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Old guys 70 plus on a Dyna advice

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Old Apr 29, 2017 | 01:29 PM
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Default Old guys 70 plus on a Dyna advice

I'll be 70 in August presently ride a 09 Electra Glide - great bike and ride.
Would like to get something a little lighter and more nimble. Dyna seems to
be the way to go as I have had 2 softail's and would like to get something in the Dyna range.

Anyway this week I was able to ride a one owner low mile 08 Street Bob. Forward Controls, detach w/screen, hd bags, took it for a 10 mile or so ride.
The ride was a little "stiff" to put if mildly.

The owner was not very heavy - I am about 240 and after the ride I thought that maybe the rough ride was because shocks were set up for him

Two Questions: 1. Would you folks recommend a SB for someone at 70 years old.

2. I follow the Dyna thread often and have notice some Touring Air Shocks
on Dyna's. I just happen to have a spare set of 2015 FLHTU shocks that I could put on - Looks as tho they would bolt right up. Would that improve the
ride??

Any info/recommendation would help. Plan to keep my 09 Glide just in case the SB did not work out. But would like to ultimately sell the Glide.

Thanks for your help.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2017 | 02:47 PM
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Just my opinion (everybody has a few.) I'm 66 and ride a Super Glide w/forwards and SB mini apes. While I'm a little younger, I have back and neck problems, neuropathy, etc., so I feel like mine are "dog years." Dyna is an excellent choice.

Progressive 444s will smooth out the ride a lot, but be sure to order 12.5" or 13" shocks. Ricor shocks are an even better option, in my opinion. Ohlins operate a little differently, so you need to be absolutely certain that they are set up correctly for you. Ohlins has about the most travel for a 12" shock, if you need to keep the ride height. My 2013 didn't need anything on the front end, but that's just me. You will find several posts where people complain about air shocks, but they may be slightly better than stock.
 

Last edited by boro; Apr 29, 2017 at 02:51 PM.
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Old Apr 29, 2017 | 03:19 PM
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71 here for a few more months, 04 fxdli with the 13' air shocks. There great should I do 2 up
 
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Old Apr 29, 2017 | 04:53 PM
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64 here. I had an 08 ultra classic. Now have a 2006 Low rider. The dyna line has always seemed more manageable than the Ultra. (I had a 2003 dyna FXDP prior to the Ultra). I really like the Low Rider, but would like any dyna. I put air shocks on the FXDP and it seemed to ride pretty well. If you already have a pair, go for it, you're not getting any younger!! (neither am I
 
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Old Apr 29, 2017 | 05:39 PM
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73 last October. 5'10" 200 lbs on a good day. I ride 2014 Wide Glide 103 Sedona Orange.
You'll be happy with any Dyna especially if it has forward controls.
First thing I did when I got mine home from dealership was put Progressive rear 13.5 and Progressive fork springs. Mine rode way too soft. Yours riding stiff puzzles me unless you are bottoming out. Yes try changing your shocks. I'm sure they will help. Change fork springs too. Syphon 1 oz fork oil because Progressive springs are much denser and raise fork oil level.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2017 | 08:04 PM
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Four replies and the youngest rider is 66 - I was sure wrong about 70 being to old for a Dyna.

Thank you for the replies...keep them coming!
 
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Old Apr 29, 2017 | 10:14 PM
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Only 30 years old. But came from a road glide to the Dyna. The suspension was the biggest thing I noticed when I made the switch, next to how much lighter the street bob felt. I've put progressive's heavy springs in my forks and that made a world of difference. Also Hagon Shocks on the back.

If you've got an extra set of touring shocks it wouldn't hurt to try it. I've read where people say the angle of the shocks is different when mounted to a Dyna and they're not great. But that doesn't mean you won't like the ride more with them.

Also, hats off to you gentlemen. I hope to still be healthy enough to ride when I'm your age. Anyways, good luck in your decision.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2017 | 10:54 PM
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Only 56 but my body is wrecked!!!! JMHO but my 2011 Super Glide with all stock suspension rides just as comfortably as did my 05 EGlide Classic and my 1500 Goldwing (without the floaty feeling). The biggest improvement is in the seat!!!!!! Stock seat was good for 100 miles and then agony. Switched to a Saddleman RS with back rest and have yet to experience any discomfort even after 6 hours. (longest I've been able to test so far)
 
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Old Apr 30, 2017 | 06:59 AM
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I too am "only 56" but I do like my comfort. I ride my 2008 Street Bob more than my Ultra Classic. Fat Bob shocks (also known as Harley Davidson Premium Shocks) are widely available used for under $100. These really help the ride comfort of any Dyna. My Father is 76 and also rides a Dyna for his cross-country traveling (he has 4 Shovelheads for local riding). He also uses the Fat Bob shocks. We both replaced our seats. He uses a Mustang Wide Solo which is insanely comfortable on all day rides. I am using a Corbin Vintage Police seat with 2 inches of spring travel. We both have Progressive spring kits in the front end. Also a big help in handling and comfort.


My 2008 Street Bob (1959 Duo Glide clone)


and my father's 2005 Super Glide (early 1980s FLH clone)

 
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Old Apr 30, 2017 | 07:50 AM
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I turn 65 next month.

I bought a Dyna because I wanted less weight. Since i do some touring, I opted for a Switchback.

As i get older, comfort becomes more important than it was. I like the Switchback floorboards. I went with mini apes, a Mustang seat with backrest, a fairing, engine guard with soft lowers.
 
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