Iron for a Dyna?
Thread Starter
|
Supporter
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,434
Likes: 292
From: Earth
Correct, I already have the Iron. I enjoy the snappy handling of the Sporty and with the "taxes" paid it really has evolved into a nice little scoot. I'm not looking for a long distance cruiser which seems to be the biggest gain with the Dyna over the Iron. As it is right now, I can go about 2 hours before I need to get off and stretch. Next week I have new Progressive 412's for the rear and fork springs for the front coming as many have said that they help a lot with the ride. The only complaint about the stock suspension is the front forks bottom frequently. I am not a big guy by any stretch of the imagination.....5'7" @ 170lbs and 41 years young.
I am on a bike because I just love to ride and could care less what people think. I am not looking to trade up because of any ego issues but possibly swinging a leg over a nicer bike
. I tried both the Nightster and the 48 before the purchase of the Iron. For my type of riding the price difference over the Iron could not be justified for the added engine size. The forward controls on the 48 had me far too hunched over to enjoy as well.
I appreciate the feedback so far. Right now it does not look like I would be gaining much with Dyna with my style of riding.
I am on a bike because I just love to ride and could care less what people think. I am not looking to trade up because of any ego issues but possibly swinging a leg over a nicer bike
. I tried both the Nightster and the 48 before the purchase of the Iron. For my type of riding the price difference over the Iron could not be justified for the added engine size. The forward controls on the 48 had me far too hunched over to enjoy as well. I appreciate the feedback so far. Right now it does not look like I would be gaining much with Dyna with my style of riding.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Well, I say go ahead and test ride a Fat Bob. Might surprise you. . . might not. Ride one with mid controls if you can. A few weeks ago I saw a used '08 briefly on sale with mids. The Fat Bob has enough of a motor change to make a difference, and will give you the exciting ride you're getting out of your Iron. The tires will make a big difference in the quality of the ride, and it has an awesome front end.
If it doesn't give you a fever, hang with your Iron! If you love riding it, and it's comfortable enough, that's what it's all about!
If it doesn't give you a fever, hang with your Iron! If you love riding it, and it's comfortable enough, that's what it's all about!
Last edited by Robert Le Gras; Jul 11, 2010 at 11:09 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,871
Likes: 4
i hated the sportser it lasted one summer coulden`t wait to move up to wideglide, they are giving the sporters away now because of the change in them at your price range you prob can buy a 04 to 06 softail or nice dyna or a spanking brand new sporty for 8999
When I was going to buy my bike I was initially looking at the iron, like you said because of the price. I am a fairly big guy, 6' 205 lbs, and on the highway the bike struggled hitting the speed limit. If i ever wanted to ride 2-up (which I do frequently), I would of had to do all kinds of stuff to the bike. So i went back to the dealership and told them what i thought and asked Doug what he recommended. He said the Super Glide. I sat on it and test rode it, and it was way different. The Custom comes 2-up ready and the power and speed capabilities were way higher than the little 883s. Like you, I was also worried about the handling, but after about a week of riding my SGC I can throw it around any turn that anyone on a sporty can do.
I gaurantee you that if you go with an SGC over the Iron you won't regret it.
I gaurantee you that if you go with an SGC over the Iron you won't regret it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
I had a 2000 1200-C then a 06 1200-C loved both of them, I still miss them and probably always will. I now have a 10 Dyna-C with close to 3000 miles on her, I love it. The very first thing I noticed on my first ride is how much smoother it rides. Even to this day that is still the number 1 thing I like the best over my Sportys. I spent about $400 on my 06 trying to make it ride smooth, got better but never as good as the stock FXDC. I'm 5'9" and I love the mids on the Dyna, mids on Sportys bent my legs up to much so that's why I had the Sportsters with forwards. Dyna's have more vibration then I expected, but still less then a Sportster. Handling between the 2 is about the same, but I think the Sporty is a bit better taking curves hard. Then the 6 speed, I love that too. I know you said you don't do a lot of long rides, I really don't ether, But I still use the 6th gear a lot. I lost about 6 mpg going to the BT, but with all things considered I think it's worth it. The styling of the 2 is similar but with the smoother ride, less vibration, larger looking bike, 6 speed, I'm very happy I got the Dyna.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 20
From: Trophy Club, TX
Great advice and comments here. GPHDXLC summed up my experiences almost to a "t". I had a '99 1200C and rode her for 9 years. The vibes started to get to me (arthritis) though and even day trips weren't that much fun any more. I bought the FXDC and haven't looked back since. The ride is smooth and comfortable for short or long rides. The 6 speed is great. The bike seems to just get smoother and smoother the faster you go, she even seems to hunker down when you get above 80. In fairness though, there are two key things that I switched out, the seat and the handlebars. Didn't like the stock seat and replaced it with a Mustang. The buckhorns weren't comfortable for longer rides (arthritis thing again) so I replaced them with FXDL bars and 6" pullback risers. I can ride all day with absolutely no problems. Good luck!
