Softail to Dyna converts?
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 55
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From: Northern MI
Softail to Dyna converts?
Had a lot of sport bikes previously. Then owned a bagger (Victory Cross Country) and i just didnt like the weight and wanted a Harley. Last year bought a Heritage Classic. My wife rides with me a little under half the time but generally doesn't want to do more than a couple hours at most. Once in a great while we do an all day ride. I put on 6,000 miles last year, no city riding and about 1/4 highway. I don't have any issues with vibration at highway speedso like some people claim.
So I've probably given way more info than needed, but I'm thinking of trading for a wide glide? I'd go sundowner seat, windshield, and backrest for when the old lady and I ride (We're 380lbs together) Maybe upgrade the rear shocks if needed. Also would put mid pegs on just for changing positions on long trips but would still keep the forward controls.
I don't dislike the heritage, but I'd like something lighter and more "hooligan" if that makes sense? I've always wanted a wide glide. For those who have ridden extensively, or own both, will I be less comfortable on the dyna on longer distances? I hear conflicting info regarding vibration on the highway. Some claim the softail vibrates worse, some claim the dyna? Any other things I should consider between theach two models?
So I've probably given way more info than needed, but I'm thinking of trading for a wide glide? I'd go sundowner seat, windshield, and backrest for when the old lady and I ride (We're 380lbs together) Maybe upgrade the rear shocks if needed. Also would put mid pegs on just for changing positions on long trips but would still keep the forward controls.
I don't dislike the heritage, but I'd like something lighter and more "hooligan" if that makes sense? I've always wanted a wide glide. For those who have ridden extensively, or own both, will I be less comfortable on the dyna on longer distances? I hear conflicting info regarding vibration on the highway. Some claim the softail vibrates worse, some claim the dyna? Any other things I should consider between theach two models?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 74
From: The 12th Rebel State
I have tried to ride Softails.. but every time I have tried I ended up scraping something in a turn or a curve.. dunno if its their lean angle or my riding style, or both.. Ive also rode a few sportsters and a couple of baggers and while they don't do bad and are kinda 'flickable' (sporties are too small for my 'frame') ..none of them are a Dyna
The only HD I have ever owned has been Dynas.. and I probably wont ever change..
The only HD I have ever owned has been Dynas.. and I probably wont ever change..
Last edited by Frank Castle; Apr 29, 2016 at 03:40 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
I owned a sport bike from age 15-40. Then I decided I was officially old.
I tried my dads soft tail & it just didn't feel right to me. Tried the low rider & was hooked. Much more comfortable but still able to ride (somewhat) aggressively.
However...I've taken it on a few short trips and even with my more padded "two person" seat it's kind of hard on the tail bone (lol) Don't think I could take any long road trips.
I tried my dads soft tail & it just didn't feel right to me. Tried the low rider & was hooked. Much more comfortable but still able to ride (somewhat) aggressively.
However...I've taken it on a few short trips and even with my more padded "two person" seat it's kind of hard on the tail bone (lol) Don't think I could take any long road trips.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 8
From: Huddersfield. U.K.
i had a test ride on a fat boy before buying my fat Bob. I think if I'm being honest I prefer the looks of the soft tail, but the dyna rode much better, especially around corners. I live in the uk where most roads are quite twisty, if you ride straight roads then this might not matter.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 32
I owned a sport bike from age 15-40. Then I decided I was officially old.
I tried my dads soft tail & it just didn't feel right to me. Tried the low rider & was hooked. Much more comfortable but still able to ride (somewhat) aggressively.
However...I've taken it on a few short trips and even with my more padded "two person" seat it's kind of hard on the tail bone (lol) Don't think I could take any long road trips.
I tried my dads soft tail & it just didn't feel right to me. Tried the low rider & was hooked. Much more comfortable but still able to ride (somewhat) aggressively.
However...I've taken it on a few short trips and even with my more padded "two person" seat it's kind of hard on the tail bone (lol) Don't think I could take any long road trips.
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Detroit
I have one of each, and love them both. The Dyna has a smoother ride though, and a little more cornering clearance. Cornering clearance on a softail will largely depend on which model you have though.