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I have ridden most every Harley model there is and I own the two in my sig pic. Riding alone or for short distances two up the Dyna is the bike of choice; for the long haul, espcially with two up, it is hands down the Road Glide.
Found a used Softail Standard that I am interested in for purchase. I know it has the solid mount counterbalanced engine vs rubber mount on the dyna. I have test ridden a couple of dynas but not a softail. Hope to test ride this one this week.
What am I going to feel as far as hp and torque differences. I know the softail is down on hp a little bit due to the counterbalanced engine but is it enough to feel in the normal riding rpm range? Is the torque differences significant? Really like this particular bike. Just trying to get a heads up on what I can expect on a test ride.
The main difference between the Softtail and the Dyna is, as you mentioned counter balance and mounting. An additional difference is the ST is a dry sump and the Dyna is a wet sump. The Dyna engine is also the same one used on the big touring bikes. As for perfomance, this is mostly a personal prefference; I think the Dyna is a better canyon carver and a lot more manuverable.
The great thing about the Dyna is when you have the right ingredients, you can make one heck of a great milk shake while sitting at idle!
HAHA!! I've had both and not too much difference engine wise the real difference is handling, the Dyna is more nimble but the softy is far better for long runs.
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All HD's are dry sump engines; softies have an oil bag under the seat and the other big twins carry it under the transmission...
Anyhow; depending on your expectations you should really like the softie; you won't feel any HP difference. Depending on your riding style you may notice a handling difference and a standard softie/nightrain is about 20lbs more than a standard Dyna.
Buy it if you like it...
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