Thinking about a Dyna?
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Piedmont NC
move up
I have owned a 74 Electra Glide, 96 Sportster, 96 Softail, 13 Road King, 13 Super Glide Custom and a 14 Trike. The last two I still own and ride the trike with the wife. My Super Glide Custom is about the best of all worlds for me. I am 63 next month with two bad knees and a bad back. The Road King was getting a little heavy for me to deal with having the bad knees. The Sportster was a super riding bike. There was not a corner I could not take, or twisty I did not miss. Having the Road King was a wonderful ride all around. Long 12 hour rides was not a problem, and the "around town" runs were a lot of fun. Problem I had again was the weight and my knees. I traded the Road King for the trike and immediately missed my two wheels. The wife suggested I get something lighter in weight that I can handle so I looked at the Dyna's. To my surprise, The Super Glide Custom was every bit as nimble as that 96 Sportster on the hills and turns. When it came to the all day trips, the Super Glide was just as comfortable as the Road King. I think the Dyna is a very happy medium for someone wanting all the fun of a Sportster and still keep that cruiser feel on the longer rides.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
I too am one that went from an '07 1200C Sporty, to a '12 Super Glide Custom, and just traded for a '14 Fat Bob..
The Dyna is better in every way. They're way better at higher speeds, they handle better at low speeds due to lower center of gravity, better suspension, better brakes, more torque with the twin cam, etc. Can't go wrong with a Dyna...light enough to throw around and handle well, yet comfortable enough to tour on if set up right. A Dyna is the best of all worlds IMO.
As far a years go...personally I would get an '07 or newer. 96" or 103" & 6 speed trany, no IPB issues like on the '06, fuel injection, hydraulic cam chain tensioners. Good reliable bikes.
Although similar, all of the Dynas have their own personality & will handle, feel & look slightly different.
Wide Glide- stretched out, narrow front tire, great for straight cruising, handling suffers a little due to rake, forward controls.
Super Glide/Super Glide Custom - traditional Dyna, chromed out on Custom, mid-controls, great handling.
Low Rider- lower to the ground, unique tank console, unique wheels, similar handling but less ground clearance than Super Glide/Custom, mid-controls.
Fat Bob- Best handling Dyna, dual disk brakes, wide tires, drag bars, solid wheels, unique dual headlights & rear fender, forward controls.
Street Bob- same as Super Glide/Custom, but blacked out & mini apes & short rear fender. Mid-controls.
Switchback- It's own thing, FL front end, detachable hard bags & windshield, unique wheels, floorboards, very comfortable for distance.
You can always switch from mid to forward controls or the other way around, but to do it right it's kind of expensive. Same with handlebars. You should ride them all & decide which setup fits you best and feels right. You will know once you ride them all.
personally, I like forward controls & prefer drag bars, but someone else might prefer apes & mids...it's just personal preference. I can tell you from experience though...go for comfort first and what feels right over looks as far as controls & bars go. The wrong combination there can get old real quick.
The Dyna is better in every way. They're way better at higher speeds, they handle better at low speeds due to lower center of gravity, better suspension, better brakes, more torque with the twin cam, etc. Can't go wrong with a Dyna...light enough to throw around and handle well, yet comfortable enough to tour on if set up right. A Dyna is the best of all worlds IMO.
As far a years go...personally I would get an '07 or newer. 96" or 103" & 6 speed trany, no IPB issues like on the '06, fuel injection, hydraulic cam chain tensioners. Good reliable bikes.
Although similar, all of the Dynas have their own personality & will handle, feel & look slightly different.
Wide Glide- stretched out, narrow front tire, great for straight cruising, handling suffers a little due to rake, forward controls.
Super Glide/Super Glide Custom - traditional Dyna, chromed out on Custom, mid-controls, great handling.
Low Rider- lower to the ground, unique tank console, unique wheels, similar handling but less ground clearance than Super Glide/Custom, mid-controls.
Fat Bob- Best handling Dyna, dual disk brakes, wide tires, drag bars, solid wheels, unique dual headlights & rear fender, forward controls.
Street Bob- same as Super Glide/Custom, but blacked out & mini apes & short rear fender. Mid-controls.
Switchback- It's own thing, FL front end, detachable hard bags & windshield, unique wheels, floorboards, very comfortable for distance.
