Which should I get? Dyna or Softail?
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Which should I get? Dyna or Softail?
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?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Denver, Colorado
For some reason guys who think they have to own more expensive and "bigger" bikes always think the other bikes suck. Their loss.
go for some test rides dude. The whole 2 up thing is a joke. I ride 2 up 99% of the time. Better handling as well.
go for some test rides dude. The whole 2 up thing is a joke. I ride 2 up 99% of the time. Better handling as well.
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I do not think they suck, have owned one, they are just not as comfortable.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,706
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From: Woodstock, Ont , Can
Hi: Just crawled in from the softail section. My advice to you is try both and see which engine type is to your liking. Dynas and touring are rubber mounted and softails have a counterbalanced engine. That alone could be the deciding factor for you. Either way, it's still Harley.
Ron
Ron
Last edited by rbabos; Aug 12, 2009 at 04:11 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Corona, Ca
i personally think that if you are a big guy and you have a big girl or average or whatever the touring and softail models are more comfortable for two up riding... if you ride solo a dyna is the way to go. also if you cant handle or dont like vibrations then you should ride a softail. there are more bolt on parts for softails than dynas too. and make sure when you make your pick grab a repair manual for it..best money youll ever spend..
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Joined: May 2008
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From: S.E. MO
I would say some of the Softail line is going to give a slightly better ride but you will get better handling out of a Dyna. The Rocker and a few others probally wont give a better ride plus worse handling.
I prefer the rubber mounted engine my self. It shakes at a stop light like a Harley should but is smooth once you get on the gas.
A dyna can be set-up to ride 2 up very comfortablly but most softails would be a better ride. I would say the biggest issue on a passenger is vibration in the footpegs since they are on the swingarm.
I like both lines but I like that I have less in mine after lots of mods than what a stock Softail would of cost me.
The SG custom is by far the best bang for the money in the line up if you are a chrome guy.
I prefer the rubber mounted engine my self. It shakes at a stop light like a Harley should but is smooth once you get on the gas.
A dyna can be set-up to ride 2 up very comfortablly but most softails would be a better ride. I would say the biggest issue on a passenger is vibration in the footpegs since they are on the swingarm.
I like both lines but I like that I have less in mine after lots of mods than what a stock Softail would of cost me.
The SG custom is by far the best bang for the money in the line up if you are a chrome guy.
Last edited by bberck; Aug 12, 2009 at 03:48 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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i was dead set on getting a softail custom or the night train until I sat on them. I didnt even bother with a test ride. Maybe with a different seat things would have been better but it just feels like you are too far forward and cramped on the softail.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 708
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From: Newark Ohio
Softies give you a little more comfort and dynas give you a little more handling .Dynas are a little easier on the wallet and softies take little more of a bite out of it...But the best way to decide is to ride both and have someone take pics of you on them.I know that sounds strange but it does help..As a rider you can't see what you look like on one......Hope that helps
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: San Antonio, TX
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.
You have stumbled across the best deal in the harley line up, PERIOD.
The superglide custom is the way to go imho. I honestly think you can mod a dyna to look badass and have a great riding bike that is not a land couch! To be honest I have never ridden a Softail, there are some really nice looking softies of course, but like you they don't really appeal to me as much as the Dynas do.
Consider this scenario...
If none of the softails appeal to you visually how are you going to feel looking at one parked in your garage that you just paid nearly 16-20 large for? Seems you may have answered your own question. I will tell you that I would never own a bike I didnt personally find visually appealing. I doubt anybody would to be honest. You have to get that fuzzy feeling every time you look at it in my opinion. /dyna-bias off
Good luck with your decision,
cheers,
Tom