When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Dyna Glide ModelsSuper Glide, Super Glide Sport, Super Glide Custom, Dyna Glide Convertible, Super Glide T-Sport, Dyna Glide Police, Dyna Switchback, Low Rider, Street Bob, Fat Bob and Wide Glide.
Fatbobs are hideous. Get a Lowrider or Super Glide.
(Boy that's harsh) Too each their own. Personally I think the Fat Bob is a thing of beauty! It's a Harley that DOESN'T look like all the others, the ONLY Harley that doesn't NEED customizing to stand out from the pack ... that's why I bought one.
Of course, we are all intitaled to our opinions. :-)
Last edited by FatBobRay; Jan 11, 2009 at 11:37 PM.
For YOU I'd say Low rider. You'll have your feet better planted making backing up much easier and SAFER.
See what I mean! A lowered superglide can sit lower than a stock low rider. You can do this for $80 by getting a set of Tamarack lowering blocks and sliding the forks further into the trees. Or...Progressive lowering shocks front/back would run about $300. Getting a lowrider "because it's lower" will cost a hell of alot more... like thousands!
Fatbobs are NOT ugly. Everyone has an opinion, but only mine counts!
See what I mean! A lowered superglide can sit lower than a stock low rider. You can do this for $80 by getting a set of Tamarack lowering blocks and sliding the forks further into the trees. Or...Progressive lowering shocks front/back would run about $300. Getting a lowrider "because it's lower" will cost a hell of alot more... like thousands!
Fatbobs are NOT ugly. Everyone has an opinion, but only mine counts!
I didn't read the whole chain ... I didn't realize a slammed Superglide sits lower then a Stock Low rider. Interesting!
Of course ... you do have to go through the EFFORT of doing the lowering or having it done. But still ... good information for those shorter legged riders out there!
Alot of people will tell you to get a lowrider...if you do get one, don't do it "Because it's lower". Any dyna can be lowered including a lowrider. I would go with 11" shocks and lower the forks one inch. But you get a lowrider because it's chromed out...not because it sits low. Just my two cents.
One advantage of the low rider over some others is they don't have forward controls. at 5'2 forwards could be a reach and may not be comfortable or safe. The low rider ( and some other dynas) do not have the forwards, and this might work better for you.
One other thing to watch out for. I ride with my ma, and she's short. On some bikes her thigh sits against the head. Which gets real hot. Make sure this is not an issue on any bike you intend to buy.
By the way, your seat will make a difference too. There are plenty of seats that can lower your riding position. Here is something we should know to better steer you in the right direction...Do you want a lot of chrome on your bike? FXDC's can be had pretty cheap compared to lowriders if you don't mind the silver motor color. They both come with alot of chrome. Think long and hard before getting a plain superglide though. Harley markets that bike as a "blank canvas" for customizing. But I can tell you that customizing a regular superglide can get tricky because of the speedometer position. Good luck with whatever you get.
The Street Bob comes with mids. If you're comfortable with the mini-apes, give it a shot. I'm not a tall dude at 5'9", but I can keep both feet firmly planted on the ground while straddling her, and I can back her into slight slopes.
Honestly, I'll say (the obvious) what others have said. Take a test ride on a couple models. Even just sitting on one can give you a good feel for what you can reach and what feels comfortable. On the other hand, keep in mind that just because it doesn't feel right when it's turned off on the showroom floor doesn't mean that it won't feel comfortable in the twisties or coming to a stop.
Test rides are paramount, especially when you have special considerations.
I am 5'6" and have an 06 Superglide lowered an inch in the rear. For you I'd suggest a softail or sportster Low. My wife is your size and she had an 883 Hugger. A Dyna is a lot of bike for 5'2". Lowriders are the lowest Dynas. All they are, are Superglides with a lowing kit and more chrome. If you feel you can ride it, buy it. I see lots of little chickies trying to cheat with 6" platform shoes... bad idea. Most of it is technique. A good rider can handle more bike. Park so you don't have to back up a hill. Like truckers and pilots, pick your parking spot carefully.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.