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Can a dyna be a comfortable bike for touring?

9522 Views 35 Replies 18 Participants Last post by  newultraclassic
A question that I get asked the most by people who are interested in a Dyna is; "Is it comfortable for riding long distances, like for touring?" Well, this involves so many things. You almost have to narrow it down to what type of long distance touring, what you are carrying with you, if you are riding solo or two-up, and how you fit the bike or how the bike fits you. There are several different Dyna models and they even vary in stock configuration depending on the year. But for the most part my opinions apply in some ways to all of them.

The Dynas are really fine riding and handling bikes in general. The key to long distance riding is having a bike that fit’s you well. But because of the differences in people’s height, weight, arm reach, leg reach, ect. not everyone can roll a stock Dyna off of the showroom floor and feel comfortable traveling long distances on it. But because of the many parts available it can be fit to practically anyone with the right modifications. You would be surprised what an inch or two less reach to the handlebars can do for long haul comfort. A different seat can make a big difference. Forward controls may be necessary for the long legged. Floorboards or highway pegs may be the answer for others. A windshield dramatically relieves the extra body fatigue for the really long rides. I’m not saying that modifications are needed solely for the Dynas either. Many people don’t fit any model perfectly. I am saying that for maximum comfort on any bike for long distance, especially Dynas, it can probably be improved upon to custom tailor it to the individual’s personal comfort level fit. I have found that after making modifications to my bike that I can ride as long and far as my bros on baggers and arrive feeling just as fresh. So, my answer is yes,,,,,,the Dyna is a fine riding machine and it can be as comfortable for long distances as any other Harley model.

I’ll have to give it to the larger baggers for two-up touring. The wider touring seats and the extra room for passengers is hard to match with the smaller Dyna. Not that two-up touring can’t be done on a Dyna; it’s just hard to match the comfort and ride for the passenger. A wider Dyna touring seat does help the passenger seat comfort but it is still a little more cramped feeling, especially for larger people.

Carrying the necessities when touring can be a challenge. But with all the racks, t-bags, sissybar duffel bags, and saddlebags available, you can carry an amazing amount of "stuff" with you. These items that are available can make packing, unpacking, and stabile carrying of these touring necessities a real pleasure compared to the old days of bungee strapping a shaky load of duffle bags to the seat. I find that a sissy bar is almost indispensable for these new types of assorted bags, just for an attachment point if nothing else. Because there is less room for storage on a Dyna, I recommend the largest saddlebags that will fit. The large t-bag style sissybar bags that can mount on a small rack or on the back pillion seat can hold an incredible amount of items. Some even have external D-rings for attaching other items such as jackets or duffel bags or sleeping bags. Everyone has there own thoughts on what works best for them. One thing that I do is to pack everything going into the saddlebags into a waterproof river bag (the kind used for canoeing or kayaking). This way everything stays extra dry and is easy to unload after arriving at the destination. For those trips when you for some reason come back with more than you took, you can unload the contents into the saddlebag and use the river bag to carry the extra stuff strapped to the D-rings on something else. The secret to touring on a Dyna is to pack light and pack tight. By properly utilizing the storage space that I have available with these bags, I can generally carry enough stuff so that I don’t feel too handy-capped over a bagger model.

I guess the bottom line for those who are interested in a Dyna is that it is a very versatile bike and it can be used for anything from bar hopping to touring if you want it to. And if it is not a perfect fit for you from the start, it can be custom tailored for a better fit.
:)
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Although I think their ugly I bet the Dyna cop bikes are comfortable.That big sprung seat,floorboards,and windshield.Looks like something off MadMax.:p
bub said:
Although I think their ugly I bet the Dyna cop bikes are comfortable.That big sprung seat,floorboards,and windshield.Looks like something off MadMax.:p
Yeah Bub, I have to agree that they look "funky". I'd like to strangle the dude that designed the weird looking saddlebags. LOL:D
G
IMHO, you can tour on just about anything. I did a lot of touring n a Honda CB750K with cafe fairing and throwover saddlebags. And I plan to do a lot with my FXDXT, funky saddlebags and next to useless fairing nonwithstanding ...

