How much ride quality do you lose if getting a Street Glide for 2-up?

M

MummyToThomas&TTC

New member
I've been laboring trying to figure out which Harley to get for my next bike. While I like the looks of the Heritage Classic and the Softail Deluxe, I've come to the conclusion that the Touring bikes are where it's at for me.

I like the Road King a lot but I'm also drawn to the ever popular Street Glide too. I find that it's a great looking bike for a batwing style bike. In reading the specs I've noticed that the suspension on the Street Glide has been lowered one inch and numerous people on this forum have said for one-up the Street Glide is the ticket but for 2-up, not so much.

Does that lowered suspension on the SG affect the ride quality all that much when out on the highway with a passenger? If so, can the shocks be tweaked to get back that lost inch of suspension?

I'm thinking that the Street Glide will suit me most of the time as a lot of my riding is just riding solo around town after work and then the occasional afternoon ride down the highway with my wife on the back. Maybe a weekend getaway a couple of times in the year. I wish that we could get out more but that's all that we can manage right now.

With that being said, I'm thinking that the SG would be comfortable enough in most cases. I'd invest in a good after-market seat of course and probably invest in a detachable passenger backrest/trunk too. I think that the batwing would help keep my hands warm in the cooler months and would be nice. I'd get a taller windshield for longer rides.

I know that ElectraGlides are a better bang for the buck and can be stripped down a little but I really don't like the looks of those bulky front fender rails and I'm not sure if you could remove it easily.

And what's the deal on the larger 18" front wheel on the 2010 and 2011 Street Glides, is it mostly just for looks or does it improve the ride any? I'd probably jump on a used 2009 if I had the chance, apparently the 2009 SG had a stock 17" front wheel, not sure if it's a big deal or not.

I discovered in my research that the 2-into-1 pipe was only on the 2010 model, it looks like Harley's gone back to a dual pipe setup on the 2011 models. I prefer the looks of the dual pipes myself but I wouldn't turn away a 2010 as you typically slap on after-market pipes later on anyways, so it's kind of a non-issue.

Would anybody care to add a comment or suggestion here to help me out?

Thanks!
 
It's totally up to you, but if you are going to ride 2up much, I would opt for the Ultra Classic and get a detach kit for the tourpak. you can also take off those ugly front and rear bumpers without any problems. Lot cheaper doing it that way. JMO
 
Have no problems ridin 2 up here, if the shocks happen leak off the wife lets me know. We had a 95 FLHTC before this bike and she likes the SG a whole lot better. In the end its all about what you like.
 
Burst,

The SG will be just fine for 2 up or solo, as soon as you ditch the stock air shocks for a decent pair of aftermarket ones (Progressive, et al). Same goes for the seat...it just plain sucks. Think Mustang, Corbin, Sundowner...basically anything but the stock seat. These two simple changes will make the SG a pleasure to ride.
 
My wife and I just did 3,000 miles during the week of Sturgis and had several 500 mile days. 2 up was no problem at all. I did change my seat to a Sundowner and it's not the "be all end all" as far as seats go, but it's definitely better than stock. I can't comment on the Classic or Ultra as I've never ridden either, but I'm very happy with my SG.
 
By any Street Glide 09 or newer. I had an 08 and traded for an 09. I am glad I did.

For a great ride just put on some take off "Ultra Shocks" and change the seat and windshield.
 
I'll give you my opinion on a couple of your points. To answer your first question I find the lower suspension good for two up, maybe not as good as a RK or EG with longer shocks. I find the ride a bit firmer or sportier just how I like it. My wife finds the ride good also, better than the Heritage. The overall ride is fantastic though, I love this bike! If you want a cushier ride instead of after market shocks look for EG stock shocks for sale in Forum classifieds(cheaper). What I really like about the SG is the stripped down clean look, I didn't want big and bulky(not that there's anything wrong with that). You're gonna have to test ride one to see for yourself, some people have regretted buying one. For myself I like the low windshield and stock seat others can't stand either one, lots of different opinions. You may find after a test ride you want so many changes you shouldn't buy it.
 
the title strikes me as being wrong...The S/G is no more then a electra glide/Ultra striped down...One of the difference's is the rear shocks as far as comfort...If your planning on doing a lot of 2 up riding then by all means get rid of the 12" shocks and get the 13" whether its stock or after market and add the 1" lowering kit if you want the stance of the S/G...Now take those 12" shocks which will bring $125 or more premium $$$ and sale them for more then the 13" sale for...There are several H-D dealers around that will sale you a new set of 13" for practiculy nothing ($50)...Money ahead...If you want the intercom system and the ability to communicate with your buddys on a trip then you'll need the CB or if you want the ability to talk with your significant other then you'll need the intercom...All stuff that can be added to the S/G at a cost...
paul
 
I had an 06 SG which I thought rode a little too firm so I bought a pair of take-offs from an Ultra on ebay for $50.00 and improved the ride quite a bit.
 
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