School me on the Dyna
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 228
From: Northford, CT
School me on the Dyna
Riding a 1984 FXSB Lowrider Shovelhead. Had the bike 5 years. Been a great bike! My first big twin after having an Ironhead Sportster (good riddance to that bike).
I am seeking more. Although this Shovelhead looks/sounds amazing (to me at least), and gets me down the road pretty good, I wish at times I had a better freeway speed bike and something with much less vibrations. It would be nice to click into 6th and chug along at 80 (which ya kinda almost NEED to at this point to avoid gettin steamrolled by a Prius). Again, I hate the highway but sometimes we use them.
I two up very rarely. I always preferred the Low Rider look and style with mid controls, mag wheels, etc.
When HD came out with the redesigned Low Rider in 2014 I was hooked. Black with the Red lettering for me always. It's really a bike I would just slap an exhaust on, intake, tune and ride. I like it that much.
I contemplated an FXR but to be honest after riding older bikes now, I think I just want to hop into EFI 6 speed. I know the FXR is THE best handling Harley to date but they are old, and have a cult like following which has brought on ridiculous pricing for both the bikes themselves and parts.
I considered an Evo dyna but again not sure how much improvement over my Shovelhead they really will be? Another concern I have of the older Dyna are the flex/wobbling issues. I hear in 07' is when things got better?
Considered a 99-02 with the Timken crank bearing but again, at this point these bikes are gettin up there.
How are these 2014-17 Low Riders? Do they suffer from the flex/wobble issues of the older Dynas? How choked up are they from EPA crap? I'm sure a BIG improvement over my Shovelhead!
I am seeking more. Although this Shovelhead looks/sounds amazing (to me at least), and gets me down the road pretty good, I wish at times I had a better freeway speed bike and something with much less vibrations. It would be nice to click into 6th and chug along at 80 (which ya kinda almost NEED to at this point to avoid gettin steamrolled by a Prius). Again, I hate the highway but sometimes we use them.
I two up very rarely. I always preferred the Low Rider look and style with mid controls, mag wheels, etc.
When HD came out with the redesigned Low Rider in 2014 I was hooked. Black with the Red lettering for me always. It's really a bike I would just slap an exhaust on, intake, tune and ride. I like it that much.
I contemplated an FXR but to be honest after riding older bikes now, I think I just want to hop into EFI 6 speed. I know the FXR is THE best handling Harley to date but they are old, and have a cult like following which has brought on ridiculous pricing for both the bikes themselves and parts.
I considered an Evo dyna but again not sure how much improvement over my Shovelhead they really will be? Another concern I have of the older Dyna are the flex/wobbling issues. I hear in 07' is when things got better?
Considered a 99-02 with the Timken crank bearing but again, at this point these bikes are gettin up there.
How are these 2014-17 Low Riders? Do they suffer from the flex/wobble issues of the older Dynas? How choked up are they from EPA crap? I'm sure a BIG improvement over my Shovelhead!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 697
Likes: 583
From: Edgewater, Florida
JMO My 2015 Low rider cost me $8500 a year ago. The '14 -'17 have 103 motors. This would (power wise) be a big upgrade from a Shovel. (I rode a '79 Low Rider for 14 years). The 103 will make a lot of hp and tork with just a stage 2. The problem is the suspension is the weak point. For just cruising, it's fine. I will be doing an Ohlens upgrade soon an expect to spend a couple grande for that. That stage 2 and suspension upgrade will put my total cost to about the same as a new Softail. I actually like the looks of the Dyna more than the new Softails. Whatever choice you make will put a smile on your face.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 580
From: Ft Smith Arkansas
Lowrider
I to have rode an Old Shovelhead and now own a 09 Lowrider. In between ive had a 02 and 06 Lowrider they are great bikes just watch out for compensator problems. The new Milwaukee 8 is a great running motor but the styling on the softails is to metric looking for me.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 228
From: Northford, CT
Thanks guys. It's cool to see responses from previous Shovelhead owners as I am sure you understand where I'm coming from with wanting to get into the modern era.
I really need to make a decision with what is more important to me in regards to handling vs power. I never rode an FXR but based on everything I hear it's right up my alley. Problem is I bet by now they are pretty underpowered to today's standards. I hear they do pretty well with just a cam upgrade. Just not sure how well they are suited bombing down the highway at 80+ if need be. I am no longer interested in doing aftermarket big bore kits and engine swaps. I know people have done twin cam swaps on the FXR but it aint for me.
With the 103 Dyna I won't have an issue with low power but the handling issues worry me a bit. Not so much the suspension but with the wobble/flex issues.
