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Dyna or Softtail

2K views 24 replies 16 participants last post by  harleyhog 
#1 ·
Which one do I get, when I sell my Lightning, Going to give my Sporty to the wife so I am looking for opinions on what to get.
Larry
 
#2 ·
If you're tall go with the FXST or the FXDWG

If you're not tall go with the FXDL

If you're into speed go with the VRSCA

I was having a hard time making a decision by just looking at pictures and stats. Then I went and sat on each bike. You may have heard this before but my bike picked me.

Good luck -- your wife sure got lucky with the Sporty you gave her.
 
#3 ·
You could also check out your local Dealer(s) and see if they have a rental program. That way you could rent each bike you are interested in for a weekend and try them out. Find out which type would suit you better and which one can live with and ride, then go from there. Spending $150 or so for a weekend would sure beat spending $17,000 to find out you like another model better.

Good luck,

Dave
 
#4 ·
I was just logging on with the intention of starting this very same thread. I'm ready to step up, have a shot at a new Road King- cheap, but I don't have enough money. Looked in the want-ads this AM and came across a couple that caught my eye. Softtails and DynaWideGlides. Won't give up the Sporty, saving it for my Bride also. But, my question is this. Which bike is better for two-up riding? BTW, the Softtail deal looks pretty good for a 2002. TIA:Dennis
 
#5 ·
HEy !!!!!!! don't over look the FXD. Sure it's got less bells and whistles, but IMO handles better in the twisties over the WG. At 70-80 m/hr HWY speeds there is a lot less vibration w/ the rubber mounts. It seems to be just hitting stride. There is more vibration in the ST models at those speeds. FXDWG sure is nice tho.......
 
#6 ·
The FXD is my favorite bike, but I need to find something my Bride would like to ride for longer trips.
 
#7 ·
I would suggest you guys hit as many showrooms as possible, sit on the bikes and talk to owners. Sometimes just sitting on a certain model "feels right" and that is an important consideration. Bike Week and Biketoberfest have the demo rides which turn you loose - unescorted (unless you ride a Buell or V-Rod) on a several mile loop. Great place to ride the different models back-to-back.

As many of us know, you tend to fall in love with the look of a particular model. Aside from looks, the Softails tend to be better for shorter riders, the Dynas better for taller. I don't feel vibration is an issue any more with the TCs but the Softails give up a few HP to spin the counterbalancers. The Softails might have a slight edge in passenger comfort since the rear fender is wider so the seat tends to be wider (depending on model).

Each model has its own look, feel and intended use but none is inherently superior to the other.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I had thought about a softail a few years ago, but we do a lot of two up riding. And we were cought in the rain and waiting to have gel put in the seat of the 84 fxsb. Anyway there were a few guys talking about their bikes, killing time waiting on the rain and their seats too.
They were saying there old ladies hated their softails and wouldn't ride with them anymore the seats were bad and there was no give in the ride when riding two up for any distance.
I ended up with a 95" FLHTCUI, it keeps us both happy.
I agree rent a few and try them two up, she'll let you know which one to buy. After all you still want to ride when you get home. :D :D
 
#10 ·
My husband has a Duece and my experience as a passenger is that the seat is not very comfortable. We rode 60 miles Saturday and I couldn't wait to get off. The seat is very hard and I've actually ended up bruised after a long ride. I haven't ridden on a Dyna but when sitting on them on the floor I thought that the DWG seemed more comfortable. Of course you can always get a different seat but that's not cheap.
 
#11 ·
If resale is an issue, the softail wins. But in reality comfort, style, etc. should be what makes the decision. I had my heart set on a RK and when I went to buy, I sat on one and also on a Heritage. The Heritage picked me and that's what I park my ass on every day now.

As for ride and comfort, I've got a fatass at 270, but my bike is pretty comfy even with the factory seat. My OL and my girlfriend both love the stock passenger seat so there are no complaints there.

I have alot of friends with the RK and it is the king of comfort -- maybe someday I will get one, but I love the bike I have now.

You should really go the rental route and ride the crap out of it whenyou have it. Ride it around town and all, but you should also get on the highway and go 50+ miles straight to see if you are comfrtable. I rented a Deuce when I was traveling a month ago just for grins and it was a blast to ride and comfy for me, but not as nice for the passenger.

Even if you spend a few hundred renting bikes to try them out -- it could really be worth it over the long haul. Also, if you buy from a dealer that has a rental fleet, they may be willing to let you rack up some significant miles for free to get the sale.
 
#13 ·
Hogzilla said:
My OL and my girlfriend both love the stock passenger seat so there are no complaints there.
Takes balls to post something like that!:cool: I would'nt even hint at something like that!:D oooops:eek:
 
#17 ·
In my case (and most others too) only one half knows about the other! Ooohshit, did it again!:D Funny though, they both like the same seat. WTF do they fight over?
 
#21 ·
I changed the seat on my Wide Glide because I wasn't real impressed with the looks of it, but I have to admit, it was prety comfortable while it lasted (one week>>>>)

Tony:cool:
 
#22 ·
Took a demo ride on a WideGlide today. Much different. Felt higher, was much quieter. They made me use their DOT helmet.:D Definetly more comfortable ride than my Sportster. They did'nt have any for sale and the only other Dyna was an 03' Low Rider. Salesman was busy with a more serious customer so I left. It was also cool and windy today so I did'nt push for another demo ride. Think I'm going to rent. There was this guy there that rented a Springer and a Softtail for half a day each to help make a decision (Heritage picked.)
 
#23 ·
This is my first post but my wife and I recntly completed an Iorn Butt Saddlsore 1000/ miles in 24 hours. The ride.... a 97 FXD w/27,000 miles. You have to have comfortable bars but I felt no ill effects at all after that ride. If it wouldn't have been for the cold rain my wife wouldn't have complained either. just my .02. FXD
 
#24 ·
Went looking for a Wide Glide at a used dealer last Friday. Found a beautiful blue, chromed out, 01' Softail Standard that really hit my heart. Buddy with me liked it too! Decided that my Bride won't ride anyway so I'll get something for ME. Under 5k miles, approx $16k. Took her to see it next day and the fu(ker was sold 10 minutes prior. There it was with a "sold" sticker on the speedometer. Bride said she really liked it and it was gorgious too, but it was probably not meant to be. (Somehow I think she "snickered" when she said that!:D) Anyway's, will continue the search. I have my Sporty to ride. It's not like I'm watching others ride while I wait for a ride!
 
#25 ·
fourhour said:
There it was with a "sold" sticker on the speedometer.
Fu(kin bummer that!
Should'ave took your girlfriend with you for luck, left the bride/OL at home! :D
 
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