Dyna vs Softail
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 2
From: LAKESIDE CA.
RE: Dyna vs Softail
first if you live for the twisties stay off a harley. both are good bikes I personally prefer the softail but I am old and like the old style hardtail look if I wanted shocks that showed I would buy metric and get a real performance bike. my softy takes me on nice short rides and on nice long rides (500 miles a day) oh ya. the dyna has maybe a horse or 2 more than the softy but with the gear drive cams a good air cleaner and pipes who can tell.......also the engine on a softy doesn't look like it is trying to leave town every time you stop.
[IMG]local://upfiles/5757/460A56B1F658422FA27D5F53DECD76BB.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/5757/460A56B1F658422FA27D5F53DECD76BB.jpg[/IMG]
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Dyna vs Softail
A contrarian viewpoint.
You don't mention the year of your Sportster. Harley looks to be pushing the Sportster ahead of the Dyna on its' priority list. They have no choice. Ultimately, the 900cc class is where the toughest competition will probably be for "world's best cruiser." So, if you have an older Sporty, don't get caught mixing apples and oranges--compare new Sporty vs. the other new models.
Harley also has the Softy near the top of its' priorities. This is a high margin product that the dealersenjoy pushing.
They are all good bikes. All are distinctly different. Ride what you like.
You don't mention the year of your Sportster. Harley looks to be pushing the Sportster ahead of the Dyna on its' priority list. They have no choice. Ultimately, the 900cc class is where the toughest competition will probably be for "world's best cruiser." So, if you have an older Sporty, don't get caught mixing apples and oranges--compare new Sporty vs. the other new models.
Harley also has the Softy near the top of its' priorities. This is a high margin product that the dealersenjoy pushing.
They are all good bikes. All are distinctly different. Ride what you like.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Dyna vs Softail
I have a WideGlide, and a FatBoy, and a RoadKing as well.
They all have there good points, so it boils down to a matter of personal preference. Only you can decide what is best for your needs, so the easiest thing would be to borrow/rent or whatever and put some miles on each model.
That being said, for my type of riding (1-up longer range open road cruising), the Softail FatBoy is my ride of choice. Mine has the 'quick disconnect' windshield, hard leather bags, and passenger rest/luggage rack so it can go from cruiser to tour mode almost instantly.
They all have there good points, so it boils down to a matter of personal preference. Only you can decide what is best for your needs, so the easiest thing would be to borrow/rent or whatever and put some miles on each model.
That being said, for my type of riding (1-up longer range open road cruising), the Softail FatBoy is my ride of choice. Mine has the 'quick disconnect' windshield, hard leather bags, and passenger rest/luggage rack so it can go from cruiser to tour mode almost instantly.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,265
Likes: 99
From: Northern VA
RE: Dyna vs Softail
I have a Wide Glide, but the wife would like me to get an Ultra Classic Electra Glide. My next bike may be a Road King ( split the difference ). If the wife got her own ride, I'd keep the Dyna...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
RE: Dyna vs Softail
If they still manufactured the FXR......I would vote for that. 
Anyways, they are all good bikes! But, it really depends on what look you are going after, how much you are willing to pay, and your needs.
I've had them all......I like the look of the Softail, but the ride was not my favorite. When they started installing the Twin Cam in the Softail.....I think some of the look went away. I liked the crossover, round air filter cover, and basically the EVO look.
The Dynas handle very good and the shake is only noticeable at idle. They work well....not anything like the FXR ever was though. I think the company should come out with a touring version Dyna much like the FXRT or FXRD of the 1980's.
I suggest in renting several Harleys before you buy. You might want to consider a Touring bike as well....you might just be surprised.
Anyways, they are all good bikes! But, it really depends on what look you are going after, how much you are willing to pay, and your needs.
I've had them all......I like the look of the Softail, but the ride was not my favorite. When they started installing the Twin Cam in the Softail.....I think some of the look went away. I liked the crossover, round air filter cover, and basically the EVO look.
The Dynas handle very good and the shake is only noticeable at idle. They work well....not anything like the FXR ever was though. I think the company should come out with a touring version Dyna much like the FXRT or FXRD of the 1980's.
I suggest in renting several Harleys before you buy. You might want to consider a Touring bike as well....you might just be surprised.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 680
Likes: 3
From: Upstate New York
RE: Dyna vs Softail
ORIGINAL: sharkey
Depends how important handling is to you.....both can be very comfortable on the freeway; a well set up Dyna will be the winner in real twisty stuff. When I sold my Sporty I even tried non-HD bikes, ended up with an '01 FXDXT. Now I've got excellent two-up and solo capability, aided by a 103" motor and a 620lb wet weight.
[IMG]local://upfiles/32069/BB3C9320C0E240E68B6E4F468F50A8BD.jpg[/IMG]
Depends how important handling is to you.....both can be very comfortable on the freeway; a well set up Dyna will be the winner in real twisty stuff. When I sold my Sporty I even tried non-HD bikes, ended up with an '01 FXDXT. Now I've got excellent two-up and solo capability, aided by a 103" motor and a 620lb wet weight.
[IMG]local://upfiles/32069/BB3C9320C0E240E68B6E4F468F50A8BD.jpg[/IMG]
Nice bike. Tell me about the mini fairing and what did you do with the rear turn signals. Looks nice.