I really need to make a decision with what is more important to me in regards to handling vs power. I never rode an FXR but based on everything I hear it's right up my alley. Problem is I bet by now they are pretty underpowered to today's standards. I hear they do pretty well with just a cam upgrade. Just not sure how well they are suited bombing down the highway at 80+ if need be. I am no longer interested in doing aftermarket big bore kits and engine swaps. I know people have done twin cam swaps on the FXR but it aint for me.
With the 103 Dyna I won't have an issue with low power but the handling issues worry me a bit. Not so much the suspension but with the wobble/flex issues.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 580
From: Ft Smith Arkansas
Handling
Thanks guys. It's cool to see responses from previous Shovelhead owners as I am sure you understand where I'm coming from with wanting to get into the modern era.
I really need to make a decision with what is more important to me in regards to handling vs power. I never rode an FXR but based on everything I hear it's right up my alley. Problem is I bet by now they are pretty underpowered to today's standards. I hear they do pretty well with just a cam upgrade. Just not sure how well they are suited bombing down the highway at 80+ if need be. I am no longer interested in doing aftermarket big bore kits and engine swaps. I know people have done twin cam swaps on the FXR but it aint for me.
With the 103 Dyna I won't have an issue with low power but the handling issues worry me a bit. Not so much the suspension but with the wobble/flex issues.
I really need to make a decision with what is more important to me in regards to handling vs power. I never rode an FXR but based on everything I hear it's right up my alley. Problem is I bet by now they are pretty underpowered to today's standards. I hear they do pretty well with just a cam upgrade. Just not sure how well they are suited bombing down the highway at 80+ if need be. I am no longer interested in doing aftermarket big bore kits and engine swaps. I know people have done twin cam swaps on the FXR but it aint for me.
With the 103 Dyna I won't have an issue with low power but the handling issues worry me a bit. Not so much the suspension but with the wobble/flex issues.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,117
Likes: 7,643
From: Poolville
I have a 77 FX and I have a 98 Fatboy and if I was to get another bike it would be the 14 FXDX all because of the 103 motor.. I'm sure as people might say that there is a flex issue in the suspensions on the newer ones but it's still going to outdo everything we ever had in the past. With my FX yeah I can do 70-75 I'd even do 80 at times but with the gearing and four speed I follow where you're at. Now with my 98 Fatboy it's nowhere's near stock and has more power than the new 103's and a six speed, so cruising in that thing is no issue but it cost a lot of money to get it there, and that's the whole problem with that. Technically on the newer FXDX with the 103s just a cam only upgrade will get you over 100 lb of torque easily and close to 100 horsepower with a good pipe and a good tune.. Maybe even more and it'd be a lot cheaper than trying to build something with power to cruise 80 all day. I think the FXDX o or similar Dyna chassis 2014 and up would be your best choice..
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 228
From: Northford, CT
Worst case I hate the suspension which can be upgraded. Another worse case is I feel those flex issues that plagued the earlier dynas and I can install a True Track..
It may not have FXR handling but it wont have 26+ y/o FXR problems.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 766
From: north Carolina
Check out the 2014 Low Rider thread, tons of info in there if you want to do some reading. I have no flex issues on my 14 FXDL, handles great to me. It's no sport bike but I like it just fine. I'll put it this way, coming from a guy who used to trade bikes in every year I just passed the 6 year mark with my FXDL and still have no plans on getting rid of it. I think if you ride one you will fall in love. Nice looking bike you have there by the way.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,577
Likes: 7,954
From: Long Island, New York
I did 400 miles in NH/Maine this weekend on my 1997 Wide Glide, two up with my wife. Cruised down 101 keeping up with a buddy on his Street Glide doing 75/80 MPH for at least 30 minutes. Mikuni Carb and mild cam is all she has done to the motor, stock transmission.
Now my bike has been customized to my tastes, but a stock one is $4k to $5k all day long. And they will haul the mail all day long. Good luck.
Now my bike has been customized to my tastes, but a stock one is $4k to $5k all day long. And they will haul the mail all day long. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 5,801
Likes: 809
From: South Carolina
my 01 handles great after a front end rebuild, I like stiff front ends. but it goes point A to B no issues. with mild motor work too.
you might be able to find a finished bike like that cheaper... and I still get 45 to 53 mpg's..
but get what you want!! my wifey is starting to love to ride so I'm looking for a more comfortable bike for her to ride with me on..told me she'd never like it now she's disappointed when it rains in the evening as it cutting into her seat time!!
I created a monster!
you might be able to find a finished bike like that cheaper... and I still get 45 to 53 mpg's..
but get what you want!! my wifey is starting to love to ride so I'm looking for a more comfortable bike for her to ride with me on..told me she'd never like it now she's disappointed when it rains in the evening as it cutting into her seat time!!
I created a monster!