Id go with the Road Glide, the improvements in the motor alone is worth the jump.

 

I went from an '05 1200 Roadster to an '08 RG and I gotta disagree with Ben on a few things.

My stage 1 Sportster had more power than the RG everywhere. It was just a quicker, faster bike.

There is no comparison between the two when it comes to room for people and gear - Sporty=small, RG=big, period.

Slow speed handling with the Roadster, such as parking lot crawls was much more difficult than the RG. The RG is a dream to maneuver at walking speeds compared to the Sportster. The Sportster handles better at high speed but the RG is no slouch there either.

I loved my Roadster but I have no regrets buying the Road Glide. It's a sweet ride.

 

The 09 Roadie is a great bike. Rumor has it that the FLTR is going to be available as an Ultra Model for 2010 only, so if you want a plain FLTR, better deal soon on an 09. (Or wait for the loaded Ultra version possibly coming.)

 

1. Are you on DRUGS?? No more room for people or luggage on a RG vs. a Sportster. You've got to be smokin' some the wildest stuff to ever hit planet earth!
2. Buffeting is worse on a RG than a Sportster? Did you realize they sell different sized windshields? If you're 6'5", I'd strongly suggest you be looking for at least a 12-15" one. Your problem will be solved!

 

If money is alittle tight sell the sporster and buy a used road glide with some of the mods already done seems to be a lot of used bikes out there at some pretty good prices

 

Eventually we all change somewhat how we ride, I still ride pretty fast but not as fast as I did when I used to ride sport bikes, best one was a Yamaha R1, then went to a Vrod, then added a Road Glide. then traded the Vrod for a Dyna Wide Glide, I still ride fast but not like I used to, so it you are looking to go on long trips the touring bikes are the way to go, there will be days when you will miss the sporty, but the slow speed handling on all of the touring bikes are excellent. The Dyna and Vrod both feel semi floppy from the rake on the front fork not sure if the sport feels the same and the slow speed handling on a R1 is the worst I've ridden but the best I have ridden at speed 60-130mph..
All depends on how you are really gonna use the bike overall. I added saddlebags and a sissy bar to my dyna and during summer months and will be logging miles on that, but in the cold weather or cross country trips having a fairing and the added lowers on my RG is the best.. I rode my RG from MA to WI for the 105th round trip and that would be the only bike I would make that trip on..

 

You won't be sorry if you get the RG. But I have a hard time believing that anyone thinks the road glide is hard to ride slow. It might be harder than a 125 honda, but not much. They are considered by many to be the best low speed big bikes on the planet. They have perfect balance, nice large floor boards and good steering.

 

Damm Big Sky you better hope spring weather hits soon I think your kinda getting drawn in to the dark side

 

Hey Bobzilla, do you have pics of the rear of your bike? Who's kit is that?

Looks great..

 

If you can swing it, get an '09 RG. They really are an awesome machine!