It all depends on what your personal requirements for touring are. Just like camping, some folks are happy with a only sleeping bag under the stars, others have to have the air-conditioned Winnebago.
Boismier said:
IMHO, you can tour on just about anything. I did a lot of touring n a Honda CB750K with cafe fairing and throwover saddlebags. And I plan to do a lot with my FXDXT, funky saddlebags and next to useless fairing nonwithstanding ...

It all depends on what your personal requirements for touring are. Just like camping, some folks are happy with a only sleeping bag under the stars, others have to have the air-conditioned Winnebago.

Very true Boismeir. People cross the country on 50cc bikes. I think there is even a special 50cc Iron Butt class. So, anything can get you there. It's a matter of personal choice and sometimes physical conditioning that will determine whether you arrive at your destination in any condition other than worn smooth out.

How is that adjustable front suspension working out on your FXDXT? Have you played with the settings any? I'm just curious how it works out over the non- adjustable which to me feels too mushy and alot of front end dive.
Boismier said:
IMHO, you can tour on just about anything. I did a lot of touring n a Honda CB750K with cafe fairing and throwover saddlebags. And I plan to do a lot with my FXDXT, funky saddlebags and next to useless fairing nonwithstanding ...

It all depends on what your personal requirements for touring are. Just like camping, some folks are happy with a only sleeping bag under the stars, others have to have the air-conditioned Winnebago.
Every article I've read and everyone I've talked to all said the fairing on the FXDXT is about worthless.Everyone said regardless of adjustment they get too much wind buffeting. This is the same problem I've had with every windshield I've tried on my FXD. I wonder if it is something with the bikes that causes this? Maybe it's the distance the rider sits from the windshield.I never had this problem when I was riding rice.It seems that H.D.'s are stretched out more than the other manufacturers.Just an idea.
Ride Safe or should I say Ride Warm!!!!

:)
Congrats Bub! You are now a "seasoned rider". It looks like now I am a "road captain" instead of moderator.:D
Thanks FifthGear, I'm feeling pretty good right now. Oh Yea!!!:D
Call me crazy...But I heard there is an award ceremony and a wood plaque for 100 posts...If it's true...count me in !
BTW....
The reason I bought the FXDL is....It is a good compromise bike...You can "tour" as well as feel like your on a hot bike with good handling!
GROUCHO said:
Call me crazy...But I heard there is an award ceremony and a wood plaque for 100 posts...If it's true...count me in !
Groucho, I hear the award ceremony is going to be at your house,,,,,everyone is invited and all the beer you can drink! Count me in to!:D

I think a Dyna is a compromise for touring also. But it does a fine job.
FifthGear, related to the suspention, I has a Wide Glide, modified for drag racing, with a ñpt of stuff in, and I ride to our neighborhood countries, Argentine, Brasil, etc., and with the stock suspention was a pain on the back. I changed the rear ones by a KONI regulable shocks, and put a Progressive Suspention in the forks with a brace fork from Kuryakyn, I can tell you is a world of diference.
G
FifthGear said:


How is that adjustable front suspension working out on your FXDXT? Have you played with the settings any?
It works great. The adjustable suspension and dual front discs are EXACTLY why I got the FXDX! I've been playing with the front end, and haven't had any dive on hard braking. The ride's a bit rough in front, so I need to dial in a little more, but Indian summer is fading fast around here.

I got the "T" cause I figured the bags, highway pegs and fairing were worth another grand over the FXDX. Love the bags, not sure about the pegs (never used 'em before, and it still feels weird to me...). I'm starting to think the fairing will go in favor of a huge detachable plastic barn door windscreen, but I'm gonna play with it a bit.

