I can't agree with you more. I was one of the first ones to test ride one and I reported the same thing you did and because it wasn't what some A hole didn't want to here they jumped all over my ass. Now that a lot of the remarks coming back are not that great maybe they need to pull there head out of there asses and wake up. THE SHARK IS NOT AS GOOD AS ALL THE HYPE.

 

I feel ya man. Went to my dealer Sunday. If it's not enough pain that I can't get a wet RG Limited, they are asking WAY over MSRP on the RG's they did have. $27K on a Special, $42K for the CVO. Christ...

There was one lonely looking silver and gray 2014 EG Limited on the floor. The salesman (that I actually like quite a bit) saw me eyeballing it, after grumbling over no wet RG, and their "Dealer Adjustment" pricing on the Road Glides. Quietly told me he'd cut me a hell of a deal on the left over 14 Limited.

I'd hate to do it, but I may just go to the Bat-Side.

 

"Dealer Adjustment" pricing? That sucks. Sounds like the "old days" I've heard about. But they would cut you a deal on a '14. That dealership would never get any of my business unless they did cut a deal--all my "gravy" business and purchases would go to another dealership.

 

Couldn't disagree more. Love my new 15' roadie. The problem is you were riding it with the stock windshield. I threw on a 12" wind splitter and it's perfect. I do agree the radio can be bit hard to see with the sun glare at times. The vents are nice here in the high desert of SoCal because you need a little more wind at times to keep us cool. I can understand that a lot of guys are a little negative because they have 1-3 year old bikes and have little incentive to get the new model because they've recently got their bikes where they want them and have invested heavily into their rides or would be upside down if they tried to trade in for a new one

 

Put Lowers and a big ole grandpa windshield on the RG and then do the comparison, otherwise it's really not.... a comparison.

 

I rode the new Street Glide, really a more fair comparison to the RGS, and wasn't all that impressed with it.

I don't think it's a fair comparison to compare two stock fairing bikes, one with lowers and a tall WS, to a stock bike with a thumbnail WS and no lowers.

I think anyone looking to compare the new RGS or standard need to ride a Street Glide special or standard to make a fair comparison, muyself included.

This! A thousand times THIS!!!

I don't usually get vocal on the more polarizing topics here, but this one keeps gnawing at me.

Not sure why anyone is expecting a stripped down, chopped shield version of the RG to be comparable to a full blown EG dresser with lowers and a tall windshield. You want to compare the new shark to the new bat? Then ride a RG/RGS and a Street Glide/Special -or- pit the CVO RGU against the EG Ultra/Limited/Low. A Corvette is going to hug the road and cut through the air a lot better than an F-150, I guess that means I should only buy Chevrolets!

I for one, have never felt that the RG was the superior wind blocker, but is hands down the better wind manager.

 

I also was comparing the two, Not that I need the low at 6'3". But the sales guy just happened to point it out after giving me his rundown on the new Road Glide. So I said "what the hell, as long as I'm here. Most comfortable batwing I've ever been on. The lowered seat actually opens up the cockpit and the fairing is no longer in my face. Truth be told If the Honda-like looks of the new roadie don't grow on me in time, I may have found my new rig.

 

I guess it all depends on your height and tolerance. I found the ride on the 15 RG much better than the previous years right out of the box without the need for tweaking. Was it perfect?? No. I got wind. But most of it was smooth wind to the head. Not the choppy wind to the chest and head of years past and what you get on the batwings. Also no wind coming up over the tank and nowhere near as much from the leg area. I know because I have a long goatee and it wasn't touching my nose. I found the best vent combo top closed and sides opened. A taller shield would help. Lowers I am not sure they will really make a drastic difference like previous years.

And I did get a chance to sit on an Ultra Low. I honestly can't see a drastic difference between it and the regular. And I am only 5' 8".

 

I rode the new Street Glide, really a more fair comparison to the RGS, and wasn't all that impressed with it.

I don't think it's a fair comparison to compare two stock fairing bikes, one with lowers and a tall WS, to a stock bike with a thumbnail WS and no lowers.

The OP also stated he usually doesn't wear a half helmet then rides a bike with pretty much no shield.

Frankly, the results are what I would expect.

I haven 't ridden the new RG yet, but I rode the Street Glide. Coming off my 2012 with a 14" Windvest and lowers, I wouldn't take the Street Glide it you gave it to me.

I think anyone looking to compare the new RGS or standard need to ride a Street Glide special or standard to make a fair comparison, muyself included.

