softail to dyna......
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
softail to dyna......
for those of you who have gone from a softail to a dyna, did you notice a big difference in handling and performance? any of you like certain things about the softail that you lost from going to a dyna? i've owned a crossbones since '08 but grew up riding dirtbikes my whole life so needless to say the xbones handles quite differently. i've ridden a roadking and a nightster (which handled more like a dirtbike to me compared to my springer fl softy), but never ridden a dyna. i love my bike but the streetbob is pretty badass... i think softails look awesome and they're smooooooth, but still pretty curious about dynas. any input would be appreciated!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 34
From: West Palm Beach, Florida
Had a Fat Boy, but aDyna before it. I MISSED the Dyna badly. I liked the Fat Boy. It was a lot smoother, but handling wasn't nearly as capable. But the Dyna just had more, uhh.. soul?? I don't know. I can't quite explain it. I really missed the rubber mounted motor vibrations, the great lean able, and just the character that a Dyna gave me.
I've got a Dyna once again.
Good luck!
I've got a Dyna once again.
Good luck!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
There is a difference, dyna has no floorboards to be scraped like a X-bone lol. I used to have a Fatboy, beautiful ride except cornering, sparks! Softail didn't fit my "ride it like I stole it" riding style lol. 
Do I still want a softail? Yes, only if I can have more than one Harley.
Do I still want a softail? Yes, only if I can have more than one Harley.
LOSER
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,719
Likes: 4
From: Williamston, NC
There is a difference, dyna has no floorboards to be scraped like a X-bone lol. I used to have a Fatboy, beautiful ride except cornering, sparks! Softail didn't fit my "ride it like I stole it" riding style lol. Do I still want a softail? Yes, only if I can have more than one Harley.
Do I still want a softail? Yes, only if I can have more than one Harley.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: IL
I don't think any Dyna or Softail is going to remind you of how a dirt bike handles. I've got a Fat Bob, with some mods for handling (13" shocks, Tru Track, Fork Brace), but it's still a lead sled when compared to most other bikes.
If you really want something that reminds you of a dirt bike, but is a road worthy V-Twin, look for a used Buell Ulysses. I've got one and it is a hoot to ride.
If you really want something that reminds you of a dirt bike, but is a road worthy V-Twin, look for a used Buell Ulysses. I've got one and it is a hoot to ride.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 98
From: north of the south pole
A lot depends on how your Dyna is set up. They all handle diff than a softail. But there is a huge difference between a stock Dyna vs lowered vs sport suspension. Then to eliminate the extra excitement of bouncing or flopping when you are trying to go fast around a corner you need anti sway links or the new front mount from England. Which make another world of difference at speed and makes them feel more like a slot car compared to stock.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 717
Likes: 1
From: Deatsville, AL
I don't think any Dyna or Softail is going to remind you of how a dirt bike handles. I've got a Fat Bob, with some mods for handling (13" shocks, Tru Track, Fork Brace), but it's still a lead sled when compared to most other bikes.
If you really want something that reminds you of a dirt bike, but is a road worthy V-Twin, look for a used Buell Ulysses. I've got one and it is a hoot to ride.
If you really want something that reminds you of a dirt bike, but is a road worthy V-Twin, look for a used Buell Ulysses. I've got one and it is a hoot to ride.
Suspension and some flat bars on a Dyna will get you as close to the dirt-bike feel as you can get on a big twin Harley.
The ST is hard to mod into a bike with competent suspension. Plus, the a Dyna vibes and cable driven throttle give you a better feel and response.
The ST is hard to mod into a bike with competent suspension. Plus, the a Dyna vibes and cable driven throttle give you a better feel and response.