What model to get?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: What model to get?
Any of the Dynas are great bikes, and I would choose one over a Softail. I have had both, and think the Dynas ride, and handle better, and are smoother at highway speeds than the Softails.
I would probably look closely at the Dynas that have the wider 19" front tire rather than the WideGlide with the narrow 21" tire just from a stability standpoint. However, the WideGlide is the best looking of the dynas if you like the custom chopper look.
Any of them will serve you well.
Regards,
Bill
I would probably look closely at the Dynas that have the wider 19" front tire rather than the WideGlide with the narrow 21" tire just from a stability standpoint. However, the WideGlide is the best looking of the dynas if you like the custom chopper look.
Any of them will serve you well.
Regards,
Bill
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,119
Likes: 2
From: USA
RE: What model to get?
ORIGINAL: traveler
1. Superglide
2. Forward Controls (Harley-Davidson)
3. Windscreen
joe
1. Superglide
2. Forward Controls (Harley-Davidson)
3. Windscreen
joe
1. Superglide custom
2. Mid foot control's
3. No windshield
This is why America is a great place..
Snarly
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,967
Likes: 94
RE: What model to get?
Dude, just buy what you like.
The only thing that kills me is how people say the bikes fit. You can really make any bike fit you no matter how tall or short you are. All you gotta do is get forward controls, and if that still dosn't do it....get extended forward controls, and if that still dosn't do it you can swap out the seat until you find a comfortable riding position.
Foot control position + the right seat + suspension = a comfortable riding spot
personally I liked the night train with the softail frame. I just didn't like the battery cover and the rear springs on the dynas. but my dad and grandpa just bout 06' FXDI's and they both look sweet. To each his own.
there are quite a few more options on the softails & wide glides as far as harley parts, the super glides and low riders don't seem to have as many choices.
The only thing that kills me is how people say the bikes fit. You can really make any bike fit you no matter how tall or short you are. All you gotta do is get forward controls, and if that still dosn't do it....get extended forward controls, and if that still dosn't do it you can swap out the seat until you find a comfortable riding position.
Foot control position + the right seat + suspension = a comfortable riding spot
personally I liked the night train with the softail frame. I just didn't like the battery cover and the rear springs on the dynas. but my dad and grandpa just bout 06' FXDI's and they both look sweet. To each his own.
there are quite a few more options on the softails & wide glides as far as harley parts, the super glides and low riders don't seem to have as many choices.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: What model to get?
I can't really speak for the new DYNA's but '05 Superglides have 29 degrees of rake, lowriders have a hair more, like 32 degrees I beleive, and the Wideglides have 34 degrees of rake. If you can find a leftover '05 Superglide at a dealer, I think that is what you should get. The difference in cost can be used to customize or accessorize the bike to fit your specific style. The silver engine has a very tough, industrial look to it, and many people may not be aware of the fact that it's actually silver powdercoated, not just raw aluminum.
I have no regrets getting the Superglide, and I think it's the best big twin harley that can be bought for the money, the next being the Electra Glide Standard (FLT). My only complaint, is that the bike should come from the factory as a 95 cuber instead of soaking the customer for another 1500 bucks![&o]
Whichever you get, you'll be happy. If in doubt get a Superglide or FLT standard, they're a " do it all" bike
joe
I have no regrets getting the Superglide, and I think it's the best big twin harley that can be bought for the money, the next being the Electra Glide Standard (FLT). My only complaint, is that the bike should come from the factory as a 95 cuber instead of soaking the customer for another 1500 bucks![&o]
Whichever you get, you'll be happy. If in doubt get a Superglide or FLT standard, they're a " do it all" bike
joe
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 17
From:
RE: What model to get?
Previous FXDLs did have 32 degrees of rake, now they have 29. All other models had 28 degrees of rake prior to 06 and now have 29, except for FXDWGs, which had 32 and now have 34 degrees of rake.
I much prefer the rear fender that hugs the tire, rather than the bobtail on the WG and many Softails. I also prefer the 160 tire on the Dynas to the too fat assed look of the 200 on most Softails, not to mention the loss of horsepower and the expense of replacement.
