Another FXDC or Softail?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,448
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From: Massachusetts
Another FXDC or Softail?
Hey Guys,
Well, I used to be a regular around here but haven't been on in a LONG LONG time! Part of the reason is that, like many people on here, I had to sell my bike last fall due to my personal finances. Unfortunately I won't be riding this season but next season FOR SURE!
Well, to make a long story short, I sold my '07 Dyna Super Glide Custom 2 years ago to buy what I thought was my "dream ride"...an '09 Road King Classic. Great bike & gave a great ride, but the bigger the bike the more you lose the whole "riding free" feeling. To those of you who have sold a Dyna or Softail to but a RK or Ultra Classic, you probably know what I'm talking about. My FXDC was a GREAT bike & had it all...style, quickness, nimble & performance. I regret selling that bike to buy a RKC everyday!
So my question is this...knowing what I have with an FXDC, I also really like the Softail Custom too. What's the biggest difference when going from a Dyna to a Softail? What did you notice first in regards to the ride each bike gave you?
Well, I used to be a regular around here but haven't been on in a LONG LONG time! Part of the reason is that, like many people on here, I had to sell my bike last fall due to my personal finances. Unfortunately I won't be riding this season but next season FOR SURE!
Well, to make a long story short, I sold my '07 Dyna Super Glide Custom 2 years ago to buy what I thought was my "dream ride"...an '09 Road King Classic. Great bike & gave a great ride, but the bigger the bike the more you lose the whole "riding free" feeling. To those of you who have sold a Dyna or Softail to but a RK or Ultra Classic, you probably know what I'm talking about. My FXDC was a GREAT bike & had it all...style, quickness, nimble & performance. I regret selling that bike to buy a RKC everyday!
So my question is this...knowing what I have with an FXDC, I also really like the Softail Custom too. What's the biggest difference when going from a Dyna to a Softail? What did you notice first in regards to the ride each bike gave you?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 795
Likes: 1
I prefer the non counterbalanced engine in a rubber mount - so NOT softails at all. Heard too many stories from HD mechanics about the counterbalancers that are pressed on causing trouble and do NOT like the HORSESHOE remote oil reservoir of the ST bikes nor the additional leaks and lines needed for it. I have a 09 FXDC and catch myself looking at the RK quite often. Would like to hear more about your experience with your FXDC and RK since I am thinking about swapping.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
rent one
Rent one for a day; then you'll know the difference yourself.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 8
From: Huddersfield. U.K.
I tested a Fat Boy and a Fat Bob. Didn't really like the ride of the Fat Boy, seemed a bit slow steering and less agile. Very smooth motor though and the footboards were comfortable. In the end I bought the Fat Bob which I love, and really like the forward controls and the position of the bars, and once moving the vibes smooth right out so thats not an issue either.
Wouldn't rule out a softail in the future, but would probably want one with forward control like the Nightrain used to have.
Wouldn't rule out a softail in the future, but would probably want one with forward control like the Nightrain used to have.
I think it would depend on how hard you ride , and how far you ride . Most guys don't push a bike hard enough to see a huge difference between the two . Counter balanced motors don't spin as free as non balanced motors . That's not an opinion . Most will tell you that the Softail suspension wont allow it to handle as well too . This is something that I haven't seen . I've ridden both , and I think it's very hared to feel a difference . So , IMO , most of the difference comes down to looks , and comfort .
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 16
From: Peoria, AZ
a few questons on :
"I prefer the non counterbalanced engine in a rubber mount - so NOT softails at all. Heard too many stories from HD mechanics about the counterbalancers that are pressed on causing trouble and do NOT like the HORSESHOE remote oil reservoir of the ST bikes nor the additional leaks and lines needed for it."
What exactly have you heard about the counterbalancer troubles?
What are these "leaks" of which you speak of? I'm sure they are not oil leaks.
Thanks
"I prefer the non counterbalanced engine in a rubber mount - so NOT softails at all. Heard too many stories from HD mechanics about the counterbalancers that are pressed on causing trouble and do NOT like the HORSESHOE remote oil reservoir of the ST bikes nor the additional leaks and lines needed for it."
What exactly have you heard about the counterbalancer troubles?
What are these "leaks" of which you speak of? I'm sure they are not oil leaks.
Thanks
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 5
From: Batesville Ga
+1. Or better yet, several days. You just cannot tell in a short demo ride. I routinely switch back and forth between my Dyna and my bagger and it always takes a while to "acclimate". Yes, the tourers are much different than the Dynas and if you don't care for that ride, cool. I love both my bikes and while the riding position and "feel" are much different, both are very much "riding free", just in different ways.
I've ridden a few Fat Boys but (taking my own advice above) don't have enough miles or hours on them to accurately compare.
I've ridden a few Fat Boys but (taking my own advice above) don't have enough miles or hours on them to accurately compare.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,448
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From: Massachusetts
Would like to hear more about your experience with your FXDC and RK since I am thinking about swapping.
Problem was my wife was with me riding about 70% of the time & we both thought it would be nice to have a little more comfort. Thought having bags would be great too & thought they looked silly on my Dyna. I sat on alot of different bikes & the RKC fit me like a glove! Honestly though, after awhile I felt like I was on an old man's bike. I had more comfort, felt less of the road, all of a sudden 75mph felt like 40mph & I added close to 200 more pounds to my "riding pleasure". To me, I felt as though I lost alot of the whole ideology of riding & why I loved the sport so much. I missed the agility & quickness of the Dyna. I missed feeling the road more. I missed coming out of my house & jumping on my "steed" instead of feeling like I was jumping on my elephant! The RK gave me a different kind of "ride" that to me, just simply TOOK AWAY. Guess I just wasnt ready for a Cadillac yet & still wanted to be blastin' around in my Sport's car!
Last edited by Cloud09King; Jun 29, 2010 at 07:43 PM.
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