Slash is correct the beauty of the Road Glide is more than skin deep.
There is a lot more going on under that fairing than most people know.

 

I didn't know that the '08 RG's had that difference. I was speaking mearly from a 2007 owners view, I'll have to take a closer look at the '08 front end now

 

Lust after a RG but got the Ultra for all the goodies that comes stock (I can finance them..lol). But I do not think the front end feels "heavy" with the batwing fairing. To my surprise it handles much better than my Heritage ever did.

Next bike will be the RG Ultra when HD comes out with it....

 

After riding a Tour Glide for 15 years I was all set to buy a new bike in '05.
I test rode the Road Glide many times and the ride just wasn't quite the same as the Tour Glide.
Took a ride on the Ultra and the bells went off....this would be the next commuter mule.
I found the Ultra to be smoother through the wind with less buffeting. The RG just felt awkward.
Go out and ride them both many times, the decision should be any easy one.

Good luck.

 

There's nothing unique about the '08's RG's frame geometry compared to that of older RG's - You can look at your own '07 or earlier years.Park the bike with the front wheel turned and look upwards into the fairingfrom the front of the bike.The front forks are positioned behind the pivot point of the steering head and offset from it.

 

I bought my RG for the same reason and now I have both bikes. The wife didn't like rinding over 100 miles on the XL. We just did 350 last weekend on the RG. We're leaving for a 10 day, 3000 mile ride the week after Thanksgiving. Heading South from Portland, OR to Yuma, AZ.

I can't help you with your questions concerning the different models. I do know that the windshield doesn't create a truly "quiet" area for my head. I'm 5'11' which put my head into the wind. If I duck a bit, things get much quieter but then I end up looking through the windshield rather than over it. I'm considering a Clearview which should help direct the wind over my head better than the stock one.

I can tell you that the front end feels light in my hands. Yes, even lighter than my XL. Hard to believe considering the difference is size.

I also like the fairing being farther away. Puts the dash out there giving a feeling of the bike being larger.

Once you ride one, you'll see what I mean. I would make some calls and find one to rent. You may also find a dealership with an employee that has one and is willing to let you ride it. Both the dealers in my area have RG riders working for them.
Steve L.

 

From what I read the RG and Ultra have the TDC (triple dampining circut) in thefork tube. The rest of the FL line do not. I have been told that TDC is basicly a cartridge emulator? in one of the forks. I would like to know more about it from some of our resident experts.

 

Besides the not so obvious steering geometry, the bars (stock anyway) place you in a bit of a more forward leaning position, vis a vie the EGs. I can't say its like a sport bike (had FJ 1100 and GS1100Es back when) BUTthere IS something strangely familiar about the riding position for an old sportbike rider. I can ride my RG through the twisties with much more confidence than I could my WG. I love the thing!

For those who think its "fugly" all I can say........yo mama! LOL [sm=grinangel.gif]

EZ

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My '07 ROAD KING has the forktubes behind the steering head. I believe the magazine is in error, and far from the first time.

 

The 08 Street Glide also has the forks behind the steering head pivot point.
It (RG) also has the same frame as a SG.