2012 H-D Road Glide Custom Test

Thoughts and some on-board footage from the new Road Glide for Kiwi Rider Magazine.

Correction: the correct dry weight of the bike is 367kg


Music: Cutting Edge
Composer: Pierre Gerwig Langer (SESAC)
Publisher, all tracks: Lynne Publishing (PRS) 100%

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Harley
• Harley-Davidson
• Road
• Glide
• Motorcycle

[larsmet]

I'd too would really like to know which one you preferred between the Street Glide and the Road Glide. I got lucky in the last few days and I'm selling my 2011 Sportster Iron for either one of those touring bikes or a Night Rod Special if I fall in love when I test ride my friend's in a few weeks.

[dangerdavenz]

Thanks guys.

There are probably two considerations.

The Road Glide - with the weight of the fairing supported on the frame - rather than the handlebars, does feel slightly more nimble.

The Street Glide (IMHO) is a nicer looking bike and still handles well for a very heavy motorcycle. The Road is 'polarising' in its looks - I dont mind it - but the Street sports wood.

Apart from that it's pretty much line ball - two gloveboxes and a ciggy lighter/power outlet on the Road.

Either would do me!

[setmedic]

didn't like the foot board scraping at such a small angle...

[dangerdavenz]

@setmedic

Sorry - I missed this when first posted.

Motorcycles with footboards. This one has pretty good lean angles as such.

A compromise of comfort V angle.

[dangerdavenz]

@larsmet

It didn't get pushed around at all, no, but then I haven't ridden in gale force winds on it either. Normal conditions - just fine.

I'm 6'5" and I would need a taller screen on the Street Glide to move the buffeting up higher. (if it was my bike)

I'd say Road Glide for you if you are happier with the looks, because I think it does handle a bit better. I don't think it's a huge difference though.

HTH. Decent test rides should answer it better.

[larsmet]

@larsmet Just wanted to add, do you get unwanted steering inputs from the wind because of the fork-mounted fairing when riding the FLHX?

[larsmet]

@dangerdavenz I prefer the look of the Street Glide, because I think it ages better. I guess that's why it's a classic. My question though would be, is the difference in handling really that important? My salesperson told me it was like day and night, but you don't seem to say it's that big of a deal. If I was to go straightly for looks I wouldn't even bother but I do more back roads ride than highway, even though I want touring capabilities. What do you say? Thanks!

[setmedic]

which did you prefer, SG or RG? can't decide... I noticed you scraped the foot boards on both, That worries me bit...

[User7048]

Great review. Really nice job.

[dangerdavenz]

@footfulla1

Good to hear thanks.

Possible down to mounting the fairing on the frame rather than hanging the batwing on the forks.

[footfulla1]

yes the road glide is a very nice bike handles very well took one for a test ride at moree i love it i own a 2009 ultra classic very nice bike also but the road glide is better