Road Glide Owners Thread

[gbinman]

Originally Posted by 07Roadie

Big
Two weeks ago I installed a Fatcat pipe, Ness big sucker, and a Thundermax with auto tune. I highly recommend the T-Max with auto tune, its so simple to install and the bike runs sooooo good now. I can even run it down the road with my laptop in the tour pack, and track the temps, F/A, and a host of other things.

I decided to use the TMAT after all the maps this and maps that issues I have read about, for some folks it seems never ending. I didnt want this, I wanted something I could install and ride. Yes they are expensive but I dont have a good tuner within 250 miles, so the pcIII idea went out the door because no ones around to service or tune it, I wanted rideability on the road, and I got it. Most importantly I did all the work myself in the garage without any troubles. Give it a look.

I looked at Tmax. Sounds great. My 03 doesn't have the O2 sensors so it wasn't a great choice for me. With my next bike, it will be high on my list. With dynotunes at almost $200 per session, the Tmax will pay for itself as it tunes itself... and constantly rather than whenever one is willing to dump another $200.

[07Roadie]

Originally Posted by bigcletus

Thanks Roadie. I see what you mean by ease of use..I'll do some research and make a $900 decision.

You can get them for less if you shop around. I paid that for mine and heres why.

I called a tuner in the Denver area who was willing to take the time and talk with me about my choices in air kits, pipes, and fuel managment with pros and cons of everything. I know for a fact that I could have saved 200 bucks on it but his personal experience and after the sale service "if you have any problems call me and we will take care of it"............was well worth the little extra. If I take up someones time and they give me top quality advice, they get the sale.


Another thought
After installing one which is really a joke its so easy, working with the program to download the basic "map" to get you started, and how good the bike runs within 20 minutes of that download. Its not hard to see why they sell so many of them. I think you will see a trend of other manufactures going in the same direction. PCIII are nice but you could spend tons of money on dyno runs (like was said above) I see in the future these "older" technologies like the PCIII, Fuel Pack, TFI/DFO whatever going the way of the carburetor.

[rik99]

Originally Posted by spshult

has anyone tried to install the 70169-06 overlay to use earbud out of their cb connector?

Yes, just finished the installation. I had to also install the 70169-06 Advanced Audio System Wiring Harness to complete the connection to the radio. The install took about an hour (had to drop the fairing) and it works well. The sound quality is much better thru earbuds (like etymotics).

[gbinman]

Rik99,

Which Etymotics product are you using? I have experimented with a variety of helmet speakers and earbuds which simply were useless in motorcycle applications. Changing to Hogtunes speakers made the original equipment useful.

I figured there had to be technology solutions for a noisy environment but never connected.

[07Roadie]

I have a alittle trip coming up starting wednesday this next week and my clearview has yet to arrive. I ordered it july the 10th, they debited my card like 3 weeks or better ago. I called them last week and they said it should ship on thursday (2 days ago) I have got nothing from UPS stating its shipped. They have known I wanted this shield in time for this trip when I ordered it 2 months ago, I was told it was 5 to 7 weeks back then. When I called them a month ago they said it was 2 to 3 weeks out. They are here in colorado, and the shipping is overnight from them to me........if everything works like it should.....if.....UPS hahahaha. So if it leaves there monday, IF.....I should have it tuesday, if not it wont make it here till wednesday, if its going to ship when they said it was.......after I leave town. I have ordered a product well in advance of a trip so I could have it, they have had my money for over 3 weeks, almost 4, I was told it would be here in plenty of time. Now we are down to the wire.....pisses me off, sorry for the rant.

[PastorJohn]

Well the good news is that it only takes a few minutes to install, so if you do get it on Tuesday you should be good.

But I will admit, as popular as the Clearview is you would think that they would increase staff or equipment to meet demand. The delay in shipping is probably costing them some sales and reputation!

I got email from John at Clearview last week (mine has been on order for four weeks) telling me that they have made some adjustments to the shape of the windshield to provide better clearance for the mirrors. Another fellow on the forum indicated that they have also modified the shape to allow use of the HD Chrome Windshield Trim. It could be that your particular shield was delayed due to their redesign and retooling for production.

Let us know what you get - a lot of us are hopeful that the improvements will make a good windshield even better!

[roadglidermike]

I think that the 12" klockwerks windshield is on of the best on the market. At 70mph I can have a smoke wear a cowboy hat and using my cup holder have a cup of coffee. The windshield also puts a lot of down force on the front end of the bike and you can feel it when your on an on or off ranp on the highway. I also believe its one of the best looking on the market.

[07Roadie]

I got email from John at Clearview last week (mine has been on order for four weeks) telling me that they have made some adjustments to the shape of the windshield to provide better clearance for the mirrors. Another fellow on the forum indicated that they have also modified the shape to allow use of the HD Chrome Windshield Trim. It could be that your particular shield was delayed due to their redesign and retooling for production.

