Handling, Dyna V. Softail

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Apr 13, 2010 | 01:28 PM

#171

ken thompson

The Schlong Man

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 3,772

Likes: 4

From: Nantucket

I've never ridden either but the dyna suspension more closely ressembles the touring suspension. I'd think it'd be more comfy and handle better.

Apr 13, 2010 | 01:30 PM

#172

cadman311

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 4,892

Likes: 2

From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND

Have change those shock on the Dyna for a better ride

Apr 13, 2010 | 07:59 PM

#173

lh4x4

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 13,402

Likes: 941

From: Illinois

I have been riding since 1956 on over thirty motorcycles covering many makes. There are four bikes that come to mind for handling.

The first was a 69 Norton Commando Fast Back that I got in 1969 from Bill Tuman's Fun Mart.

The next is my 07 FXSTC.

The next is my 08 Buell Ulysses XT.

The last one is my 09 Sportster XR1200.

The Softail is just behind the other three in braking but it handles great. I am not impressed with the fact that the Dyna has regular shocks. Most if not all Sports Bikes have monoshocks and they out handle any Dyna.

Last edited by lh4x4; Apr 14, 2010 at 10:43 AM.

Apr 13, 2010 | 10:52 PM

#174

micahpop

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,909

Likes: 4

From: Kalifornia

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadman311

Back to the bar hoppers. Dam but I don't drink.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadman311

Have change those shock on the Dyna for a better ride

What? You sure you didn't take a little sip of something-something before that last post?

Apr 13, 2010 | 11:17 PM

#175

kiwideuce

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 5,361

Likes: 117

From: auckland,new zealand

haha cool sig ******* man!!

Sep 22, 2012 | 05:21 AM

#176

rleedeuce

Road Captain

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 537

Likes: 120

From: DELMARVA

Potential is there

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharkey

Less unsprung weight (the weight NOT supported by the suspension) the better anything will handle; the softail swingarm is about 100lbs+, the dyna swingarm is about 20lbs. There's sound reasoning behind putting an aluminum swingarm on the XR1200; it's expected to handle well. The difference may or may not be noticable depending on your riding style.

01 FXDXT
607lbs with 1/2 tank of gas
aluminum rims and swingarm
composite rotors
handles OK

Sorry I was late to the thread. Great topic for those that study our bikes closely...

Lots of bad engineering information here. So I looked it up.

Dyna swingarm weighs 20lbs. Softail weighs 24lbs. Big deal.

Considering the real culprits of unsprung weight happen at the extreme end of the weight being moved it is interesting to note how similar are the tire/wheel/sprocket/brake/disc and axel of the two bikes. Most are right around 47 lbs. combined, excluding the swingarm.

I would expect you to conclude there isn't a rat's *** of difference between the two bikes. You have to factor in aftermarket upgrades are possible on both. You also have to factor in that some Dynas are set up like a big Sportster as they have mid controls and the "feel" is perhaps better out of the box.

On the other hand with some intelligent performance tuning a Softail can be made to perform at the very top of the heap. It is just that most Softail riders bought it for the looks and really don't give a durn about performance anyway. Hence their reputation.

None of it has to do with much difference in potential, in my experience. Both bikes can be mean a** depending on who owns it.

Sep 22, 2012 | 09:13 AM

#177

johnjay

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 1,416

Likes: 1

From: North Jersey

The post was about handling not looks, right. The Dyna has more ground clearance and has less weight and rake.. All HD shocks suck and the forks all are crap until you upgrade them. If you do the upgrades the DYNA will out handle the softtails all day long if you know how to ride it. This has nothing to do with comfort, looks or attitude, just fact.With enough monet you can really make a Dyna handle pretty good for a heavy beast that nit is. Of course all this is coming from a Dyna rider, but I also have a Fatboy.

Sep 22, 2012 | 10:01 AM

#178

OldTyme

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 323

Likes: 0

From: Mishawaka, IN

What a terrific thread & a good Saturday morning read. : )

Before I bought my Harley I didn't know squat about the different models. I rode crotch rockets my whole life (years 18-40). For all I knew a Harley was a Harley.....
I know I could of bought my Dad's softtail for a song. I just didn't like it. It felt like a tank.
I found a Low Rider I liked & bought it. Still not knowing there was a difference in models. Ignorance is bliss.
So far I'm pretty happy with my choice & honestly, I'll probably never buy another bike.