Rode a batwing for several years (Limited), was sure I wanted a Road Glide just from the looks. Test rode a couple, just didn't "feel" right, test rode a Street Gide, well, now I have a 23 Street glide.
Test ride & go with what you like & what "feels" right.

 

I went from a 2016 Slim S to a ‘23 Street Glide Special in Oct. Everything on the RG just seemed too far away from me and everything on the SGS was well within reach. It’s my first bike with a fairing and, although there was a little bit of a learning curve on the highway, it didn’t take long at all. I also like the look of the batwing over the shark nose, so it was an easy decision for me,

Good luck with your decision!

 

Ive own(ed) both
* If riding at sane speeds, pick your poison
* Prolonged super slab or high speed, personally, I prefer the shark
* HERES THE BIG DIFF - check the ergos to the dash as the shark is a bit further away

No wrong choice, just personal preference

 

I have one of each, A 2013 Ultra Limited and a 2024 Road Glide. I don't know about previous years of the Road Glide, but I find my 2024 a lot more fun to ride than the Ultra.

 

I haven't ridden a shark nose but I'd like to try it. The batwing is certainly a big 'kite' no doubt & you definitely feel it in high winds. You get used to it but you need to pay attention for sure!!

 

What he said. I've ridden batwings since forever, and I've never had a problem with buffeting. I've never ridden a Street Glide for a number of reasons, but the main one is the fear that it would remind me of a Goldwing I once owned. Sort of a joke.
My comments do not apply to the newer models as I've their wind management is not great. Also, the are ugly.

 

Wonder if that has more to do with less weight, better suspension, and new drivetrain.

between my ‘20 Batwing and ‘22 shark, there was little difference to me in handling

 

When I was trying to make this same decision, I rented one of each for a day and rode as much as I could. I didn't notice a stark contrast in comfort or handling at the time, but it's not like I put the bike through rigorous, edge-case testing. If the bike in your sig is any indication, I imagine you'll be purchasing something newer/newish. It's worth renting a bike with either fairing to see which you prefer. You may even save some bucks if you try it out on rider share, rather than Eagle Rider. Either way, it's far cheaper to spend a few hundred to determine the right bike than it is to buy one and regret it.

I've been riding with a RG fairing for a few years now; I even rode around the country and am looking to do that again. I understand your sentiment - I find myself wanting to try the batwing. It's an iconic and attractive look. That being said, every time I sit on one - it feels cramped; the fairing is right there in your face. The handlebars are noticeably heavier since the fairing is fork-mounted. Whenever I think about having to do anything inside the fairing, or something with the bars, I shudder. It's more of a PITA on the batwings than the RGs.

I think the general breakdown goes:

SG

1. Better wind protection for hands (unless you install handlebars)
2. Slightly better wind protection for your upper body
3. Better rain protection
4. Cluster is far easier to see without taking your eyes off the road
5. Radio/NAV screen is much more within reach
6. Possibly better lighting if you add passing lamps/auxiliary lights

RG

1. The handlebars are very light, like a Road King - handling is light
2. Frame-mounted fairing means that wind/passing trucks effect the bike frame, not your handlebars
3. Feels far more open and less cramped since the fairing is far forward
4. Far more fairing storage
5. Slightly better mid/lower body wind protection
6. Easier to work on in terms of handlebars and inside the fairing
7. Larger speakers
8. Better lighting stock

It's interesting how regional fairing preference is, and I wish that I knew why. I'm in TX and the local dealers all say that the RG is far more popular here than the SG. Heck, there are several brand new 2023 SG ST that still haven't sold and have been sitting for at least a year. Right now is the perfect time to go snag deals on recent model years, because everyone wants the new design. I've seen dealers here in TX selling 2023 SGs with low mileage for $15k. That's basically a brand new bike for half the price; they would have been $20k or so before.

The real question, though, is what intake/pipes/tuner/cam are you going to throw into it 😏

 

The SG is flawless unless you have little tiny girlie arms, RG are too common. Going to depreciate faster as the used market will flood

 

gonna assume you meant Road and not Street