Is the Dyna Really Dead?
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: deep south
From what I have read it was not a 'lightweight frame.' Unless I am confused again, I was under the impression the Dyna was a Touring frame and powertrain with a Sportster front end. I suppose that fits the definition given to muscle cars though; biggest engine in the lightest package. The Touring frame is a beast though.
The spirit of the "Dyna" is not gone it has just evolved. The 114 cu-in Fat Bob is quite a hot rod.
The spirit of the "Dyna" is not gone it has just evolved. The 114 cu-in Fat Bob is quite a hot rod.
Also, something to note- prior to the 80's, Harley-Davidson did not have the established "families" as we know them today.
John
Last edited by bluelinerider; Dec 15, 2017 at 07:58 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: deep south
Very true. The original FX, the FXR and the FXDs were all different frames from one another, hence the "evolution" of the bike. The FXR was only truly appreciated after it was discontinued.Personally, I wouldn't turn my nose up at any FX family member...I have always liked them, ever since I was a kid. I'm really anxious to see what H-D has up their sleeve for the next generation of FX...whenever those may come to be.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Dec 26, 2017 at 04:42 PM.
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From: Lafayette, Louisiana
The Dynas were introduced as a cost cutting measure that was also easier to manufacture. It was not introduced as a replacement for the FXR as an engineering improvement. Why would anyone want to bring that back when from an engineering standpoint both the old FXR and the new Softails are technically superior. The only appeal is perhaps if a person prefers the looks to a dyna. Looks are subjective. What one person calls an ugly duckling another person calls a swan.
If you like a dyna, there's thousands of them on the market. The introduction of the new Softails and discontinuing of the Dynas doesn't cause the rapture in which all existing Dynas vanish from existence in our space time continuum.
The new Softails are in their first year of production. Don't see something you like? Stick around, as more are to come and refinements are brought forth. Or buy one of the thousands of used bikes currently available for a song and a dance.
And yes, I do prefer the looks of the 2017 Low Rider to that if the 2018 model. Again, it is the appearance aspect I am referring to.
If you like a dyna, there's thousands of them on the market. The introduction of the new Softails and discontinuing of the Dynas doesn't cause the rapture in which all existing Dynas vanish from existence in our space time continuum.
The new Softails are in their first year of production. Don't see something you like? Stick around, as more are to come and refinements are brought forth. Or buy one of the thousands of used bikes currently available for a song and a dance.
And yes, I do prefer the looks of the 2017 Low Rider to that if the 2018 model. Again, it is the appearance aspect I am referring to.
Last edited by Prot; Dec 16, 2017 at 12:41 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
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Whats your source or is this a prediction???? The dyna is great riding bike. There is nothing like the feel of a rubber mounted beast. It keeps coming up how it was inferior to the fxr, the frame was upgraded in 06. With some after mods they handle great. Does my wide glide handle as good as my fxr, hell no! But it is still the best handling chopper wannabe imo. Funny how the old softails are Not getting any static. They were also one upped. Its a good thing that the new bikes are superior, we would not want to step back. Right know nothing in the new line up speaks to me, but I bet something will sooner or later!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
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Whats your source or is this a prediction???? The dyna is great riding bike. There is nothing like the feel of a rubber mounted beast. It keeps coming up how it was inferior to the fxr, the frame was upgraded in 06. With some after mods they handle great. Does my wide glide handle as good as my fxr, hell no! But it is still the best handling chopper wannabe imo. Funny how the old softails are Not getting any static. They were also one upped. Its a good thing that the new bikes are superior, we would not want to step back. Right know nothing in the new line up speaks to me, but I bet something will sooner or later!
Im a lucky guy to have both. Had the addiction since my first 1977 OG Low Rider in 77 when came home from overseas.
The new bikes are not my taste at all especially the looks and that M8 engine is just plain ugly. Thats my opinion if you like them more power to ya.
The Dyna is far from dead there will always be EVO, FXR and Dyna just waiting to me modified and ridden. Here in this pic is my buddys 78 FX 89 stroker which is a blast to ride and for sale💪🏻🇺🇸
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From: Idaho
Do you know what is the absolute best part of this thread? Everybody is talking about the history and the possible future of the FXR/Dyna line, and nobody is laughing at another poorly researched CCE article.
Well done, John Barnes. Well done.
Well done, John Barnes. Well done.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: usa
The way I see it is , if the the dynas can become the new softails .
Then the sportsters can become the new dynas .
Then the sportsters can become the new dynas .
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From: Detroit area
From what I have read it was not a 'lightweight frame.' Unless I am confused again, I was under the impression the Dyna was a Touring frame and powertrain with a Sportster front end. I suppose that fits the definition given to muscle cars though; biggest engine in the lightest package. The Touring frame is a beast though.
the Dyna frame is physically smaller, but to get a big twin/6 speed in it they had to make a bunch of compromises like mounting the swingarm to the transmission case on a rubber-mounted powertrain.
I have a feeling (based on nothing but my gut) that the Sportster and Street lines will merge into one family. With sales declining it's all about cost saving, and the easy way to save money (which doesn't involve shaving pennies off of parts costs) is to simplify the lineup and reduce variants. The Dyna went away because it was basically the same size bike as the Softail, there literally was no need for both families to exist at the same time. So, they merged into one.
Last edited by jz78817; Dec 16, 2017 at 09:52 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Ione, CA
What a bunch of BS. First, the FXR frame is, was and always will be ugly. U-g-l-y. Any perceived superiority in handling compared to a recent Dyna is minimal.
Why do folks who have Dynas bond with them? Because they were the closest you can get to what can be described as real Harleys. I've had softails and they are a joke.
Fake, slow turds. The cruiser bikes are effing Winnebagos, way too big and again slow. That new POS engine with the single cam and twin -- two, count 'em two -- counter balencers? Give me a break.
Yeah, there are lots of Dynas around. So I don't care if Harley never makes another one. Harley these days is rotten to the core. I look forward to the Chinese buying it ASAP. Then maybe the dentists, real estate hustlers and yuppies can go buy Ducatis and Beemers and leave the pre-'18 Harleys to cranky old farts and greasy kids, same as it used to be...
Last edited by bjewell; Dec 16, 2017 at 05:22 PM.