Most SG owners get UG/EGs eventually? That is quite a prediction.

Again, different seat, $75 shield and $125 shocks and it's the same bike with none of the "extras".

I also find it amusing how the SG is maligned when the RG is also the same bike except for the fairing.

New rear shocks, as I've stated earlier, are simple. A softail and a touring bike are different bikes. You can tour with a Heritage, but that is a compromise vs. purpose built touring bikes.

 

It would be quite a prediction but it's not what I said.

I'm not maligning the SG. Personally I think they look just fine. Basically they reflect Harley's ability to adjust to what their customers have done with their bikes by providing the look they see some going for right out of the factory (2006 I believe was the first factory Street Glide), they're no dumbies. They probably make better margins on the SGs too (not to mention they make really good $$$ on the parts if the owner decides to add some of what's missing back on ).

However, if you ever want to add the stuff that Harley took off to achieve that look, then it'll cost you a lot less to get it in the first place. It's easly to make a UG/EG look like an SG. Besides it sounds to me like the OP needs the more comfortable seat and a back rest to boot.

The over the counter cost of the shocks are $184 each I believe and the shield, $125.

If you do the math and look at msrp difference, then look at the parts that are missing and what it would take then it'd be a really good idea to be sure you never intended to go to the Ultra, ever.

 

All the those "traditional" items that need to be removed or changed out to clean up the EG/UG add up:

front and rear fenders, wheels, tires, front light bar, rear light bar, seat, remove chrome, change seat, tank badge. It would be a big PITA and then stuck with the king tourpack vs. chopped, razor or bag options.

Different strokes for different folks. Convincing people otherwise is disingenuous.

 

You're clearly as happy with your SG as I am with my Limited. I had a choice between the SG and the Ultra as did you. Let's leave it at that shall we?

 

Harley definitely knows how to make a buck. That's why they ditched the EG std - looked too much like a SG, for $2k less. I wanted one when I first shopped. The dealer went waaaay out of his way to talk me out of it. Said I should buy the Street Glide because it was basically the same thing. Then why would I do that? I asked. He realized he screwed up his pitch and just mumbled something that made even less sense than his previous statement.

Ultimately, I ended up with the UG using your logic. But, it's no cheap date to convert. Different ride height, fenders, turn signals, rims, saddlebag guard, and seat among other things. The detachable rack needed to lose the tourpack is insane - over $500. Then you need the associated quick connect harness and antennae relocation. The reality is, you can make an Ultra look sorta like a SG by spending about 1000 bucks (removable tourpack rack, different rear crash guard or saddle bag support and Badlander seat). But, to me, it just looks like an Ultra without the Tourpack. YMMV.

 

Here's the deal RNL…the stock suspension on Harley Touring Models suck. They are an embarrassment to the company. It doesn't matter what model you buy, you're going to want to change at least the rear suspension to something decent…like Ohlins, for example. The difference in ride comfort and suspension performance is off the chart.

The only other thing you need to decide is whether you really need a giant suitcase (tour pack) on the tail of your bike. I noticed that you don't have one on your Sporty…do you really want, or need one now? If not, a Street Glide or a Road Glide will suffice. If you decide later that you really need one, you can easily add it to your SG or RG.

Look at it this way…you're probably going to want to customize your bike exactly to your liking. Why not spend the least amount of money now, and add on to the bike as needed. You may want to change the seat, or the handlebars, etc, etc.

You may not like the buffeting on the SG at freeway speeds. Don't let this get you down. It is easily fixable with a different windshield, and some fork deflectors. Cheap fix.

 

You are smart to rent, the RG was a great looking bike however for me it did not feel as good as the SG, love the SG, just changed the back shocks to Ohlin's and what a difference in ride.
Good luck with whatever you choose, all great choices.

 

Facts are facts, choices are made for various reasons. See below.

Good points.

 

 

Out of those three i would either do the RK or SG. Touring all the way. Like many have said it all comes down to the batwing. Some people love the fairing and some hate it. My brother has a 2006 or 2007 RK Custome and I have 2012 SG. For me the fairing is the only way to go. I love having my favorite music playing through the speakers. It is so nice not having to deal with head phones anymore. My wife does not like bikes and will not ride with me so going solo i have no desire for a tour pack and i perfer the look of the SG. I rode my SG to Sturgis this year, rode 2,000 miles in five days and i loved every mile on my stocked SG. Can't go wrong with either, but for me SG is the easy answer.

Let us know what you decide.