Difference between road king and electra glide

Join Date: Dec 2007

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While waiting for the weather to get warm enough to rent Harleys of my geatest interest, which are all touring bikes, I thought I would ask you experienced Harley riders a question about differences betweeen models that I have not found through the search feature. (Joined this excellent site in late '07 but just started hanging around a couple of months ago, having got serious about buying a Hog.)
I am curious about the differences between the Road King and the Electra Glides in handling- does the batwing fairing really make much steering difference in parking lot maneuvers (unsprung weight)? I have a metric cruiser now (see temp sig pic) and have ridden (demo ride only) a Softtail and a Road King. I liked the RK best, and found it easier to handle than my own bike (not that either was an issue, long-time rider). Soon I will be renting a Street Glide as well as an EGC and finally (my probable favourite), the Ultra. In the meantime wondering if RK riders are sold on the windshield vs. the fork-mounted fairings (anybody ever move back to a RK from an EG for that reason?). Plus, I wonder if the weight difference between the 775 or so pound RK and the near 900-pound Ultra affects power and handling significantly. Ultra owners do seem among the most loyal to their models, and I don't want to settle for less than what I really want

Thanks in advance for anybody feels like discussing this, much appreciated.

-Caper

Last edited by CaperJohnny; 03-15-2009 at 06:17 AM. Reason: trying to enter sig pic

Join Date: Jul 2007

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Can't answer the ? about the rk,because I've never owened one.But my Bro has one and I've riden it a few times,but not enough to give a lagitimate answer. I went from Sporty to Superglide, and then to EGC.The extra lb's was a benifit to me. It helped plant the bike in the corners and yes it took some getting use to in slow parking lot turn.But the extra wind blocking and the tunes of the batwing far out weigh the RK.Just my .02

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Good question, Caper. I will try and answer it. I have owned both. My first Harley was an 06 Road King Classic, my current ride is an 08 Electra Glide Classic. My riding style is mixed as I ride a lot around town and then, about twice a year ride up to the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Bikes are very similar in the way they ride, they are same frame after all. One of the differences in handling is the fact the EGC takes a bit more muscle in the low speed handling. (although my brother owns an 08 Vulcan Nomad and says my bike handles better than his at low speed). It's nothing overly taxing, but there is a difference. The EGC does a better job of keeping the wind off you at highway speeds, although the fairing can get squirrley in high winds. The fairing does grab more wind but it is not something to keep you away from it, you just get used to it. The main difference between the two bikes is the removable windshield and lack of fairing/tour pak on the RK. I really liked my RK for those reasons. You should consider what type of riding you will be doing. The EGC is much better at long touring than the RK, the RK has it all over the EGC at cruising around town. Honestly, if I had it do again, I would keep my RKC, and buy a removable fairing and tour pak.

Join Date: Oct 2007

Location: Yokohama

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I ended up narrowing my choices down to an Electra Glide Classic and a Road King. The EGC was tempting because it's a lot of bang for the buck with the stereo and tour pak. But I found that the RK felt noticeably lighter than the EGC lifting the bike off the side stand and during low speed maneuvers through traffic around town. It also felt more nimble in the corners (although I'm sure you'd get used to the heavier batwing bike if you owned one). It also is nice being able to see the road right in front of you .. makes the RK feel smaller. Take off the windshield and the RK really feels small in comparison. Nice to have that choice, like a convertible.

Riding both back to back, I didn't feel that the Batwing gave notably better wind protection than the RK's barn door windshield. And I thought the batwing caused more buffeting with the wind rushing up from underneath, although lowers would solve this problem. The batwing gives more wind protection for the hands, but nothing like a BMW RT type bike. You'd still need good heated gloves in cold weather. I use handlebar covers in winter, which provide far better wind/rain protection than the batwing does.

That said, if you never plan to ride without a windshield and you really want tunes, you'd be better off with the batwing or a road glide than a Road King.

