Can't beat the fairing, stereo, gauges AND unique styling features of the Streetglide! 6'3" & I could roll all day long with the backrest and Cruiseboards.

 

I went with the Road King and here are a couple of take aways.

#1 Removeable windshield is awesome in the summer heat.
#2 Expsoed chrome does looks great, the classic has a nice layout.
#3 Really can strip it down and run it like a street rod. Especially now with the 96 engine
#4 Cruise Control on the classic

Cons

#1 If your doing any serious long range riding the radio is missing
#2 If windshield is effective but not as effective as the fairing.
#2 The stock seat was the first thing to go. Not sure if the SG is better

I think it comes down to the type of riding your likely to do. If your donig long range cruising I would probably consider the SG or RG for the faring, radio etc.

The SG fairing is very close to the driver.
The SG has the best layout of controls. Radio below the gauges
The SG does not ( I believe) come stock with cruise. Not a small detail
The SG fairing is tube mounted and does show up in the front end handling.

What type of riding are you doing? I bought a 07 RKC and I am considering a move to a fairing bike (RG).

 

Setting aside minor differences, it comes down to whether you want a fairing or not. I love my Road King because I get some wind & weather protection from the windshield without the visual obstruction of the fairing. I also like the more retro look of the RK. Some of this also depends on how gadget oriented you are - the fairing obviously provides a lot more mounting space for stuff like radios, GPS, etc.

The only "fit" differences are due to different seat and handlebars - all of the touring bikes have the same frame and foot board positions.

 

And if you are into gadgets, get an Ultra! Many of the gadgets are standard equipment on the Ultra. Probably cost less to remove chrome, make the tourpak detachable, and put a shorty windshield on an Ultra than it would to add the gadgets to a SG that an Ultra already has.

 

I've owned both, as well as many others over the years. It really depends on how much you like the looks of the RK over the SG. There is nothing functionally superior about a RK, but as noted you can detach the windshield, and if you have it lowered and customized a little you can have a pretty cool looking ride. I ride everyday and it turned out that I seldom removed the windshield of my RK and never left it off when touring. The SG provides better weather protection plus the bonus of the radio/CD player. the SG still looks cool with the clean fenders and smooth lines. As a side note, the SG also doesn't look as silly as a RK with a detachable chopped or standard tour pack, which I only use on long tours.

 

Raod KINGS ROCK!...

I like the Road King for its touring ability, AND its Boulevard cruiser good looks. Take the windshield off and it just ROCKS. The only down side is that I would like a radio. Do I want a radio bad enough to put up with a fairing?...nope (not yet anyway )

 

Street Glide for me. Can't beat the looks or the layout,cruise can be added. A friend of mine has an RK Classic that looks great but it isn't what I want my bike to be. I ride down into the 30's in comfort behind the batwing while the other guys I work with keep their scoots at home.

 

Best of both worlds....

Easy!!!!! Road King and detachable fairing...... why not have both~!Awesome!

 

Great looking RK

Hey Gunslinger- love that scoot with the fairing. I bought an 06 RK standard due to wanting the passenger boards, locking bags (added a detachable tourpack set up and Mustang pillion for when the OL rides, but usually run solo during the week and when she doesn't.) I wasn't sure about a fairing having come off a superglide with windshield, and the radio was not a big issue at the time either. But I did love the look and feel of the SG and it was a hard choice. A couple of questions for you- What is the make of the fairing you have on your RK and about what can I expect to spend to buy one? Did you order the matching paint from Harley? How is yours set up on the backside (radio?, how many speakers? etc.)? I have seen another 03 but his batwing was just a shell with no inner lining or radio or anything, looked kind of bare behind there, but he really liked it for long hauls. I also saw one that a guy had put an old FL fairing on road king windshield mounts and did a bunch of fancy glasswork to the backside to fill the unneeded instrument holes etc. It was the better looking of the 2 to me. I was toying with the idea of gathering all that up off of Ebay and doing a little fab work myself to maybe accomadate a satellite radio setup and GPS, or possibly a tach and temp and compass/clock gauges. I suspect if I put one on it will be like my detachable WS that never comes off except when I clean the scoot up. Your help and opinions would be valuable on this since you have done it. THX!:thumbsup:

 

Bitch'n Road King..