I have not seen a detailed article on the changes to the Dyna frame, but what I have read makes it look like a big improvement.
I much prefer the rear fender that hugs the tire, rather than the bobtail on the WG and many Softails. I also prefer the 160 tire on the Dynas to the too fat assed look of the 200 on most Softails, not to mention the loss of horsepower and the expense of replacement.
I have not seen a detailed article on the changes to the Dyna frame, but what I have read makes it look like a big improvement.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From:
RE: What model to get?
I wouldn't trade my 05 super glide custom for anything out here. I have the stage #1 with Vance & Hines short pipes and the bike runs excellent! I can't figure how a bike with the same engine but a different shape can go for thousands $ more.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
RE: What model to get?
I rode a 97 Superglide until this past summer. It was a great bike. In August I bought a 06 Wide Glide. It is perfect. They made it for me. The handling is surprisingly good given the raked front end. I think the new 49 mm fork tubes must help a lot. The riding position is very comfortable and I can cruise at 80 all day. Soon after I got the bike I rode 1,200 miles in 2 days and my butt was not sore at all. I was amazed. The wide glide is the bike for me, evrything I want is a ride and nothing I do not. Nevertheless, as some of the members have said, you cannot go wrong with any of the dynas.
Steve
Steve
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Hutto, Tx
RE: What model to get?
I'm 5'11", 32 inseam on an '03 WG.
Here's some of my observations:
I ride 26 miles each way to work on mostly county roads. The narrow 21" front and extended rake DO track to uneven pavement much more than FL models - not dangerously so, but enough to keep me alert.
I have a sports hernia that flares up on longer rides due to the positioning of the forward controls. However, I DO like they way they sit and am totally comfortable in traffic with them. I WILL put some mid-pegs and/or possibly engine guards on it and that should solve it's long-range comfort.
Asthetically, I like the rake and the larger front tire. I also installed the lowered rear shocks and it gives it an even more "chopped" look - I'd actually like to have about a 3-4" extension to the forks.
Overall, the bike is as nimble as most sportsters. A 19" front would help slow speed handling... but detract from the overall look.
Even with the narrow front tire, I think it could use a 2nd disk on the front - I have found myself over-braking the rear more than once.
The windshield REALLY changes it's handling. With it on, I've pulled off several times to check my tires due to a mushy/wobble/floating feeling. The stock windshield also interferred with my line-of-sight and had to be cut 1.5 in.
Like a previous poster said, you can make a bike fit you easy enough... with enough money. I like mine fine, but mainly because I got a really, really good deal. Now I need/want to put another $1500-2500 into it to make it fit ME - and that's BEFORE getting the big-bore-bug! ;-)
All that said, my main advice would be to give youself a couple of different foot position options especially if you're gonna ride more than an hour or two at a time. Get it set-up right from the start, then you can save your money for performance mods.
happy riding, man.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 0
From: The dream that woke you up in tears.
RE: What model to get?
Guess you can tell what I am partial to .....however,...I think HD really got it going good with the fork changes and the 6 speed tranny..............I think they messed up with taking the rake from 32 to 29....the only thing I don't like about the new 06 bikes is that reduced rake......aside from that I think they are awesome......
I will stick with my LOwRider and her 32 degrees .....
All the Dynas are awesome IMO
I will stick with my LOwRider and her 32 degrees .....
All the Dynas are awesome IMO
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 22,096
Likes: 5
From: Indiana
RE: What model to get?
5-9, 155 pounds The wide Glide is so comfortable, forward controls w/heel rest Handles great, great for long hauls.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52...1/Mvc-008f.jpg[IMG][/IMG]
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52...1/Mvc-006f.jpg[IMG][/IMG]
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52...1/Mvc-002f.jpg[IMG][/IMG]
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52...5/f6ededb2.jpg[IMG][/IMG]
Handles great, great for long hauls.http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52...1/Mvc-008f.jpg[IMG][/IMG]
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52...1/Mvc-006f.jpg[IMG][/IMG]
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52...1/Mvc-002f.jpg[IMG][/IMG]
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y52...5/f6ededb2.jpg[IMG][/IMG]