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New member with lots of questions!

6K views 68 replies 29 participants last post by  ChromeSpark 
#1 ·
Howdy yall. Thanks for any and all help. I'm looking to purchase a roadglide in the next few months. I'm going to take my time and not rush. I want to get the best bang for my buck and with that said is were the questions I have come in.
1. Are the harley tour packs that come with the ultra worth the extra money, specifically the newer tour packs made of abs? It seems like I could save a bit by going aftermarket, as in the A1 king tour pack made of fiberglass?
2. I could go with Calvary fiberglass, but I figure that once painted and hardware added that it could cost as much as Harleys. With that said, I would think the fiberglass is better than abs. So, whats the better option in any of yalls experience?
3. If I go used, which is more than likely the scenario, for a dude my height at 6'5...could someone direct me to a windshield and some apes that would work for me. Also, maybe a seat. I ride a ironhead chop with apes that bring my arms about to my shoulders, which I like because it keeps me from slouching and makes my back actually feel better after long rides. I assume that maybe a madstad windshield would work best with apes since I can adjust it.
4. Is the touchscreen on harleys worth it or just relpace a 2013 or older harley stereo with a bluetooth one?
5. Are the newer style saddlebags(the latch inside by wheel) worth it as well or is the older style ok.
Sorry its so long, just trying to figure out what year to get if I go used and it seems like I would start here with yalls input. Thanks again and I hope I'm not to confusing.
 
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#2 ·
The Rushmore models in my opinion are much improved and the Boom radio system I really like.(some don't) The 17's are proving to be good as well with a few bugs worked out. Don't go cheap on the tour pak. There are some good aftermarket but go abs for sure and with one of the better companies. Same if you decide to go with lowers. Me, I like the RGS and then do detachable so for short hauls and around town no tour pak or lowers in the summer. Good luck and Howdy from Texas.
 
#3 ·
I went from an 11 to a 16. And yet st. The differences are enough to get the Rushmore over the 13. If budget allows. Either bike is a great choice. But if I was choosing I'd go newer. I love the 6.5 boom. I love how the Nav works too. Also the newer ones (Special) have the premium adjustable shocks.
 
#6 ·
Yes. Rushmore was 2014 . But there was no Roadglide in 2014. So 2015/2016 are the only Rushmore years for the RG.

RGS = Special
RGU = Ultra (with tourpack and front lowers)
Lowers = the lower fairings that mount to the crash bar.

I added lowers to my Special. Love them.
 
#12 ·
I'm 6'5" and got my RGS yesterday. I went with the tall boy seat and it moves you back about 1.5". I have parts on order to move the controls forward and a taller windshield. My head is in the wind with the stock screen. Of course I put on highway pegs and that helps on the open road.

It's a great bike. I really like the 6.5 Boom. And the navigation is fine. I look forward to testing that twistiest route feature!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#13 ·
Seems like my best bet would be to get a 2015/16 with a king tour pack? I know that ultras come with tour packs but is there a downside to buying a road glide and adding a king tour pack or is it best just to get the ultra. It seems like the tour pack is the only difference that I can find other than the brakes.
 
#14 ·
Most like to buy the RGS and add the tour pak and front lowers. The back end is cleaner without the center light and the RGS also has low profile front wheels. You mount the tour pak with detachable hardwire that can be bought on eBay for pennies on the dollar.
 
#15 ·
I am not a fan of the boom. The GPS is years behind quality GPS on cages. I bought advan black lowers, if I had to do it again I would go oem. The 15&16 are an improvement over earlier versions, but they still have many short comings. I also went amp and 4 speakers the boom sound was anemic. No matter which way you go you will spend thousands on upgrades. Check out the 17s. From the reviews they seem much better. Less heat, more power, smoother and better suspension. I haven't ridden one because I know I will buy it, and I have too much invested in my 16, that I will not get back by trading.
 
#17 ·
The new Milwaukee 8 is what sparked my interest in a touring bike along with my wife wanting a more comfortable ride. I'll keep looking to see what kind of deal I can get for a '17. Might be best just to bite the bullet. I notice the front tire now and the special definitely looks better than the ultra. I don't care for the tour pack either. I would rather have it without the reflector or lights on the pack. Does the antenna on the special have to be relocated when putting a tour pack on? Thanks for all the input.
 
