Softail or Dyna
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4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Michigan
Softail or Dyna
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. 
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 175
Likes: 1
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.
Last edited by Recon Dad; Oct 11, 2009 at 12:11 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
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...
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...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
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.
Sportster --> Dyna --> Softail --> Touring
That really reflects a continuum of the average Harley customer. The bikes are all pretty different.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Daytona Beach
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
From: Westchester, New York
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!
Last edited by SHTFIT; Oct 11, 2009 at 08:05 PM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 650
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
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..
