Took a test ride - '06 FXDB
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: NE Pennsylvania
Took a test ride - '06 FXDB
Some background info - Got rear-ended on my '05 Sporty Custom about 2 weeks ago, the insurance company decided to total it out so I'm in the market for a new ride....
The bike I test rode is an '06 Street Bob with Samson BG3 pipes, a Stage one with power commander and forward controls. It has 2200 miles on it and has never been laid down.
I took the bike for a 20 mile test ride tonight. Noticed a few things that may or may not be issues. So I thought I'd ask the experts...
- Noticed that the tranny didn't make any noise (bang) going into first gear. Wasn't sure that it was in gear except the "n" light went out. Not the same on the Sporty. Just an observation...
- FI certainly doesn't respond the same way a carbed bike does. Did have a few spits or sputters when I first took off, which I didn't expect. Response was very good otherwise.
- Since the engine is a rigid mount (I believe, please tell me if I'm wrong) I was wondering if the vibration I felt in the forward controls was normal. I noticed a pretty good vib in the front pegs and seat at around 45 mph, especially during deceleration. Is this normal for an '06 Dyna?? I have no idea, that's why I'm asking.
- Also noticed a bit of vibration while braking. Again, is this normal?? I think it's possibly a balance issue with the wheel(s).
- Another observation, the forwards are a little bit of a reach for me with a 32" inseam. Nothing major, just a little bit of a stretch.
- Maybe I was a bit tentative with the bigger bike, but I can see why many say a Sporty is much more nimble feeling. This feeling will probably lessen with some saddle I time expect.
Just thought I'd let you know how it went...Any insight will be appreciated...
The bike I test rode is an '06 Street Bob with Samson BG3 pipes, a Stage one with power commander and forward controls. It has 2200 miles on it and has never been laid down.
I took the bike for a 20 mile test ride tonight. Noticed a few things that may or may not be issues. So I thought I'd ask the experts...
- Noticed that the tranny didn't make any noise (bang) going into first gear. Wasn't sure that it was in gear except the "n" light went out. Not the same on the Sporty. Just an observation...
- FI certainly doesn't respond the same way a carbed bike does. Did have a few spits or sputters when I first took off, which I didn't expect. Response was very good otherwise.
- Since the engine is a rigid mount (I believe, please tell me if I'm wrong) I was wondering if the vibration I felt in the forward controls was normal. I noticed a pretty good vib in the front pegs and seat at around 45 mph, especially during deceleration. Is this normal for an '06 Dyna?? I have no idea, that's why I'm asking.
- Also noticed a bit of vibration while braking. Again, is this normal?? I think it's possibly a balance issue with the wheel(s).
- Another observation, the forwards are a little bit of a reach for me with a 32" inseam. Nothing major, just a little bit of a stretch.
- Maybe I was a bit tentative with the bigger bike, but I can see why many say a Sporty is much more nimble feeling. This feeling will probably lessen with some saddle I time expect.
Just thought I'd let you know how it went...Any insight will be appreciated...
Last edited by gilmour68; Nov 4, 2008 at 08:43 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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A little feedback
I don't know how much I can help but will add what little I can. I have an '06 Bob that I bought with 623 miles July '07 and it now has 12K miles on it. I'm short 30" inseam and mine has mid controls with Vance Hines Big Radius pipes so I can't help you with your forward controls vibration question.
Mine has a little clunk when shifting to first but nothing drastic like you hear of but isn't as quiet as you mention.
I have only had the sputter on take off or slow cornering when the bike hasn't warmed up good (a couple of minutes) and you need to make sure your orange engine light has gone out on your dash before you start the bike so it's primed.
My first few rides had me noticing some vibration just shy of 45 but now I'm so used to it that I don't even notice it. I've never ridden a sporty but have ridden a vrod, a screaming eagle springer, a rocker, and a heritage soft tail classic and while the others are a little smoother, I can really maneuver best on my Bob.
Good luck and I hope this helps some.
Mine has a little clunk when shifting to first but nothing drastic like you hear of but isn't as quiet as you mention.
I have only had the sputter on take off or slow cornering when the bike hasn't warmed up good (a couple of minutes) and you need to make sure your orange engine light has gone out on your dash before you start the bike so it's primed.
My first few rides had me noticing some vibration just shy of 45 but now I'm so used to it that I don't even notice it. I've never ridden a sporty but have ridden a vrod, a screaming eagle springer, a rocker, and a heritage soft tail classic and while the others are a little smoother, I can really maneuver best on my Bob.