Hey Gunslinger...that's one fine looking Road King you have there. The (steel blue?) is classy and has color to it. Nice Ride.

 

Road King, but then I used to ride a '94FXSTC.
But,....
I can still have radio (Sirius in my windshield bag and MP3 w/FM in my pocket). Both plug into a 'cigarette lighter socket' that I wired in. And it does look very nice lowered front & back, 'shield removed.

 

Hey Gunslinger- love that scoot with the fairing. I bought an 06 RK standard due to wanting the passenger boards, locking bags (added a detachable tourpack set up and Mustang pillion for when the OL rides, but usually run solo during the week and when she doesn't.) I wasn't sure about a fairing having come off a superglide with windshield, and the radio was not a big issue at the time either. But I did love the look and feel of the SG and it was a hard choice. A couple of questions for you- What is the make of the fairing you have on your RK and about what can I expect to spend to buy one? Did you order the matching paint from Harley? How is yours set up on the backside (radio?, how many speakers? etc.)? I have seen another 03 but his batwing was just a shell with no inner lining or radio or anything, looked kind of bare behind there, but he really liked it for long hauls. I also saw one that a guy had put an old FL fairing on road king windshield mounts and did a bunch of fancy glasswork to the backside to fill the unneeded instrument holes etc. It was the better looking of the 2 to me. I was toying with the idea of gathering all that up off of Ebay and doing a little fab work myself to maybe accomadate a satellite radio setup and GPS, or possibly a tach and temp and compass/clock gauges. I suspect if I put one on it will be like my detachable WS that never comes off except when I clean the scoot up. Your help and opinions would be valuable on this since you have done it. THX!:thumbsup:

Thanks all.


The fairing is made by Dead Center Cycles in Seattle. There are a few others. I've had this one for about two years..love it so far. There is a stereo and holes for two 6.5" speakers. When all is said and done, you cane expect about $2000.00, maybe a little more by the time you're done with stereo and paint. Harley wouldn't get me paint here in California so my paint guy had to match it...it came out perfect. There is a large area above the stereo where I have mounted my Sirius satellite receiver. The fairing is one of the best things I've added to my King...because I can take it off when I want to. Just one plug, unlock it (there is a lock/key to attach it), and pull it off just like the stock windshield.

Tony

 

Thanks for the information, Gunslinger. I had heard of the Dead Center but didn't know about how the dash was set up. I think that would be the ticket for me. Though a radio is not a must, I figure if I am mounting up a fairing, might as well take advantage since something needs to go there. I guess your antenna is mounted inside the fairing like some I have seen (basically sits on the stock mount, has a pigtail setup to get ground and power when you plug it in and everything is self-contained)? Yours looks like factory in the picture and really sets off your RK (by the way, love the blue, haven't seen many 03's in Texas that color, most are either black or black/silver, same goes for Ultras).:thumbsup:

 

I was in the same sdituation and couldn't make up my mind. I traded in an 05 Deluxe and finally decided on the SG. The thought of having a kickass radio for long or short trips made helped me make my decision.. Ironically, I almost never had my windshield on the Deluxe unless I was going on a long ride rides so hopefully I will get used to the fairing.

 

Gunslinger, that is about the coolest thing ever!! Very sharp!!

I have been drooling over the Streetglide at the dealership for quite a while. But on those evenings when I take off the windshield and take the RK to dinner I wouldn't give up the RK for anything.

 

I have a roadking with a detachable fairing as well, and love the fact that I can pretty much ride any harley touring bike (can't quite get a roadglide in quick detach form) I want when I feel like it by simply clicking on the assessories needed. I like having a fairing but I am very glad I can take it off.

adam

 

Call me old fashion but I like the look and feel of the Road King classic. You have the comfort of a touring bike, with the agility of a softail. When I really want to hear some tunes, I wear my 3/4 face helmet and bring my ipod.

The street glide is nice, but coming from a Police Glide, I really like having a bike with nothing on the handle bars. The RK feels much more agile, and light.

David

 

Road King vs Street Glide

I rode a Road King across country a few years ago. It was a great ride and the bike performed flawlessly, but I felt like I was sitting on it and not in it. I ultimately chose a bagger.