#18 ·
Welcome from Fort Mill, SC. You will love the TP if you do any two up traveling or touring. Get the Ultra and be done with it if your budget allows.
 
#21 ·
I tried to search on here about dealerships and didn't come up with much. Being around Cincinnati area, I'm willing to go as far as Cleveland I71 down I75 to Chattanooga. Anyone have any good experience with any dealerships along that stretch? Stingers HD, Rock n Roll HD, Rubber City...all close or in Cleveland. HD of Cincinnati, Eastgate HD, Powder Keg HD, and Thoroughbred HD...all close to or in Cincinnati. Man O'War HD of Lexington and Wildcat HD of London, KY. Rocky Top HD of Pigeon Forge and Thunder Creek HD of Chattanooga, TN. The dealerships above I've been in to but usually to get a small part or gasket but usually a shirt. Has anyone had a good experience purchasing from any of those or maybe another not listed thats within 4 to 5 hours of Cincinnati?
 
#23 ·
One thing that has not been discussed (I think, I suck at reading) is the RGU has the Wet Heads, no? You can't get those in just plain old lowers and I think in the RGU, you can just pop the Pack off the back, no?

IMHO, it all comes down to how much $$ you want to drop - You say bang for the buck but everyone has a different Idea of bang - '15s and '16s are everywhere now that the '17s are out so there are deals to be had - The '17s cannot get as nutty in the motor dept as the '16s and older can - The '17 rides like a smooth BMW style bike and is much quieter with a better stock Susp but you will never get that true (I say it was lost when EFI came into play) HD sound in a 17 unless you remove the cat and kill all warranty.

My suggestion......make a "must have list" and then make a "nice to have list" and include everything from show to go.......then look at the foundation to build from and begin......Rushmore vs M8.......RG, RGS, RGU, CVO........Show or Go Mods.......then look at the funds and know that you will ALWAYS need $5K more :grin:
 
#24 ·
Great idea about listing the must haves down to the nice to have list. The must have for me will be a tour pack, but I'm not opposed to aftermarket. Since I ride a rigid chopper, the Road glide in general regardless of how its set up will be a big big step up for me. My chopper isn't the most comfortable and I can ride all day. I just want something more reliable and more comfortable for a passenger. Also, a bike that I can put some clothes in and go. After that, all else is gravy. Plus, with me being a chopper guy...the road glide is the closest thing to a eye pleasing tour bike....I like that it has that drag style appearance and sitting still it looks like it wants to go a 100 mph. I'm just really wanting some good input, which I appreciate all, so I can make a great decision on first time new/newer RG.
 
#27 ·
Thanks and I'm super impressed already with all the advice in a short amount of time. I will definitely soak this all in and reach out to many dealers and possible private sellers. I'm not going to rush at all. I'm going to give myself a good month or 2 to make the right purchase...Hopefully a good deal won't pass me during that time.lol
 
#28 ·
vansmetal88,

I am 6'6" and I know your concerns with handlebars, windshield, and seat. I can offer the following from my experience. I upgraded the stock windshield to the 14" Freedom Shield Sport Med Tint. Made a great improvement of getting most of the wind over your head and makes the radio sound better.

Replaced stock handle bars with 16" Paul Yaffe Monkey bars. Love the change! Steering is better, arm height is better, Mirrors are actually usable in that I don't have to look at my arm pits any longer. Perfect rear view now.

Seat, The seat has been a real challenge. Stock seat would make my tail bone numb after about an hour of road time. Replaced it with HD Brawler Solo seat and it's good for about 2 or 3 hours ride time. Bought a Rush Cycle Pedic seat and this seat is The Sh##! With this seat I can ride all day! No pain or numbness. I don't keep this seat on the bike as the look is a little strange but the long haul ride is awesome. I actually get a lot of questions when I have the Rush seat on the bike and biggest question is. "What is the channels and drains in that seat for?" I have started to tell people you can just pee your pants and keep riding all day with this seat.. lol

Good Luck Brother...
 