Good luck and I hope this helps some.
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Virginia
Also my bike never spits or sputters even when cold. Didn't HD have an upgrade for some of the injectors on some of the 06's?
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Chesterfield, VA
Just sharing my perspective as I have an 06 Dyna and wife has an 06 1200 XL
- Noticed that the tranny didn't make any noise (bang) going into first gear. Wasn't sure that it was in gear except the "n" light went out. Not the same on the Sporty. Just an observation...
Shifting into first isn't nearly as distinct on my Dyna as her Sporty.
- FI certainly doesn't respond the same way a carbed bike does. Did have a few spits or sputters when I first took off, which I didn't expect. Response was very good otherwise.
The fuel injection should offer smooth and quick throttle response. The bike may have issues with incorrect mapping of the PC-III. As Pig mentioned above, there were injector issues with the 06 Dynas. A service bulletin directed dealers to change out the 8 degree injectors to 25 degree injectors.
- Since the engine is a rigid mount (I believe, please tell me if I'm wrong) I was wondering if the vibration I felt in the forward controls was normal. I noticed a pretty good vib in the front pegs and seat at around 45 mph, especially during deceleration. Is this normal for an '06 Dyna?? I have no idea, that's why I'm asking.
As devils haircut said, the Dyna engine is isolated from the frame through rubber mounts. There have been a lot of recognized issues with primarily the front mount. Several have discovered their front mounts broken. Other have found the front mount intact but defective allowing the metal plates in the front mount to come in contact with each other. This has apparently caused a lot of vibration such as you describe. (Search a thread by a member named "Expy" for more info.)
- Also noticed a bit of vibration while braking. Again, is this normal?? I think it's possibly a balance issue with the wheel(s).
A lot of issues with the proper torquing of the front end head assembly and its ability to hold proper torque. There was a service bulletin addressing this. The SB called for a replacement stem washer and greater torque values.
- Another observation, the forwards are a little bit of a reach for me with a 32" inseam. Nothing major, just a little bit of a stretch.
I'm too tall to help you here. A search of the Dyna forum should offer you lots of opinions.
- Maybe I was a bit tentative with the bigger bike, but I can see why many say a Sporty is much more nimble feeling. This feeling will probably lessen with some saddle I time expect.
Just thought I'd let you know how it went...Any insight will be appreciated...
These are just some things which may be contributing to what you experienced in your test ride. Please do not base your decision or alter anything on the bike because of my info. I am merely a happy 06 Dyna owner with a manual, a couple wrenches, a membership to an awesome forum.
Good luck,
John
- Noticed that the tranny didn't make any noise (bang) going into first gear. Wasn't sure that it was in gear except the "n" light went out. Not the same on the Sporty. Just an observation...
Shifting into first isn't nearly as distinct on my Dyna as her Sporty.
- FI certainly doesn't respond the same way a carbed bike does. Did have a few spits or sputters when I first took off, which I didn't expect. Response was very good otherwise.
The fuel injection should offer smooth and quick throttle response. The bike may have issues with incorrect mapping of the PC-III. As Pig mentioned above, there were injector issues with the 06 Dynas. A service bulletin directed dealers to change out the 8 degree injectors to 25 degree injectors.
- Since the engine is a rigid mount (I believe, please tell me if I'm wrong) I was wondering if the vibration I felt in the forward controls was normal. I noticed a pretty good vib in the front pegs and seat at around 45 mph, especially during deceleration. Is this normal for an '06 Dyna?? I have no idea, that's why I'm asking.
As devils haircut said, the Dyna engine is isolated from the frame through rubber mounts. There have been a lot of recognized issues with primarily the front mount. Several have discovered their front mounts broken. Other have found the front mount intact but defective allowing the metal plates in the front mount to come in contact with each other. This has apparently caused a lot of vibration such as you describe. (Search a thread by a member named "Expy" for more info.)
- Also noticed a bit of vibration while braking. Again, is this normal?? I think it's possibly a balance issue with the wheel(s).
A lot of issues with the proper torquing of the front end head assembly and its ability to hold proper torque. There was a service bulletin addressing this. The SB called for a replacement stem washer and greater torque values.
- Another observation, the forwards are a little bit of a reach for me with a 32" inseam. Nothing major, just a little bit of a stretch.
