NEWB Q -- Dyna vs. Softail

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saileliezer · #1 Post by **saileliezer** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:07 am

Hello all, I'm obviously a NEWB on this forum and just beginning to look at HD for a new motorcycle.

I'm hoping that my question is a rather simple one for HD experts:

What are the main differences between the Dyna and Softail, besides the obvious asthetics of the two 2006 models when compared side-by-side?

Thank you so much and apologies if this subject has been already discused at length.

Venarius · #2 Post by **Venarius** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 3:01 am

I know this is not the answer your looking for...

But being a newb, I want to try and influence you to look at ALL the bikes offered by major manufacterurs and not just go Harley because of all the BS people spout about them.

90% when someone says Harley's are the best bike...that person doesn't even ride

Take away the names and look at the products...don't be fooled into buying something just because of a name.

If you do and still like the harley...good for you...at least I'd respect you for making an INFORMED choice rather than just getting a harley because the guy in the trailer park next door doesn't stop talking about them.

Gummiente · #3 Post by **Gummiente** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 3:04 am

Well, seeing as how there's an '06 Softail Deluxe (my girlfriend's) and an '06 Dyna Superglide (mine) in my garage, I guess I'm qualified to answer your questions.

Basically, the difference between the two boils down to engine type, suspension/handling and comfort.

The Dyna uses the Twin Cam 88 rubber-mount engine, which means that at idle the motor shakes and bounces about in the frame and the whole bike vibrates in synch with it. However, it's not an unpleasant sensation and as soon as you put it in gear and ride away the rubber mounts smooth everything out. At 130kmh I can still see clearly in the mirrors. For '06 all the Dynas come with a re-designed frame, wider rear tire, new fuel injection system and a 6-speed transmission. The ride quality is a little harsher than the Softail, but the tradeoff is more nimble handling and better performance out of the box.

The Softail uses the Twin Cam 88B, which means the motor has a counterbalancer instead of rubber mounts to soothe the vibration. At idle, the bike barely vibrates at all and remains smooth at all speeds. The rear suspension is hidden underneath the bike, whereas the Dyna uses traditional shock absorbers mounted on the swingarm and sides of the fender. The Softail has a more plush ride, but the tradeoff is less ground/cornering clearance and more sedate handling and performance characteristics. The '06 models still have the "old" fuel injection and 5-speed transmission but that is expected to change within the next couple of years (the Dyna series is the "test bed" for the new stuff).

Having come off an '04 Electra-Glide Standard, I can say that my Dyna is a lighter, faster, better handling bike but my girlfriend's Softail is more comfy for long rides and weighs a bit more with all the added goodies (large front tire, fender, etc). To sum up; if you want style and comfort buy a Softail. If you want handling and performance, buy a Dyna.

My two cents.

Gummiente · #4 Post by **Gummiente** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 3:08 am

Venarius wrote:90% when someone says Harley's are the best bike...that person doesn't even ride

And 90% when someone bashes them... that person has never ridden one.

canuckerjay · #5 Post by **canuckerjay** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 3:31 am

OH SNAP!

Sev · #6 Post by **Sev** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 3:33 am

Hahahahahaha

Mustang · #7 Post by **Mustang** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 7:25 am

Gummiente wrote:
Venarius wrote:90% when someone says Harley's are the best bike...that person doesn't even ride
And 90% when someone bashes them... that person has never ridden one.

Touche

But then again, maybe you and I just live in neighboring trailer parks

Venarius wrote:...rather than just getting a harley because the guy in the trailer park next door doesn't stop talking about them...

Perfect summary of the differences too.....I have a softail Deuce and she is nice to take on those long rides....

jstark47 · #8 Post by **jstark47** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 1:04 pm

Gummiente wrote:To sum up; if you want style and comfort buy a Softail. If you want handling and performance, buy a Dyna.

Mike- excellent explanation of something I'd also idly wondered about. (Idly 'cause there's little chance of my shelling out the kind of dough Harley asks for their bikes.) But in case big bucks ever fall into my lap

this is good to know.

Gummiente · #9 Post by **Gummiente** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 3:56 pm

jstark47 wrote:(Idly 'cause there's little chance of my shelling out the kind of dough Harley asks for their bikes.)

Hey, if trailer trash like Mustang and I can afford them...

jstark47 · #10 Post by **jstark47** » Fri Apr 28, 2006 11:40 pm

Gummiente wrote:
jstark47 wrote:(Idly 'cause there's little chance of my shelling out the kind of dough Harley asks for their bikes.)
Hey, if trailer trash like Mustang and I can afford them...

Mike- it's not that I can't, but pretty likely that I won't. If I was a rich man, I'd have a lot of bikes, and a Harley would definitely be included. But for the same money, I can buy a Triumph Bonneville and a Suzuki V-Strom 1000, or I can buy a Deuce (Harley model that appeals to me most.) For the qualities I personally value, the Triumph + Suzuki equal more bang for the buck than the Harley alone. Ideally, I'd have all three of 'em........ plus a Guzzi Griso....... etc, etc.