#29 ·
I've just skimmed the thread but I'd definitely go wet head. The reduction in heat is substantial but you'd you'll have to go '16 or newer Ultra to get that. I've had two Ultras and love em. They have everything you need though coming from a rigid chopper may have some things you don't want. Its usually cheaper to take things off an Ultra then it is to add the things you want to a custom or a special. An Ultra may not look it but they are pretty sporty and handle great for a touring bike. I call it my 900lb sport bike.:grin:

As far as dealers I traded my '11 last winter. I checked with several dealers in 5 states and Man 'O War in Lexington are very good to deal with. I've heard great things about Wildcat in London too. I have little knowledge of the dealers around Cincy but do know enough to know I wouldn't waste my time with Harley of Cincinnati.
 
#32 ·
The seat drain lines feed down the frame and exit by the rear tire. Yes can have back rest as well..

The handlebars I did buy the HD plug & Play control wire extensions (10" I think) The pair was $30 from the dealer They plug into the stock connectors. I was told not required with this bar but they sure made things easier having a bit of slack to play with. The Throttle wire, and Hyd. Lines were all fine just had to cut a couple cable ties to get some slack.

My garage pics have some pretty good pics of the bars and windshield.
 
#33 · (Edited)
Hi vansmetal88; it's a good idea to take your time and get what you want. As already stated; if you're looking for a higway touring machine - the Ultra is what you want. But for the day-trips or a run on the town a Special could be the right choice, you can always add a Tour Pak later or a Kuryakyn-style tour bag.
I have a SERG (CVO) with a detachable "beer-tray" a chopped Tour Pak which I personally prefer over the king-size pak. I don't want too much weight on the top any way, as it affects the handling of the bike.
So, this is what I got - I really like the look!:


or you can choose the Razor:



Or the whole nine-yards! :D



On windshields and handlebars - try before you buy! :)
 
#38 ·
Thats good to know because I will be doing more day trips and runs around town. Unfortunately or luckly, however you look at it, I split for a week on my bike once a year and ride like its gonna be my last. I think a RGS with tour pack will fit my needs, unless I run across a ultra that is priced really good.
 
#34 ·
Since you are a chopper guy. I recommend the RG or RGS over the RGU. Due to handling & more stripped down. I recommend the MadStad windshield with quick detach brackets since you can easily remove the outer shield & increase air flow. I prefer max airflow & do mostly city riding.
 
#36 ·
That's kinda what I'm starting to think as far as going the RGS route. I do like the looks of the madstad but I would be worried with quick detach that it could also be stolen easier. Does it have a way to help prevent theft. The Madstad on there site look like they only adjust up or down and would need tools to detach. A big Ooh Rah devil dog.
 
#35 ·
I went ahead and purchased a 17RGU and had them put on the quick detach package so I can remove the tour pak when not roading. As others have mentioned, The RGU uses the lowers for the cooling system, so can't be removed. I can't overstate how much you will like the M8. I did a stage II on mine and absolutely love it.

If by chance you are in the market for a new '16, my dealer here in Davenport IA has a beautify 16 RG CVO listed at 5k under MSRP. I really can't believe it's still sitting there. If I was not so bent on the getting the M8, it would be in my garage.
 
#39 ·
One thing that noone's mentioned yet. The RGS and the standard aren't wired for either the lights or the speakers in back like the RG Ultra is. If you buy the RGS and add the tourpack you are going to have to cut and splice the wire loom to light up the tour pack and run additional speaker wire for the rear. As a matter of fact, I don't believe the head unit on the RGS even has the capability to add rear speakers, but I'm not sure about that. Better check out all of the possibilities before you drop coin. I personally agree with the poster that recommended buying the Ultra and the quick disconnect kit. That way, you can remove what you don't need when you don't need it, and put it back on when you do. Remember, this is a touring bike whatever the configuration, and eventually you will want to roll on some pretty substantial miles, and all that "extra" stuff suddenly becomes very handy!
 
#41 ·
I sent you a PM with some dealer info.

I tour on my RGS. I use a kuryakyn tour bag.

Also. Take the Mrs for a test ride. I had my Ultra for 11 months. My wife hated it. Hated the tour pack and how it made her feel confined. It was her that told me to get a new bike because she disliked the other one so much. Lol.

But her comfort is a thought too.
 
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