Dyna advise opinions for long distance travel.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Oregon
Dyna advise opinions for long distance travel.
OK Dyna riders I have been on a 2009 XL1200C for about 3 years now and logged about 17000 miles. Aside from all the derogatory sportster remarks (mostly from people I consider friends) what I dislike about it is that it is not comfortable for long rides. I start out OK for the first 100 miles then rest for a few minutes and then back on the bike for another 70 -100 miles. Rest again then the next 50 miles is almost unbearable (No wind protection and a sore seat).
So my question is how much better is a dyna for logging miles? I know its a Harley forum but I have tried a friends big dual sport and could ride that thing all day if it didnt need gas (more neutral riding position, less weight on tail bone).
I guess Im questioning whether or not my 58 year old carcass has too many kinks for a cruiser type bike.
Anyone go from XL to Dyna and notice a large difference in long range comfort?
So my question is how much better is a dyna for logging miles? I know its a Harley forum but I have tried a friends big dual sport and could ride that thing all day if it didnt need gas (more neutral riding position, less weight on tail bone).
I guess Im questioning whether or not my 58 year old carcass has too many kinks for a cruiser type bike.
Anyone go from XL to Dyna and notice a large difference in long range comfort?
no panacea here
Last edited by cvaria; Apr 8, 2016 at 09:03 PM.
Dyna has a bigger frame which is much more fitting to the size of a full grown man in terms of comfort.
With the addition of a windshield or fairing and a good seat a dyna is set to log as many non-stop miles as any touring bike, just without a few creature comforts and some passenger comforts, hell one of the reasons I picked my street bob was because it had the big twin and 6spd trans for highway miles . Even with my small cafe fairing it knocks enough wind off my chest to easily let me go 100+mi in pleasure, and with my windshield on I'd take it across the country even with the factory seat. But I think your sportster could be just as comfortable with some wind protection, a good seat, a more comfortable peg/ handle bar setup, and some suspension upgrades.
With the addition of a windshield or fairing and a good seat a dyna is set to log as many non-stop miles as any touring bike, just without a few creature comforts and some passenger comforts, hell one of the reasons I picked my street bob was because it had the big twin and 6spd trans for highway miles . Even with my small cafe fairing it knocks enough wind off my chest to easily let me go 100+mi in pleasure, and with my windshield on I'd take it across the country even with the factory seat. But I think your sportster could be just as comfortable with some wind protection, a good seat, a more comfortable peg/ handle bar setup, and some suspension upgrades.
Last edited by 2500hdon37s; Apr 8, 2016 at 09:09 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Templeton California
I've never owned a Sportster but I've ridden them and allot of other bikes and I owned a Dyna 7 years before getting an FLH. Yes the Dyna is going to be much more comfortable long haul than the Sportster right out of the box. That said, you'll still have to do stuff to the Dyna to make it comfortable for long distance, better shocks,seat,windshield,bags, highway pegs or forwards etc.etc. And yes you could do all these things to a Sportster and it would be more comfortable, but not as much so as a Dyna . IMO both will be fugly so you'll have to make that comfort vs looks decision. Honestly if you are serious about long distance riding you ought to look at something on the FL platform. This is why I have an Electraglide it's comfortable, has plenty of storage, and still looks good.The Dynas, Sportsters and even the big Euro "trailies" just look like a bike with a bunch of extra crap bolted to it.
Note: the bike in my signature pic had a windshield, bags, big fat pillow look seat with back rest and 13" shocks by the time I got rid of it and didn't come close to my 13 Limited for long haul comfort.
Note: the bike in my signature pic had a windshield, bags, big fat pillow look seat with back rest and 13" shocks by the time I got rid of it and didn't come close to my 13 Limited for long haul comfort.
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
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From: Northwest
I've got 63k on my '08... all miles put on by me... sometimes at 600 miles per day.
Good seat and bars to sit you upright, in a neutral position... ride that baby all day long.
Yes, would a big touring bike be more comfy... yep... and there is one in my and my wife's future.. because it will be more comfy for her.... for me, give my my Dyna hot rod...
Good seat and bars to sit you upright, in a neutral position... ride that baby all day long.
Yes, would a big touring bike be more comfy... yep... and there is one in my and my wife's future.. because it will be more comfy for her.... for me, give my my Dyna hot rod...
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Haven't been on anything longer than a 45o mile day on the fatbob yet .But had gone 3495 miles in 8 days on a sporty from Chicago to key west and back. Longest day was 795 miles. I had a windshield and a mustang wide vintage seat that saved my *** but I'de do it again in a heartbeat. If it was easy little girls would be doin in!
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 140
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From: Oregon
I have no doubts a big touring bike would be the most comfortable, but I can't make the mental transition to what I have always thought of as an SUV on 2 wheels.
I love my semi-bobbed sportster, but I think its the wind blast that's the real problem. If I stay on low speed back roads I can ride it for 2 - 3 hours at a time.
I love my semi-bobbed sportster, but I think its the wind blast that's the real problem. If I stay on low speed back roads I can ride it for 2 - 3 hours at a time.
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Northwest
Haven't been on anything longer than a 45o mile day on the fatbob yet .But had gone 3495 miles in 8 days on a sporty from Chicago to key west and back. Longest day was 795 miles. I had a windshield and a mustang wide vintage seat that saved my *** but I'de do it again in a heartbeat. If it was easy little girls would be doin in!