 

So you would buy a Batwing instead of putting a better shield on the RG? I rode both and the batwing felt the same as they always have in the wind department. The RG felt better from a stock perspective than the old ones. The only thing is that it needs a taller shield. Just like the 13's and older do. :/

I think putting a windshield of choice on the new RG's would still make it waaaay better tha the Batwing. Just my 2 pennies.

 

Stopped by Local Dealer last Friday and low and behold rite in front of me was the Best L-QQ-King Bike imo this year in comparison to any of them along the dresser line.
Ive not rode any new bike or newer to mine. KInda Funny tho, the Old Saying goes, " Brillant Minds Do Think alike @ Times ",...

Just from a Comparison Stand Point of Looks! the CVO Street Glide is Freakn Powerful! There was not a Motorcycle in or out of the Dealer that could Touch what this Bike Looks Likes! Stereo was 'Loud'! but with 2 - 300 watt amps and 6 speakers , from the Factory , man , its Impressive!
The 'Hard - Candy Paint and Graphics' are Baaaaaad Ass!
Water - Cooled Heads have gotta Help!
The Bike was 10 Times Better in Person than any Pic Ive Seen.
19 inch Front Wheel all Chrome Front End,... Phat Bagger Rear End Look, all Bundled Up , to me , as a Pretty Much No Touch Custom from the Factory! Xcept W/S , Mufflers and a Tour Pak ( Chop-Chop).

Like Ive said Ive not ridden any newer bike than my 09,... do I really Want To!???

 

It's what I've been saying--Looks like Big Red has a few more years to go

 

You GOTTA ride it with a tall shield to see the difference. It was the first thing I did when I got mine to the house.....HUGE difference.....I couldn't even HEAR the kick ass stereo AT 25 MPH......! Smooth wind is great....blowing in your ears NOT....I couldn't hear my girlfriend over 25 mph....now with the tall Wind Splitter it's a completely different bike!
And BTW.....takes a whole MINUTE to change shields!!!! AWESOME redesign MoCo!

 

What size windshield did you put on? And how tall are you? I test drove one a few days ago (and will be starting the paperwork next week to order one) and I also noticed a lot of wind noise at ear level. If I slouched down a bit, it got nice & quiet. So I figure a taller windshield will do the trick...

And before anyone asks, I've lurked here for a few years, because I've always been intrigued by the Road Glide. A lot of priceless info from everyone on here...and it's certainly helped make up my mind.

 

I rode the 2015 RG Special and the 2015 Street glide back to back. They both had the Toenail windshield on, and I think the RG won hands down.
If you would have rode a RG with the higher shield that the Electra glide low had on , and lower fairings ,would your opinion still be the same ?

 

I still think the 15 has to much wind compared to a 13 under.
I have rode a 13 under with a low shield and no lowers.
The only wet head RG is the SE hard to get a demo ride on this one.

The big point is why doesn't Harley have a comparable RG to Bats???
Some of us guys have had enough of buying a motorcycle and adding $2-5 grand. I have.
(try adding a windshield, lowers, tour pac, lowering and MY labor costs money also) We just want to buy a bike and ride it. NO B.S. And NO insurance B.S when something happens to your extras.

The reason I rode both is because I just wrecked my 13RGC in end of july
and waited to see the new RG. The there is almost a $20000 diff from a
custom to a ultra? So I bought a 04 RG.

Maybe next year HD will have some comparable models.
Not to damn hard to make a road glide limited regular or low.
Probably would be some on this board now.

 

Disagree with you on this. My new RGS rides great compared to the batwing. It's even better since I added the Klock Werks pro shield.

 

I agree 100 %. When I test rode the SGS and the RGS back to back last summer , I felt the RG had much less wind buffeting . Bothe bikes had the stock toenail shield.

 

I always liked the RG but preferred the wind and buffeting abilities on the bat. When the 15's came out I rode both and decided the time for a RG was now. I added the cheap plastic diverter on the frame and a 12" Windvest. It is the perfect bike for me. I can smoke a cigar at 70 and hear the music. If I had this bike 2 bikes ago I'd still have the dollars from trading in 2 bikes over the years. This is the bike I've wanted and am putting so much money in it that i'll have to keep it for many years.

 

Good topic, I rode the black CVO SG at the local dealers demo days. I fell in love with it! Not only was that mother sexy but the ride was smooth to. I rode RGU with the tourpac, I wasn't impressed enough to say I gotta get one of these tomorrow. I did consider the fact that a seat, bar, and windshield change could/would dramatically change my impression. So with that said I will keep my 06 and wait for one of you guys to get rid of your low mile CVO and I will give you $500 more than the dealership will when you get ready for that 2015 or 2016 RG! BTW I am only interested in a couple of colors on the CVO!

