I have been second guessing my decision about what bike I bought for quite a while now. I looked at the Road Glides when I bought my Ultra almost 2 years ago. I was sure I liked the Ultra so I bought it.

After looking at Road Glides for the last 2 years I was thinking maybe I made the wrong choice. My dealer had a very nice clean used 07 on the floor. I took it for a test ride yesterday and here are my impressions.

The ride is great. I really liked the lighter feel of the steering. I liked the riding position a bit better. I am 6'3", so I tend to feel a bit cramped on my Ultra.

The big problem I had with it was the wind and buffeting. I guess I am really spoiled with the batwing fairing. At 45 it was great, at 55 it was tolerable. I took the bike out on a 4 lane road and at 70 the wind was getting to be a bit much for my taste. At 80 it was almost unbearable.

The salesman told me that a windshield change helps a lot with taller folks, but I think I will just stick with what I have. Looks like I will just have to find a new bike to lust after. Those 09 Ultras sure look nice.....

 

well ya said...The ride is great. I really liked the lighter feel of the steering. I liked the riding position a bit better. I am 6'3", so I tend to feel a bit cramped on my Ultra. hmmmmm only negative was buffetting which a windshield change would cure. ya don't sound too convincing that you like the batwing better

 

thats what its all about, getting the one that fits you better. the above poster is correct though, a windshield change would likely cure your buffeting problem.

 

I do like the looks of the Road Glide, but I really like the wind protection from the batwing. Who knows. I know that I dont want to take a chance on buying a Road Glide and wishing I would have kept the Ultra. My pockets aren't deep enough to change my mind too many times.

 

At least you can be more happy now with what you got, and know why
you are

 

Go back to the dealer and have him throw on a different windshield. If he wants to make a sale it shouldn't be a problem. Then you'll know for sure...

 

Windshield change will make a big difference.
I'll be honest I don't do much extended driving at 80 mph. Short bursts for passing.
Mostly I loaf along around 70 mph on the highway but I avoid highways as much as I can. I like winding roads in the country so the way so the way the bike fits me and handles are the most important things to me.
The Road Glide works for me but it's not for everyone.

 

Sounds like with a different windshield thats the bike for you!

 

I prefer the looks of the batwing myself but the RG is growing on me. Fact is, whatever 09 tourer you buy you will be happy with, they are a vast improvement over the earlier models.

 

I'm 6' tall and I changed the w/s to a Clearview +1" higher. Changing the w/s does help and if you're 6'3" you likely need a +2" over stock. One last thing. If you liked riding the 2007, you'd love the 2009 version. The 09 Touring bikes are nicely improved over previous years.