You can always switch from mid to forward controls or the other way around, but to do it right it's kind of expensive. Same with handlebars. You should ride them all & decide which setup fits you best and feels right. You will know once you ride them all.
personally, I like forward controls & prefer drag bars, but someone else might prefer apes & mids...it's just personal preference. I can tell you from experience though...go for comfort first and what feels right over looks as far as controls & bars go. The wrong combination there can get old real quick.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
Don't think, buy!
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: mid Ga.
I too am one that went from an '07 1200C Sporty, to a '12 Super Glide Custom, and just traded for a '14 Fat Bob..
The Dyna is better in every way. They're way better at higher speeds, they handle better at low speeds due to lower center of gravity, better suspension, better brakes, more torque with the twin cam, etc. Can't go wrong with a Dyna...light enough to throw around and handle well, yet comfortable enough to tour on if set up right. A Dyna is the best of all worlds IMO.
As far a years go...personally I would get an '07 or newer. 96" or 103" & 6 speed trany, no IPB issues like on the '06, fuel injection, hydraulic cam chain tensioners. Good reliable bikes.
Although similar, all of the Dynas have their own personality & will handle, feel & look slightly different.
Wide Glide- stretched out, narrow front tire, great for straight cruising, handling suffers a little due to rake, forward controls.
Super Glide/Super Glide Custom - traditional Dyna, chromed out on Custom, mid-controls, great handling.
Low Rider- lower to the ground, unique tank console, unique wheels, similar handling but less ground clearance than Super Glide/Custom, mid-controls.
Fat Bob- Best handling Dyna, dual disk brakes, wide tires, drag bars, solid wheels, unique dual headlights & rear fender, forward controls.
Street Bob- same as Super Glide/Custom, but blacked out & mini apes & short rear fender. Mid-controls.
Switchback- It's own thing, FL front end, detachable hard bags & windshield, unique wheels, floorboards, very comfortable for distance.
You can always switch from mid to forward controls or the other way around, but to do it right it's kind of expensive. Same with handlebars. You should ride them all & decide which setup fits you best and feels right. You will know once you ride them all.
personally, I like forward controls & prefer drag bars, but someone else might prefer apes & mids...it's just personal preference.I can tell you from experience though...go for comfort first and what feels right over looks as far as controls & bars go. The wrong combination there can get old real quic
The Dyna is better in every way. They're way better at higher speeds, they handle better at low speeds due to lower center of gravity, better suspension, better brakes, more torque with the twin cam, etc. Can't go wrong with a Dyna...light enough to throw around and handle well, yet comfortable enough to tour on if set up right. A Dyna is the best of all worlds IMO.
As far a years go...personally I would get an '07 or newer. 96" or 103" & 6 speed trany, no IPB issues like on the '06, fuel injection, hydraulic cam chain tensioners. Good reliable bikes.
Although similar, all of the Dynas have their own personality & will handle, feel & look slightly different.
Wide Glide- stretched out, narrow front tire, great for straight cruising, handling suffers a little due to rake, forward controls.
Super Glide/Super Glide Custom - traditional Dyna, chromed out on Custom, mid-controls, great handling.
Low Rider- lower to the ground, unique tank console, unique wheels, similar handling but less ground clearance than Super Glide/Custom, mid-controls.
Fat Bob- Best handling Dyna, dual disk brakes, wide tires, drag bars, solid wheels, unique dual headlights & rear fender, forward controls.
Street Bob- same as Super Glide/Custom, but blacked out & mini apes & short rear fender. Mid-controls.
Switchback- It's own thing, FL front end, detachable hard bags & windshield, unique wheels, floorboards, very comfortable for distance.
You can always switch from mid to forward controls or the other way around, but to do it right it's kind of expensive. Same with handlebars. You should ride them all & decide which setup fits you best and feels right. You will know once you ride them all.
personally, I like forward controls & prefer drag bars, but someone else might prefer apes & mids...it's just personal preference.I can tell you from experience though...go for comfort first and what feels right over looks as far as controls & bars go. The wrong combination there can get old real quic
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 603
Likes: 18
From: Akron
I too am one that went from an '07 1200C Sporty, to a '12 Super Glide Custom, and just traded for a '14 Fat Bob..
