Form over function???
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 562
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From: Everywhere, USA
Form over function???
Most peoples' signature pictures show bikes without saddlebags, windshields, or sissy bars. Do you think part of the reason we bought Dynas was for the "pure" beauty and the traditional simplicity of these iron masterpieces?
Sure, a windshield might come in handy on the highway at 70 mph. Although saddlebags allow you to carry around more stuff, don't they take something away from the look of the bike? I have a detachable sissy bar, but it only finds its way on the bike when my son insists that I take him for a ride. After we get home, it comes right off because I don't like the way the bike looks with it on.
Also comfort wasn't a major priority when I bought my bike, if it had been I would have bought one of the rolling sofas. Anyway, I love my Dyna the simpler the better.
I'm not alone in my thinking, or am I???
Sure, a windshield might come in handy on the highway at 70 mph. Although saddlebags allow you to carry around more stuff, don't they take something away from the look of the bike? I have a detachable sissy bar, but it only finds its way on the bike when my son insists that I take him for a ride. After we get home, it comes right off because I don't like the way the bike looks with it on.
Also comfort wasn't a major priority when I bought my bike, if it had been I would have bought one of the rolling sofas. Anyway, I love my Dyna the simpler the better.
I'm not alone in my thinking, or am I???
Last edited by Sonny's World; Nov 20, 2008 at 09:02 PM.
Not Smart Enough To Be A Member of HDF
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
From: Huntingdon, TN
I want a sissy bar (though I'd prefer the old school type...real long/tall, like on a Dave Mann chopper) and saddle bags...I just can't afford them for a while. I thought about a windshield too, but when I got on the interstate at 75, that idea disappeared real fast! I loved the feel of the wind even at that speed!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
Everybody sets their bikes up according to how they want - to what suits their style. I have throw-over bags, quick off T-bag, quick detach sissy and windshield. I can rig my ride to do anything I want it to.
If everybody's bike looked the same, well that would be pretty boring now wouldn't it?
If everybody's bike looked the same, well that would be pretty boring now wouldn't it?
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee area
I've only had my Dyna for a few days and I've only got a windshield on it. It really helps block the blast when riding in sub 30° weather.
I'll get some saddlebags eventually. It sucks when SWMBO wants me to pick up some 2Ls of soda and OJ and popcorn on my way home from work and try to jam it all into a backpack.
A backrest and passenger pillion is in the works as well, for my daughter's benefit. They will only be put on for those occasions only, though.
I'll get some saddlebags eventually. It sucks when SWMBO wants me to pick up some 2Ls of soda and OJ and popcorn on my way home from work and try to jam it all into a backpack.
A backrest and passenger pillion is in the works as well, for my daughter's benefit. They will only be put on for those occasions only, though.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 110
From: Mesa, Az.
I have a detachable windshield and bags along with a short backrest and tall backrest.
In about 10 minutes the bike goes from a "cruiser" to a "touring bike", complete with T-Bag on the tall backrest and GPS. Most of the time the extras are not on the bike, but on long trips they are invaluable.
In about 10 minutes the bike goes from a "cruiser" to a "touring bike", complete with T-Bag on the tall backrest and GPS. Most of the time the extras are not on the bike, but on long trips they are invaluable.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Sonny's World, I agree with you 100%. All my buddies make fun of my dark bike with no windshield, no saddle bags and no sissy bar. I only put the sissy bar on when the little man wants to ride with his old man!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 580
Likes: 2
My sig shows the way my bike looks most of the time. I've grown to like the way it looks and for me it's alot more practical this way. The windshield keeps the bugs off my face, the saddle bags always have something in them and the Sundowner seat is comfortable, more so for my fiance on the longer trips. Sure, it might have that bagger look to it, but it still handles like a Dyna. Don't get me wrong, I still like to ride it stripped down once in a while, but it always seems to go back to the way you see it in the sig. So I guess that makes my ride function over form.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 1
From: FootBaLL FieLD
The FXD is a beautiful bike in its most basic form .... I think that's why most folks seem to try to keep them that way. However, there are times when you just need space to carry some stuff with you. My bike stays stripped of extras most of the time, but on day-long rides .... especially when the temps get down .... my bags and shield go on.
PsTaN
PsTaN