 

Well I have been considering trading UP to the newly designed 15' RG from my 11'SG for the past few months. Finally got all of the finances in order, the GF convinced, and after 4 visits to my local dealership, talking about both the SG and RG, I finally pulled the trigger....and rented a 15'RGS.

All I can say is WOW!!!

After reading about all of the time and money invested in re-designing, and coming up with the Rushmore series, Harley Davidson needs to take a serious look at the competition, and while they say they spent thousand of miles and hundreds of hours i the saddle, they must be a bunch of zombies or the walking dead in the design and engineering department.

A few notes...I currently own a 2012 BMW K1600GTL, and a 2011 Street Glide (with a Klock Werks windscreen, Mustang seat, Vance and Hines Monster Ovals, and a few bits of added KuryCrappin Chrome).

I picked up the rental 15'RG on Saturday afternoon, with the full intentions of jumping onto the bike and making a Sunday early departure from SWFL to Key West, grabbing a burger at Sloppy Joe's, then heading back to the Fort Myers area the same day. I have made this 500+ mile ride several times, on both the BMW and my SG, with total mind clearing relaxation and total enjoyment of the great views from the saddle in years past.

As I got myself setup with all of the adjustments (mirror, stereo pre-sets) and left the dealership for my house in Sanibel, I was truly excited to begin what I thought was going to be a great 24+ hours on the newly designed RGS. I started the RGS special up, and thought once again to myself, the first order roof business when I pick up my new one the following week, must be the new Vance and Hines system....as she was just to silent, sitting in the parking lot and pulling out of the dealership.

Then came the first few turns thru the parking lot, hitting the brakes hard, a few tight turns both with the gas and hard brakes, so I had some idea of how this beast was going to handle, and all seemed great. Even with the size, a very nimble ride with great feel playing around in the 5-20moh range leaving the dealership area.

Then the wait at the LONGGGG traffic light to finally pull out of the dealership complex, excited to finally be on a newly designed piece of Harley engineering, waiting for the green.....wait for it....wait for it.....GREEN light hits and off I go....

Well as I increased in speed, and got to say the 35mph mark (which comes up pretty quickly), I notice the wind in my face....which felt pretty good at this point. Next light comes up, I hit the brakes and wait for the next green, still excited, knowing that first thing in the morning, I am going to be heading to Key West to enjoy a great burger and miles of water views.

Next light goes green, and I am finally off to Sanibel.....with the wind increasing as does my speed....45mph of speed, with 45 mph winds DIRECTLY hitting my upper chest level and above....60MPH winds DIRECTLY chest level and above, making me snug my half shell strap a little tighter, and me thinking WTF.

Is something not set right with the newly designed fairing vents HD has spent millions of dollars and hours developing? Is something as simple as a cheap black push button lever, not in the correct position. I pull into another parking lot mid way home, take a closer look, and they are all three set correctly...top vent is open, bottom two vents are closed. I bitterly stand in this parking lot, thinking this idiot must be missing something so obvious, yet nothing came to me.

So I jump back on this 15' RGS rental bike, and off I go, with the winds hitting my chest, face and head, being so extreme I am rethinking my doing 500+ miles on this bike, leaving early in the morning, before sunrise.

So as I am riding home, I think, lets try changing the seat over to my Mustang (salesman says it will fit), so once I get off of this newly designed wind tunnel in my driveway, I immediately pull her into the garage to commence with the seat swap. I also make a adjustment to the heal toe shifter. I then jump back on the back of this gorgeous looking black beast, fire her up and pull out of my driveway to see if she feels any better. and guess what......the wind on this ride STILL SUCKS!!!

Needless to say, I didn't take the rental RGS to the Keys the following morning. While I was so excited to both spend hours in the saddle of the newly designed RGS AND be able to enjoy another long day trip to Key West for a great burger (and the few stops along the way in the Keys, I thought to myself I'd be so so so sorry if I made this trip, getting blown away in the face the entire ride, that I actually considered leaving the new rental bike in the garage in the morning, and jumping on one of my other bikes, as I really did want that burger.

So I decided to keep things local, as I was spending $195 to ride this new bike for one full day, I should better really ride her and get a true felling of this bike, before I hand over $30k for one.

So to keep it simple, I will just list my few complaints I noticed in my 24+hours on the RGS.

