Handling, Dyna V. Softail
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
A Softail is what it is: it is a plush, comfy bike. It ain't a MotoGP contender.
And neither is a Dyna for that matter.
They're Harleys. Love them for what they are. Or not.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Are you actually trying to say that the Softail frame is in the same league as a Ducati's because they both have triangles (though not even in the same places)?
Take a look again at the Softail's "swingarm" and see what they had to do to mate it with the main frame. The assembly may have two vertical triangular planes, but all that does is transmit any force to where the "swingarm" assembly mates with the frame. That is the weakest point.
And if a Softail has such a rigid, torsion-resistant, high-performance frame, as you claim, then why are we not seeing Softails in any racing applications?
Dude, a Softail is what it is. It is a heavy, plush ride with a "hidden" suspension. To achieve that "hardtail" look, HD made a series of design and performance compromises. (Actually, HD is not the original designer--they bought the Softail design from an inventor named Bill Davis.) The biggest advantage to the Softail design, aside from the suspension and look, is the large saddlebag capacity, unless you have a bike that has pipes getting in the way, like a Fatboy.
Take a look again at the Softail's "swingarm" and see what they had to do to mate it with the main frame. The assembly may have two vertical triangular planes, but all that does is transmit any force to where the "swingarm" assembly mates with the frame. That is the weakest point.
And if a Softail has such a rigid, torsion-resistant, high-performance frame, as you claim, then why are we not seeing Softails in any racing applications?
Dude, a Softail is what it is. It is a heavy, plush ride with a "hidden" suspension. To achieve that "hardtail" look, HD made a series of design and performance compromises. (Actually, HD is not the original designer--they bought the Softail design from an inventor named Bill Davis.) The biggest advantage to the Softail design, aside from the suspension and look, is the large saddlebag capacity, unless you have a bike that has pipes getting in the way, like a Fatboy.
However I would harly call the ride plush on either of the Softails i've owned. Heavy, yes. They are heavy.
Now my friends 2000 FXDWG is a plush ride as is my other friends 04 FXDWG.
The original post to this was questioning the handling between the two. I would suggest renting them and deciding.
I will add, I never experienced a wobble through corners (up to at least 80mph) in my Softails OR my friends Dyna's. My Rigid chopper that I had was another story!!! that was scary to ride through high speed sweeping turns.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 1
From: 415/707
here's a bit of info on the dyna's that doesn't happen with the softails
http://westcoast-tbars.com/index.php...&products_id=8
be informed before you buy
http://westcoast-tbars.com/index.php...&products_id=8
be informed before you buy
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
here's a bit of info on the dyna's that doesn't happen with the softails
http://westcoast-tbars.com/index.php...&products_id=8
be informed before you buy
http://westcoast-tbars.com/index.php...&products_id=8
be informed before you buy