adding one later.

If I were buying a 2010 model today...it would be an Ultra Limited or the CVO Ultra....since we still don't know what the FLTRU is yet. But if the FLTRU is in fact a RG Ultra that would be my choice.