Handling, Dyna V. Softail
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,143
Likes: 71
From: Wichita, Kansas
Handling, Dyna V. Softail
I've read many times here on the HD Forum that Dynas will outhandle Softails. Why is this? Is this attributable to differences in rake and trail? Rear suspension? And how noticable is the difference?
I appreciate any info.
I appreciate any info.
Last edited by F4Phantomsphorever; Mar 24, 2010 at 07:44 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 2
From: Southwest OHIO
i think the rear shocks play a major role. the further out the socks are from the center of mass the more stable it should be. now im not a scientist and have no way to test or prove this hypothesis.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
Dyna V. Softail Two different Motors with two different power ranges. The engine are mounted in the different ways. The dyna are oversize sportsters and there are different racks with each of the Dynas. The softail has the counterbalanced motor with a rigid mount to the frame. The dyna is a rubber mounted motor without the counterbalanced make your feel different with more power and faster RPM's.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
From: Southern IN.
Dyna V. Softail Two different Motors with two different power ranges. The engine are mounted in the different ways. The dyna are oversize sportsters and there are different racks with each of the Dynas. The softail has the counterbalanced motor with a rigid mount to the frame. The dyna is a rubber mounted motor without the counterbalanced make your feel different with more power and faster RPM's.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 868
Likes: 4
From: Warwick, RI
Dyna out handles the Softail
Dyna out accelerates the softail
Softail out farkles the dyna
Softail is the "typical" HD, which is part of why they cost more.
Two different machines for two different circumstances. Use to salivate over softails, now have a dyna. Next bike will be a Touring bike added as the softail would serve no purpose for me.
Dyna out accelerates the softail
Softail out farkles the dyna
Softail is the "typical" HD, which is part of why they cost more.
Two different machines for two different circumstances. Use to salivate over softails, now have a dyna. Next bike will be a Touring bike added as the softail would serve no purpose for me.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 6
From: N.C.
Dyna's does feel more stable when zig zagging back and forth. However a Softail with aftermarket Progressive 422's on the back make a world of difference on a Softail. The stock Softail is a smoother ride over a stock Dyna. If you ride them both I will say you will chose the Softail if price is not a factor. Just my .02.
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
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
01 FXDXT
607lbs with 1/2 tank of gas
aluminum rims and swingarm
composite rotors
handles OK
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
The swingarm on the Dyna and Tour bikes are bolted to the trans. The Softail is bolted to the frame. I like with the dyna you can make a U-turn anywhere and the softails have to do a threepoint turn.
