Dyna vs. FatBoy
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Dyna vs. FatBoy
Need much valued opinions on which of these will give me a smoother ride. Already have a Bagger for long distance crusing,but would like something else if I decided to. Have heard Softail is more like riding a Rigid. Would putting an Air-Ride on one alleviate that.What I am trying to say is if I wanted to go let's say 800 miles which one would get me there more comfortably??
PackN
PackN
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Roseville, CA
I would say Dyna all the way. More shock travel is the biggest reason. I don't think an air-ride is going to make a Fatboy any better. I'm told that it makes the ride harsher on a Bagger as well.
I'm guessing maybe less vibration on a Dyna also. I'll be curious what everyone else says too.
I'm guessing maybe less vibration on a Dyna also. I'll be curious what everyone else says too.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Southern Oregon
if your going 800 miles take the bagger lol... I love the dyna. the stock suspension on my fxd was less than desirable (to say the least) off the showroom but after $ome suspension mods its a sweet ride. I like the shake at idle of the non counterbalanced engine and the smoothness going down the road. Its a light and simple big twin that handles great, once you dump the stock asphalt dragging catalytic exhaust, restrictive air intake and lean tune lol its also around 60 lbs lighter than the fat boy, better lean angle and has a little less rake
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Japan
I would say Dyna all the way. More shock travel is the biggest reason. I don't think an air-ride is going to make a Fatboy any better. I'm told that it makes the ride harsher on a Bagger as well.
I'm guessing maybe less vibration on a Dyna also. I'll be curious what everyone else says too.
I'm guessing maybe less vibration on a Dyna also. I'll be curious what everyone else says too.
To the OP, a stock Fatboy isn't even close to riding like a rigid frame chopper, but it is a bit stiffer than a Dyna. I've taken a 1700 mile trip on my Fatboy while it was still stock and had no problems with comfort. Air ride will of course improve the ride (see above) and also give you the convenience of adjusting stiffness and height with the flick of a switch, but it doesn't exactly come cheap. Shotgun makes the about the best air ride shocks out there for Softail.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Southwest OHIO
800 mile trips, take the bagger. If your wanting to do some spirited riding (twisties, fast and hard riding) dyna would be the ticket.
I would compair a dyna with a sports car or muscle car. While a tourer/bagger/fatboy would be more like a cadillac.
I would compair a dyna with a sports car or muscle car. While a tourer/bagger/fatboy would be more like a cadillac.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Florida
OK;some clarification from someone who either owns or HAS OWNED all 3. A Softail DOES NOT ride like a rigid. It SEATS like a rigid because of the frame geometry, but that's where it ends. And seats can be changed. The suspension on my Fatboy is actually as smooth as that on my RoadKing. The RK just SEATS more comfortably. I like Dynas,depending on the model (SuperGlide Custom is my favorite)because they remind me of the 4 speed AMF Harley from the days of yore that I grew up with. But fuel injected Dynas have an annoying "surge" that I could never get used to, so I sold both of my SuperGlide customs for that reason & would not get another. Dynas are also very crowded 2 up. But you can't beat 'em for looks, especially if you're one of those people who like to live in the past as I do!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: U.S.A.
Personally, I think that having a Bagger and a Dyna gives you the perfect combination. Fatboys are beautiful machines; I have test ridden them and other Softails but have always gone full circle - back to the Dyna family.
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Lewisville, TX
Had a wide glide and now a fatboy and the fatboy is WAY smoother than my dyna was. The dyna was a lot of fun and handled a little better but as far a comfert goes the fatboy wins hands down
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Ione, CA
All Harleys are great. I'll get a Dyna someday. But my Fat Boy is just an all-around great bike. Looks good, goes like hell after the mods and just feels the most Harley-ish of any new scooter I've been on.
Having said that, I would imagine a Dyna would be a perfect pairing for your touring rig. Just remember they usually come with mid controls and some people think that position makes them ride like a Honda or other bike with pegs for your feet...
Having said that, I would imagine a Dyna would be a perfect pairing for your touring rig. Just remember they usually come with mid controls and some people think that position makes them ride like a Honda or other bike with pegs for your feet...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Calgary
Looks like a lot of mixed opinions for both. I have a Fatbob, love it. Fatboys are nice to. It all depends on how you set them up.
Stock off the floor, Dyna is the way to go, depends on the Dyna also.
Stock off the floor, Dyna is the way to go, depends on the Dyna also.