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Dyna Glide ModelsSuper Glide, Super Glide Sport, Super Glide Custom, Dyna Glide Convertible, Super Glide T-Sport, Dyna Glide Police, Dyna Switchback, Low Rider, Street Bob, Fat Bob and Wide Glide.
I've had a TC88 dyna wide glide, also once rented an EVO FXD. The dyna's are not for me. The rubber mounted engine removes all character from the bike. I like to feel the beat of the engine, the rubbermount does a good job of removing that. They are, dare I say, boring. They somehow also have more transmission damping, you dont really feel each powerstroke like you do on a shovel.
I now have 2 shovelheads, both FXB's. They are easy to work on. They vibrate but not too bad. There are rubber bushings where the risers connect to the trees, I never had problems with buzziness in my hands. On my feet there is more buzziness, but being tall i sometimes ride with the back of my calfs on the highway pegs. I can imagine some rubber damping can be added to the pegs.
Just reading through your posts, to me its clear you want the shovel.
shovelheads by nature require more maintenance compared to say a twin cam its just the nature of the beast. Sure people toured on them back in the days because thats all you had for the latest and greatest Harley. They were notorious from coming out the factory with poor assembly. Some bikes new came out with bad valves and would smoke upon startup.
if you are talking about pacific mike look at how old he is. He didnt learn in a day or a week of watching YouTube vids hes had his fair share of issues over the years and even on his channel (panhead primary chain) I mean if you are willing to be in this for the long run sure but imo you can build the dyna in a faster amount of time and less time wrenching it in between. The shovelhead wins only in cool factor. I myself have been wanting a shovelhead fxr as its the best version of a shovelhead being rubber mounted and with a stock 5 speed. But it would be as only a second bike and not the primary
Whatever bike I choose I will be in it for the long run and with any degree of luck hope to be pacific mikes age with a functioning bike. I know the dyna is the easier and faster option, but I don't really care about how long it takes. I'm only really concerned with which finished product I will enjoy riding and wrenching on more, hence my persistence on asking questions about the characteristics of each bike, like how the frame affects the handling.
I've had a TC88 dyna wide glide, also once rented an EVO FXD. The dyna's are not for me. The rubber mounted engine removes all character from the bike. I like to feel the beat of the engine, the rubbermount does a good job of removing that. They are, dare I say, boring. They somehow also have more transmission damping, you dont really feel each powerstroke like you do on a shovel.
I now have 2 shovelheads, both FXB's. They are easy to work on. They vibrate but not too bad. There are rubber bushings where the risers connect to the trees, I never had problems with buzziness in my hands. On my feet there is more buzziness, but being tall i sometimes ride with the back of my calfs on the highway pegs. I can imagine some rubber damping can be added to the pegs.
Just reading through your posts, to me its clear you want the shovel.
Yes, I suppose it would appear I have a strong bias towards the shovel. But due to my inexperience I don't know if it's well founded, hence my posts here asking.
The enjoyment of working on my machine is a big consideration into my decision, and just by looking at it (although I could be mistaken hence why I'm asking) It looks like shovels are easier and more enjoyable to work on. Is that right?
Also, having ridden both dyna and shovel, aside from vibration, how would you compare the feel of the bike, particularly the frame? Can you feel a difference? Does one feel more solid or enjoyable in any regard engine aside?
The OP has no experience with either bike is a problem. The dyna will be very forgiving as its a great bike to learn on with a massive catalog of parts/upgrades and a pretty dependable motor design. The knowledge of the the old heads and shovelhead maintenance is slowly disappearing. Not saying its gone but its very niche. I do know they need rebuilds on heads every 10k or so
Maybe in the 70's the heads R&R was true but those issues were solved decades ago
Yes, I suppose it would appear I have a strong bias towards the shovel. But due to my inexperience I don't know if it's well founded, hence my posts here asking.
The enjoyment of working on my machine is a big consideration into my decision, and just by looking at it (although I could be mistaken hence why I'm asking) It looks like shovels are easier and more enjoyable to work on. Is that right?
Also, having ridden both dyna and shovel, aside from vibration, how would you compare the feel of the bike, particularly the frame? Can you feel a difference? Does one feel more solid or enjoyable in any regard engine aside?
I had the 91 FXSTC 1340 evo for quite a while. I only ride about a 5-6k a year so the only complaint was weeping basegaskets.. Ive had a few TC88s and fortunately, didnt learn the hard way, about chainguide failure. I luckily got many, trouble free miles, with a couple of them. But after learning I upgraded my 03 Dyna to S&S 509g camset along with all needed for a healthy stg 2.. I had a 2014 Streetglide w/103 in between a few of the TC88s.. For me, the 03 FXD has been my favorite.. It handles superb and is super easy to do upgrades. I got it totally stock w 7k on odometer. I have invested twice as much as I paid for it and am still $10k less than a new bike. Ive done lots to it myself and have a tech friend do critical stuff at his shop. Everything you ever get will need something. Be it a need or want. And ultimately, everything can be dependable. Some take more time or knowledge, or money. My suggestion is ride what makes you feel like you wanta feel.
I don't know if this would be off topic but it's something that style-wise would help me make a decision. Does anyone here know if it would be possible to fit one of the later street bob fxdb "bobbed" rear fenders on a FX frame? What struts would you need?
I don't know if this would be off topic but it's something that style-wise would help me make a decision. Does anyone here know if it would be possible to fit one of the later street bob fxdb "bobbed" rear fenders on a FX frame? What struts would you need?
Dude, the whole point of a custom bike is expressing your vision of what it should, quit asking others what your machine should look like. Doing that is just walking somebody else's shadows and visions. You going to go through the time, effort and money building one do you really want to be a follower ?
Do your homework, haunt the internet, find old biker magazines, get out if there's any shops in your area and look at things but find your own vision of what it wants to be. Then you come back and ask for help making that vision real and advice on parts to use or avoid.
It's a process and a learning curve and you haven't got the sled to starting gate yet.
They all started life as an idea and a pile of dirty boxes and a bare frame on the garage floor and they eventually became the bikes you see, wasn't somebody else's idea or opinions
Dude, the whole point of a custom bike is expressing your vision of what it should, quit asking others what your machine should look like. Doing that is just walking somebody else's shadows and visions. You going to go through the time, effort and money building one do you really want to be a follower ?
Do your homework, haunt the internet, find old biker magazines, get out if there's any shops in your area and look at things but find your own vision of what it wants to be. Then you come back and ask for help making that vision real and advice on parts to use or avoid.
It's a process and a learning curve and you haven't got the sled to starting gate yet.
Thanks for the advice. I know what I want my machine to look like and I wasn't asking for that kind of advice or opinions. All I wanted to know is if a street bob fender would fit an FX frame, because I like the way that bobbed fender is shaped. I already scoured the internet for the answer but without being able to take direct measurements it's almost impossible to know for certain. I assure you I have my own vision very well established, all I'm looking for is a way to make it real.
Thanks for the advice. I know what I want my machine to look like and I wasn't asking for that kind of advice or opinions. All I wanted to know is if a street bob fender would fit an FX frame, because I like the way that bobbed fender is shaped. I already scoured the internet for the answer but without being able to take direct measurements it's almost impossible to know for certain. I assure you I have my own vision very well established, all I'm looking for is a way to make it real.
Swapmeets and Bike events.. You will certainly find something similar to your thoughts.. Simply ask what fits what. Or a local owned shop ? There can be some great experience and knowledge sometimes..
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