Which should I get? Dyna or Softail?
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 566
Likes: 4
From: Texas
It's easy:
- Walk into a Harley dealership.
- Check out all the bikes.
- Pick 2 or 3 that you find most appealing.
- Test ride them to make sure you're comfortable, or can get comfortable with a few mods.
- Buy the bike that makes your pulse race every time you get near it!
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
my wife and i both had/ have sportsters, earlier this year we were going to do the trade up thing and both get rocker C's. after i sat on it i changed my mind. i too don't find any of the other softails appealing.
2 weeks later i went in and they had the black and pewter pearl Super Glide Custom on the floor with chrome spokes and i was in love. i sat on it and went back and sat on another rocker c and that made my mind up.
one other thing i always seem to be the pack mule when we go on long trips or just riding (i get stuck carrying the purse, jackets etc.) saddlebags just dont look good on a rocker to me.
on my wifes bike she had it custom painted and they dont give any extra for that on the trade in/up deal so were going sell it, then get her a rocker
anybody looking for an 08' sporty low?
2 weeks later i went in and they had the black and pewter pearl Super Glide Custom on the floor with chrome spokes and i was in love. i sat on it and went back and sat on another rocker c and that made my mind up.
one other thing i always seem to be the pack mule when we go on long trips or just riding (i get stuck carrying the purse, jackets etc.) saddlebags just dont look good on a rocker to me.
on my wifes bike she had it custom painted and they dont give any extra for that on the trade in/up deal so were going sell it, then get her a rocker
anybody looking for an 08' sporty low?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 2
What is great about HD is that they do allow for test rides. At least in NY, none of the other mfgrs do that. This is such a major plus in terms of being able to make a truly educated decision. From all the suggestions here, no doubt you will be taking advantage of that. Good luck..
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 205
From: ORYGON
I currently own an '07 Suzuki Boulevard C50 (my first bike since I started riding two years ago), and while it's been a good bike, I can't help but want a Harley.
I've been looking for the past couple of months. Leaning more towards new, since the high resale value doesn't really help make a used Harley considerably cheaper than new.
I really like the 2010 Super Glide Custom in Black Ice (with plenty of chrome), since its a good looking bike, and fits in my price range, but I've heard from friends with HDs that I should try and get a Softail instead, especially for the times my wife rides with me (which isn't too often).
Fact of the matter is that none of the Softail models are that visually appealling. Most seem geared towards the old school look, and since they retired the Deuces a couple of years ago, the Rocker (which is out of my price range) is about the only newer-looking street cruiser they have.
I know that you guys are going to be somewhat biased, since this is the Dyna forum, but is my friends' talk about a rougher ride legit, or are they just biased more towards their Softail and Touring models?
I've been looking for the past couple of months. Leaning more towards new, since the high resale value doesn't really help make a used Harley considerably cheaper than new.
I really like the 2010 Super Glide Custom in Black Ice (with plenty of chrome), since its a good looking bike, and fits in my price range, but I've heard from friends with HDs that I should try and get a Softail instead, especially for the times my wife rides with me (which isn't too often).
Fact of the matter is that none of the Softail models are that visually appealling. Most seem geared towards the old school look, and since they retired the Deuces a couple of years ago, the Rocker (which is out of my price range) is about the only newer-looking street cruiser they have.
I know that you guys are going to be somewhat biased, since this is the Dyna forum, but is my friends' talk about a rougher ride legit, or are they just biased more towards their Softail and Touring models?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
You won't be sorry if you buy any Dyna. I bought a sundowner seat for when my wife wants to go along since the stock seat on the custom is not passenger friendly. So if you buy the custom try to get them to include the sundowner at cost. Our combined weight is probably around 400 pounds so can't say what the bike would be like if more weight is added but for us the bike handles well and rides just fine. Does not bottom out, tracks well, and does not wallow in curves any more then when I ride solo. I could not justify spending anymore on a bike esp. since I liked the looks of the dyna custom and after a test ride, liked the bike. Didn't even try a softtail because of the price. As others have mentioned, if you really feel that a softtail is an option find a dealer that allows test rides, take you wife for the ride, and then decide.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
I won't comment on Softail vs. Dyna because it's personal preference. My preference was obviously the dyna. I will say that, if you are looking for something to accomodate comfortable 2-up riding, the Rocker is probably the worst Harley for that across the board. It may not vibrate but there isn't a lot of room there.
Either model you choose (minus the Rocker), you are going to have a lot of options as far as seat, footpegs, sissy bars, handlebars, etc. to make the bike more comfortable for you and the passenger. I had to get a new seat and sissy bar to even get my wife to get on the back, but both only go on the bike when she is going to ride. It switches back and forth from solo to 2-up, with detachable components, quickly and easily.
Either model you choose (minus the Rocker), you are going to have a lot of options as far as seat, footpegs, sissy bars, handlebars, etc. to make the bike more comfortable for you and the passenger. I had to get a new seat and sissy bar to even get my wife to get on the back, but both only go on the bike when she is going to ride. It switches back and forth from solo to 2-up, with detachable components, quickly and easily.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma City, OK
Huh, I didn’t realize that the Dynas have the foot pegs on the swingarm and the others didn’t….. I don’t ride two up, so, no biggie for me, but if I ever did I can see how that would be a potential issue.
I love my Dyna though…..for solo riding it’s a helluva machine. I really like the look of the Softails. I dig that bobtail fender. They look awfully comfy for a passenger too, but they’re a little on the large side for solo riding I think. I can’t really do forwards with my short inseam either.
I love my Dyna though…..for solo riding it’s a helluva machine. I really like the look of the Softails. I dig that bobtail fender. They look awfully comfy for a passenger too, but they’re a little on the large side for solo riding I think. I can’t really do forwards with my short inseam either.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,677
Likes: 141
From: haverhill mass
i was looking at the 2010 fatboy lo today nice bike sits really nice. coming close to buying it.....i had the 2009 lowrider somebody hit me 3 weeks ago the bike needs work i will trade it.....for some reason the fatboy lo seems lighter then my lowrider.......my dealer had 2 come in today already sold......i want to get the vivid black one *******
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 889
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
I really like the 2010 Super Glide Custom in Black Ice (with plenty of chrome), since its a good looking bike, and fits in my price range, but I've heard from friends with HDs that I should try and get a Softail instead, especially for the times my wife rides with me (which isn't too often).
h
If your looking for a cruiser, than a Dyna is a good choice. Decent two up bike but if your going to do some serious two up miles ( which you stated that you will not) then I would bite the bullet and spring for a tourer. My favorite bike is my Dyna but when I travel, hands down , I jump on my Ultra.