Transition to a Dyna?
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 22
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Transition to a Dyna?
Hi,
First post here, sorry if it's in the wrong place--but I was curious what the jump is like from something small like my Ninja 250 to an earlier 2000s dyna like the FXDX. There's one near my area that I'm looking at but I'm a bit concerned as far as test riding it. I've only ever sat on the Low Rider S at one of the more recent IMS motorcycle shows and the clutch was muuuch heavier than what I'm used to.
First post here, sorry if it's in the wrong place--but I was curious what the jump is like from something small like my Ninja 250 to an earlier 2000s dyna like the FXDX. There's one near my area that I'm looking at but I'm a bit concerned as far as test riding it. I've only ever sat on the Low Rider S at one of the more recent IMS motorcycle shows and the clutch was muuuch heavier than what I'm used to.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 35
From: Mobile Alabama
I bought a 2009 Lowrider after not owning a motorcycle for 27 years. I had a buddy test ride it and ride it to my house. After not riding for so long I didn’t feel comfortable test riding it. I was 53 at the time. Once I got it home I took my time and got use to riding again. I passed my riding test 90 days later on it. These bikes are easy to ride once you use to them. Your going from a 300 pound bike to a 650 pound bike. I’m 59 now and just got a 2017 FXDL love the Dyna’s.
Last edited by carguy1959; Mar 5, 2018 at 08:08 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,967
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my first bike was a honda magna vf750. light bike. wanted to see if I like riding before I dropped the money on an HD.
HD basically rides itself compared to that bike. heavy bike with low center of gravity. it'll be easy.
HD basically rides itself compared to that bike. heavy bike with low center of gravity. it'll be easy.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 8,688
Likes: 1,903
From: Depends on who wants to know.........and why.
I went to a Dyna after a long series of inline fours. The Dyna has loads of torque as soon as you let the clutch out in first. That took about 5 minutes to get used to. The Dyna is a heavy bike, all it's weight is at the bottom, again, took a few rides to get used to that.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 914
Likes: 245
You'll get used to the clutch pretty quick.
Anything compared to a 250 will be heavier. The Harley will handle very differently, the weight is low, it's more like pushing a bucket of water on wheels around with a mop sort of feel.
The torque will be instant and pull much stronger than the ninja.
If you have a couple thousand miles under your belt you should be fine. If not, just remember it's heavier so mind your control at low speed, especially if by foot. The weight is low though so it's easy to control, just heavier if it tips.
Anything compared to a 250 will be heavier. The Harley will handle very differently, the weight is low, it's more like pushing a bucket of water on wheels around with a mop sort of feel.
The torque will be instant and pull much stronger than the ninja.
If you have a couple thousand miles under your belt you should be fine. If not, just remember it's heavier so mind your control at low speed, especially if by foot. The weight is low though so it's easy to control, just heavier if it tips.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 33
Likes: 7
From: Florida
My first bike was an r1 and now I have a LRS. The biggest difference I had to keep in mind is maneuvering at low speeds. It's a lot of dead weight, much heavier. Moving it around the garage and driveway requires a good grip on the pavement with your boots. Not as easy as tossing a small 250 around.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
^^^ What he said. Totally jives with my experience.
I dropped my Wide Glide in the first week, in the driveway, moving it to clean the rims. Instead of straddling it I was standing along side and it got a little too far over center (away from me) and I neither weighed enough nor was strong enough to keep it from going over.
Be wary of gas stations. The pavement at the pumps can be slick and cause you lose footing.
Parking lots are tougher. Larger turning radius. Gotta feather the clutch to keep the cylinder pulses from jerking you around.
Quick transitions on the move are slower and require both more strength and more planning.
I dropped my Wide Glide in the first week, in the driveway, moving it to clean the rims. Instead of straddling it I was standing along side and it got a little too far over center (away from me) and I neither weighed enough nor was strong enough to keep it from going over.
Be wary of gas stations. The pavement at the pumps can be slick and cause you lose footing.
Parking lots are tougher. Larger turning radius. Gotta feather the clutch to keep the cylinder pulses from jerking you around.
Quick transitions on the move are slower and require both more strength and more planning.
Last edited by cggorman; Mar 5, 2018 at 10:45 PM.
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Los Angeles, CA
^^^ What he said. Totally jives with my experience.
I dropped my Wide Glide in the first week, in the driveway, moving it to clean the rims. Instead of straddling it I was standing along side and it got a little too far over center (away from me) and I neither weighed enough nor was strong enough to keep it from going over.
Be wary of gas stations. The pavement at the pumps can be slick and cause you lose footing.
Parking lots are tougher. Larger turning radius. Gotta feather the clutch to keep the cylinder pulses from jerking you around.
Quick transitions on the move are slower and require both more strength and more planning.
I dropped my Wide Glide in the first week, in the driveway, moving it to clean the rims. Instead of straddling it I was standing along side and it got a little too far over center (away from me) and I neither weighed enough nor was strong enough to keep it from going over.
Be wary of gas stations. The pavement at the pumps can be slick and cause you lose footing.
Parking lots are tougher. Larger turning radius. Gotta feather the clutch to keep the cylinder pulses from jerking you around.
Quick transitions on the move are slower and require both more strength and more planning.
Plus I got about two weeks till I'm actually going out to see the bike. Hope it goes well.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 91
From: 44.4 North
My first bike was an r1 and now I have a LRS. The biggest difference I had to keep in mind is maneuvering at low speeds. It's a lot of dead weight, much heavier. Moving it around the garage and driveway requires a good grip on the pavement with your boots. Not as easy as tossing a small 250 around.
I was pushing mine from a gas pump when my boots slid out from under me in Rapid City South Dakota, during the rally of all times.
The weight can go over center pretty fast if you don't pay attention.
I've learned to start it up and ride it away from gas pumps. Seems there's always gravel or oil around the pumps.
Once you're in the saddle, I doubt you will have problems. The low end torque may surprise you though.