2006 H-D FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide Road Test
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 151
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From:
RE: 2006 H-D FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide Road Test
There is a magazine called American V in the UK, the latest edition was out yesterday , their is a super writeup on the 06 WG over several pages with great photos.
Maybe a copy should be sent to that bigot of an editor .
Maybe a copy should be sent to that bigot of an editor .
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 2006 H-D FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide Road Test
Well, I finally got my wideglide yesterday....
It rattles and shake the ground beneath it....
Shifts nicer than any metric.....
Powerful....Definitely.....
And myself at 6'3" 250lbs....
It is the most comfortable bike I've ridden.
My first ride on my own HD.......
I get it now.
It rattles and shake the ground beneath it....
Shifts nicer than any metric.....
Powerful....Definitely.....
And myself at 6'3" 250lbs....
It is the most comfortable bike I've ridden.
My first ride on my own HD.......
I get it now.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 4
From: Central Jersey
RE: 2006 H-D FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide Road Test
ORIGINAL: jdizzie
Well, I finally got my wideglide yesterday....
It rattles and shake the ground beneath it....
Shifts nicer than any metric.....
Powerful....Definitely.....
And myself at 6'3" 250lbs....
It is the most comfortable bike I've ridden.
My first ride on my own HD.......
I get it now.
Well, I finally got my wideglide yesterday....
It rattles and shake the ground beneath it....
Shifts nicer than any metric.....
Powerful....Definitely.....
And myself at 6'3" 250lbs....
It is the most comfortable bike I've ridden.
My first ride on my own HD.......
I get it now.
Todd
Tourer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
From: N.J. !!!!!
RE: 2006 H-D FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide Road Test
ORIGINAL: jdizzie
Well, I finally got my wideglide yesterday....
It rattles and shake the ground beneath it....
Shifts nicer than any metric.....
Powerful....Definitely.....
And myself at 6'3" 250lbs....
It is the most comfortable bike I've ridden.
My first ride on my own HD.......
I get it now.
Well, I finally got my wideglide yesterday....
It rattles and shake the ground beneath it....
Shifts nicer than any metric.....
Powerful....Definitely.....
And myself at 6'3" 250lbs....
It is the most comfortable bike I've ridden.
My first ride on my own HD.......
I get it now.
And, for that "loser" who wrote the article, I have a question for him.........Ever see a cool babe walk out of a bar and say "Whoa, ****, nice Yamaha man!" I rest my case.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Dogtown, Oakland, CA
RE: 2006 H-D FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide Road Test
Sensitive bunch here, I think. Mostly I thought the review was quite good. He praised the transmission, brakes, frame, new front end, axles, really most of the bike itself.
Yeah, he didnt like riding it that much, and got a couple of jabs in, but largely it seemed like an overly positive review. I would prefer an honest assesment over one that just drinks the kool-ade and says its great no matter what.
I think it was a pretty honest review of the bike, including some of its handling trade-offs. Seem appropriate in a review, and they are just as harsh when some sportbike isnt spectacular enough relative to the competition. Ever read one of the 600cc "shootouts"? If a bike isnt superman, its last place.
Some nice exerpts:
"We certainly had no complaints while riding it. In fact, just the opposite; the drivetrain in our FXDWGI was the very model of smoothness."
" Rider control of clutch engagement is the real story here. It is much easier to pull away in those challenging situations, where, for example, you have to turn full-lock as you drive out of a crowded parking spot with a passenger. It's tremendously easier to feed in the precise amount of clutch engagement you want. Of course, your right wrist and hand will probably appreciate the reduced lever effort in stop-and-go traffic as well."
"Surprisingly, bumps don't hammer you any worse than on other cruisers with less attitude. I suspect the suspension was recalibrated a bit on '06 Dynas, improving ride comfort and damping control without stretching travel."
