question on dyna vs softail custom
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 35
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question on dyna vs softail custom
Well, I had made my mind up for my first harley purchase to be a softail custom, however inventory is kinda low and I cannot find an acceptable color combo locally and do not want to fly or drive 500 miles to purchase, I prefer doing business with a local dealer.
So, I am looking at a Dyna Wide Glide, which in physical appearance is a similar look to the Softail Custom, w/o the king/queen seat.
I know the wide glide has a thinner rear tire than the custom, 160 mm vs 200 mm. I also understand that the suspension is different between the two along with the motor mounts. In general the dealer has told me that the wide glide would have less vibration on a longer ride and thus would be a little more comfortable.
Anyone have any thoughts on this to share with a newbie buyer?
Thanks,
jimd4au
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 4
From: Johnson City TN U.S.A.
RE: question on dyna vs softail custom
Each one has a ride tuned for rider preference.
I like to explain the rides like this, but others here may feel differently...
Dyna...Responsive, forgiving, youcanfeel the road but in a way you enjoy.
Soft tail...Glide around like you're riding on air, a little less responsive butmore tamed.
Are you aware of the Engine crank/mountsand Oil tank differences?
I like to explain the rides like this, but others here may feel differently...
Dyna...Responsive, forgiving, youcanfeel the road but in a way you enjoy.
Soft tail...Glide around like you're riding on air, a little less responsive butmore tamed.
Are you aware of the Engine crank/mountsand Oil tank differences?
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 4
From: Johnson City TN U.S.A.
RE: question on dyna vs softail custom
Softail has an Oil tank just under the seat...Some like that look, it's been around for a very long time.
Dyna Glide has an integral tank...Both are 3 quarts.
Personally I think the Dyna tank is best all around, however it does not have the classic look some prefer.
Softail has the "B" engine...same displacement, same bore/stroke, same compression.
The Dyna puts out a bit more power but higher on the tach, the Softail juices at around 2,700.
That's a nice smooth power band, provided by a beefy counter balance.
The Dyna engine is rubber mounted to make up for the missing crank beef.
The Softails counter-balance is designed to provide a much smoother ride.
Check out this page, you'll find it a bit interesting:
http://www.harley-performance.com/harley-for-sale.html
Dyna Glide has an integral tank...Both are 3 quarts.
Personally I think the Dyna tank is best all around, however it does not have the classic look some prefer.
Softail has the "B" engine...same displacement, same bore/stroke, same compression.
The Dyna puts out a bit more power but higher on the tach, the Softail juices at around 2,700.
That's a nice smooth power band, provided by a beefy counter balance.
The Dyna engine is rubber mounted to make up for the missing crank beef.
The Softails counter-balance is designed to provide a much smoother ride.
Check out this page, you'll find it a bit interesting:
http://www.harley-performance.com/harley-for-sale.html
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 28
From: Living in open carry state :D
RE: question on dyna vs softail custom
ORIGINAL: jimd4au
Hey Wisemx,
I am not aware of Engine crank/mountsand Oil tank differences you mentioned, can you elaborate?
Thanks,
jimd4au
Hey Wisemx,
I am not aware of Engine crank/mountsand Oil tank differences you mentioned, can you elaborate?
Thanks,
jimd4au
), oil tank built into engineSoftail Custom: Rigid mounted Counterbalanced engine (more weight to spin), External oil tank under seat (holds the oil, some have complained about the heat)
I was looking at the same two bikes. I went with the Wideglide and lovin every minute of it.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 226
Likes: 1
From: Southeast, OK
RE: question on dyna vs softail custom
I agree with dynageezer. But either way you go, you'll probably swear you made the right decision! They are different bikes, but you'll feel the same harley pride on either. Good luck with your purchase, and let us know which you choose. Even if it's the softy, so we can tell you what a HUGE mistake it was!!! LOL!
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Keller , Texas
RE: question on dyna vs softail custom
Hmmm heres a thread that was in the Softail forum about the same time you were asking your questions about your new Purchase. It will answer most of your questions. I suggest going to the HD site and pulling up the " Compare Specefications " site and do the research yourself. That way youll know exactly what the differences are. take into account this was posted in the Softail forum.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_1794942/tm.htm
https://www.hdforums.com/m_1794942/tm.htm
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
From: USA
RE: question on dyna vs softail custom
My 07 FXDB let’s you know your on a Harley at lower seeds
and smoothes out higher at RPM’s, I like that part very much.
I rode my nephew’s 07 Softail Custom for a few days.
On long rides it’s more comfortable with that stock “sofa” seat.
FXDB has more torque making it quicker however the
Softail has no problems at all keeping up at higher speeds.
The transmissions are geared different, the Softail’s seemed
much smoother.
I have a HD Solo Sundowner seat being modified in hopes
to making my FXDB more comfortable on long trips.
IMO the Dyna is still the way to go.
With all the mods I had done, I still paid less for mine.
http://www.putfile.com/twofishrichard/images/121156
and smoothes out higher at RPM’s, I like that part very much.
I rode my nephew’s 07 Softail Custom for a few days.
On long rides it’s more comfortable with that stock “sofa” seat.
FXDB has more torque making it quicker however the
Softail has no problems at all keeping up at higher speeds.
The transmissions are geared different, the Softail’s seemed
much smoother.
I have a HD Solo Sundowner seat being modified in hopes
to making my FXDB more comfortable on long trips.
IMO the Dyna is still the way to go.
With all the mods I had done, I still paid less for mine.
http://www.putfile.com/twofishrichard/images/121156