 

Illusion

I rode a Road King across country a few years ago. It was a great ride and the bike performed flawlessly, but I felt like I was sitting on it and not in it. I ultimately chose a bagger.

That is the illusion caused by the fairing versus the windshield. Both are built on the same frame, but for some reason sitting behind the windshield makes it seem like you are sitting higher than when behind a fairing. I noticed it right off when I got my King, especially coming off a dynaglide. I am told it is even more noticeable coming off a softail. The tourers are definitely a different ride compared to the others, but I have to say I haven't regretted the change, especially with the wider front wheel. Seems to be more forgiving on rough and grooved pavement. Also love having locking bags.-2$en#e-

 

I have a 07 RKC which I love. I am in Orlando this week for business and rented a 07 Road Glide and immediately after a 07 EG. All i can say is I can't believe the difference in the bikes given they are all essentially the same.

RKC: Open, great response, flexibility, love to listen to the engine which is good because I have no choice

Road Glide: After taking this across FLA for several hundred miles I now understand why those who own these love them. Holy crap this thing can fly. Lots of buffering with the stock windshield and would think that is a definite change along with the seat which was ok, but this bike screams out for a Corbin or Mustang. An absolute blast to ride, stable and smooth, with the fairing mounted to the frame this bike tracks straight as an arrow @ any speed.

EG: Tough to do this because it came immediately after the RG. So immediately you notice the tight space. The fork mounted fairing and the plush seat which pushes you forward create an almost claustophobic feel. Once I adjusted to the smaller space I like the ride. Much more refined and quiet IMO to the RG.

I have to say I love my RKC, but the RG really was a blast to run. Kinda sorry I gave it up to test the EG.

I:wootdnc:

 

I like the Road King for its touring ability, AND its Boulevard cruiser good looks. Take the windshield off and it just ROCKS. The only down side is that I would like a radio. Do I want a radio bad enough to put up with a fairing?...nope (not yet anyway )

Welder-nice Bike...I have an 03 FLHRCI and I mounted an MC Tunes Stereo on the windshield. The unit has AM-FM and a CD Player, marine speakers (First time I used it I got caught in a 2 hour rain storm) and is audible at 75mph. It even comes with its own cigarette lighter and is no bigger than a windshield bag. I got it from the J&P catalog. Now long cruises (which always include the windshield) mean I take my CD collection and/or my Ipod and I got tunes. Also Sunday afternoon cruises allow me to listen to ball games. The thing is way cool. I've had it on for the last couple of years and am very happy with it. Cost about $600.00 and I believe their website has it in different colors to match your bike. Just google MC Tunes.

Ride safe.:thumbsup:

 

RK vs SG

I agree with Chris, the seat on the RK is the first to go. I went with the Sundowner. As far as the Cruise Control goes, from what I have read all 06? and beyond come wired for Cruise. I havent rode a glide but with your body frame I would also move the boards forward on the RK. I have just purchased an 06 RK Classic still have less than 1K on it. But really love it. Quick around town in traffic, and when I can get it on the road it is great. sofar the longest straingt run was 100 miles. Good Luck

Green Meany

 

How useful is the radio at 75 mph? I have an iPod with Shure E2C headphones which works much better than the fairing mounted radio. I can remove the windshield and have a badass cruiser. The Eglide's fairing adds a lot of weight and makes the bike top heavy. Plus you'll get more wind buffeting with the fairing. I have my GPS mounted on my windshield with works great. With an Eglide, I'd have to mount it on the handlebar unless I wanted to buy the HD or Garmin Quest which has a fairing mount, but that gps is just too small. Both bikes are really cool but I prefer the RK.

 

RK Bars

Just got the 06 RK and would like to adjust the bars. They are just a bit too far out when leaning back on the seat. I have put on the Sundowner seat. Is there any way to rotate them back about 1/2 - 1 inch, without buying new bars? Help and comments always appreciated.

 

Suprisingly enough the Radio can be heard at 75 mph. I usually ride with earplugs (hate the wind noise) and I can still listen to the Radio/CD. At speeds above 75 it starts to die down considerably, but up to 75, it's fine. The only "problem" is when you come off an exit ramp its blaring loud, I mean so much so I've had friends tell me they can't hear their own straight pipes...