softail slim vs. dyna Street bob????
Simple solution!
Buy one of each and take your pick for whatever ride you have coming up!
But seriously, I think this thread shows how much of a personal preference it is. No matter what some people tell you, you are the one who has to ride the bike and be happy with it. What works for one may not always work for the other. Hey, they're both Harley's. No way you can go wrong with either one!
But seriously, I think this thread shows how much of a personal preference it is. No matter what some people tell you, you are the one who has to ride the bike and be happy with it. What works for one may not always work for the other. Hey, they're both Harley's. No way you can go wrong with either one!
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Yorktown Va
I do a lot more in town riding then open highway these days. I had 06 RK custom. I loved that bike, did a bunch of open road 9 hour trips. But I moved last year. Lot more in and across town riding. I am not as hard as I use too be but the low RPM shake in town of my RK was starting to bother me. I would find myself speeding up to get a smoother feel but I would be going 20 miles over the speed limit.
The counter balanced engine of the Softail does not shake at all, its hard mounted and smooth all the time.
I have heard there is a buzz on CB engines at some high way speeds but I do not notice it at all. My mirror are always clear.
I believe the Slim has the least amount of travel of all the Softails so probably not the best two up bike. If you are going to do a lot of two up riding just get a touring bike.
When I do ride my Slim on the open road it feels so solid and smooth. I Cruze at 80-90 and it just feels perfect. The heavier Softail over the Dyna may not blast off as quick but it still feels plenty sporty too me. I am smiling ear to ear every time I ride it!
Plus it just a better looking bike!
The counter balanced engine of the Softail does not shake at all, its hard mounted and smooth all the time.
I have heard there is a buzz on CB engines at some high way speeds but I do not notice it at all. My mirror are always clear.
I believe the Slim has the least amount of travel of all the Softails so probably not the best two up bike. If you are going to do a lot of two up riding just get a touring bike.
When I do ride my Slim on the open road it feels so solid and smooth. I Cruze at 80-90 and it just feels perfect. The heavier Softail over the Dyna may not blast off as quick but it still feels plenty sporty too me. I am smiling ear to ear every time I ride it!
Plus it just a better looking bike!
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 536
Likes: 36
"least amount of rear suspension travel"?
I do a lot more in town riding then open highway these days. I had 06 RK custom. I loved that bike, did a bunch of open road 9 hour trips. But I moved last year. Lot more in and across town riding. I am not as hard as I use too be but the low RPM shake in town of my RK was starting to bother me. I would find myself speeding up to get a smoother feel but I would be going 20 miles over the speed limit.
The counter balanced engine of the Softail does not shake at all, its hard mounted and smooth all the time.
I have heard there is a buzz on CB engines at some high way speeds but I do not notice it at all. My mirror are always clear.
I believe the Slim has the least amount of travel of all the Softails so probably not the best two up bike. If you are going to do a lot of two up riding just get a touring bike.
When I do ride my Slim on the open road it feels so solid and smooth. I Cruze at 80-90 and it just feels perfect. The heavier Softail over the Dyna may not blast off as quick but it still feels plenty sporty too me. I am smiling ear to ear every time I ride it!
Plus it just a better looking bike!
The counter balanced engine of the Softail does not shake at all, its hard mounted and smooth all the time.
I have heard there is a buzz on CB engines at some high way speeds but I do not notice it at all. My mirror are always clear.
I believe the Slim has the least amount of travel of all the Softails so probably not the best two up bike. If you are going to do a lot of two up riding just get a touring bike.
When I do ride my Slim on the open road it feels so solid and smooth. I Cruze at 80-90 and it just feels perfect. The heavier Softail over the Dyna may not blast off as quick but it still feels plenty sporty too me. I am smiling ear to ear every time I ride it!
Plus it just a better looking bike!
I thought all Softails had the same amount of travel in the rear suspension:
4.3".
I am no expert, I just remember looking around before I bought my Slim.
I have no idea of the accuracy of the following but these 2 links confirm there is no difference in rear suspension travel between a Heritage and a Slim:
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/28217/...c---FLSTC.aspx
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/28221/...lim---FLS.aspx
Last edited by Jetfever; Apr 29, 2015 at 07:46 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Pretty impressive considering the actual ram travel of the shock itself is only about 1".
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 52
Likes: 2
From: Northern BC, Canada
All I can do is second the try before you buy if you can. I went from a 1200 custom to a Slim. I love the Slim, and I have sat on pretty much everything Harley makes in the Dyna and Softail lines. Im a shorter guy, and it fit me the best, and I love the look of it. I didn't get to ride anything before I bought it, so I have no comparison in actual road time. The Slim is super smooth on the road. My big concern would be comfort for the passenger on the Slim. I would take them with you and go to the dealer. They should have demo seats, and they are really nothing to change out. Make them do a quick setup on both bikes. Comfort is key in my mind, and most dealers will do what ever they can to help you come to a final pick.
Good luck! Hope you find one that works for you.
Good luck! Hope you find one that works for you.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
All I can do is second the try before you buy if you can. I went from a 1200 custom to a Slim. I love the Slim, and I have sat on pretty much everything Harley makes in the Dyna and Softail lines. Im a shorter guy, and it fit me the best, and I love the look of it. I didn't get to ride anything before I bought it, so I have no comparison in actual road time. The Slim is super smooth on the road. My big concern would be comfort for the passenger on the Slim. I would take them with you and go to the dealer. They should have demo seats, and they are really nothing to change out. Make them do a quick setup on both bikes. Comfort is key in my mind, and most dealers will do what ever they can to help you come to a final pick.
Good luck! Hope you find one that works for you.
Good luck! Hope you find one that works for you.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 389
Likes: 21
From: Hickory, NC
One thing that hasn't really been covered much. You say the street bob handles better, but look at HD's specs. Look at the lean angles.
Lean Angle, Right (deg.)30(bob) - 24(slim)
Lean Angle, Left (deg.) 31 - 24.9
That is a lot of difference.
I like the slim, it's probably my second favorite.
Lean Angle, Right (deg.)30(bob) - 24(slim)
Lean Angle, Left (deg.) 31 - 24.9
That is a lot of difference.
I like the slim, it's probably my second favorite.