harley novice - Main differences between SOFTAIL and DYNA
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,090
Likes: 3,882
From: Murfreesboro , TN
RE: harley novice - Main differences between SOFTAIL and DYNA
ORIGINAL: tides_are_turning
I took the advice of others and walked away from the used bike that I was looking at.
Went to a couple of dealers this weekend. I sat on several bikes and really like the fit and feel of the BOB and the NIGHT TRAIN
It was suggested by the dealer if all else equal go with the softail. I wanted non biased opinions from others and your thoughts on differences between the two bikes. ie Handling, the rigid mount vs. rubber mount etc. Will one bike be better for a novice harley rider?
I took the advice of others and walked away from the used bike that I was looking at.
Went to a couple of dealers this weekend. I sat on several bikes and really like the fit and feel of the BOB and the NIGHT TRAIN
It was suggested by the dealer if all else equal go with the softail. I wanted non biased opinions from others and your thoughts on differences between the two bikes. ie Handling, the rigid mount vs. rubber mount etc. Will one bike be better for a novice harley rider?
Both types of bikes are excellent. The Dyna's (which I would tend to lean towards) have a little better suspension, and tend to vibrate less at speed. However, as was pointed out, there aren't as many aftermarket parts for a Dyna (although there are alot out there!) Softtails have a cleaner look with the hidden shocks, vibrate less at idle, and look nice. However, they don't handle quite a well (not really noticable though), aren't quite as comfortable 2-up, and tend to vibrate more at speed. Also, they are longer (longer frame and fork angle), so might be a little more difficult to handle, especially at slow speeds.
Even though I like Dyna's, I'd probably get the NightTrain. I like the looks more personally over the Bob.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 624
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From:
RE: harley novice - Main differences between SOFTAIL and DYNA
Sit on both bikes. If nothing else kick back the stand and try to feel how the weight shifts underneath you. Since you will probably be using a dealer ask them to allow you to start the bikes. Having said that a neighbor has a nightrain, one sweet bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 710
Likes: 2
From: St.Louis, MO
RE: harley novice - Main differences between SOFTAIL and DYNA
Either way....IT'S A HARLEY DUDE. Go with the fit.
I've rode both and own a Dyna. There both real
nice. Whatever you do.......IT'S A HARLEY!
I've rode both and own a Dyna. There both real
nice. Whatever you do.......IT'S A HARLEY!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
From: West Tennessee
RE: harley novice - Main differences between SOFTAIL and DYNA
They both have their appeal and this really is a tough decision to screw up. While the Dyna's ride and handle a little better the biggest difference is in the motor. Personally, I love how the "A" motor shakes at idle but revs smooth right up to redline. Don't like the dead-smooth idle of the "B" motor and the mid-high rpm buzz. It would be best to rent one of each family, you'll know which is for you rather quickly.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 584
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From:
RE: harley novice - Main differences between SOFTAIL and DYNA
Dosent care what people think, that would imply that they are inferior, [sm=bustedsign.gif]
Anyhow, If I had all the cash I would have several of each model, in the end I liked the lower Softail and of coarse the Springer, I mean com'on..............
Hate to be a fence sitter, but I would have both if I could afford it, I dig the Low Rider and WG. Favorite softi's are Springer and Night Train.............................To only choose one...........[sm=alcoholic.gif]
Oh and Im a GSB
Ghetto Superstar Biker
Anyhow, If I had all the cash I would have several of each model, in the end I liked the lower Softail and of coarse the Springer, I mean com'on..............
Hate to be a fence sitter, but I would have both if I could afford it, I dig the Low Rider and WG. Favorite softi's are Springer and Night Train.............................To only choose one...........[sm=alcoholic.gif]
Oh and Im a GSB
Ghetto Superstar Biker
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2005
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RE: harley novice - Main differences between SOFTAIL and DYNA
Someone explained it to me once...
Dynas, the step up from a Sportster
Softails, the step up from Dynas
Touring is the Final Step
Dynas, the step up from a Sportster
Softails, the step up from Dynas
Touring is the Final Step
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2005
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RE: harley novice - Main differences between SOFTAIL and DYNA
I have a Wide Glide. My brother-in-law has a Softtail. Personally mine will ride rings around his. If you are into performance get the Dyna it is the hotrod.
UD
UD
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,090
Likes: 3,882
From: Murfreesboro , TN
RE: harley novice - Main differences between SOFTAIL and DYNA
ORIGINAL: wuznme
Someone explained it to me once...
Dynas, the step up from a Sportster
Softails, the step up from Dynas
Touring is the Final Step
Someone explained it to me once...
Dynas, the step up from a Sportster
Softails, the step up from Dynas
Touring is the Final Step