I have talked to John no less than 4 times in the last 8 weeks, never once did he mention changes in design of the shield. It would be nice to use the chrome trim though. I am going to call him monday, you can bet on that.

Klockwerks 12" windshield

I think that the 12" klockwerks windshield is on of the best on the market. At 70mph I can have a smoke wear a cowboy hat and using my cup holder have a cup of coffee. The windshield also puts a lot of down force on the front end of the bike and you can feel it when your on an on or off ranp on the highway. I also believe its one of the best looking on the market.

I will agree that its by far the best looking out there but in all my research, which has included hundreds of posts on this and other site's. It seems they dont work as well as advertised.

Like you some like them, some dont, research told me most of the time its ok for shorter riders and the pits for taller riders.

Some say they purchased the CV after KW or put their old CV back on because it was better wind protection......or....Kept the KW for short rides around town, but will put the CV back on for long trips due to its better protection.

Plus I didnt like their wind tunnel pics with the 5' tall woman on the bike, (not sure about that but she looks tiny compared to the bike) looks like it works great for her but I am 14" taller! I guess the bottom line was way too many mixed reviews on the KW when the CV gets top reviews from everyone.

[PastorJohn]

Hey Roadie - let us know what John tells you on Monday. I would be interested in getting the straight scoop on all this.

I'm one of those that thinks the Clearview is a more comfortable windshield for long distance, especially on the interstate, than the Klock Werks. And when two-up, my wife says that the Klock Werks definitely gives her more wind. On the other hand, on backroads where the speeds are 50mph or so, the Klock Werks gives a better ride for my money - the aerodynamics of their shield seem to plant the bike better, and that unobstructed view over the top is terrific.

Oh to have the best of both worlds, but I guess that's proving to be impossible on the Road Glide. Still the best long-distance touring bike for me though!

[07Roadie]

Apperantly my CV is done but it has to be cleaned up, inspected boxed and shipped......according to John as of 10:30 this morning. Its got me pissed because if its in that shape and ready to go today, they could have pushed it out the door friday to make sure I had it in time, instead of waiting till the last moment. How long does it take to clean and inspect?
He is willing to trust UPS to get it to me tomarrow as it is to ship today. In most cases from the Denver area to me is overnight for ground UPS, except when you really need it, like I do, then they will F*^% it up.
They did change the shape alittle, its narrower on the sides to allow clearance for the mirrors, I was not in the midset to ask him about the chrome trim, maybe when he calls me back today with a tracking number........if I remember I will ask him. I still am not happy, and wont be untill it gets here, but I have had the sinking feeling I wouldnt have for this trip for over a week now.

[whoop72]

for those trying to decide between the clearview and klockwerks, for my money, there is no comparison for touring; the clearview wins hands down in terms of wind protection. i have had both, and while the klockwerks is a great looking shield for just general riding around, for the road, it didn't work for me at all. i think generally this is what others have found as well. just depends on what your priority is.

[wydeglyde]

Originally Posted by whoop72

for those trying to decide between the clearview and klockwerks, for my money, there is no comparison for touring; the clearview wins hands down in terms of wind protection. i have had both, and while the klockwerks is a great looking shield for just general riding around, for the road, it didn't work for me at all. i think generally this is what others have found as well. just depends on what your priority is.

It also depends on your height, trunk length, leg length, arm length etc. I don't understand the thinking that every 6 foot person is the exact same dimensions. Nothing could be further from the truth. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for the other. jmo

[07Roadie]

Well it looks like I will have it today in time for tomarrows trip. Still have a hard time about feeling good about the whole experience. I guess it wouldnt be so bad if I didnt have to deal with the problems of the past week and the added stress of it all. I hope the shield is everything I have read about. I will post pics and give a report when I get back from the trip.

[Vidro]

I have made several adustments to my Road Glide and find that it I am close to the perfect ride for me with one exception.

I started by replacing the stock shield with a 1" additional Clearview and it made a big difference (I am 6 1, 220 lbs)

I found my elbows got sore with the reach of the stock bars and my ass got real sore after an hour on the seat. I replaced the bars with Heritage bars and they are GREAT! A little lower and closer to me so no more extended arms that create elbow pain. I added the Sundowner seat and that seems to really make for a comfortable ride. The problem I now have is I am back to the wind buffering issue again and am not sure why as the Sundowner is not supposed to be a higher seat.

Has anyone went with this combination? Does anyone have an idea of what shield I could use? I am thinking that the Clearview 2" might be better, but when I move up and down on the bike and try different heights, it does not seem to matter as I am still getting that old buffering.

Any feedback that could help me solve this final piece would be appreciated.

[whoop72]

shields, seats, pipes, etc. it seems everyone has a different opinion/experience. I guess that's why all of our bikes don't look the same!