Well I took a new Road Glide for a test ride and this is what I experienced. I headed out the highway and as I picked up speed it almost felt like I was on my Wide Glide with no shield. I am just 5'7 but definately needed a taller shield for wind protection.I enjoyed the stereo and easy access to it's controls.The exhaust note was poor and I felt almost immediate heat on the right side.I also thought the stock seat felt hard. I will test ride a Street Glide this Saturday and do a comparison.Its not that I disliked the Road Glide but I just saw a number of changes that needed to be made immediately.For you Road Glide owners I am not knocking your bike just expressing what I experienced on my first test ride,I really do like the bike.
The exhaust note and the right side heat are going to be the same on all the FL's. But you are right about the wind. First thing I did to mine was change the windshield to get the buffeting under control. However, the stock seat on my '08 is the most comfortable stock HD seat I've ever ridden on.
Yeah I think most of the new windshields on stock bikes are just for looks lol. I switched to a slightly taller shield now I love my bike more than ever