Can anyone whose gone from a Road King to a Street Glide comment on the difference in visibility with the bat wing? I feel like I'm giving up a lot of "close up" visibility with the bat wing, especially on back roads with twisties. Or, is it just a matter of getting used to a new "sight picture"?

 

I'm curious on this one my self. Not so much visibility, but wind protection/buffeting. My Heritage has the similar w/shield as a RoadKing.
Since we look over the windshield (like we're supposed to) I'd imagine the Batwing blocks a minimal view up frt.

I can't speak for the Streetglide, because the one(s) I demo'd both had the shorty deflector. Pretty much useless above 50 mph.

 

You can see perfectly well and get used to the transition in about 30 seconds.

 

Honestly, close up vision isn't really utilized while riding, you should be looking where you are going now down where the bike is at that point. I primarily ride my road king, but have no problem riding any of the batwings.

 

Went from a 03'RK to an 08'SG. Like said earlier, no difference on visibility. Wind is different, as some wind comes up from below fairing. The biggest difference is in cold weather riding, your hands are better protected from the wind and stay warmer.

 

You won't notice it, or, you will get used to it quickly. I had a RK that had a detach fairing and now have an 08 SG. I rarely used the windshield, and had to find it when I sold the bike. As mentioned, if you are moving along, you won't be looking that close to the road. You will get increased wind protection for your hands. About the only thing I would suggest, is plan on replacing the nearly worthless windshield on a stock SG.

 

After going from a RoadKing to a StreetGlide I just can't see going back.

 

I have both for my Road King. A removable windshield and a removable batwing fairing. It takes no time to adjust to either one and you don't really notice the additional obstruction of your vision caused by the batwing. Like you, I like the more open 'old time' look of the Road King while I am taking shorter one or two day trips. But when I am going for a longer trips the added wind protection of the batwing really helps reduce rider fatigue.

 

May I ask what made the transition so permanent?

 

Once you get use to it, bat wing got the upper hand.