Just had a thought...with the rarity and high prices of FXDX's, would it make more sense to buy a regular dyna and upgrade the suspension to ohlins or something similar? Would you come out ahead?

I assume they would be better anyway, right? Expensive though Im sure! Any other differences between, say a street bob and a FXDX besides the adjustable suspension and twin discs up front?

 

Frame, neck angle. Those two ALONE make for a completely different bike. There are others as well....

That said, you can have a DYNAMITE bike doing what you say. DX's are commanding a high price right now, tho I think I'm starting to see em come back to earth lately.

I think you could pick up a Super Glide even cheaper than a Bob and throw the Ohlins on, do some front end work and maybe even get into the motor a little. Maybe.

...but it's still not a DX.

 

The pre-'06 bikes are a bit lighter and have a different frame...I've got an '01 FXDXT pared down to 607Lbs and an '08 FXDF at about 700+; quite a difference in handling and I think the Fat Bob's are the best handling of the current Dynas...having said all that; it's easy to upgrade suspension and tires on an HD; just cost's a lot...

 

The frame differences are minimal. The rake on '05-earlier is 28*, '06 up is 29*. The fxr, thought by many to be the greatest handling Harley ever, is 32*. According to factory specs the '06-up bikes are only 10 lbs heavier. I believe everybody thinks the DX is so much better simply because the stock suspension is far superior, and when you ride them it just feels awesome. With the DX bars and shocks, some simple front suspension mods and good tires, my bike feels as good as any dx I've ever ridden. Not saying the dx suspension is the best, I would love to have Ohlins stuff front and rear, but it cost me less than $300 to set my bike up. Don't get me wrong, the dx is probably my favorite Harley, but it is what you make it.

 

Sharkey, I've admired your bike for years, and it has inspired several mods to my 'o6 Street Bob. Dual front brakes, Ohlins drop in cartridges and shocks, Excel aluminum wheels, Tru-Track stabiizer, 95" build. The 49mm forks give a stiffer and secure ride on the edge, but other than that I can't think of anything the '06 and later bikes add to the earlier Dynas. Great bikes. The fxdx is a GREAT bike, period. Jay

 

From the pic in your Sig it doesn't look like you have a fork brace on there. I'd suggest trying one. I got a smokin deal on a se brace so decide to throw it on for *****. I always thought they were a joke but the difference was amazing. I never realized how much flex was in the big 49mm forks until it was fixed. So much more stable when hitting bumps in corners.

 

Good to hear you're still kickin around, Jay...get many miles on this past summer? I was to Sturgis and back on my new (to me) Fat Bob. Gonna put mids on it this winter and looks like I'm keeping the FXDXT to quell urges to dump too much money into the FXDF...at least for now...sure is a "Fat Boy" compared to the T, but the miles were extreemly low, it's got a 103 with cams and the price was right...

I'd be willing to bet a donut or two that an 02 FXDX with a half tank of gas would weigh at least 30lbs less than a 12 FXD with a half tank of gas. As well as the rake, there are slight differences in the trail and wheelbase; subtle differences for sure and I don't think matter too much as far as a Dyna can be pushed. Puglia10, if it's an FXDX you really want then keep looking; I drove 1000 miles one way to get my FXDXT years ago and it was worth it to me.

Are you planning on engine mods, too? Then an '02 is probably the best year to start with...

 

I was interested in a thread posted here a while back on a 09 FXDC with improvements to make it handle better. Basically somewhat of a FXDXT. He raised the suspension with Works fork inserts, longer Ohlin rear shocks, and a few other mods. Here's the link to the pictures of it.

http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/...%20Glide%20II/

 

Don;t forget that the FXDX has cartridge forks as well. they are 3 way adjustable and far better than stock newer Dyna forks even with different springs and whatever else you want to put in them. I'm a used bike guy plain and simple. I can;t see myself shelling out the extras money for a brand new bike as it is just not worth it to me personally.

So front and rear suspension, frame, weight, dual disc, etc etc etc. Take your pick.

 

I put Fxdx shocks on my FXD yesterday. They blew the progressives I had right out of the water. In fact, I need to dial in my forks now because the shocks are noticeably better. The height difference going from 11" to fxdx 13.5's is wild. Looks and feels like a different bike. Bottom lie, the DX equipment is superior. Can anybody recommend for me the way to go? I don't need adjustability but I do need a firmer, sportier front end. I'll keep my stock 49mm setup but I need springs or intimidators or something. Help?