I'm too tall to help you here. A search of the Dyna forum should offer you lots of opinions.
- Maybe I was a bit tentative with the bigger bike, but I can see why many say a Sporty is much more nimble feeling. This feeling will probably lessen with some saddle I time expect.
Just thought I'd let you know how it went...Any insight will be appreciated...
These are just some things which may be contributing to what you experienced in your test ride. Please do not base your decision or alter anything on the bike because of my info. I am merely a happy 06 Dyna owner with a manual, a couple wrenches, a membership to an awesome forum.
Good luck,
John
Last edited by jmpancoast; Nov 5, 2008 at 12:02 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
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From:
I found the Forward Controls on my buddies bike a bit of a stretch as well (32" inseam) and I wanted Forward Controls on my Low Rider when I bought it, but the stealer would not throw them in... but it turns out I LOVE the Mid Controls and the mid pegs! I actually downshift and brake with my heels most of the time! After getting used to the mids I'll be keeping it that way! It's nice to have a 2nd set of pegs down there as it helps to eleviate "butt-Pain" when on long rides.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,289
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From: Beautiful Downtown Burbank
Art, ask the owner if he installed the 3" Kury extensions. The stock forwards shouldnt be a problem for you. My Atty has the Kury extensions on his WG, and its difficult for me to ride (30"). I, like Creek, got spoiled with mids.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,246
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From: T-City, Wa.
JMPAN is right on.
If you are looking to stay with something "nimble and light" then I would say stay with the Sporty. Some will say that they can get their Dyna to handle close if not "nimble". Look at it this way, the sporty was made for a reason, (correct me if I am wrong, anyone) but I think it was racing in the day. If this what you are looking for, then ...... If you are looking to get into a "fullsize" HD then the Dyna is a great choice. I used to ride rice rockets and one day decided that I wanted to slow down a bit and enjoy life, kinda like that story of the little young bull talking to his father about running down the hill and tagging one of the many ladies in the field and dad says son, why dont we walk down instead of running, and tag them all.
Just depends on what you want. If you are asking us on this forum, well you know what we all will say, come on over! There are a bunch of great men and women on the forum who will help you with anything, great bunch of people.
So I wish you well in your decision and hope you go for the Dyna.
If you are looking to stay with something "nimble and light" then I would say stay with the Sporty. Some will say that they can get their Dyna to handle close if not "nimble". Look at it this way, the sporty was made for a reason, (correct me if I am wrong, anyone) but I think it was racing in the day. If this what you are looking for, then ...... If you are looking to get into a "fullsize" HD then the Dyna is a great choice. I used to ride rice rockets and one day decided that I wanted to slow down a bit and enjoy life, kinda like that story of the little young bull talking to his father about running down the hill and tagging one of the many ladies in the field and dad says son, why dont we walk down instead of running, and tag them all.
Just depends on what you want. If you are asking us on this forum, well you know what we all will say, come on over! There are a bunch of great men and women on the forum who will help you with anything, great bunch of people. So I wish you well in your decision and hope you go for the Dyna.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Palm Harbor fl.
a note about the 6 speed and vibration. You may have been in too high a gear for your speed. That said my bike vibrates at a certain rpm range (just off idle a bit).
Last edited by rounder; Nov 10, 2008 at 08:00 AM.
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Road Master
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From: NE Pennsylvania
Stanger - I realize that a Dyna won't be as nimble as a Sporty, but I believe with some practice it would. I do want a "full size" bike so I have more room. I do ride 2 up sometimes and it was cramped on the Sporty. I've been watching for ads and stopped at a couple of dealerships - a local dealer might get a trade of an '06 Super Glide with a bunch of accessories by the weekend. The price he quoted was right for me. I'm gonna shop around for a little while and make the right choice.
Here's one I came across on Craig's list. With the money left over after my loan payoff I could purchase it with no financing. Just an example...
http://picasaweb.google.com/erpecher...zCmg#slideshow
Looks like an anniversary Super Glide with a wide glide front end?? Supposed to have only 10500 miles, adult owned, within about an hour of me.
Here's one I came across on Craig's list. With the money left over after my loan payoff I could purchase it with no financing. Just an example...
http://picasaweb.google.com/erpecher...zCmg#slideshow
Looks like an anniversary Super Glide with a wide glide front end?? Supposed to have only 10500 miles, adult owned, within about an hour of me.
Last edited by gilmour68; Nov 5, 2008 at 07:36 PM.