Tell me about your Deuce!
Novice
Joined: May 2006
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RE: Tell me about your Deuce!
What your riding intentions are going to be should play a significant part in your choice between a balanced engine or not. If you plan on mainly city riding, a balanced (Softail) engine may be more desirable. I rode a '03 Dyna Low Rider last year, and didn't like the vibration and shaking of the engine, but I think it idled too low also, which would have played a factor too. I couldn't give the bike back soon enough. A new, now injected Dyna will idle higher and probably smoother.
Now, a non-counterbalanced engine, (TC 88A in the Dyna and Touring) will smooth out at cruising and highway speeds better than a Softail TC 88B. The counterbalancers in the 88B Softail engines work great at idle and slow speeds, but once the engine is running at higher rpms, the counterbalancers become more of a negative effect and create vibration. That is where a 6 speed in a Softail would help at highway speeds and for the life of me, I don't know why Harley put it in the Dynas instead of the Softails as standard equipment because I think it would be of more benefit to the Softails, but H-D has no problem selling Softails, so maybe that's the reason. If the 88B was smoother at highway speeds, it would be installed in a Touring. I'm not saying the higher speed Softail slight vibration is a problem, because it really isn't. It's just there where in a TC 88A, it isn't as noticable.
My riding is mostly short local trips and rides that last less than an hour, so the 88B engine fits my riding style. If I rode more expressway and long distance, a rubber mounted 88A would probably be more beneficial for loosing the higher speed vibration.
Also, as far as the looks of the bike, when was the last time you saw a custom chopper (Bourget, Amen, Choppers Inc, OCC etc...) built around a Dyna style chassis? They just don't seem to, and they're going for looks primarily. Consider that if you're wanting a looker.
Now, a non-counterbalanced engine, (TC 88A in the Dyna and Touring) will smooth out at cruising and highway speeds better than a Softail TC 88B. The counterbalancers in the 88B Softail engines work great at idle and slow speeds, but once the engine is running at higher rpms, the counterbalancers become more of a negative effect and create vibration. That is where a 6 speed in a Softail would help at highway speeds and for the life of me, I don't know why Harley put it in the Dynas instead of the Softails as standard equipment because I think it would be of more benefit to the Softails, but H-D has no problem selling Softails, so maybe that's the reason. If the 88B was smoother at highway speeds, it would be installed in a Touring. I'm not saying the higher speed Softail slight vibration is a problem, because it really isn't. It's just there where in a TC 88A, it isn't as noticable.
My riding is mostly short local trips and rides that last less than an hour, so the 88B engine fits my riding style. If I rode more expressway and long distance, a rubber mounted 88A would probably be more beneficial for loosing the higher speed vibration.
Also, as far as the looks of the bike, when was the last time you saw a custom chopper (Bourget, Amen, Choppers Inc, OCC etc...) built around a Dyna style chassis? They just don't seem to, and they're going for looks primarily. Consider that if you're wanting a looker.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 1
From: Dumfries, VA
RE: Tell me about your Deuce!
My riding consist of mostly trip under 100 miles. I ride to work everyday I can which is about 18 miles. I love the look and ride of the Deuce. I also like the way it handles in and out of traffic. I am getting ready to put extended forward control on. I have the stock seat and I do not have a problem with it. I am 6'3" and 195 and the bike fits me fine. Definately go ride both before you buy if you can. even if you have to rent the bike for a day. I always knew I wanted a deuce.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,563
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RE: Tell me about your Deuce!
Mark,
Get those wheels on and get some new pics up!! Got mine back today - had to go back to a 160 because the tire I was running is no more - the 180 was going to be too close with the drop. [sm=boohoo.gif]
Get those wheels on and get some new pics up!! Got mine back today - had to go back to a 160 because the tire I was running is no more - the 180 was going to be too close with the drop. [sm=boohoo.gif]
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 0
From: The FIRST state, Delaware!
RE: Tell me about your Deuce!
Onyx, thanks for taking time to post the awesome thoughts and opinions.. They will certainly be in mind when I get to the dealer again..
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Roulph
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
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Feb 13, 2007 03:14 AM
