Road Glide Owners Thread

[gbinman]

Originally Posted by HarleyComforts

do you have a manufacturer you like...I'm due soon I fret.

No brand recommendations. I went with HD. If I had more time to research options, I might have gone another direction.

My bike wouldn't start... AND I thought it would be covered under the extended service plan. For the expected $50 charge I would have been happy with a stock black starter.

The dealer installed compression releases at the same time. With the compression releases, a high output starter probably wasn't needed.

I have SE heads which have an extra spark plug hole that was plugged so adding compression releases was simple. Unscrew the plugs and screw in the compression releases. If holes need to be tapped, its a whole lot more involved.

[HarleyComforts]

Thanks, I already have the comp. releases but I don't use them when the bike is cold...maybe I should...just seems to take more cranking so I don't. Thanks for the info. Merry Christmas.

[gscojo]

Originally Posted by rgfor40

my honey picked me up a 06 RG for my 40th birthday.
WOW!!!
i'm definitely learning alot fast.

Nice "Honey" !!!!

[bigcletus]

I've picked up a couple of items for my 07 RG. An Arlen Ness Big Sucker Stage 1 air filter, and a V&H FuelPak. I plan on installing these in the next month or so considering my riding season is over until April. I bought the bike slightly used (6k mikes). The previous owner changed the mufflers, however there is no name stamped on them (and I can't find him to ask). I had the stealer take a look and they confirm they are not stock pipes. Any opinions on if I'll trouble getting the FuelPak to adjust to these pipes ??
Do we have any expert muffler ID guys on here ?? I can send pics if so //

Thanks

[PastorJohn]

Cletus, you might try calling V&H and sending them a photo of the mufflers - perhaps they can ID them. I have found their technicians to be very helpful in fine-tuning the FuelPak, and perhaps they can develop a map that will get you in the ballpark. In the past they have not been too quick to respond to email, but they answer the phone pretty quickly.

[PastorJohn]

Has anyone ever thought of replacing the handlebar mirrors on the Road Glide with some that are mounted on the fairing? It looks to me that there is enough space on top of the fairing outside of the windshield to mount a mirror, and I wonder if they would be stable enough and perhaps block a little more wind that comes to the hands.

[Road Glider]

Originally Posted by PastorJohn

Has anyone ever thought of replacing the handlebar mirrors on the Road Glide with some that are mounted on the fairing? It looks to me that there is enough space on top of the fairing outside of the windshield to mount a mirror, and I wonder if they would be stable enough and perhaps block a little more wind that comes to the hands.

PastorJohn, with the fixed fairing on the RG I don't think mirrors mounted to the fairing would do you much good unless you were always traveling in a straight line.

[Gerg]

Originally Posted by Road Glider

PastorJohn, with the fixed fairing on the RG I don't think mirrors mounted to the fairing would do you much good unless you were always traveling in a straight line.

But aren't you dealing with the same deal in your cage. While underway at more than a couple miles an hour you never turn the bars more than a couple degrees. And at those slow speeds do you really use the mirrors?

PastorJohn, I've thought about that too. Sure would be nice if they turned out to be usable.

[mark_bert]

Originally Posted by PastorJohn

Has anyone ever thought of replacing the handlebar mirrors on the Road Glide with some that are mounted on the fairing? It looks to me that there is enough space on top of the fairing outside of the windshield to mount a mirror, and I wonder if they would be stable enough and perhaps block a little more wind that comes to the hands.

That's an interesting idea. The first thing that comes to mind is that if you mount on the inner fairing, you'll need some sort of reinforcing cause I could easily see the inner fairing developing stress cracks pretty quickly. Maybe something like a 1 1/4" fender washer on each side.

Mark B

[dklanecky]

I've been lurking here for a while trying to figure out how to get rid of my sportster without taking a huge bath on the trade.

Last Saturday, I got a mailing from my dealer offering me the full
MSRP I paid on my 07 sportster towards any big twin upgrade.

So I just bought an 09 RG (Black) with ABS. The dealer is "giving" me a $1500 gift card for accessories which I need to spend.

