Try gusting winds at 40 to 50 + mph at 90 degrees to the bike. Then you will know the rest of the story. I'm 6'3" and 200lbs. I can handle myself very well and have a history of taking care of business as needed.

This year I had the Road Glide out in 62 mph winds recorded at the Moline Airport from the west. I was going S at the time just 12 miles east of the airport. Leaned at some high angles but the RGC tracked well down the road. A fork mounted fairing would have been in serious trouble.

 

A fork mounted fairing would have been in serious trouble.[/QUOTE]
That is speculation and opinion. You can not say that unless you tried the the batwing right after the shark for a fair comparison.

 

I'm 6ft and 185lbs. I have ridden in conditions like you describe with three different batwings and the bikes were as stable as can be.

 

I just converted to a Shark Nose after a lot of miles on a batwing.
So far so good. I love this RGU.

 

I went from a RGU to a Limited. Road the RGU for 4.5 years and just like the batwing look better. From the cockpit the RG just looks like something is missing.

I challenge anyone who says the batwing can't handle the same kinds of wind conditions and do it well. I haven't found that to be the case

 

Hah! Awesome shot! As you know, it got much worse shortly after you took that.

Beautiful color. Again - congrats!

PS - on crosswinds - never had an issue. My two batwings have been coast to coast with some fairly serious cross winds. Not saying an issue hasn't happened to anyone. Just hasn't happened to me.

 

Been thinking of changing myself and a new RG as been of high interest. But I do like my SG as well. For those with the newer bikes that have a fairing vent, is it that much better or do you not notice a difference from the older style? My one issue with current batwing is the head buffeting, reason for thinking about a RG. And can I get what I want ($$$) for my current ride. Appreciate the feedback.

 

I can't truly speak for the older style batwing, but I would imagine it's a huge difference because when you open that vent, the buffeting goes down pretty drastically to me. I have played with it while riding at 70-75 mph, and the difference is pretty noticeable. That was with a stock shield. A got a small improvement out of my LRS recurve as well.

 

Buffeting can only be dealt with individually. Windshields with the flip on top make a big difference. $$$$ wise my deal came out losing $5k on my `09 Road Glide in the trade. Worked over 3or4 dealers and you have to walk out and make them call you back. It doesn`t matter what they allow for yours. The difference to be added is the key.

 

Handebars (leverage and arm position for aerodynamics) along with the type of windshield can make a huge difference.