I think that if I can wedge the Memphis Shades 'universal' lowers on, that should help. I also suspect that the gap created at the bottom of the windscreen when you dial it upward just funnels air toward your head, so I'm going to try sealing that with some foam rubber temporarily. If it works, I'll come up with a more permanent solution.
FifthGear said:


Groucho, I hear the award ceremony is going to be at your house,,,,,everyone is invited and all the beer you can drink! Count me in to!:D

I think a Dyna is a compromise for touring also. But it does a fine job.

You heard right my friend..! 2 weeks max for sleepovers..BRING YOUR JAMMIES...NO NEKKID sleeping! Yer wimmins are invited too...All the hotdogs, chili, and burgers ya want..(can ya tell I made the menu, not the misses?)
touring on a super glide

i put on about 7000 miles evey summer up her in wis. i am always looking to find comfortible stuff for the bike. forward controls realy help. i have Harleys biggest detachable wind shield. does any body have any experieance with wind deflectors? how about a crash bar with an insert to keep wind off your legs? i ride double all the time the suspension is ok but i know it could be better but money is a consern. big bucks for the suspension stuff. i am thinking about a seat so we will see how the dollar bill is this spring.
C3PO, I'm sure the Koni's are a big improvment. I have PS's in my wish book for the future myself.

Boismier, I've heard good things from others about the FXDXT's adjustable forks. Can't find anyone so far that doesn't like them. Wish I had them.

My bike came with some pretty roomy bags. I liked being able to stuff them with "stuff". They held a lot more than one would think. The thing that I didn't like about them is that the nylon part went from a black to a faded brown in less than a year. I tried dying them a couple of times but it didn't last long. When I first bought this convertible I had it in my mind that I would not leave them on unless I was leaving town. Wrong! Well, I'm always leaving town. LOL. After being accustom to bags in the past, I couldn't leave them off and never found many opportunities to take them off. So, I went with a solid mount bag and now I'm happy.

Groucho, I'd ride along way for a good burger but you're in NY! Not this time of year for me. Maybe you need to slow down on your posts or make the celebration for 200 posts. Oh! And my wife don't wear no jammies. LOL:D
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FifthGear said:

Boismier, I've heard good things from others about the FXDXT's adjustable forks. Can't find anyone so far that doesn't like them. Wish I had them.
All it takes is money ... Part # 54723-00, $539.99 ... ;-)

'course then you'll want the second front disc brake and the adjustable rear shocks .... and you know, the T-Sport seat is pretty nice too ... ;-)
Boismier said:


All it takes is money ... Part # 54723-00, $539.99 ... ;-)

'course then you'll want the second front disc brake and the adjustable rear shocks .... and you know, the T-Sport seat is pretty nice too ... ;-)
LOL :D . Well, at least I already have the dual fronk disks. Actually the FXDS like mine was replaced by the T-sport. It came with alot of the same features except in 2000 it was before the front adjustable forks. Both of our bikes were taken from the Dyna sport but with bags, shield, different seat, and a few extra frills.
dyna super glide

i have 19976 miles on my 99 dyna it took my wife and me to Sturgis and back 2 years ago. we ride as much as we can in the summer, i rode a friend of mines bagger it was nice, but when you can manuver a dyna around you can't beat it . i believe you can ride to the end of the earth on a dyna. iif i buy a new one it will be a 2003 fxd.
Re: dyna super glide

slamin sammy said:
i have 19976 miles on my 99 dyna it took my wife and me to Sturgis and back 2 years ago. we ride as much as we can in the summer, i rode a friend of mines bagger it was nice, but when you can manuver a dyna around you can't beat it . i believe you can ride to the end of the earth on a dyna. iif i buy a new one it will be a 2003 fxd.
sammy, you won't find it hard to find someone to agree with you here. I've ridden most models. Sometimes ya just like what ya like. I love my Dyna.:)
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