'07 WideGlide vs Softail Custom
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
'07 WideGlide vs Softail Custom
I'm retiring my '90 FXRS. Has been a great bike around town and out to California. I'm torn between a Wide Glide and Softail Custom. I've talked to owners of both who love'm. I've thought about the "pros/cons" of both but nothing really takes over the top for either. Would like to hear opinions of others. I will continue to ride around town and local 2-laners as well as out on the road.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: denver via chicago
RE: '07 WideGlide vs Softail Custom
other than handling, not much else comes to mind. the dyna will like handle a better due to the rear suspension... and it weighs less, and produces more power. it'll also feel a little more bouncy at the stops due to the unblanaced motor but should be equally smooth on the open road. with the exception of the flame graphic on the tank, i think the wide glide looks much better.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 141
Likes: 3
From:
RE: '07 WideGlide vs Softail Custom
They are very similar bikes. Do you want your shocks on the sides or on the bottom?
I'venoticed that aftermarket parts are not so specific for Softails. It seems like seats and exhausts and such are more generic across the years. The Dyna's are starting to get more year to year specific. It's getting bad... just like owning a Honda (big model changes year to year, tough for the aftermarket to keep up).
I used to own a Sportster, and it was nice that most all parts fit 1986 through 2003. With my Dyna now, the seat is specific to 2004 and 2005, and the Wide-Glide is often an exception to the other Dyna's as far as parts fitment (Fits 1996-2003 Dyna EXCEPT FXDWG).Like I said, it seems like Softails are more "parts generic".
I'venoticed that aftermarket parts are not so specific for Softails. It seems like seats and exhausts and such are more generic across the years. The Dyna's are starting to get more year to year specific. It's getting bad... just like owning a Honda (big model changes year to year, tough for the aftermarket to keep up).
I used to own a Sportster, and it was nice that most all parts fit 1986 through 2003. With my Dyna now, the seat is specific to 2004 and 2005, and the Wide-Glide is often an exception to the other Dyna's as far as parts fitment (Fits 1996-2003 Dyna EXCEPT FXDWG).Like I said, it seems like Softails are more "parts generic".
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 941
Likes: 27
From:
RE: '07 WideGlide vs Softail Custom
1. Frame mounted Counterbalanced engine Softail - Rubber mounted Noncounterbalanced engine Dyna
( Haven't ridden a softail I hear it is smooth at idle and may have vibes at speed. Dyna shakes a bit at idle and smooths out when moving.)
2. Hidden suspension on Softail - Visable suspension on Dyna
( Looks aside you would need to ride them to tell which you liked better)
3. Believe the WG has bigger fork tubes over the Custom. (May or may not make a difference in front end stability) My 06 WG is very stable.
4. I always wondered how warm that oil tank right below the seat on a softail gets and how it affects rider.
5. Custom has a sissy bar stock WG's no longer do.
6. Custom has a 200 rear tire the WG is a 160 but can fit a HD 180.
Sure there are more differences but those are the big ones I believe. Oh and Softails typicaly have more aftermarket then Dyna's.
Good luck with your decision.
( Haven't ridden a softail I hear it is smooth at idle and may have vibes at speed. Dyna shakes a bit at idle and smooths out when moving.)
2. Hidden suspension on Softail - Visable suspension on Dyna
( Looks aside you would need to ride them to tell which you liked better)
3. Believe the WG has bigger fork tubes over the Custom. (May or may not make a difference in front end stability) My 06 WG is very stable.
4. I always wondered how warm that oil tank right below the seat on a softail gets and how it affects rider.
5. Custom has a sissy bar stock WG's no longer do.
6. Custom has a 200 rear tire the WG is a 160 but can fit a HD 180.
Sure there are more differences but those are the big ones I believe. Oh and Softails typicaly have more aftermarket then Dyna's.
Good luck with your decision.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: UK, England
RE: '07 WideGlide vs Softail Custom
If you want a new 08 bike you will have to get the FXSTC as theWG is being discontinued for 08. UK dealer confirmed it to me a week or so ago and its all over the forum.
Try them both out, the WG is a longer stretch to the controls. I have a 27" inside leg and cannot reach the WG pedals properly whereas the FXSTC is a much closer and more comfortable fit. I happen to think the FXSTC is a better deal - but then thats what I am saving for. Good luck.
Try them both out, the WG is a longer stretch to the controls. I have a 27" inside leg and cannot reach the WG pedals properly whereas the FXSTC is a much closer and more comfortable fit. I happen to think the FXSTC is a better deal - but then thats what I am saving for. Good luck.
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 28
From: Living in open carry state :D
RE: '07 WideGlide vs Softail Custom
I was comparing the same two bikes. I test rode both and did not like the heat that came off the oil tank when stopped in traffic. I didn't get up to speed on the Softail but was told that at some speeds the balanced engine will have a harmonic vibration. Not bad but some people can feel it. The Wideglide does vibrate when at idle. But once going down the road it is very smooth. Smoother then the Intruder on the right in my sig pic. Has to do with the rubber mounted engine. Also the Wideglide can lean over more then the Softail. The softail front footpegs are further outward. It was a tough decision to make, but when the dealer threw in the upgraded wheels and a $750 gift card I was sold on the Wideglide.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
