Fat boy or Dyna Super
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
From the description of your riding needs.............Road King will be a much better fit, neither of those bikes are really that well suited to 2 up riding, escpecially when both you and your passenger are on the larger side. I have a (modfied) FXDC and while it works ok with the wife and I on it, it does seem to be at the upper end of limits of the suspension even though I've got air shocks that can adjust for the added load. I really think you will find that the suspension will give you trouble and then there is the issue of physical size - both you and the bike, since you are both fairly tall, I think you may find things a bit cramped whereas a touring bike will give you both much more room to stretch your legs. And don't forget that a Dyna has the passenger pegs attached to the swingarm (which is attached through the engine mounts) and this results in a substantial amount of felt vibration in the passengers feet, you can try reducing it with ISO pegs or even foot boards but you will never eliminate it. A touring bikewon't have that problem and fitting boards is a piece of cake whereas on A Dyna there can be fitment issues depending what other accessories are on the bike. A RK don't have to not be you - take it and make it what you want. If I got one, I'd take Street Glide parts like the smooth front fender, blended bags/rear fender, some 18" wheels and the right pipes, bars and seat to un-RoadKing it since I don't care for that look either.
I think you should ride a RK before you discount it.
I think you should ride a RK before you discount it.
sure shot them selves in the foot trying to give the customers less bike for more
money. My 2000 fxdwg had the passenger foot pegs mounted to the frame, not
the dadgum swing arm!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 21
From: Kennewick, WA
2006 when they received the new frame and 6 speed.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Thanks for all the info but it looks like I will be riding solo even longer as we had a few suprise exspenses come up so I will be staying with my Sporty longer than first planned. Not that big of deal as I really like my sporty it runs great and since not getting a new bike in the near future decided to do a little more to it I have now added a mustache bar, tank lift and ordered a set of mini apes.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 717
Likes: 18
From: perry, fl
put some air shocks on the rear (ebay-r/k or street glide take offs, street glides are a bit shorter than the r/k), some progressive springs in the forks and change the fork oil...with a comfy seat, you'll be good to go
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 819
Likes: 2
From: shelby twp MI
When the time comes that you do look at new bikes, you might want to try out the switchback. Nice bike that is a nice compromise. You might find that when the time comes your wife does ride with you, she might like a windshield (you as well). Always have to think of their comfort. If momma ain't happy, ain't NO ONE happy.
Until that day comes, enjoy the sporty. My first harley was a sporty. Fun bike, just like my fatty a whole bunch more.
Until that day comes, enjoy the sporty. My first harley was a sporty. Fun bike, just like my fatty a whole bunch more.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
I did like the Switchback. I just got my mini apes on the sporty today did not go long enough on the brake line but that is now ordered took it for a little ride and really like the apes makes the bike fit me alot better than the stock bars.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I'm a big fan of the Dyna so I'm biased. I too think the twin shocks embodies the old school Harley look. I have seen and read that either the Dyna or Softail being used for cross-country riding. Just set them up properly and either will do the job.
There isn't a Harley in the lineup that hasn't traveled 1000's of miles at a clip. So you'll know you can do it if you have the urge. Pick the one you like the best. You'll be happier that way.
There isn't a Harley in the lineup that hasn't traveled 1000's of miles at a clip. So you'll know you can do it if you have the urge. Pick the one you like the best. You'll be happier that way.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
First thanks to all the board that help this new guy make up his mind on wich bike to get
I GOT A NEW BIKE!! Well wed. I got a call from the dealer that I had talked to about a new bike they said they wanted to move the remaining 2012 bikes to make room for the 2013 bikes that were coming in and the sweatened the deal even more so since I was off Friday I went in and did a little more dealing and left that afternoon with my brand new 2012 Dyna Super Glide Custom and a few acc. with more to come.
I would also like to give props to my dealer Mid America Harley in Columbia MO. as the sales team was very friendly as were all the other people working at the dealership. This is the first time I have bought a bike at a dealership but have bought many trucks at dealerships and this is the first time I have had the owners come up and introduce themselves to me and thank me for doing business with them.
I GOT A NEW BIKE!! Well wed. I got a call from the dealer that I had talked to about a new bike they said they wanted to move the remaining 2012 bikes to make room for the 2013 bikes that were coming in and the sweatened the deal even more so since I was off Friday I went in and did a little more dealing and left that afternoon with my brand new 2012 Dyna Super Glide Custom and a few acc. with more to come.
I would also like to give props to my dealer Mid America Harley in Columbia MO. as the sales team was very friendly as were all the other people working at the dealership. This is the first time I have bought a bike at a dealership but have bought many trucks at dealerships and this is the first time I have had the owners come up and introduce themselves to me and thank me for doing business with them.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 926
Likes: 135
From: Central, NJ
I faced a similar decision 2 years ago and went with the FXDC (I was also looking at the Fatboy Low). Most of my riding is solo with the wife coming along a few times per year. Eventually we plan on doing more 2-up riding but at that time I'll upgrade to a Rad King or some other touring bike. The FXDC is versatile and handles great and I think the best bang for your buck in a Harley.
I think either way you can't go wrong.
I think either way you can't go wrong.