96B vs 96???
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
Depends on how you setup your Dyna. I can set mine up for a long-*** 2up trip, (2up sundowner seat, backrest, saddlebags, t-bag) or strip her down for short runs (sig pic). That being said, you can do just the opposite for a bagger, (be able to strip it down) but my impression is that it is more expensive for a bagger to strip down, than a Dyna to "bulk up". I may be wrong...
Last edited by archergodwin; Jul 4, 2009 at 10:30 AM.
I never feel vibes at cruising speeds. Only from idle to like 45mph (give or take) I have ridden several hundred miles a day and felt no ill effects from vibration on my Dyna.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 11
From: PacNW; Beacon of Conservatism in a Sea of Liberals.......AZ Snowbird; Just another Conservative
Younger bro has a Wide, and recently added a 100th Anniv. Softie to his garage. I asked him at Taco-Thursday if he had any impressions, now that he's ridden it for awhile. He sez the "B" is smoother at idle, but at cruising speed he doesn't like the steady buzz (his description) from the motor. He sez the Wide has the Harley shake at idle, but when cruising it's a smoother feeling motor than the "B". Comfort-wise, he sez he'd much prefer the ride and position of the Wide; it's the difference between being "in" the bike, and being "on" the bike. When I rode his Softie, that was my gut-impression, same as trying my buddy's V-Star; you're on top of it, as opposed to feeling a part of it.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 941
Likes: 27
From:
All of Harleys rubber mount bikes the rear swing arm is attached to the engine/primary/tranny combo so belt stays at proper tension and alignment. Softails are direct mounted so all the above stay in check and hence they balanced the motor to reduce vibes.
Myexperience riding a dyna is it vibrates at idle and smooths out when the revs rise. Riding down the road it is smooth. Softails like mentioned are smooth at idel and have a slight tingle/vibe while riding. Both ride well though, I recomend test riding some bikes.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 54
I recently test rode a Softail Rocker and a Dyna Fat Bob. As far as the motor goes, the non-balanced Dyna motor vibrated much more at pretty much any speed. It was especialy noticeable when slowing down in gear with a closed throttle. I could not detect any differences in HP or Torque.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From:
Some women really enjoy the vibration.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 3
From: West Haven, CT
Vibes
I like sitting at a stop light and feeling a little shaking going on. Feels like a real motorcycle.
On the other hand my dad has a 64 Norton Atlas that I swear can shake every bone, tooth and anything else that is part of your body. It is only fun for a quick ride.
On the other hand my dad has a 64 Norton Atlas that I swear can shake every bone, tooth and anything else that is part of your body. It is only fun for a quick ride.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
When I added the True-Track to my Fat Bob, I swear a significant percentage of vibrations just went away. . . .
I really love the way the motor on the FXDF feels from idle to way too fast. Wow. It's the most exciting bike I've ever owned. My BMWs handled better. But the feel and the sound of the Fat Bob just add u to excitement.
I've never yet ridden a Softail. I'm sure I will.
I really love the way the motor on the FXDF feels from idle to way too fast. Wow. It's the most exciting bike I've ever owned. My BMWs handled better. But the feel and the sound of the Fat Bob just add u to excitement.
I've never yet ridden a Softail. I'm sure I will.