Dyna vs Softail
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
I've put this off long enough. Softails are the direct lineal descendants of the original hardtail frame. In the '50s, Harley got WAY off track when they built those butt-ugly shock frames. I remember when they came out and thought WTF??? Is that their answer for a smoother ride, which was baloney. A hardtail with a pogo-stick seat rode smoother. And if you look at a mid-50s hardtail Harley they look tiny compared to the giant-*** stuff that comes out of the factory these days.
The Softail frame was a brilliant idea to add enough flex so that the ride was more than decent. It keeps the looks of a Harley, unlike the swing arm frame. To my eyes, an FXST or Night Train is the pure essence of the original Harley-Davidson.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 348
From: Ione, CA
Sorry to have stated the obvious, but it is obviously lost on some folks.
Yeah, Harley doesn't do too much engineering these days, same as the V-Rod engine. Regardless of who engineered the frame, and I have read that story too, it works great for me and a bunch of other riders I would not call posers.
Buddy seats looked really funny, especially the long skinny ones, but they kept you close together for sure...
Hey Faber! Do you happen to work for Gibson guitars up there in Bozeman? Another company that features orange and black. I'd like to visit there sometime, might be a nice ride from NorCal.
Yeah, Harley doesn't do too much engineering these days, same as the V-Rod engine. Regardless of who engineered the frame, and I have read that story too, it works great for me and a bunch of other riders I would not call posers.
Buddy seats looked really funny, especially the long skinny ones, but they kept you close together for sure...
Hey Faber! Do you happen to work for Gibson guitars up there in Bozeman? Another company that features orange and black. I'd like to visit there sometime, might be a nice ride from NorCal.
Last edited by bjewell; Sep 11, 2010 at 11:12 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 11
From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
V32 has gotta be a troll. Why else would you come on the board just to take shots at everyone that rides a softail or is he just that friggin stupid? Ride what you like. Your the one paying for it!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,586
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
Balanced crank?
I should probably know the answer to this question but, can anyone tell me why the Softail has a balanced crank and the dyna is rubber mounted ?? I would prefer my Softy to be rubber mounted and have a bit of vibration to it than have it smooth and Jap like. Did HD balance the crank because of the suspension on the softy or what ????
It actually does not have any more balanced crank then a regular TC engine. It actually has two balance wheels (one forward and one rearward driven by a chain off the right side of the crankshaft) There is a post were someone took it out and runs it this way. Its more a mater of choice of what style bike you want. Coming off a 1100 Yamaha V-Star Custom I like the Softail but what sold me was the balanced engine. There is still a lot of Harley rough fill to a Softail as compared to the Yamaha. I am sure the non balanced engine will last longer but the balance system is as tough as nails and other parts will probable let go before it does. I will attach the post if you can not find it. Its in my list
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
I think it is. Was parked in the same lot as us at JB Park in Yellow Springs last sunday. Thought it made a good pic with the C Roads
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 1
From: LI, NY
Troll
What trolls
I don't need no stinkin trolls
I don't even have a boat
I surf cast
Tell me do you get your shorts all bunched up and into a knot when people poke fun at girlsters, or gezzerglides as well?
