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

R

rhodsey1123

New member
I Just picked up my new (to me) 09 RKC, and put ~7 hours of riding on it. It already has a Stage I A/C and 1" lowered shocks.

So far, I'm not digging the seat or the handlebars. I wish the handlebars were higher, and I wish I felt like I was sitting 'in' the seat, not 'on the seat.'

Furthermore, the seat itself isn't that comfortable after a few hours.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
I have an '06 SG and thought the 12" shocks that come with the bike do not work at all! If you don't have back problems now you will after riding with these shocks.
I replaced mine with 13" shocks from an Ultra for about $50 and all is great! Night and day difference.
 
My 09 RKC has 1" lower shocks (I assume they're 12"). What is the difference is comfort & performance between the 12" & 13" shocks?

Thanks
 
I traded my 12" shocks with my buddy for his 13" shocks. Yes, they do make a difference when riding two up. The ride is quite nice, actually, for a Harley. Controlled dampening, and relatively little bottoming. (I'm 235, gf is 150)

That said, I hated the looks. To me, it makes the bike too upright. Part of the SG appeal is that slammed look in the rear. So after a year and 10,000 miles I set out to find another set of 12" shocks.

I installed my 12" shocks this past weekend. I am completely surprised. Riding solo, the 12" shocks actually ride smoother than the 13". And yes, they're off a 2010. Still haven't ridden two-up, but I'm happy with the switch back.

On my list is an ultra tour pack with lights. Other than that, there's nothing I miss by not having an Ultra.
 
I needed a more comfortable bike for my back because my nightrain would have my back hurting for days after an hour ride. I always loved the looks of the SG but was also looking at the Ultra for two up comfort. When ever i went with the wife to look at bikes and compare the two models my wife always liked the extra comfort she would have with the Ultra but said she didn't think i would look right riding by myself on the Ultra since i ride solo 80%.

Thankfully we decided on the SG and i have been thankful ever since, every time i see an Ultra i like the looks but just don't see myself on one (yet).
For everyday riding my bike looks mostly stock except for the Rineharts duals and the SE heavy breather intake along with a few cosmetic upgrades like grips, shifter pegs etc. And i run about 10-15 lbs in my shocks.

When my wife wants to go it takes about 10 minutes to change the stock 4 inch shield to my KW 6.5, add the tour pac or backrest (what ever see feels like using depending how far we plan on going), change the stock seat to the sundowner and bump up the shocks to 35-45 lbs depending if the saddlbags and tour pac are full or empty. Adding that much air in my shocks raises my bike 1/4 to half an inch. I also put my detachable rider backrest on.

Riding my SG still makes me feel young, even if i'm not! And my back hasn't hurt since, even after 12 hour rides. Never been happier.
 
SG's ride great, just be prepared to upgrade the shocks if you have problems, even HD seem to be admitting things can be better.....

"Experience the ultimate in superior ride quality with these premium Low Touring shocks. These shocks utilize a single tube, nitrogen charged design that offers enhanced compression and rebound damping when compared to the air-adjustable OE or Profile
 
I installed 13" Harley touring shocks and the '09 CVO seat. The seating height is the same as stock but I have 1" more travel. I really like how the bike feels and handles now. I am 5.10", 32" inseam.

I also have the 18" CVO wheels, front and back. Frankly, they look great but you will get more cushioned ride with taller sidewall tires...

One thing that I've learned in life, is that EVERYTHING is a trade off. You have to decide what you like and what you can live with. It will take some trial and error. In my case, mostly error, but I enjoy the process...
 
The cheapest way to fix the bars would be to do the reach bars which will have 2 inches more in pull back. No difference in height and you don't have to change the cables. But, go to wild ones website to see some of their bars. The people are helpful as well. Just tell them your height etc etc. and they can recommend mini apes or the 508's or 518's. Me and my friend changed ours in about 4 hours each bike and added braided cables at same time. You will need the service manual first in order to be able to put things back together especially all the wires inside headlight nacelle. We spliced and heat shrink wrapped to get the extra length. Make sure you label well and correctly before cutiting the wires!! He had the 508's and I have the 518's or vice versa I can't remember. but one is made for taller people and is a wider posture. I like the sundowner seat much better than stock seat for what it's worth. Backrest is also nice for the rider and is removeable. I had mine (rkc) lowered and still felt like my bike was a little top heavy vs street glide. That's just one of the differences, riding on vs sitting inside or tucked in on a street glide. Great looking bike imho is the rkc, so much you can do to it as a personal statement-no two alike, I like that about the rkc
 
had FLST for 14 years street glide blows it away!!! must change the "cool looking" stock seat to something a passenger would comfy on.... may b a backrest...used to be called sissy bar???? mayb to ride a sissy? lol
 
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