Bad back, Softail or Dyna
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 96
From: Eastern North Carolina
Have some fun, take the Mrs. along and test ride a bunch. Really helps. Although it's fairly heavy, I find the low position of my bike makes it pretty managable to move around while backing up, parking and such.
Wow, what a fun position to be in you lucky stiff.
Wow, what a fun position to be in you lucky stiff.
Last edited by Sleeko; Jan 17, 2009 at 11:57 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
If you are worried about either one and your back, you might want to choose another model, something from the touring line. In my option neither the soft tail or the Dyna is comfortable riding past about 100 miles, after that you just want to park it and walk. if all you are going to do is make short trips either would be fine, but most of us that said this have ended up riding twice that far, I don't know about them, but I suffer (bad back also) after 100 to 150 miles.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 0
From: Ak-Tenn
If you are worried about either one and your back, you might want to choose another model, something from the touring line. In my option neither the soft tail or the Dyna is comfortable riding past about 100 miles, after that you just want to park it and walk. if all you are going to do is make short trips either would be fine, but most of us that said this have ended up riding twice that far, I don't know about them, but I suffer (bad back also) after 100 to 150 miles.
You must not have the right configuration for you on a Dyna. I've got a bad back - surgery and all that - and my best day on my 97 fxdwg is about 950 miles. I felt like having a couple rum and cokes, but not like parking it. However at 55 my next bike will be a tourer.
For the OP, what is your bike experience? A touring HD is a lot of scoot for a first bike whereas the dynas have a smaller, more compact feel to them. JMHO of course!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
With a bad back you will want a drivers back rest no matter what bike you choose. The dyna's and softtails offer a lower center of gravity which means an easier perception of handling. The touring bikes are heavier and higher center of gravity and take some getting used to. I had a Lowrider and really loved that bike with forward controls. Bad lower back but was never an issue with the forward controls. I now have a Roadglide. I put an Ultra Pillow look seat on it and it is definitely a more comfortable ride on long rides. I still miss the Lowrider in daily riding. However, I am getting more comfortable with the heavier bike and getting more skilled in riding technique in daily riding.
Comfort for the missus will be the best with a touring bike. With a dyna you will need an aftermarket seat for her to be comfortable. If you go with a softtail, then the heritage will be most comfortable for her but may still need a Mustang seat. If you go with a touring bike I found the Roadglide to be the easist to handle and the roadking to be the worst. On the Roadking I felt like I was sitting on the gas tank, with the roadglide I felt like I was sitting in the bike. Just my opinion.
sporty06
Comfort for the missus will be the best with a touring bike. With a dyna you will need an aftermarket seat for her to be comfortable. If you go with a softtail, then the heritage will be most comfortable for her but may still need a Mustang seat. If you go with a touring bike I found the Roadglide to be the easist to handle and the roadking to be the worst. On the Roadking I felt like I was sitting on the gas tank, with the roadglide I felt like I was sitting in the bike. Just my opinion.
sporty06
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
If you decide that maybe a Road King is do-able you should consider a used police model with air ride seat. Most comfortable set-up I've ever seen.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 1
From: Deltona, Florida
I have owned both and the position and ride of fatboy was more comfortable I also have a bad lower back, FWIW I now ride a RKClassic my second and it by far more comfy than the FB and WG.
