I went to my local HD dealership today, with the hopes of test riding the new 2016 FXDL with the "103 HO" engine. I have been looking forward to getting a new Dyna, to replace my old Evo Dyna. Was seriously looking at the 2015, but wanted to wait until I saw the new color palette. The "HO" engine was just icing on the cake.

I was allowed to test ride a new Dyna Low Rider with 5 miles on it. For comparison purposes, I also had a 2015 Dyna Low Rider (ridden by it's owner) with 2700 miles on it. Both bikes 100% stock. We took both bikes out to warm up the engines. 4 miles into the test loop and the freeway onramp is before us. Cracked the throttle on the 2016, and it felt similar in torque, to the unmodded 2015.

Here is where we performed our "max performance" test.

Whilst in the slow lane, doing 50mph, (speed limit 65,) I had the 2016 in 6th gear, and the 2015 was in 6th as well. Side-by-side. Horn honk 3 times, and WFO. The 2016 made about a half bike length on the 2015, but that took us to 90mph before we closed in on traffic. Not exactly "High Output" to me. More like "regular put!"

The only difference in the 2 bikes was rider weight. The 2016 had an add'l 60 lbs on board (me!) Both bikes had full fuel loads.

So, pretty much a "dead heat" for roll-on from 50mph to 90mph in top gear.

I gotta give the 2016 it's due. It is a nice bike.

Now that I know there's not much difference between the two model year's engines, I may spring for that deep Jade Pearl I like...

Anyway, that's my experience with the 2016 FXDL, so far...

 

well the only upgrade to the "high output" 103 is a very mild cam upgrade.

I wouldnt let that be the deciding factor IMO.

 

2014 & 2015s will be collectors items one day (So keep them stock fellas).

One day... say 20 years in the future there will be someone posting about the 2035 Low Rider SUPER-DUPER High output engine. (it will probably be 150 cubic inches by then!) with a 10 speed transmission and auto-transport away from accidents .

 

Will they have blind spot monitors, heated and cooled cup holders, and hubless wheels??? If not I dont want one.

 

6th gear at 50 MPH then WFO? I'm surprised the bikes didn't stall out and die! You should have been in 4th not 6th. You better learn to ride properly or the bike that you end up purchasing will be back in the shop for a rebuild before it's first birthday.

 

No, they didn't "stall out & die." Thanks for the tip about "learning how to ride properly." I'll work on that. I must have just been lucky all these years....

 

He may have been a bit harsh but his advice was right on. You are lugging the crap out of the motor rolling on the throttle in 6th at 50. I am really light and still don't get in to 6th before I get to 70 at a minimum. It is the worst thing you can do to a twin cam short of putting sugar in the gas tank...

 

The engines (both of them) pulled cleanly from 2000RPM. They're designed for low end grunt do to their longish stroke.

Now, trying a "pull" from 2000RPM on a Yamaha R6...that would be a problem.

Also, remember, I had a very tight, fresh engine. I didn't want to over rev it 9that much.)

I do hear what you're saying though.

 

Question~

Regarding the 2015 and 2016 FXDL bikes. If a bike has "mag" wheels, how come they don't get the full floating brake rotors?

Or, put another way...

Why do the "laced" wheels get the floating rotors?

Same calipers, right?

Just something I noticed. The salesman asked me if there was a benefit to the floating rotor system...

 

I have to ask. How long have you been around Harleys? There is a reason they say not to put the bike in to 6th until 70mph. My Dynas (I've had a few...) have all like lugged like hell if I tried to run them at less than 2500...I only weigh 160 pounds too. It sounds like you are a lot heavier. It's your bike so do as you will but he was right. You are going to be going in for a rebuild way early if you ride it like that...