1) Windshield on this newly designed touring bike SUCKS!!! With all of the money and hours invested in the new design of the Rushmore project, how in the F*$& could Harley ignore what I am sure EVERY individual (unless they are shorter than 4') have noticed in riding this newly created bike?

2) Infotainment system....The quick selections of pre-sets on the stereo are a tad unfriendly. Have to use the right hand control, instead of the stereo left hand controls to change from one favorite to the next. (I know this is petty, and I'd probably get familiar with this as time passed and never look back).

3) GPS....who designed this portion of their system? When entering via the keyboard, its in alphabetical order, not the qwerty style that every other gps unit and smart phone keyboard is....really???

4) GPS....the map when in nighttime mode SUCKS!!! Example....my street shows up while sitting on bike out front of house, zoomed in to see about a 1/2 mile radius, and it's name does not appear, yet the street over shows it's name. When driving out of my neighborhood, only about every third or fourth street displays its name (not a problem when I know the neighborhood, but when a GPS unit is really needed, like when your not on your own F... street, street names are kinda important.

5) GPS.... Riding on a local 4 lane major road thru SWFL, and this road has the appearance on the map as does every other street....the are all little thin white lines, no able to differentiate one major road from side streets.....they ALL appear as thin white same sized lines, no matter what the zoom level selected on the map. another WTF moment!!

6) GPS....POI setup. I select for a few POI spots to display on the map (Gas stations and then banks). ALL that shows on the display, no matter how you adjust the screen zoom, is a stupid blue dot. No gas station or bank logos (like my BMW Garmin unit does or my 14' Ford F250 GPS display does if POI's have been turned on. Now this isn't a issue when you know where you are in your local area, but travel to a never been before destination, and finding a gas station or bank, or other POI on this GPS unit would be impossible by only viewing locations on the map display, as all that you can see are BLUE dots!!!

7) HEADLIGHT .....Most of you probably haven't experienced this on a bike, but since I have, I must share. Yes...the technology is currently in use, and it works GREAT too. imagine a adaptive headlight on a motorcycle.....really!!! It's on my BMW and it makes the cornering on this bike while coming home or running out someplace after sunset so much safer and comfortable for a rider. I didn't think about it until I was riding around on the RGS saturday night. Harley could have made this a option on this bike, and others, and I know I would spend the additional thousand or so dollars to have it. As once someone has ridden a bike with the adaptive technology, its amazing!!! (If your not sure what I am referring to, take a look at the BMW motorcycle K1600 site and their adaptive headlight info...it's amazing and has been utilized for years now and with great success.


So my Harley Davidson test ride for 24+ hours has confirmed one thing for me.....and that is I am still searching for a TRUE touring bike, one that has been truly designed with the rider and passenger in mind, and that doesn't jump so quick into the market, that they leave out some of the most basic of things. Touring bike=Bike capable of highway speeds without blowing the helmet off its rider.

Who designs a new touring motorcycle where the wind above 45mph wants to blow your face and head off??? If you re going to respond to this with "buy a new windshield"....for $30K+, couldn't the manufacturer of this newly designed touring / highway cruiser installed a windscreen, that well.....screens the rider from the wind!!! Really, why should anyone expect a newly designed road cruiser motorcycle to be ready for the highway, unless they change the damn windshield before planning on getting on the highway? They might as well make the fuel tank optional, and force the buyer to purchase one of those before they can take the bike for a ride.

Who designs a new bike Infotainment system, which includes GPS, yet can't get even the most basic map features used in the other GPS units on the market (I am not sure if they attempted to write the code and mapping on their own or if they partnered with Garmin), but it looks like they tried this on their own, and it totally SUCKS!!! If your going to do something, do it well, don't try doing everything, as most of what you do will be subpar. Build a damn motorcycle, and leave the GPS system to those who know GPS systems.

So the search continues for a great bagger or touring bike. that can deliver the muscle sounding rumble of a american classic motorcycle, with the quality and engineering of something the europeans understand and do when designing and building a bike.

 

I knew all the hype about a windtunel tested and redesigned fairing for superior wind management was just all BS...as most people here stated the first thing they do is change the windshield ...besides I still can't get past the look of the fairing.

 

That was one of the big head scratchers for me on the redesign as well. Why, oh why didn't they put a power adjustable windshield on it? BMW has done it for years, and even the new Indian has one. It's a sorely needed feature, that is inexcusable to leave off of a long distance touring motorcycle...

 

Because then the Moco wouldn't be selling replacement windshields !!!!! flhman