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Echoing what many have already said, I had a Sportster for 20 years and loved it. I made my move to a Street Bob and love it too. It is like apples and oranges in comparison. The Sportster was snappy and quick, but rough on my ever aging bones. The FXDB is smooth as silk and makes my commute a real joy. Rough roads don't jostle me around and the 6th gear is very nice (my Sportster was only 4 though). It is also nice to be able to use the rearview mirrors over 45 mph.
Overall, you need to test ride it so see the difference and ride whatever YOU like.
Overall, you need to test ride it so see the difference and ride whatever YOU like.
Last edited by mjelson; Jul 12, 2010 at 08:14 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 14
From: Idaho
I had a 1200C sporty for about 3 weeks took it back & got the dyna. Now I love my SG.... but after the QD wind shield & the edge brackets & bags. I think I should of gone a road king ... given now the wife wants to ride too.
These are factors I didn't take into consideration... So if your going to out (not up) from the sporty I would think big time long term of what your going to do with the bike.
The ride between the sporty & the Dyna are insanely different not so much for around town but the moment your out on the highway the dyna was hands down it. SOOOOO smooth & just comfortable (forward controls are a must if your over 6ft) .
Test ride & really THINK about what youll be doing with your bike.
Best of luck.
These are factors I didn't take into consideration... So if your going to out (not up) from the sporty I would think big time long term of what your going to do with the bike.
The ride between the sporty & the Dyna are insanely different not so much for around town but the moment your out on the highway the dyna was hands down it. SOOOOO smooth & just comfortable (forward controls are a must if your over 6ft) .
Test ride & really THINK about what youll be doing with your bike.
Best of luck.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
Stovetop0844 - you ride in the P-I or in Colorado ...?
* * *
OP - tough call ... I really like the Iron, 48 and Nightster, but Dyna is a lot of fun ... if you're thinking of the big twin, check out Road King Classic or some other models, too ...
I am a big fan of Dyna, though ... will definitely give it a 'plug' ... get a Street Bob ....
Good luck with your decision ... and enjoy the ride ....
R/
'Chop
* * *
OP - tough call ... I really like the Iron, 48 and Nightster, but Dyna is a lot of fun ... if you're thinking of the big twin, check out Road King Classic or some other models, too ...
I am a big fan of Dyna, though ... will definitely give it a 'plug' ... get a Street Bob ....
Good luck with your decision ... and enjoy the ride ....
R/
'Chop
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
From: new jersey
i had a 2005 sportster 883/1200 conversion. sold it and bought a 2009 fxdc.
at the time i still loved the sporty, the only drawbacks being the small gas tank, and the 5-speed tranny.
with that said, i love my dyna, and dont miss my sportster at all. it hurt when i let it go, but if i still had both, the sportster would sit in the garage unused.
they dyna is so much less 'buzzy', and with the seat i put on the bike, my wife and i can ride for hours in comfort. not once have i regretted making the change.
at the time i still loved the sporty, the only drawbacks being the small gas tank, and the 5-speed tranny.
with that said, i love my dyna, and dont miss my sportster at all. it hurt when i let it go, but if i still had both, the sportster would sit in the garage unused.
they dyna is so much less 'buzzy', and with the seat i put on the bike, my wife and i can ride for hours in comfort. not once have i regretted making the change.