I've been through the parts catalog about a dozen times now and am having a tough time picking out "just" $1,500. I'm trying to prioritize things and so far I've come up with:

4 Point Docking Hardware $150
Detachable Standard Ht Sissy bar $170
Passenger Back Rest $100
Color Matched Lowers $625
Premium Oil Cooler $300
Oil Temp Dipstick $140
Antenna Relocation Kit $70
Folding Heel Shifter (my size 12's don't fit well)$70
Detachable 2 up Tour Pak Rack $180
Saddlebag Filler Strips (color Matched) $170

I'm figuring the tour Pak itself can wait until we get closer to making a trip where I need that much storage.

Obviously the seat and windshield will likely be changed, but I'll wait for the spring riding season to make any choices on those items, as well as the intake and exhaust once I get a few hundred miles in the saddle and can try some different items for fit.

What am I missing that you guys would suggest / reccomend?

Thanks for your experienced input (and Merry Christmas).

[Gerg]

DK, Unless you have to spend the money before you leave the showroom floor I'd hold off for a week or two.

The "given" is the 4 point docking hardware, sissy bar, and back pad. That gives your SO a comfortable ride, a very good thing.

You might decide you want to do the stage one or a seat or any number of other things once you actually put some miles on it. If the $1500 is gone, it's gone and it'll come out of your pocket very quickly.

For instance, Mirrors! I don't know how anyone can see squat with the stock mirrors. Highway Pegs, very handy if you're going to ride any distance. The tourpack will take most of that $1500 if you go that direction. IMHO the stock seat sux! And last, the stage one with SE slip-ons.

Just my opinion.

[jwade420]

Originally Posted by dklanecky

I've been lurking here for a while trying to figure out how to get rid of my sportster without taking a huge bath on the trade.

Last Saturday, I got a mailing from my dealer offering me the full
MSRP I paid on my 07 sportster towards any big twin upgrade.

So I just bought an 09 RG (Black) with ABS. The dealer is "giving" me a $1500 gift card for accessories which I need to spend.

I've been through the parts catalog about a dozen times now and am having a tough time picking out "just" $1,500. I'm trying to prioritize things and so far I've come up with:

4 Point Docking Hardware $150
Detachable Standard Ht Sissy bar $170
Passenger Back Rest $100
Color Matched Lowers $625
Premium Oil Cooler $300
Oil Temp Dipstick $140
Antenna Relocation Kit $70
Folding Heel Shifter (my size 12's don't fit well)$70
Detachable 2 up Tour Pak Rack $180
Saddlebag Filler Strips (color Matched) $170

I'm figuring the tour Pak itself can wait until we get closer to making a trip where I need that much storage.

Obviously the seat and windshield will likely be changed, but I'll wait for the spring riding season to make any choices on those items, as well as the intake and exhaust once I get a few hundred miles in the saddle and can try some different items for fit.

What am I missing that you guys would suggest / reccomend?

Thanks for your experienced input (and Merry Christmas).

First, welcome to the best touring bike H-D sells. Forget the oil temperature dipstick they are a POS, then just remove the heel shifter altogether and cap the shaft.(my dealer did this to my bike before I left the dealership and threw in the cap for free. They were only about 12 bucks in '06) There now you have 200 dollars off your total. Enjoy many miles on your new ride!

[Rider57]

Glad we have a place to gab. Just found the thread even though it's been around for a while.

[Gerg]

Jwade has the right idea. Here is the bike with the removed rear shifter.

Also note the oil cooler. I didn't like the position of the Harley unit under the voltage regulator. I've kicked one too many things up off the road to put the cooler low.

And don't forget these Almost EVERY bike I've owned I have layed it over while parking. Either your foot hits a gravel patch or the balance just gets away from you. These will save some scratches and make it easier to pick up

[ProFvnv]

I would suggest a good, loud, horn. You can get a Steibel for 50 or 60 bucks that is awesomely loud and replaces the stock. It took about 45 minutes to wire it in, and it runs off the stock horn button.
There are other, fancier horns out there, but the main thing is to add one that can be heard. It can save your life.