"Sure those big bikes will outrun the 1450cc H-Ds, but not as much as the displacement disparity and the relatively simple two-valve pushrod valve train would suggest. I certainly would not imply that the six-speed Dyna Wide Glide felt underpowered in any circumstance. On the other hand, the bigger V-twins might envy the Harley's smooth drivetrain operation and throttle response."
Yeah, he didnt like riding it that much, and got a couple of jabs in, but largely it seemed like an overly positive review. I would prefer an honest assesment over one that just drinks the kool-ade and says its great no matter what.
I think it was a pretty honest review of the bike, including some of its handling trade-offs. Seem appropriate in a review, and they are just as harsh when some sportbike isnt spectacular enough relative to the competition. Ever read one of the 600cc "shootouts"? If a bike isnt superman, its last place.
Some nice exerpts:
"We certainly had no complaints while riding it. In fact, just the opposite; the drivetrain in our FXDWGI was the very model of smoothness."
" Rider control of clutch engagement is the real story here. It is much easier to pull away in those challenging situations, where, for example, you have to turn full-lock as you drive out of a crowded parking spot with a passenger. It's tremendously easier to feed in the precise amount of clutch engagement you want. Of course, your right wrist and hand will probably appreciate the reduced lever effort in stop-and-go traffic as well."
"Surprisingly, bumps don't hammer you any worse than on other cruisers with less attitude. I suspect the suspension was recalibrated a bit on '06 Dynas, improving ride comfort and damping control without stretching travel."
"Sure those big bikes will outrun the 1450cc H-Ds, but not as much as the displacement disparity and the relatively simple two-valve pushrod valve train would suggest. I certainly would not imply that the six-speed Dyna Wide Glide felt underpowered in any circumstance. On the other hand, the bigger V-twins might envy the Harley's smooth drivetrain operation and throttle response."
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Dogtown, Oakland, CA
RE: 2006 H-D FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide Road Test
ORIGINAL: DCRANER
And, for that "loser" who wrote the article, I have a question for him.........Ever see a cool babe walk out of a bar and say "Whoa, ****, nice Yamaha man!" I rest my case.
And, for that "loser" who wrote the article, I have a question for him.........Ever see a cool babe walk out of a bar and say "Whoa, ****, nice Yamaha man!" I rest my case.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 4
From: Central Jersey
RE: 2006 H-D FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide Road Test
ORIGINAL: dogtownmax
Sensitive bunch here, I think. Mostly I thought the review was quite good. He praised the transmission, brakes, frame, new front end, axles, really most of the bike itself.
Yeah, he didnt like riding it that much, and got a couple of jabs in, but largely it seemed like an overly positive review. I would prefer an honest assesment over one that just drinks the kool-ade and says its great no matter what.
I think it was a pretty honest review of the bike, including some of its handling trade-offs. Seem appropriate in a review, and they are just as harsh when some sportbike isnt spectacular enough relative to the competition. Ever read one of the 600cc "shootouts"? If a bike isnt superman, its last place.
Some nice exerpts:
"We certainly had no complaints while riding it. In fact, just the opposite; the drivetrain in our FXDWGI was the very model of smoothness."
" Rider control of clutch engagement is the real story here. It is much easier to pull away in those challenging situations, where, for example, you have to turn full-lock as you drive out of a crowded parking spot with a passenger. It's tremendously easier to feed in the precise amount of clutch engagement you want. Of course, your right wrist and hand will probably appreciate the reduced lever effort in stop-and-go traffic as well."
"Surprisingly, bumps don't hammer you any worse than on other cruisers with less attitude. I suspect the suspension was recalibrated a bit on '06 Dynas, improving ride comfort and damping control without stretching travel."
"Sure those big bikes will outrun the 1450cc H-Ds, but not as much as the displacement disparity and the relatively simple two-valve pushrod valve train would suggest. I certainly would not imply that the six-speed Dyna Wide Glide felt underpowered in any circumstance. On the other hand, the bigger V-twins might envy the Harley's smooth drivetrain operation and throttle response."
