Dyna vs Sportster need help!
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: 9 miles from Quebec
Dyna vs Sportster need help!
Hello all, \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; I have been reading the forum for about 3 months now and will be buying a Harley sometime after the 2009 models are released. A month ago I was certain I was buying a Sportster and even though I had 50 people tell me to look at a heavier bike I just knew it would be a Sportster. Now, I am not so sure. I have tried a Sportster custom and liked it very much. The more reading and talking I do, the more I think I should take a hard look at the Dynas. 25 years ago I rode street bikes a lot, but never a Harley. In August I am renting a Sportster for a 500 mile trip with some friends. I suspect this will give me a good evaluation of the bike. My questions are: have any of you been through this same dilema? What are your opinions of the two bikes? Over the long haul the price difference is not that much of an issue for me. I plan to ride 60% locally and 40% on trips, probably not more that 4-5 days at a time. \\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; Thanks for any help!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 3
From: Billings, MT
RE: Dyna vs Sportsterneed help!
One word: DYNA
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This is the voice of experience, but it's my opinion - not the final determination of which bike you get.
I bought an 03 883XLH Sportster last year. Rode it for 3 months and sold it to buy an 02 Low Rider. I could only ride the Sporty about 200 miles a day, and a lot of that was in discomfort.
Just rode the Dyna to Tucson from Billings in total comfort. Mistake I made was to trade it for a Road King. Will be selling the RK and getting another Low Rider. As for travel on it, see my post of the trip in the Mascot Forum.
 \\;
This is the voice of experience, but it's my opinion - not the final determination of which bike you get.
I bought an 03 883XLH Sportster last year. Rode it for 3 months and sold it to buy an 02 Low Rider. I could only ride the Sporty about 200 miles a day, and a lot of that was in discomfort.
Just rode the Dyna to Tucson from Billings in total comfort. Mistake I made was to trade it for a Road King. Will be selling the RK and getting another Low Rider. As for travel on it, see my post of the trip in the Mascot Forum.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 10
From: S.E. MO
RE: Dyna vs Sportsterneed help!
I went back and forth between getting a nightster or a dyna. I really didnt know how much a would ride and thought it would be mainly around town, so I didnt want to spend alot. A buddy of mine bought a sportster custom so i rode it and liked it alot. So I really started to lean towards getting the nightster till I saw a Super Glide for not much more money. I ended up getting it figuring for the price I couldnt go wrong and could always add the extras the other dynas have later. Well after 2000 miles the first month, I am very happy I didnt get the Nighster. We have been doing regular 200 to 300 mile trips and I dont think my bad back would feel the same if I had gotten the nighster.
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I am thinking of what mods to do next ,my buddy that got the Custom Sportster is already talking about what \\;bike \\;he is getting next at 1100 miles.
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I am thinking of what mods to do next ,my buddy that got the Custom Sportster is already talking about what \\;bike \\;he is getting next at 1100 miles.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 156
From: florida
RE: Dyna vs Sportsterneed help!
I'd say try both. Then get the bike ya want. I bought a 1200 custom when what I really wanted was a wideglide. Loved the sporty and still do but bought a wideglide the next year.Luckily my wife rides the sporty now so I can still take it for a blast once and awhile. Both are great bikes but I sure love my wideglide! Good luck with whatever ya get![hr]
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Dyna vs Sportster need help!
The Sportster is a fun bike but you will need to replace the seat, rear suspension and front suspension to get a comfortable ride. I have an 07 1200L and an 07 Low Rider. I have been on long rides and short rides with both bikes. The Dyna is a great all around bike and rides great stock. Good luck, I think many of us have been exactly where you are now.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 911
Likes: 3
From: Venice, FL
RE: Dyna vs Sportster need help!
I was in the exact same situation. Fell in love with a black XL1200C. Then, I saw a Black Super Glide and once I got on it, it was game over. Plus, two-up room and comfort is much better on the Dyna.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 5
From: West Branch, Michigan
RE: Dyna vs Sportster need help!
I wanted a Sportster XL1200L because I thought it would be easier to handle being my first "big" bike. \\;I was warned that after a few months of riding, I would want to upgrade to something with more power and a little bigger, heavier and better suspension for long distance riding. I was told for my \\;short stature and riding abilities, \\;I should really consider \\;get a Dyna Low Rider. \\; I'm so glad I did. \\; For me, the Low Rider is all the bike I could ever want, and I have no problem keeping up with the big boys with the \\;6 speed \\;cruise drive and the 96 \\;Twin Cam. \\; The \\;Sportster still has the 5 speed \\;Evolution engines, and smaller (3.3 gal) \\;fuel capacity \\;on most models. \\;If you have a passenger, they wont be very comfortable on long trips, and unless you get a different seat......you wont be either. Around town, the Sporty might be just right...but for longer road trips, you'll want a least a Dyna under you. \\; Rent one of each \\;and \\;give them an honest eval. \\; I'll bet you'll love the 6 speed \\;V-Twin power over the 5 speed Evolution in the end.
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Tucson,Az
RE: Dyna vs Sportster need help!
I had the same problem a couple of years ago, after not riding for a long time I bought an 06 sportster custom 1200 it was good for running around town, but not for over an hour worth of riding. I did put on a mustang seat as the stock one really sucked! I bought a 08 street bob needing something a little bigger for longer trips. Best move i ever did love the 6 speed and the ride. looking back i should have got the dyna first! but then again i am over six foot tall and need more room
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 5
From: West Branch, Michigan
RE: Dyna vs Sportster need help!
Hey Stockguy........ I'm under 5'2" and needed the Low Rider for just the opposite reason..... my short legs and inseam, and the Dyna fit me with their optional Reach Seat. \\; I'm so happy with my Dyna. \\; Just this weekend, we were out riding....going the speed limit of 55mph \\;when my hubby decided to "let \\;out" \\;his Heritage . \\; Not wanting to get left behind, I asked my Low Rider for more and boy did she respond .....right now and without hesitation \\;even in \\;6th gear.  \\; I had her up to 80 in a blink of an eye and with plenty of power to spare. That was the fastest I've ever gone.  \\;I'm still a novice rider so this was a breakthrough for me. \\; I might even try going on the interstate next time. My point is, I feel safer and more stable on my Low Rider with a running order \\;weight of 672 pounds than I would on a Sportster \\;XL1200 Low \\;weighing 581......and I know my Dyna's engine can give me what I need, when I need it.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 351
Likes: 1
From: Tolland CT
RE: Dyna vs Sportster need help!
My friend got a sportster 883 custom. Its a nice bike, no doubt. I've been wanting a sportster since 1982 and went hunting and researching this spring. I'm 43 and a big guy. Friends said I should look at dynas instead. Saw a Fat Bob and knew that was it for me. The sportster friend told me "Get the dyna because if you get the sportster in 3 months you'll want something bigger." So I bought the dyna and I'm really happy. Now, sportster friend bitches his back hurts on his 883 and wishes he got something bigger and more comfortable. ( He's 22) Renting a sportie is a great idea too. Then do yourself a favor and sit on a Fat Bob or another Dyna. You'll see the difference just sitting on them. I did. Just my two cents. Do your research. Never hurts to be comfy WHEN riding, and comfy with WHAT your riding. Good Luck and Ride safe.