Softail-dyna comparisons
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
From: Swansea
Softail-dyna comparisons
As a prospective buyer, just wondered what the people who went from dyna to softail thought of the change, the dyna models mostly had a decent fuel tank capacity whereas the softails really channel you to a certain model if you wanted the larger fuel tank.
Tourer
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 294
Likes: 169
From: California
I think its night and day, the new frame/suspension platform and motor combination on the new bikes wins it for me. Not to mention how cheap it is to upgrade the motor on The M8
i like the dyna platform but I love the new softail m8s
you are right in that the softail streetbob and fatbob have smaller tanks. But if thats the only flaw its not really substantial enough as the newer bikes just perform so much better and you can easily swap to 5 gal tank with stock parts from other bikes in the line up
id recommend to ride both and see with one you like more, in addition to looking at what you plan to do with it in the future
i like the dyna platform but I love the new softail m8s
you are right in that the softail streetbob and fatbob have smaller tanks. But if thats the only flaw its not really substantial enough as the newer bikes just perform so much better and you can easily swap to 5 gal tank with stock parts from other bikes in the line up
id recommend to ride both and see with one you like more, in addition to looking at what you plan to do with it in the future
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
Ive owned both Dynas and old frame STs at the same time. I've also owned Dynas and new Sts at the same time.
I think all my bikes had the 4 to 5 gal tanks so no issue there.
Comparing the Old St to the Dyna - to me its about the same
Comparing the Dyna to the new St - The new St is just a way better bike.
That said - My fave bikes of all time are my 83 Wide Glide and my 05 Wide Glide so what do I know..
I think all my bikes had the 4 to 5 gal tanks so no issue there.
Comparing the Old St to the Dyna - to me its about the same
Comparing the Dyna to the new St - The new St is just a way better bike.
That said - My fave bikes of all time are my 83 Wide Glide and my 05 Wide Glide so what do I know..
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 849
Likes: 408
From: In the mountains
I've not owned a Dyna but got to ride one on the Dragon, with Fox shocks on the rear and Race Tech up front. Not even close IMO to the LowriderS I have with stock suspension. Riding Harley Davidsons for 50 years, this new softail is best handling, riding, one of the bunch.
P.S. I have a 113" FXR with Race Tech up front, and RevoA on the back, not a match for the Softail.
P.S. I have a 113" FXR with Race Tech up front, and RevoA on the back, not a match for the Softail.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
Now, about comparisons
As mentioned the new Softails handle much better than any previous model thanks to their frame and mono shock rear. The motors are great too. They are also more fuel efficient than the Twin Cam or Evo motors so a smaller tank may not be that much less range.
That said, I still love my 09 Dyna. It does not perform as well, but it performs absolutely well and adequately. It is still a completely satisfying and enjoyable bike to ride. As are Evos .If there is a Dyna you like I wouldnt rule it out. It would certainly be an easier price range to deal with assuming it doesnt have any hidden issues.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 214
Likes: 80
From: Florida
My M8 Softail is better than my 103 Dyna was, in every category. Handling, vibration, heat, noise, comfort, gas odor, performance, suspension, and even the idle sounds better at 850. Hell, it even has a USB port if that's your thing.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 120
Likes: 90
From: Payson, AZ
Went from a Low Rider Dyna with cam, etc. to a Softail Sport Glide. Night and day difference. The Low Rider always felt "twitchy." The Sport Glide? Planted and solid. Sometimes find myself going way faster than I would have ever though on the Dyna. Just all around a much more comfortable bike to ride. The M8 responds very well to a cam and remap.
Head and shoulders above the Dyna in every respect.
Head and shoulders above the Dyna in every respect.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 614
Likes: 231
From: Hendeson, NV
I'm A Crusier
Over 80% of my riding is in-town and local day-trips. The biggest improvement I notice is the significant improvement in stability and control in stop & go traffic and low-speed in parking lots! After about a year I replace the old technology fork shocks with Progressive cartridge system fork shocks to decrease brake-dive and improve cornering.
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