Sensitive bunch here, I think. Mostly I thought the review was quite good. He praised the transmission, brakes, frame, new front end, axles, really most of the bike itself.
Yeah, he didnt like riding it that much, and got a couple of jabs in, but largely it seemed like an overly positive review. I would prefer an honest assesment over one that just drinks the kool-ade and says its great no matter what.
I think it was a pretty honest review of the bike, including some of its handling trade-offs. Seem appropriate in a review, and they are just as harsh when some sportbike isnt spectacular enough relative to the competition. Ever read one of the 600cc "shootouts"? If a bike isnt superman, its last place.
Some nice exerpts:
"We certainly had no complaints while riding it. In fact, just the opposite; the drivetrain in our FXDWGI was the very model of smoothness."
" Rider control of clutch engagement is the real story here. It is much easier to pull away in those challenging situations, where, for example, you have to turn full-lock as you drive out of a crowded parking spot with a passenger. It's tremendously easier to feed in the precise amount of clutch engagement you want. Of course, your right wrist and hand will probably appreciate the reduced lever effort in stop-and-go traffic as well."
"Surprisingly, bumps don't hammer you any worse than on other cruisers with less attitude. I suspect the suspension was recalibrated a bit on '06 Dynas, improving ride comfort and damping control without stretching travel."
"Sure those big bikes will outrun the 1450cc H-Ds, but not as much as the displacement disparity and the relatively simple two-valve pushrod valve train would suggest. I certainly would not imply that the six-speed Dyna Wide Glide felt underpowered in any circumstance. On the other hand, the bigger V-twins might envy the Harley's smooth drivetrain operation and throttle response."
This writer has been really getting under my skin for years now. More so than any other at that mag. He tends to go out of his way to bash any bike that isn't a true performance machine. It's ironic then, that he writes for a 'cruiser' magazine. In reading his reviews for the last few years, it's quite obvious he should be back writing for the sport bike magazines. This review, in my opinion, is really not favorable at all. Everything you noted are things that have been written about the 06 dynas in just about every other magazine out there. It's almost like he took ten magazines and copied the highlights. And in the end, he had to put his little stamp on it...
"My enthusiasm for the Wide Glide waned a bit when I my examination wandered from the engine to the chassis. Actually things turn down right at the point where the engine meets the frame. Like previous Harley Dyna models, a significant amount of vibration gets past the rubber engine mounts. Some riders found it bordered on uncomfortable, but I found it just slightly annoying, and it blurred the mirrors on the highway."
"The handlebar/seat/footpeg relationship somehow tended to make my lower back ache after an hour so, something which never happens."
Anyone who is familiar with Art Friedman (as well as Andy Cherney, one of the other main writers at 'MC' mag.) and his typical reviews knows that despite these being characteristics of most cruisers, he's going to point it out and make sure to mention that it doesn't suit his riding style, and ultimately, what he considers to be favorable motorcycle traits.
So with
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Dogtown, Oakland, CA
RE: 2006 H-D FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide Road Test
ORIGINAL: snowyhog
Does'nt matter what he says , all his readership deep down are Harley wannabee's .
Otherwise why do they try so hard to copy
Does'nt matter what he says , all his readership deep down are Harley wannabee's .
Otherwise why do they try so hard to copy
Seems like that old marketing chestnut might be getting a little long in the tooth, and is just as rediculous as claiming that the above bikes have been leading HD into the the "power cruiser" world and were the clear inspiration for the styling of the Vrod.
Fun marketing chatchphrasery to say, but meaningless.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Dogtown, Oakland, CA
RE: 2006 H-D FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide Road Test
ORIGINAL: veniculum
Just to reiterate from my earlier post. This guy has to write this stuff...bottom line is, Harley has made a fantastic bike and has really made some huge advancements in the last few years...and especially now with the new dynas. You would really have to have been reading this magazine for a while to understand why we're a "sensitive bunch".
