The Switch from Dyna to Softail?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10,374
Likes: 518
From: Southern Arizona
As someone once told me when i was looking at the switchback, you already had a dyna, why do the same thing.. i could see you riding a Deluxe Greg. but there are some decent prices of fat boy lo's
same here!
it's calling your name, Greg...over here Greg
it's calling your name, Greg...over here Greg
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; May 26, 2017 at 04:21 PM.
I had a Street Bob that I liked a lot.......after spending money on suspension. The stock suspension was crap. I think the newer bikes have better parts and I can't comment on these bikes. The Softail suspension isn't great, but it's good. It's not a necessary mod.
I also never got over the rubber engine mounts and how they affect handling. The Softail feels much more solid. It's lower though, and drags things easier.
The final observation is that the cable throttle and clutch on the Street Bob were cheap parts that needed replacement in short term. I even had a throttle cable snap within a couple months of new. The S series Softail has throttle by wire and hydraulic clutch. Much better systems. I'm not sure if standard Softail have the hydraulic clutch.
For me and my riding style, the Softail is a more refined bike. I do miss the feel of the A motor, but it isn't a big deal.
I also never got over the rubber engine mounts and how they affect handling. The Softail feels much more solid. It's lower though, and drags things easier.
The final observation is that the cable throttle and clutch on the Street Bob were cheap parts that needed replacement in short term. I even had a throttle cable snap within a couple months of new. The S series Softail has throttle by wire and hydraulic clutch. Much better systems. I'm not sure if standard Softail have the hydraulic clutch.
For me and my riding style, the Softail is a more refined bike. I do miss the feel of the A motor, but it isn't a big deal.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 15,793
Likes: 1,133
From: NorCal916
I went from a 99 dyna superglide to a 05 springer classic, i rode on top of the dyna (great handling) .....to riding in the softail. Its why a dog sticks his head out the window
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 109
Likes: 17
From: Northern California
27k on my 17 FLHTK and not one engine problem. The M8 is a great motor and will be putting miles of smiles on Harley customers faces for decades. I have half a dozen friends riding M8's and not a single issue with any of them either. My only issues with my FLHTK has been my clutch lever switch. My second one has failed. Going to get the updated lever and switch pack replaced soon.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,297
Likes: 2,392
From: Florida
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,815
Likes: 2,555
From: UK
My last bike was a Dyna Fat Bob. I did a lot of work on it and it was an excellent bike in the end. It needed more power and better suspension out of the box - which it got! I love Dynas.
But I sold it and bought an M8 114" Softail Fat Bob. For what I want it for (which is mainly hooning around locally combined with frequent long trips) it's a much better bike in every way.
It's faster, handles better, weighs less and gets better gas mileage.
But I sold it and bought an M8 114" Softail Fat Bob. For what I want it for (which is mainly hooning around locally combined with frequent long trips) it's a much better bike in every way.
It's faster, handles better, weighs less and gets better gas mileage.