Why would you want a counter-balancer? Just wondering. IMHO they rob HP, and I dont mind the vibes. They go away when you twist the throttle anyhow.

 

I think it is very much personal preference. My Dyna shakes like crazy sitting still. It really smooths out at speed. The shaking at rest really bothers some people. I am not one of them. I find my Dyna very nice at speed. I personally think the Dynas are sportier than the Softails. Still, I think the Softails are very nice bikes. I especially like the Deuce and the Softail Custom. Not enough to trade for one though.

I agree that the Softails hold their value better and I think there are more accessories for them. I really think it is something best left to a test ride and what really sets you off.

Good luck.

Dan

 

The HP loss is negligible - and probably would be more noticeable to a dyno than a rider. But having an engine counterbalanced allows it to be rigid mounted as a stress member of the frame - which also addresses the rear end wallow that plagues the Dynas and tourers (no need for a True Track).

just my $.02 (and worth every penny!)

 

Agreed...I think it (resale) has a lot to do with the popularity of the Soft Tail and therefore the MoCo capitolizing on it by offering even more extra shiny stuff to put on it.

By the way, I like the looks of the Custom, but I think it is because it looks like a WideGlide...

Ride each one and you will know whats right for you.

 

Bingo! Ride both and see which is better for you. You might be able to tell just by sitting on some of the bikes. Dyna riders and Softail riders all swear by their choices, so you won't go wrong with whichever you like better.

 

Good point. I have never experienced the rearend wallow, but a good point non the less.

 

This last week end I rode a lady friend of mines' Softail Deuce. It was... er.. well .. very smooth.. I suppose is the right word. It didnt have the power of my Dyna. (hers is still an 88 mines a 95 big bore) The motor didnt even so much as MOVE sitting at idle at a stoplight... It haddecent acceleration.. brakes were ok.. it had typical softail handeling.. (watch the snappy layover turns) ...
But, it just didnt feel like an HD to me... maybe I am so used to my Dyna.. I dont know... but to me it just didnt feel "alive". My Dyna has a personality... it gets it andrips it as well as it roars... I will never switch..
To me a Dyna is the only way to go.

Dynas forever

 

Something about a softtail makes them more popular, must be the cleaner lines, but like a chopper you're giving up something. My WG is rock steady, power on the straight, and great cornering. She can't stand sitting still though, which I like.

 

I am going from a 05 train to a 08 Street Bob. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked my night train but when I decided to get a new one, the Bob gave me the most ideas. For me the selling point was, performance, ride, laced wheels, denim black paint option, and I like the look of the 19” front tire. It should be in sometime around October and I cant wait. I have already started building parts for it, good luck in making a decision.

 

Dynas handle and ride better. While I do love several Softail models and would not turn my nose up at a free one, I despise the counterbalanced "B" motor.