i presently have a 2009 road king. i am contemplating buying a 2nd bike in order to have a radio and more protection against the elements. i'm planning a solo trip next year that will take me from nova scotia and to british colombia and back east thru the U.S.. my question is which bike would give me the best protection from the elements with the same height wind shield, let's say 16 0r 18 inch, especially in rain.

 

SG,but I would add lowers to whichever bike you choose. If you ride in bad weather lowers are awesome.

 

A Road Glide with soft lowers from Desert Dawgs.

After all, what would a thread like this be without conflicting responses straight off the bat!?

 

I run a 2010 RG. I seriously advise you head down to the Dealers and take both out for a ride...

 

Neither, get a Electra Glide. It's what you really want anyway:-)

 

Just keep your RK and get some foul weather gear.

 

partial to the last comment- get a memphis shades fairing for the road king and use your ipod.

if getting another bike, the batwing allows you to tuck into it in crap weather, the RG not so much.

there are also more windscreen options for the batwing fairing ( I cut mine to desired height with a rotozip- cut the bottom (hidden) edge.
stock is 10" height)

living where you do crap weather should be a prime consideration

as for radio on a long trip, I have earbuds plumbed into the stereo. they keep the music in and the wind and road noise out.


Mike

 

You probably need to adapt your thinking on windshield height when considering a bike with a fairing vs your RK. A 16-18 inch windshield would be like an airplane wing on either bike. I guess it would offer a lot of protection though. As mentioned, lowers would be a good idea on either. They are easily removable during nicer weather.

 

I also vote for a Electra Glide Ultra Classic

Tons of protection up front; lots of room with the saddlebags and tour pack for everything you will need to carry with you for an extended trip.

Has the radio and all the creature comforts of home with you.

 

Save yourself about 15 grand and put a fairing on your RK. If you go with a Reckless Cycles fairing, you will get more protection and better sounds than either OEM fairing offers.