So, I got a Sportster this year and am going to trade up this spring to a bigger one. I love the bike,but I want a little better ride and a heavier bike. What should I be looking at? I'm still new to Harleys and have no idea.

 

Dyna's are the Hot Rods of the Big Twins. The Softails are the cruisers. I went from a 2008 XL1200L to a 2009 Heritage Softail and really love the bike. The bike is all stock except for the engine guard and luggage rack.. It came with a windshield, saddle bags, sissy bar, lots of chrome, cruising lights, fuel guage and a really comfortable seat. I can ride all day in comfort. The quality is much better.

 

Just my 2 cts

 

Sportster to a Dyna is a small jump. You might want to test ride the Softail or rent one for the weekend before you decide.

 

I currently own 7 Harley's, including a modified 1200C Sportster, a Dyna WideGlide, a Softail FatBoy, and a larger Road King.

I really like my Softail FatBoy, but the Softails are noticeable heavier than the Dynas and aren't as quick or 'flickable' if you know what I mean.

The Dyna's have always been a favorite of mine and for a number of years my older 1995 EVO WideGlide was my 'main ride'.

For the past couple of years I've been riding a Softail FatBoy most of the time, and just recently I purchased a well set up Dyna WideGlide. After riding it for a week or so I remember why I like the Dynas so much. Very nice dual shock suspension, quite a bit lighter than a Softail, and as someone else mentioned they are the "Hot Rods" of the big twin world. Without a doubt my Dyna WideGlide is the quickest Harley I own, and that includes my 2005 1200C that has been modified with the Screamin' Eagle "E" Cams and other goodies.

But it's just a matter of personal preference, as both the Dynas and Softail make excellent, comfortable, long range cruisers...

 

There seems to be this perception that there is a continuum in the Harley line:

Sportster --> Dyna --> Softail --> Touring

That really reflects a continuum of the average Harley customer. The bikes are all pretty different.

 

Rocker C

 

I'd suggest you try to ride a few of the bikes before you make a decision. Opinions, pictures...even sitting on one on the showroom floor doesn't mean a thing until you factor in the riding experience and how it feels to YOU.

I thought I'd love a Heritage until I took one out on a Demo Day. Turns out it was my least favorite. Sat on a V-Rod Muscle, thought I would hate it. Took it for a ride and loved it. You just never know until you ride.

Closest to my Sportster was the Fat Bob - felt very familiar.

Still, riding out on the Sportster reminded me that they have a special raw and nimble quality that the BT's don't have. Keep in mind, there is no mandate requiring one to move to a BT after a year on a Sportster!

 

You're living my dream, I mean who could own just one? I've had three in the past two years, but can't afford to keep but one at a time. Some day perhaps..

 

trading up....