Softail vs Dyna
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 81
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From: Burlington, MA
Softail vs Dyna
I currently own a metric ('03 Suzuki VS800 Intruder) and want to move up to a larger HD bike. I have narrowed my choices down to either a Softail Standard or Duece or a Low Rider. I am 5'8 180lbs and most of the time I ride solo. I am targeting spending $10K or less and think that will get my into the 2002-2005 models. Any pros/cons on these three choices as well as which model years are better coices than others would be appreciated.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 60
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From: Irwin, PA
I moved from a new 2003 Suzuki Volusia to a new 2005 Suzuki Boulevard C90 in a period of 2 1/2 years. I didn't like the C90 as much as the Volusia. It was too big, too soft riding, too everything. Traded that bike on a 2006 Street Bob when it came out.
I rode the Softail Night Train, the Dyna Super Glide and the Street Bob. The NT reminded me too much of the C90 in the way it felt. The SB was like the Volusia...only 1000% better. The SB is more nimble and a lot more fun to ride.
I'm 5'8", weigh 190 and always ride solo. I like the SB so much that I've kept it almost 4 years so far and have 28k on the odometer. I have no intention of trading it for some time to come.
I ride almost everyday during the riding season plus many weekend trips and a couple week long trips during the summer.
The Dyna is by far the best HD family. Well worth every cent.
I rode the Softail Night Train, the Dyna Super Glide and the Street Bob. The NT reminded me too much of the C90 in the way it felt. The SB was like the Volusia...only 1000% better. The SB is more nimble and a lot more fun to ride.
I'm 5'8", weigh 190 and always ride solo. I like the SB so much that I've kept it almost 4 years so far and have 28k on the odometer. I have no intention of trading it for some time to come.
I ride almost everyday during the riding season plus many weekend trips and a couple week long trips during the summer.
The Dyna is by far the best HD family. Well worth every cent.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,899
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From: Aurora, IL
If you are looking for a dyna that is compairable to the Standard and Duece, check out the wide glide (wide front end, 21" front wheel) Pretty much a chromed out softail standard with exposed shocks.
Make sure you check each model to see if they are carb or EFI most models after 2003 are EFI. Some like EFI, I like carb, just nice to know up front.
FYI Softail models have a balanced engine. The balancer does slightly rob HP. They Dyna models have a rubber mounted engine and don't need the balancer. The Dyna (rubber mount) gives a slighly smoother ride than the Softail, and slightly more HP.
Good luck in your search!
Make sure you check each model to see if they are carb or EFI most models after 2003 are EFI. Some like EFI, I like carb, just nice to know up front.
FYI Softail models have a balanced engine. The balancer does slightly rob HP. They Dyna models have a rubber mounted engine and don't need the balancer. The Dyna (rubber mount) gives a slighly smoother ride than the Softail, and slightly more HP.
Good luck in your search!
The Dyna (rubber mount) gives a slighly smoother ride than the Softail, and slightly more HP.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,606
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From: Baytown Tx.
LOW.....RIDE........R
All three of your choices are good bikes though. I would avoid 05 models as I hear they have valve seal problems.
All three of your choices are good bikes though. I would avoid 05 models as I hear they have valve seal problems.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: S.E. MO
I would highly recommend a 07+ Dyna and it shouldnt be to hard to find one in the 10k range.
As much as I am a Dyna guy if had to buy the years and models you picked it would be a Duece.
As much as I am a Dyna guy if had to buy the years and models you picked it would be a Duece.
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 81
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From: Burlington, MA
Thanks for all the replies and none of the comments you made say I made poor choices of the 3 models I listed. My first choice was, and still is, the Dyna Low Rider with the Softail Deuce probably my second choice. I currently try to ride daily and most rides are in the 40-75 mile range with longer rides on weekends. I prefer country roads here in New England but my somewhat underpowered and not so stable VS800 is not a great choice for long highway rides to get to more of the country roads. I want a bike that will be good (or better than what I have) on the highway but still be nimble and manageable on twisty country roads. With that siad, are there any more suggestions or are the FXDL and FXSTD still decent choices?