Softtail riders, especially Night Train
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
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From:
Not exactly. The flywheels are the same and the Dyna is rubber-mounted but the Softail is solid mounted with chain-driven counter balancing weights in the lower end to offset the flywheel vibration. Commonly referred to as the "B" motor. I guess you could think of the rubber-mounted Dyna and Touring models as "A" motors but they don't have that designation.
If I remember right the "B" motor gives up around 7-9hp for this reduced vibration. The chains and tensioners in the lower end generally last for the life of the engine. Not to be confused with the cam chain and tensioners or primary chain and tensioners.
Dang. All those chains. No wonder they are so loud sometimes.
You can see where the counter balancer's set to the left and right of the flywheel in the pic. They aren't in there and I couldn't find a decent pic other than this one.
If I remember right the "B" motor gives up around 7-9hp for this reduced vibration. The chains and tensioners in the lower end generally last for the life of the engine. Not to be confused with the cam chain and tensioners or primary chain and tensioners.
Dang. All those chains. No wonder they are so loud sometimes.
You can see where the counter balancer's set to the left and right of the flywheel in the pic. They aren't in there and I couldn't find a decent pic other than this one.
I think the 7-9 horsepower difference is a little much. The figures I've seen (dyno numbers) are pretty close between the dynas and the "B" motors.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
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there is a diffrence between a A motor and B motor. but until you start putting engine mods to it with a stock bike there is basically no diffrence.
3-5 hp/tq but thats about it. and it all has to do with what parts are ya using
3-5 hp/tq but thats about it. and it all has to do with what parts are ya using
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,130
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From: FLORIDA
I don't know what it is either that draws me to that bike.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2009
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I have a Night Train and have rode my buddy's Dyna (Street Bob) a few times and here are the perceived differences (to me):
I find the Night Train more comfortable. Less vibration, smoother ride (all speeds), and you sit "in" the bike more. With the Dyna I felt like I was on top of the bike.
While the Night Train moves w/ enough power, the Street Bob will almost always get the lead. Dyna are typically not only light but the counter balance/torque loss of the softails are noticeable, especially on low end torque and pulling off the line.
I haven't honestly noticed a difference in handling whereas I thought either bike took turns better or rode a straight line better. I'm not taking 90' turns at high speeds, so I honestly think both bikes will handle adequately. Also, I think alot of that depends on how you sit, controls (forward or mid?), etc. Maybe if his Street Bob had mid controls instead of forward controls it would've felt different I'm sure.
I find the Night Train more comfortable. Less vibration, smoother ride (all speeds), and you sit "in" the bike more. With the Dyna I felt like I was on top of the bike.
While the Night Train moves w/ enough power, the Street Bob will almost always get the lead. Dyna are typically not only light but the counter balance/torque loss of the softails are noticeable, especially on low end torque and pulling off the line.
I haven't honestly noticed a difference in handling whereas I thought either bike took turns better or rode a straight line better. I'm not taking 90' turns at high speeds, so I honestly think both bikes will handle adequately. Also, I think alot of that depends on how you sit, controls (forward or mid?), etc. Maybe if his Street Bob had mid controls instead of forward controls it would've felt different I'm sure.
Banned
Joined: Jun 2009
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This is the one thing I love/hate about the Night Train. I love the way the wheel looks..and for the most part it rides perfectly fine.
Unless you come to grooves in road. Or a pot hole. Or a lip in the road going into the turn..you get my drift. The thin tire is easily led by the road, which I'll be honest, can has given me some scares.
Unless you come to grooves in road. Or a pot hole. Or a lip in the road going into the turn..you get my drift. The thin tire is easily led by the road, which I'll be honest, can has given me some scares.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Desert S. West
This is the one thing I love/hate about the Night Train. I love the way the wheel looks..and for the most part it rides perfectly fine.
Unless you come to grooves in road. Or a pot hole. Or a lip in the road going into the turn..you get my drift. The thin tire is easily led by the road, which I'll be honest, can has given me some scares.
Unless you come to grooves in road. Or a pot hole. Or a lip in the road going into the turn..you get my drift. The thin tire is easily led by the road, which I'll be honest, can has given me some scares.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,130
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From: FLORIDA
Seen anyone with a front wheel like that?