The Dyna is better in every way. They're way better at higher speeds, they handle better at low speeds due to lower center of gravity, better suspension, better brakes, more torque with the twin cam, etc. Can't go wrong with a Dyna...light enough to throw around and handle well, yet comfortable enough to tour on if set up right. A Dyna is the best of all worlds IMO.
As far a years go...personally I would get an '07 or newer. 96" or 103" & 6 speed trany, no IPB issues like on the '06, fuel injection, hydraulic cam chain tensioners. Good reliable bikes.
Although similar, all of the Dynas have their own personality & will handle, feel & look slightly different.
Wide Glide- stretched out, narrow front tire, great for straight cruising, handling suffers a little due to rake, forward controls.
Super Glide/Super Glide Custom - traditional Dyna, chromed out on Custom, mid-controls, great handling.
Low Rider- lower to the ground, unique tank console, unique wheels, similar handling but less ground clearance than Super Glide/Custom, mid-controls.
Fat Bob- Best handling Dyna, dual disk brakes, wide tires, drag bars, solid wheels, unique dual headlights & rear fender, forward controls.
Street Bob- same as Super Glide/Custom, but blacked out & mini apes & short rear fender. Mid-controls.
Switchback- It's own thing, FL front end, detachable hard bags & windshield, unique wheels, floorboards, very comfortable for distance.
You can always switch from mid to forward controls or the other way around, but to do it right it's kind of expensive. Same with handlebars. You should ride them all & decide which setup fits you best and feels right. You will know once you ride them all.
personally, I like forward controls & prefer drag bars, but someone else might prefer apes & mids...it's just personal preference. I can tell you from experience though...go for comfort first and what feels right over looks as far as controls & bars go. The wrong combination there can get old real quick.
The Dyna is better in every way. They're way better at higher speeds, they handle better at low speeds due to lower center of gravity, better suspension, better brakes, more torque with the twin cam, etc. Can't go wrong with a Dyna...light enough to throw around and handle well, yet comfortable enough to tour on if set up right. A Dyna is the best of all worlds IMO.
As far a years go...personally I would get an '07 or newer. 96" or 103" & 6 speed trany, no IPB issues like on the '06, fuel injection, hydraulic cam chain tensioners. Good reliable bikes.
Although similar, all of the Dynas have their own personality & will handle, feel & look slightly different.
Wide Glide- stretched out, narrow front tire, great for straight cruising, handling suffers a little due to rake, forward controls.
Super Glide/Super Glide Custom - traditional Dyna, chromed out on Custom, mid-controls, great handling.
Low Rider- lower to the ground, unique tank console, unique wheels, similar handling but less ground clearance than Super Glide/Custom, mid-controls.
Fat Bob- Best handling Dyna, dual disk brakes, wide tires, drag bars, solid wheels, unique dual headlights & rear fender, forward controls.
Street Bob- same as Super Glide/Custom, but blacked out & mini apes & short rear fender. Mid-controls.
Switchback- It's own thing, FL front end, detachable hard bags & windshield, unique wheels, floorboards, very comfortable for distance.
You can always switch from mid to forward controls or the other way around, but to do it right it's kind of expensive. Same with handlebars. You should ride them all & decide which setup fits you best and feels right. You will know once you ride them all.
personally, I like forward controls & prefer drag bars, but someone else might prefer apes & mids...it's just personal preference. I can tell you from experience though...go for comfort first and what feels right over looks as far as controls & bars go. The wrong combination there can get old real quick.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 603
Likes: 18
From: Akron
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 946
Likes: 29
From: my house
I've never owned a Sportster, but the one time I rode one I didn't care for it much. They work well for lots of people and some of them are pretty sharp looking.
That said, comfort as far as I'm concerned is paramount in choosing a bike. If a Dyna is an upgrade for you, go for it.
That said, comfort as far as I'm concerned is paramount in choosing a bike. If a Dyna is an upgrade for you, go for it.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 338
Likes: 44
From: Colorado
13 sportster custom 1200 to 14 dyna low rider here. Liked the sportster a lot but even after mods (stage 1, suspension and seat) it was still not quite 'right' for me. Traded for dyna low rider and with a couple adjustments of handle bars it fits like a glove. Stock ride on it is way better than my 'altered' sporty. Feels more stable and I don't feel any difference due to weight 'gain'.
Overall very pleased with dyna.
Overall very pleased with dyna.