This writer has been really getting under my skin for years now. More so than any other at that mag. He tends to go out of his way to bash any bike that isn't a true performance machine. It's ironic then, that he writes for a 'cruiser' magazine. In reading his reviews for the last few years, it's quite obvious he should be back writing for the sport bike magazines. This review, in my opinion, is really not favorable at all. Everything you noted are things that have been written about the 06 dynas in just about every other magazine out there. It's almost like he took ten magazines and copied the highlights. And in the end, he had to put his little stamp on it...
"My enthusiasm for the Wide Glide waned a bit when I my examination wandered from the engine to the chassis. Actually things turn down right at the point where the engine meets the frame. Like previous Harley Dyna models, a significant amount of vibration gets past the rubber engine mounts. Some riders found it bordered on uncomfortable, but I found it just slightly annoying, and it blurred the mirrors on the highway."
"The handlebar/seat/footpeg relationship somehow tended to make my lower back ache after an hour so, something which never happens."
Anyone who is familiar with Art Friedman (as well as Andy Cherney, one of the other main writers at 'MC' mag.) and his typical reviews knows that despite these being characteristics of most cruisers, he's going to point it out and make sure to mention that it doesn't suit his riding style, and ultimately, what he considers to be favorable motorcycle traits.
So with that said...sure, you can argue that this review is positive...but for those of us who have been reading "Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine" for a long time, know that this really isn't positive at all. It just goes back to what I was saying before. They can't ignore what HD has done with the new Dynas.
Personally, I really think the review would've been written quite a bit differently if their editor (Jamie Elvidge) had written it. And positive or not, her review would've probably been a bit more honest. Just my opinion..of course
Todd
Just to reiterate from my earlier post. This guy has to write this stuff...bottom line is, Harley has made a fantastic bike and has really made some huge advancements in the last few years...and especially now with the new dynas. You would really have to have been reading this magazine for a while to understand why we're a "sensitive bunch".
This writer has been really getting under my skin for years now. More so than any other at that mag. He tends to go out of his way to bash any bike that isn't a true performance machine. It's ironic then, that he writes for a 'cruiser' magazine. In reading his reviews for the last few years, it's quite obvious he should be back writing for the sport bike magazines. This review, in my opinion, is really not favorable at all. Everything you noted are things that have been written about the 06 dynas in just about every other magazine out there. It's almost like he took ten magazines and copied the highlights. And in the end, he had to put his little stamp on it...
"My enthusiasm for the Wide Glide waned a bit when I my examination wandered from the engine to the chassis. Actually things turn down right at the point where the engine meets the frame. Like previous Harley Dyna models, a significant amount of vibration gets past the rubber engine mounts. Some riders found it bordered on uncomfortable, but I found it just slightly annoying, and it blurred the mirrors on the highway."
"The handlebar/seat/footpeg relationship somehow tended to make my lower back ache after an hour so, something which never happens."
Anyone who is familiar with Art Friedman (as well as Andy Cherney, one of the other main writers at 'MC' mag.) and his typical reviews knows that despite these being characteristics of most cruisers, he's going to point it out and make sure to mention that it doesn't suit his riding style, and ultimately, what he considers to be favorable motorcycle traits.
So with that said...sure, you can argue that this review is positive...but for those of us who have been reading "Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine" for a long time, know that this really isn't positive at all. It just goes back to what I was saying before. They can't ignore what HD has done with the new Dynas.
Personally, I really think the review would've been written quite a bit differently if their editor (Jamie Elvidge) had written it. And positive or not, her review would've probably been a bit more honest. Just my opinion..of course
Todd
1) they are harsh to all brands when they find a flaw. Granted they mix the good with the bad as they are in the motorcycle business, after all, but I have found them to be similarly critical of models from any manufacturer when they have a gripe.
2) they were really really far more harsh until the Evo engine came out. Their appriciation of HD has increased as the bikes have improved. Seems pretty reasonable for a review to reflect the increase of the quality of the product. This isnt to say they dont seem to be in more familiar territory when reviewing sportier bikes, but they have been a lot nicer to HDs as they have improved.