Hot Rod Bagger

December 18, 2006 by David.

Hey, it if the URL is BaggerBlogger.com, then how about starting with a post on Baggers.  For the non-Harley types, “Bagger” is a moniker used for Harley Davidson tour bikes - with the bags (usually “hard” fiberglass) on the back. 

Baggers are pretty much limited to two models, unless you want to count in custom built bikes.  First, the Electra Glide family which has a handle bar mounted fairing (called “batwing”) and is historically Harley’s touring bike.  The second is the Road Glide, which is what I have.  Road Glides have a frame mounted fairing (and I confess I still think it is kinda ugly) and is a newer machine.  Technically the “only” difference between the two is fairing (and a couple options on the Electra like plug-in communication systems).  All but one person I’ve talked to says they handle very differently, as in the Road Glide being a noticably better handler, considered to be because wind buffeting doesn’t move the frame-mounted fairing and since it weighs a little more it seems to give a better weight distribution, tracking nicely.

After having a Springer for ten years, we got the Road Glide and really love it.  Now the Springer seems small - and slow.  The  Springer only had the typical pipes, ignition, air filter improvements.  The Road Glide was bumped to 95″ and a cam before I even brought it home.  Comfort and speed.  What more could a guy want.

Oh, just for the record, the Road Glide is my wife’s bike.  Just ask her.  Never mind that she doesn’t have her motorcycle endorcement or ever gets out of the passenger seat.  That’s fine with me.  She can get as many of “her” Harleys as she’d like!

For more info in the Road Glide, go to www.BlackBagger.com.  The site has lists of enhancements, how-to pictures, dyno results, and more.

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