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1st Review - in the Heat of the day

3K views 16 replies 14 participants last post by  FLIronButtRider 
#1 · (Edited)
Finally got to take a long test ride both on freeway and curvy back roads on a new 12 RGU 103 and while I was impressed with the power as compared to my last modified 97 Ultra. I was completely beaten up with buffeting on the freeway. Was shocked as I expected better protection from such a large fairing. I have had lots of Batwing FL's with no complaints of wind buffeting.
I am 5 10 with 31 inseam. Engine heat was dramatic but only noticed on the right side of the MC.
Great power getting on the freeway but have no idea how soft the suspension was set but got blown around and bobbing around too much for such a big heavy long bike.
Loved being back on good comfy seat and floorboards on the pretty barge but compared to test riding my buddies 2012 Goldwing in handling, braking and leaning there was no comparison to the GL1800. Just flat runs away from the HD in every measurable way but looks and seating/handle comfort. No noticable pinging that I can tell coming from the engine and this will be my first and hopefully last TC.. Hoping to keep mostly unmolested and put 100K miles on one.. Have a line on a few lightly used ones and only looking to add a center stand and do all my own maintenance as with all my previous ElectraGlides..
Hoping all the cam chain, stator, etc problems have been sorted out. Really wresting with myself over getting new TC or Older Late model EVO for longevity and practicality purposes. I try to stay out of the dealerships as much as possible and do all my own maintenance as many of you prolly do.... Any input from you of vast RG experience is welcomed. Great site here with very well written DIY stories.
Thanks! See ya soon with my own first RG after 8 Batwing Evo Dressers.
 
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#2 ·
clearview shield will help on the buffeting. (we are about the size size and huge improvement but still no batwing for clean air tho) stage 1 will help power but to keep up with a gw going to need cams etc. I ride with LT1200 and GW1800's and they both have more giddy up then my 2011 rgu with se 254 cams.
 
#3 ·
Check that air pressure in the shock on the left (clutch) side of the rear tire. My dealer must have been in a rush to get me my ride because they delivered it with a whopping 0 psi. I've tried 30-50 pounds and settled on around 40 psi for better comfort and handling. Congrats on the new ride.
 
#5 ·
odd,I am 6'4",and my RGU rides better than any bike I have ever had...but then,I've never owned a wing,though I did test ride one once.I haven't noticed any buffeting,and I've been in hard crosswinds,interstate,etc.

maybe it's because I'm used to a dyna with a windshield for the last 10 years?
 
#6 · (Edited)
I am a greybeard and having been riding at least as long and probably longer than most with nearly 40 years nonstop riding and close to 800K miles in the saddle with many different brands.. They all have their compromises and we live with that. There is no perfect MC or brand. Having owned all the big touring bike makers I am able to pick my poison with lots of past experience to go on.
Do I love the looks of HD, yes..There is lots to love about the Harley but challenges also. I love the ability of being able to pop the wheel off the single sided swingarm of the Goldwing or BMW to mount a tire.
Even the 12 HD models still have the same problems and challenges I left behind with still not relocating the oil filter and made new problems trying to fix old problems. It's not like I am a newbie not knowing what I am getting into.. The Stealership was pretty shitty to deal with yesterday also, not sales but service and the Sales Manager/former svc mgr. Especially when I pissed off the sales manager saying the TC had not come into fruition until 1999 and he said they had TC's in 1997 and while boasting his knowledge prowess I did a quick search on my smart phone and turned it around to show him he was wrong and prove my point.. He walked away, later returned to apologise. Service is requiring 2500 mile oil changes and I know that is BS... SO maybe I would be better served on something else or buy used... If you want to call Dog shit pudding I don't have to, I know better. I have a long track record owning 13 previous HD's and while I love them I know they come with compromises.
 
