Dyna vs. Softail
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 109
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From: Dallas, Ga
Dyna vs. Softail
I'm about to pay off my Sportster and I'm thinking about trading it in for another bike once spring comes back around. I know I either want something from the Dyna or the Softail family. What are your opinions on either one? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,009
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From: South Jersey
The two closest bikes would be a FXSTS or a FXDWG. I had an old FXD and it was a great bike with lots of add-ons available. The FXS is also a nice bike with lots of stuff available. If you are looking for a entry level big bike I dont think you could go wrong with either. I would test ride both and get what you like more. JMO
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,599
From: Danbury CT
Dyna if you want a little Harley type engine vibration & a closer feel to the Sportster. Softail if you want a smooth idle & ride & a bit more versitility. If you pick a Softail you have a few more choices. I have a Standard customized & a Heritage. Both bikes are totally different even though they're both Softails. I love both for what they do when I need it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
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From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
I've ridden both. The Dyna is an old school feel (vibration), while the softail feels more refined with its balanced motor. Due to its lighter weight, the Dyna will be faster and handle quicker through the twisties. If you ride long distances most of the time, then I think the softail is a good choice.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
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From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Get a bagger from the Touring family and be done with it. You know you're going to have one someday. Why not now? Great buys out there on everything, try the 1/2 day rental program and get two bikes in one day and ride em back to back. That way it's fresh in your mind what you like/don't like on each model. Good luck.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Murfreesboro , TN
Each style has a slightly different ride and feel. The handling on a Dyna is slightly better (the 70's Honda shock location helps with that!) Plus the other thing that people mention (on both sides) is how the bikes vibrate. The Dyna's with the rubber mounted motors tend to vibrate more at idle, but smooth out once you start rolling. The Softtails are basically just the opposite, very smooth at idle, but have a slight vibration feel at speed. I personally never really noticed a huge difference between either bike, but maybe my butt is just permanently numb.
The softtails have a definite advantage when it comes to accessorizing. I would do a rental day, take a full day and spend it equally on each style and see how they feel to you. My personal preference was a Dyna, but you need to judge for yourself.
Interesting, why would you think the softtail would be better for long distances? With the better suspension (stock at least, upgrading to Progressive for example makes it a moot point), the Dyna's are better suited for long term comfort I would think (after all, they aren't that much different suspension wise from a touring bike).
Last edited by Cryptoboy; Oct 22, 2008 at 11:37 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 452
Likes: 93
From: Center of Kalifornia
I have a Heritage Softail and the wife drives a Dyna. I just prefer the solid mount motor and no vibration at idle or below 2000 rpm. This also goes for any of the rubber mount bikes.
I must say that the best deal going new is the standard Dyna, you can't beat a price for a big twin at about $13,500
As stated previously you must drive both to be sure! I test drove a new Road King and then the Heritage, easy choice for me.
I must say that the best deal going new is the standard Dyna, you can't beat a price for a big twin at about $13,500
As stated previously you must drive both to be sure! I test drove a new Road King and then the Heritage, easy choice for me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
Dayum that's harsh!
Each style has a slightly different ride and feel. The handling on a Dyna is slightly better (the 70's Honda shock location helps with that!) Plus the other thing that people mention (on both sides) is how the bikes vibrate. The Dyna's with the rubber mounted motors tend to vibrate more at idle, but smooth out once you start rolling. The Softtails are basically just the opposite, very smooth at idle, but have a slight vibration feel at speed. I personally never really noticed a huge difference between either bike, but maybe my butt is just permanently numb. The softtails have a definite advantage when it comes to accessorizing.
I would do a rental day, take a full day and spend it equally on each style and see how they feel to you. My personal preference was a Dyna, but you need to judge for yourself.
Interesting, why would you think the softtail would be better for long distances? With the better suspension (stock at least, upgrading to Progressive for example makes it a moot point), the Dyna's are better suited for long term comfort I would think (after all, they aren't that much different suspension wise from a touring bike).
Each style has a slightly different ride and feel. The handling on a Dyna is slightly better (the 70's Honda shock location helps with that!) Plus the other thing that people mention (on both sides) is how the bikes vibrate. The Dyna's with the rubber mounted motors tend to vibrate more at idle, but smooth out once you start rolling. The Softtails are basically just the opposite, very smooth at idle, but have a slight vibration feel at speed. I personally never really noticed a huge difference between either bike, but maybe my butt is just permanently numb.
The softtails have a definite advantage when it comes to accessorizing. I would do a rental day, take a full day and spend it equally on each style and see how they feel to you. My personal preference was a Dyna, but you need to judge for yourself.
Interesting, why would you think the softtail would be better for long distances? With the better suspension (stock at least, upgrading to Progressive for example makes it a moot point), the Dyna's are better suited for long term comfort I would think (after all, they aren't that much different suspension wise from a touring bike).