Last edited by Twinrider; 03-15-2009 at 06:57 AM.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ms3300

Good question, Caper. I will try and answer it. I have owned both. My first Harley was an 06 Road King Classic, my current ride is an 08 Electra Glide Classic. My riding style is mixed as I ride a lot around town and then, about twice a year ride up to the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Bikes are very similar in the way they ride, they are same frame after all. One of the differences in handling is the fact the EGC takes a bit more muscle in the low speed handling. (although my brother owns an 08 Vulcan Nomad and says my bike handles better than his at low speed). It's nothing overly taxing, but there is a difference. The EGC does a better job of keeping the wind off you at highway speeds, although the fairing can get squirrley in high winds. The fairing does grab more wind but it is not something to keep you away from it, you just get used to it. The main difference between the two bikes is the removable windshield and lack of fairing/tour pak on the RK. I really liked my RK for those reasons. You should consider what type of riding you will be doing. The EGC is much better at long touring than the RK, the RK has it all over the EGC at cruising around town. Honestly, if I had it do again, I would keep my RKC, and buy a removable fairing and tour pak.

I think that's an excellent summary ms3300... which-ever type of riding (hwy versus street) is most important to the rider. I also like your proposed solution - detachable fairing and tourpack. Of course, the reason I like your ideas is because I have a Road King and am about to do exactly that - get some more detachable accessories and have it ALL my way.

Join Date: Feb 2007

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When I was moving up to a tourer I was faced with the same question. Caught a deal on a used EGC that was too good to pass up. I have never regretted going with the batwing. One benefit I did not think much about beforehand is the CD/radio, but I would not be without one now. It changes the whole nature of the ride. And the tourpak is much handier than the bags for easy access.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinrider

Riding both back to back, I didn't feel that the Batwing gave notably better wind protection than the RK's barn door windshield. And I thought the batwing caused more buffeting with the wind rushing up from underneath, although lowers would solve this problem. The batwing gives more wind protection for the hands, but nothing like a BMW RT type bike. You'd still need good heated gloves in cold weather. I use handlebar covers in winter, which provide far better wind/rain protection than the batwing does.

Let me expound on this truth that Twinrider brought up. The batwing is extremely disappointing when it comes to buffetting coming from under the tank...The lowers DO cure that issue (ask me how I know!). On my 99' RoadKing I never had an issue with any buffeting. You need to really put on a good day of riding at highway speeds to see if you're a batwing guy or not. Dont let the buffeting completely discourage you, the lowers do cure that chit.

Twinrider made the great point that Ill second that you get better hand protection with the batwing.....I got my SG Dec 30th, it was 35 degrees and that was the 1st thing I noticed....how comfortable my hands were.

Now that I have the bike set up like I need it (lowers, TP, etc), I can honestly say I dont miss the RK as bad as I did a month ago......

That being said, I'd just about have to recommend the FLHR just because of its ability to wear so many hats. You can do it all on the king in style.....And if cash is an issue, you can build her up the way you like over time.

Do I regret the FLHX? Hell no.......But if you like to change things up from time to time just for the hell of it, look real hard at that FLHR.

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The Classic...extra storage and is basically pretty versital. the tour pak is behind me, so i really do not have the "extra weight" issue...only when fully loaded for trips, which you'll probably have a backpak type luggage anywayon a RK. The batwing is good and i don't get wind fatigue on long rides..

My .02cents

Last edited by katobird; 03-15-2009 at 09:22 AM.

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With the Batwing for protection along with the radio, bags, and tourpak you can't go wrong with the EGC.

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Hey CaperJohnny, I remember you from the VStar 1100 forum. I can't provide information comparing the RK and EG, but I can compare a VStar 1100 to a EG Standard, which I now own. I find low speed parking lot handling easier with the Electra Glide than the VStar. The weight of the fairing was not that noticeable to me and the friction zone on the Harley is wider and easier to find. Once you the bike in the friction zone and drag the rear brake, it is very easy to maneuver. Although the Electra Glide is heavier that the V*, I find it easier to ride and handle, other than backing up is more difficult.

Good luck with your choice,
-Bill-

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