#14 ·
Service is requiring 2500 mile oil changes and I know that is BS... .
what do you mean 'requiring'? are they saying that your warranty will be void if you don't? if so, they are fos. the manual clearly spells out what services are due when and there is nothing at 2500 mile intervals.

now, my local dealership does a 'prepaid service plan' that will give you oil changes at 2500 mile intervals for a set period of time. if you ride a lot, you can make out like a bandit. if it sits in your garage, wasted money. they will do tires, batteries, etc. on this plan as well.

congrats on the new glide. takes a bit to get it set up just right, but once you do......
 
#7 ·
I have owned both a GW1800 and now an 07 RG i like both but i have to say the GW is a much better ride for longer trips, my RG after about 1200 miles starts to get a bit rough on ME but may be not some of you but for short rides i like them both about the same. Also the two bikes are really like night and day the GW is like riding a big over size sport bike and i dont think you could ever do enough to a HD that make it keep up with a GW thats why im on a RG now because i wanted to slow down and enjoy the ride. just my take on it . :)
 
#8 ·
When it was time to get my new ride, I really wanted a gold wing. I liked the bells and whistles, electronics, and the looks. The RGU had been growing on me too, so I decided to try both before I made my purchase. I rode the Wing first, and there were things I didn't care for - the engine whine was unbearable (I was used to the low rumble of my FLHX), and with my 30" inseam the Wing was a bit too tall for me. I also didn't care for the 3500 rpm cruise speed, guess I was just used to the low rpm of the Glide. I went and test rode the RGU and was hooked. I preferred the way it felt, handled, rumbled, and overall preferred it. I still love the Wing, and may some day have one but in addition to the FLTRU. To each his own, and I could sure do with out the bashing and name calling.
 
#9 ·
The heat off the right side is mainly to do with the catalytic converter in the head pipe. A new set of pipes will not only open your bike up for more power, it will help some on the heat issue (but not solve it,.. its still an air cooled engine).

The buffeting is something more difficult to try to solve. For some its just a shield swap, for others a shield and Sanchos wings solve it. For me, it was the combo of shield, lowers, and sanchos wings and I have no buffeting at all.

For the most part, all the bugs have been worked out of the TC engines.
 
#10 ·
I have a 04 Glide that I really do love. Is it the Uber -tourer that the Wing is? Hell no. Not even close. We all know that for the most part. However, there are certain things about riding a bike that are primal in nature and the Harley delivers in spades. Feel, sound, maneuverability, hell its like its alive. And the most important thing is that there is something just old man like about a Gold Wing. That and the fact that once you buy one, you have no reason to hang out on the internet and in the catalogs buying crap for the to make them your won personalized scoot.
I have thought about getting a wing but in the end, I just cant bring myself to do it .
 
#11 ·
Kudos.... The " Primal in Nature " thing I get.....
Guess that is why I have owned so many of the motorcycles that have " Soul" ......:^)
 
#15 ·
To me, there is just something about a Harley. They have history, personality and are just cool. You can really personalize a Harley and make it your own.


Sent from my iPhone using MO Free
 
#16 ·
Thanks for all the info on making my shark better.
Looks like I will be picking up an Black 2011 RGU and first things getting the windshield and heat under control. Changing head pipes, a ThunderMax and possibly removing the lowers are all on my TO-DO list.. Thanks Gents for a starting point. The batwing era comes to justifiable end after 8 FLHTC/U's. Had to go ride a batwing 103 back to back with a Shark fairing and the difference is astounding when you compare that way. . .
 
#17 ·
Congrats on the new ride!!

I used to have a GW1800 and it was a great bike. The handling and power was amazing. But I was way too cramped on it and the things that made it a great tourer made it awful around town. All those fairings kept you hot in town and didn't allow any air to reach you. Between the heat issues and the compact riding position, it just didn't work for me. The RG is much cooler around down and more nimble at slow speeds but the Wing handled better at high speeds. As was mentioned before, the single sides swing arm was great for tire changes but removing all the Tupperware and seat for basic servicing was a nightmare. In the end, the RG was the better bike FOR ME but then I don't get to do much long distance touring either.
 
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