Shark Nose
Written: Mar 12 '07
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Pros: New 96 inch motor and 6 speed transmission. Chopped down version of a full dresser.
Cons: Not as fast as it could be
The Bottom Line: Fuel injected with a smooth ride. If your looking for a bagger that isn't too dressy this is your bike.
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| browpete's Full Review: 2007 Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide |
In 1980 the Tour Glide was introduced and it sported a frame mounted fixed faring. The Tour Glide is the father of the modern day Harley touring models. In 1998 Harley brought out a new model with a fixed fairing, named Road Glide. Affectionately known as the “Shark Nose,” its side by side headlights are hard to miss. I was drawn to it because it’s a chopped down version of all the touring models.
I wanted a Road Glide ever since its re-introduction in 1998 and in 2007 I finally took the plunge. All of the used ones were priced too high considering the lack of up grades made by the owners. Most of them were over the MSRP of a brand new one. Since Harley was coming out with a new 96 inch motor for 2007 I figured now was a good a time as any. I purchased my Road Glide in Las Vegas at the Harley West shop. If you ever get to Vegas the Service Department is awesome.
After 80,000 on a 1989 Softail Custom riding this bike with its rubber mounted motor is like a Cadillac to me. It’s hard to stay awake. The 96 inch motors get up and go is not as stout as I expected. All early accounts are it needs to breathe better and have a good set of true duals instead of the factory pipes. I am starting to see more aftermarket performance parts out there every day, so I am being patient and just riding it as much as possible. Once I hit 5,000 miles I will install some kind of air intake and pipe combination. Harley also set this up with a new 6 speed transmission that will save you gas at highway speeds. The stock pipes are actually the loudest ever put out by Harley. Previous years I couldn’t tell if the bike was running or coasting down the road.
The Road Glide isn’t perfect, if you want perfect get a Gold Wing. My favorite part of the dash is the cigarette lighter. I don’t smoke but I think it makes a statement. The radio is great and of course Harley has already put out a speaker upgrade for those of us that don’t hear so well. The Hardon-Karmon stereo is top notch; it even has an optional navigation system that can be added. However I with the rest of the gauges illuminate red like the stereo. The temperature gauge is close to accurate as far as I can tell. The gas gauge is iffy and likes to bounce around, once it gets to reserve and the low fuel light comes on Speedo. The radio and cruise control switches are easy to work. I love the hard bags, they are spacious and easily removed for cleaning.
This is the best handling motorcycle I have owned. The pushing technique they teach you in the safety course applies to this bike, turning is smooth. I believe the framed mounted fairing has a lot to do with it. I want to lower the Glide at some point; there are simple fixes out in the aftermarket world that are inexpensive. The cast wheels need some cosmetic work. I have friends that do the one for one swap and get polished and machined wheels in return.
The only changes I have made were putting a Harley detachable backrest so the wife doesn’t fall off the back, and get ride of the tall radio antenna. I got tired of it poking me in the eye when I walked around the garage. I did try a shorter windshield but it took too much away from the stereo and comfortable ride so I took it back.
As with any Harley you always want to personalize your ride. I would suggest being patient with the new motor and transmission combination the aftermarket industry will need time to catch up. The Road Glide is perfect for me, it’s simple and basic. This is one of those motorcycles you will either love of hate.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 17695
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
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Epinions.com ID:
browpete
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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